Jane Mlambo| Government is yet to secure foreign currency to purchase enough fuel ahead of the busy festive season, deputy minister of energy and power development has said.

Responding to questions from legislators in parliament yesterday, Deputy minister Honourable Murambiwa said the country had bonded fuel which requires foreign Currency to procure.

He said that are hoping RBZ will issue letters of credit to fuel suppliers so that the country can have enough for the holiday.

“We do have enough fuel at our depots in Mabvuku and Masasa but it is bonded.  This means that we need to pay before we can withdraw that fuel.  We are discussing with RBZ who issue letters of credit to fuel traders so that they access the fuel.  I can assure the nation that we do have enough fuel at our depots save for the lines of credit. If the process is expedited then the fuel can be available.  We are doing everything within our means to make sure that we have enough fuel for our motorists during the holiday,” said Murambiwa.

Speaking to ZimEye early this week, energy minister Fortune Chasi said they were working on improving supply during the festive season which is usually marked by high demand as people travel a lot.

By A Correspondent- Walter Nyakudya, who is ZANU PF chairperson for Makumbiri District is set to appear in court this Friday after he assaulted the wife of a Mvurwi headmaster.

Nyakudya allegedly assaulted Hopetwin Tumbare, the wife of Vivien Nhamoyebonde, following an altercation between his wife and Tumbare.

Nhamoyebonde told a local publication that he invited Nyakudya for talks following the quarrel between their wives and Nyakudya went to Nhamoyebonde’s house where he assaulted the expecting wife.

Nhamoyebonde said that he notified of the assault by school kids since the incident happened when he was still at work.

He added:

After the assault, my pregnant wife started complaining about stomach pains.

She went to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.

She eventually started bleeding before she had a miscarriage. We lost our child in the process.

Doctor Wadzanai Govha who examined Tumbare after the assault said that the pregnancy was 11 weeks old adding that the injuries were severe although there were no possibilities of permanent disability.

-DailyNews

THE worst is over and the future promises a prosperous economy for everyone, President Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare yesterday, the Head of State and Government admitted that austerity measures implemented by his administration had caused suffering.

“Our policies have created problems, but we are certain of where we are going. To achieve our goal we have to take measures which are painful, but it will pass and everyone will be happy. Nothing comes cheaply. We have to tighten our belts and I am happy that the worst is over! The bad is past us. Things are going to improve,” said President Mnangagwa.

He urged discipline among the business community warning those charging goods and services in American dollars face punishment.

“We were used to multi-currency and there are businesses that are still charging in US dollars. We now have a law dealing with such practice. We will punish those violating the law. Things will straighten up. We will not hesitate,” he warned.

President Mnangagwa said laws were promulgated to ensure sanity and not to please anyone.

“The laws were promulgated not to please anyone, but to ensure the nation progresses well. We want discipline, discipline. You might enjoy it now (violating the law) but the long arm of the law will catch up with you and when it happens don’t say Mnangagwa’s Government is bad,” he said.

He said austerity measures instituted by Government and the re-introduction of the local currency were aimed at bringing economic stability.

“Tirikugadzira nyika irurame vana vedu vagare zvakanaka. We must leave this country in a better position when we go away,” added President Mnangagwa.

He urged Zimbabweans to pride in their currency.

“Our currency collapsed in 2008 and we brought a basket of currencies, but we now know that no country succeeds without its own currency hence we introduced our own currency in June. Many were used to other currencies like Rand and US Dollar, but muchida musingadi nyika ino inofanigwa kuva nemari yayo. Every Zimbabwean must be proud to have own currency. The Mozambicans have their Metical. If its value falls, they stick to it. South Africa has its own Rand and they are proud of it. Botswana has Pula and they are proud of it. In Zambia they have the Kwacha and it is theirs. Ko isu ngative neyedu nyangwe kukatonhora, ngative neyedu. Kukaita nzara ngative neyedu. Tikaita maguta ngative neyedu.Tikarwara ngative neyedu. Tikachata tochata neyedu. Tovaka dzimba nemari yedu,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the use of your own currency reflected on a nation’s independence and sovereignty.

“That is what is called independence. That is what is called a proud nation. We are going to build our nation on the basis of our own resources in Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

State Media

By A Correspondent- Marry Mubaiwa-Chiwenga, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has alleged that the former army boss is “hilariously fabricating” stories against her to force former model out of marriage.

The ex-wife of former Warriors striker, Shingi Kawondera revealed this in her bail application in which she said that even after June, when she allegedly attempted to kill Chiwenga, the two remained together and the VP actually sent her US$30 000 for her upkeep in China when she visited him at his request.

Through her lawyers, Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners, Mubaiwa who is in remand prison for externalisation of funds, attempted murder on Chiwenga and money laundering said:

The applicant denies the offence, and specifically incorporates the statement made by her to the police. She will state that the allegations are conjured by the Vice-President in an endeavour to force her hand in the divorce proceedings that are pending in this court.

She added that it is unthinkable that she “dragged a whole army general from a hospital bed” because she was already unwell at the time the alleged offence was committed.

Her lawyers also argued that she is still unwell and therefore unable to stand trial.

-Newsday

Self-exiled G40 kingpins are scheming to exploit, for political expediency, the case of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa, by launching a sustained smear campaign against the Presidium.

Mubaiwa is in remand prison until December 30 on charges of attempted murder, fraud, and currency externalisation.

Sources close to the Mubaiwa family said one of the G40 leaders based in South Africa mobilised money for legal fees.

The G40 leader is alleged to have instructed Mubaiwa to defame and politically smear President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga.

Mubaiwa is facing charges of attempting to murder VP Chiwenga, illegally externalising US$1 033 000, laundering US$990 000 and fraudulently seeking to upgrade her customary union to a civil marriage without her husband’s consent.

She is facing six counts of exporting foreign currency in breach of the Exchange Control Act and five counts of concealing transactions involving proceeds of crime in violation of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.

Mubaiwa allegedly exported the money to South Africa and China after misrepresenting that her companies intended to buy tents, chairs and prepaid metres for use in Zimbabwe but she ended up buying houses and top-of-the-range vehicles.

“The G40 leader told Marry to falsely allege that the US$1 million she allegedly laundered was in VP Chiwenga’s house. She has also been coached to allege that the money she is alleged to have stolen was just small change,” said the source.

In a bid to elicit sympathy from women, the defence team would also allege that the VP bought houses for alleged girlfriends.

According to the source, the concoction was meant to justify Mubaiwa’s purchase of properties outside the country using stolen money.More in Home

The source also revealed that there had been regular telephone contact between the G40 leader and Mubaiwa, an interaction that raised suspicion that the latter could have been spying on her husband on behalf of the G40 over the years. Mubaiwa’s legal representative, Mr Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners denied the allegations.

‘‘I’m not aware of those allegations. As lawyers, we are doing our job professionally in a manner that protects the interest of our client and the administration of justice,’’ he said.

The G40 cabal has been relentlessly conniving to undermine and destabilise President Mnangagwa’s Government. They have reportedly recruited a brigade of journalists who have formed an online group called “Vasvibisi.”

The recruited journalists were reportedly tasked by G40 conspirators to generate fake news that would politically smear President Mnangagwa and his Vice Presidents.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, who is also Zanu PF provincial chairperson for Manicaland, Mike Madiro, told President Emmerson Mnangagwa that residents of Sakubva high-density suburb “are living like rats”.

Madiro said this while thanking Mnangagwa for launching the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare on Wednesday. Said Madiro:

We would like to thank the president for giving us a worthy Christmas present as people were are living like rats with entire families sharing one room from grandparents to in-laws and grandchildren.

The Sakubva Urban Renewal Project will be funded by Banc ABC. It is a grand project that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art vending market, an upgraded stadium, bus terminus, shopping malls and a new suburb.

The launch of the project comes at a time when the demand for housing has been increasing exponentially with unplanned settlements mushrooming in most urban centres.

-NewZimbabwe.com

By A Correspondent- South Africa’s Ministry of Transport recently launched Operation Malaisha which targeted bus, freight and logistics transportation mainly headed towards Zimbabwe and Malawi.

On Wednesday evening, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula stopped several overloaded trailers at the Weighbridge heading to Limpopo. Speaking to reporters from the scene, Mbalula said:

Here we got a lot of unroadworthy vehicles and some of them weigh more than what is expected.

All those vehicles are being impounded.

This operation is taking place at night because people think that police are not working 24/7.

At this time of the year, there is an increase in the volume of human and vehicular traffic in South Africa moving towards the country’s northern gateway, Beitbridge, towards the SADC region.

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans, Malawians, among other nationalities, living and working in South Africa travel home for the festive season, leading to concerns about safety on South African roads.

-TimesLive

HON. MURAMBIWA:  Alright, let me come again Mr. Speaker Sir.  I am saying that my question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development.  What measures do you have in place to ensure fuel adequacy during this impending festive season?

          THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for a pertinent question, particularly now that we are towards the Christmas holiday where most Zimbabweans would love to travel in and out of Harare to holiday resorts and all sort of places. 

The fact is that we do have enough fuel at our depots but it is bonded – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Can you listen.

HON. MUDYIWA: We do have enough fuel at our depots in Mabvuku and Masasa but it is bonded.  This means that we need to pay before we can withdraw that fuel.  We are discussing with RBZ who issue letters of credit to fuel traders so that they access the fuel.  I can assure the nation that we do have enough fuel at our depots save for the lines of credit. If the process is expedited then the fuel can be available.  We are doing everything within our means to make sure that we have enough fuel for our motorists during the holiday – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

*HON. TSUNGA:  The issue that has been raised by the Hon. Minister is likened to a father who tells his children that there is mealie-meal in the storehouse when they are hungry yet the children are not eating sadza.  According to her, diesel and petrol are in the reservoirs but no one is consuming them.  The Minister’s responsibility is to ensure that the fuel reaches service stations.  We would like to know the plans that the Minister has to make sure that there is fuel at service stations and not tell us about the reservoirs.  We want fuel for consumption. 

HON. MUDYIWA:  Our mandate as Ministry is to ensure that we have got enough fuel in the country and we do have enough fuel like I said before. Go to our depots, there is enough fuel which is bonded but the details of payment is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.  At the moment, we are working with the Ministry of Finance and the RBZ to ensure that they expedite the processes of payment so that the fuel is paid for and the traders can get the fuel from our depots.  I think I have been very clear.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, the Hon. Minister is very clear.  The Ministry of Energy has brought in fuel; the Finance Ministry must make available the monies to draw that fuel to the service station.  It cannot be clearer than that.

*HON. TOGAREPI: Hon. Speaker, I have a request from Hon. Members that when the Ministers come for Question Time, there are some who are teasing the Ministers and confusing them, at the same time making noise instead of asking him questions.  So, I plead with them to respect the Ministers so that their questions are answered – [HON. MLISWA: You want to take away the duties of the Hon. Speaker when he is present.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. I do not feel threatened – [Laughter.] –

THE Beitbridge Border Post has been turned into a hive of activity with thousands of Zimbabweans based in South Africa arriving home for festive season.

Statistics from the Department of Immigration show that an average of 21 000 travellers inclusive of arrival and departures is being cleared at the border post daily.

Long queues of both vehicles and people have become the order of the day at the arrivals’ sections especially in the evening since December 14.

Immigration and customs authorities from both countries have indicated that they are ready to process the travellers.

Chronicle understands that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has deployed 80 more officers from less busy stations to Beitbridge.

Further, border authorities from both countries have categorised traffic into commercial, motorists, buses and pedestrians while more clearing points have been opened to avoid crowding at the border.

It is also reported that the South Africans have also beefed up their manpower to enhance efficiency in the movement of both human and vehicular traffic.

The Assistant Regional Immigration officer in charge of Beitbridge, Mr Nqobile Ncube said harmonised operations with their South African counterparts will help in the speedy processing of travellers. “We have harmonised operations as border stakeholders together with South Africa to enhance a speedy flow of traffic between December 4 2019 and January 13 2020,” said Mr Ncube.

“We are building from the successes of the last festive season and this time will implement the following measures; all off and leave cancelled for border worker, collapsed four shifts into three to enhance manpower and will also utilise outside clearing points in conjunction with separating traffic into buses, light, heavy and pedestrians. In terms of human traffic, we have been clearing an average of 16 000 in the off-peak period and now we are handling close to 21 000 daily.”

The official said they have also adopted a zero tolerance on touts, conmen, wheeler dealers, vendors and other criminals who cause unnecessary congestion of human traffic within the border post.

In a statement, South Africa’s Home Affairs Department said they have extended working hours at some ports of entry and deployed 400 more workers to all busy borders including Beitbridge border post. “We implore travellers leaving and entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents area in order to avoid unnecessary delays at ports.

“These include valid passports, visas, health certificates, permits for specified goods, plants and animals and vehicle insurance and bank authorised cross-border documents for vehicles,” said the organisation. The South African Police Services (SAPS) has increased their staff with 80 more workers while customs have deployed 86 more revenue officers to its borders.”

Own Correspondent|State run The Herald newspaper has sensationally claimed that exiled G40 kingpins are bankrolling Marry Chiwenga’s legal costs for political expediency.

The publication claims that the unnamed G40 members are funding Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry in order for her to reveal a sustained smear campaign against the Presidium.

Marry Chiwenga is in remand prison until December 30 on charges of attempted murder, fraud, and currency externalisation.

According to the publication, the G40 leader in question is in South Africa giving a hint that the person referred to is Saviour Kasukuwere.

Kasukuwere is alleged to have instructed Marry to defame and politically smear President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga when trial begins.

“The G40 leader told Marry to falsely allege that the US$1 million she allegedly laundered was in VP Chiwenga’s house. She has also been coached to allege that the money she is alleged to have stolen was just small change,” the paper claims an unknown source to have indicated.

The source also revealed that there had been regular telephone contact between the G40 leader and Mubaiwa, an interaction that raised suspicion that the latter could have been spying on her husband on behalf of the G40 over the years.

Marry’s legal representative, Mr Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners denied the allegations.

‘‘I’m not aware of those allegations. As lawyers, we are doing our job professionally in a manner that protects the interest of our client and the administration of justice,’’ he said.

Own Correspondent|State run The Herald reports opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will be joining the Emmerson Mnangagwa initiated Political Actors Dialogue, POLAD.

According to the publication, Chamisa opted for the move after his meeting with former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

“He has already created a negotiating team involving Messrs Tendai Biti, Douglas Mwonzora and one other, after the party’s standing committee meeting on Tuesday,” the paper quotes a source.

“The team will participate in the working teams that were created under POLAD.”

Meanwhile, sources within the MDC earlier this week indicated that Nelson Chamisa is expected to travel to Bulawayo and meet his party’s National Council Thursday and brief it on his meeting this week with former South Africa president in Harare.

“He will be in Bulawayo where he is expected to meet the National Council and touch on a number of key issues including his meeting with Mbeki on Monday,” one of the sources said.

Chamisa has always insisted that he will not join POLAD but works rather have an independent meditation between him and Mnangagwa.

Members of Parliament have urged Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube to re-dollarise the economy saying that businesses, including government-owned, had informally re-dollarised already.

These remarks were said by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti who is also the Vice President of the opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa. He said:

As I said before, three-quarters of it is the government seeking to enforce payment of taxes in US dollars. If that is the case, why should we pretend that the US dollar is not alive and kicking in our economy? Why should we not simply repeal Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 and allow the two currencies to operate together; the US dollar and the exchange rate?

His remarks come a few days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared at a ZANU PF 18th Annual People’s Conference that there was no turning back on currency reforms.

Biti also speaks when the government announced through the Government Gazette released on 6 December that it had put forward Finance Bill No. 3, 2019, an amendment to several monetary Acts which among other things penalises the re-dollarisation of the economy.

In June this year, Zimbabwe outlawed the use of all foreign currencies for domestic transactions bringing an end to multicurrency regime that was adopted a decade ago.

Pindula

State Media|A director in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs is reportedly on the run in South Africa over $5 million allegedly siphoned from the ministry through double payments to firms he owns, while three accountants in the ministry have since been arrested.

Chief accountant in the ministry Tirivangani Matare, his assistant Linda Mangoya and accountant Oscar Kwaramba appeared before the Harare Magistrates Courts yesterday on criminal abuse of office charges arising from allegations of paying $751 150 to Ollymann Investments, using another officer’s log-in profile to process the payments.

The three were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya, who remanded them out of custody on bail to January 3.

Matare was ordered to deposit $4 000, Mangove $2 000 and Kwaramba $3 000 as part of their bail conditions.

It emerged during the bail applications that a director in the Ministry of Defence evaded arrest and went into hiding in South  Africa.

Investigating officer Patrick Madiye, while testifying in court, revealed that more charges are likely to be preferred against the three as investigations were still underway.

Marry Chiwenga, incarcerated wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has told the High Court that the money she is accused of externalizing belonged to her husband and not the state.

Marry made the revelations in her bail application at the High Court indicating that if there was any money laundering crime it should be placed on Vice President Chiwenga who owned the money.

“On the charge of externalization of money to China, the state has only evidence of one witness that the appellant will challenge at trial. She will state that the witness would not have any basis to assume or allege that the money was moved illegally nor is the witness telling the truth.

“The money does not belong to the appellant, and in fact, it was money belonging to her husband, who should be the person in the dock assuming an offense, was committed,” she said in papers filed by her lawyers.

Marry has also challenged allegations that she tried to kill her husband. “Laughable is the so-called last exhibit. The state says it has a photograph of a blooded shirt that the Vice President was wearing.

“Surely an exhibit of that nature, despite it being merely of circumstantial relevance would have been kept and safeguarded. A photograph of a blooded t-shirt remains a photograph. It proves nothing and cannot override primary evidence.

“One is reminded of the saying that surely when a hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.”

State Media|Government is working to end cash shortages, eliminate cash discounts and the multi-tier pricing system which have negatively impacted on hard-pressed consumers.

Further, the Government intends to strengthen the regulatory environment to punish traders that continue employing the multi-tier pricing system and offering cash discounts.

This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in an interview yesterday.

Some retailers are openly displaying different prices for cash and electronic payments.

A loaf of bread costs $14,85 cash, but the price rises to $18,40 when using mobile or electronic money.

Bread prices are between $11 and $13 on the streets where traders demand cash, prompting many citizens to want to withdraw money and enjoy such discounts.

Prof Ncube said Government was aware of the cash challenges and the attendant problems and promised to continue feeding cash into the system.

“As we said, this is a progression. We are drip-feeding the economy with cash. We are doing everything to make sure that there is more cash, there is higher denominations and those who are being prejudiced through this refusal (to accept small coins) should exchange their small coins for higher denominations.

“Then going forward, we will be issuing higher denominations of Zimbabwe dollar $10, $20. We will let you know once we are ready.”

Turning to multi-tier pricing by retailers, Prof Ncube said laws were being perfected to clamp down on the practice.

“We are aware of all these challenges and also, we are going through a transition as an economy. I think it’s fair that we cannot clean-up the system and achieve 100 percent compliance all in one year or one day.

“We accept as Government that we are going through a transition, but we will enforce the law. Part of that (multiple pricing), we think is because of the shortage of cash so once we solve that as a key issue, a lot of the multiple pricing will go away,” he said.

Prof Ncube said there was need for enforcement and better regulation to eliminate multiple pricing.

He said he expected price distortions to dissipate slowly by next year on the back of falling inflation and the injection of more cash into circulation.

Last week, President Mnangagwa signed the Consumer Protection Bill into law, with traders engaging in multi-tier pricing and displaying unpriced goods now liable to hefty fines.

The new law was published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette dated December 10, 2019.

Unfair pricing will attract a Level 5 fine ($600) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months, or both.

MARRY Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is in remand prison for attempted murder, fraud, money laundering and externalisation of foreign currency, now claims to be too sick to stand trial.

Her lawyers Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners said their client should be in a medical institution.

This came out in Mubaiwa’s bail appeal papers filed at the High Court against dismissal of bail in respect of fraud, externalisation of foreign currency and money laundering.

She also raised her health challenges in a separate bail application in respect of the attempted murder charge.

In her bail papers, Mubaiwa claims she had a serious medical condition arising from an assassination attempt.

To that end, the lawyers said she was not fit to stand trial and that she should be freed on bail and get medical attention.

“Applicant is of visibly poor health, being visibly traumatised and having lost a considerable amount of weight.

“A doctor attended to her and deposed an affidavit.

The applicant asserts she was injured in Bulawayo on June 23, 2018 by a hand-held grenade thrown with the intention of assassinating the President.

“The photographs of her hands will be exhibited to the court at the hearing of this matter. She thus needs constant medical care,” reads the bail statement.

An affidavit by Dr Admire Jira was attached to the application stating Mubaiwa was not fit for trial neither could she stand prison conditions.
Part of the affidavit reads:

“Marry Mubaiwa-Chiwenga has swelling on both her upper and lower limbs.

“She has a fever and has difficulties in breathing. She has a wound on her left forearm tender measuring 10cm in length and 5cm in width.

“She has a wound on the right forearm measuring 8cm by 5cm.

“Marry Mubaiwa complained of having flashbacks, lack of sleep and losing weight.”
As a result of the observations, Dr Jira concluded that she is not fit for incarceration or trial.

“Marry Mubaiwa is not capable to stand trial due to her current physical condition.
“She should be in hospital on treatment, preferably Avenues Clinic.

“Marry Mubaiwa should be under the care of a physician, surgeon and psychiatrist of her choice,” writes Dr Jira. State media

State Media|Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s capacity to resolve its challenges and reiterated his support for processes aimed at addressing issues of concern.

During his two-day stay, Mbeki met President Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, leaders of political parties involved in the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), the National Patriotic Front and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).

Speaking to journalists before his departure on Wednesday, Mr Mbeki, who said he had come at the invitation of President Mnangagwa, promised to return in the next two weeks to continue his engagements with stakeholders that have requested to meet him.

“I have a lot of confidence in the leadership of this country, the collective leadership and coming together as they have done in the past,” he said.

“There is a lot of capacity, lots of capacity in the country to resolve all of these problems, all of these reforms that are needed whether it is political or economic, but we are listening, so we will come back later this month because people have left now to prepare for the Christmas holidays. We will come back and talk a bit more.”

Earlier on, Mbeki had said he had come to meet President Mnangagwa and took the opportunity to interact with other political players in the country.

“I came here to see the President,” he said. “I hadn’t seen him since he became President. As I said (on Monday) but as you know, I know many people in Zimbabwe, I have got many friends here so a lot of other people wanted to see me.

“So, we have been talking to everybody and everybody, of course, is interested in discussing the situation . . . I am interested in the situation here; just to understand what is happening and to say basically that we support the efforts of Zimbabweans to address their fundamental challenges whatever the challenges are (and) that everybody gets together.

“So we have been listening to everybody and we haven’t finished that listening process, so we will come back again later this month to continue to finalise that. It’s really a listening thing because we want to give whatever support we can.”

Mbeki said ordinary people wanted to see the country’s challenges addressed, adding that South Africa, as a neighbour, was willing to support that process.

“As I said, many people in Zimbabwe are saying the country needs to address many challenges — whether they are political reforms, economic and so on,” he said.

“We are neighbours and as I said, I have many friends in this country, I know many people and I think we should give all the necessary support.”

Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba yesterday said Mr Mbeki was here to encourage dialogue as a friend of Zimbabwe.

“He is just encouraging dialogue as a concerned friend of Zimbabwe,” he said.

“Whatever interaction that will happen between political parties will have to be national and within the context of POLAD.”

The estranged wife of the Vice President, Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa who is facing charges of attempted murder, externalisation of funds, money laundering and fraud has approached the High Court in a bid to get her freedom.

She has filed before the High Court an application for bail in relation to the attempted murder case while appealing against the dismissal of her bail application by a Harare magistrate in respect of the other three charges emanating from her arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as the court feared she would abscond trial.

She was remanded to December 30 in custody by Deputy Chief Magistrate, Christen Mberewere.

The Deputy Chief Magistrate in his ruling said it would be easy for her to abscond court as she has properties outside of Zimbabwe like many other high profile people who have absconded, she is no exception.

Marry Chiwenga was denied bail on all four charges being raised against her which were dealt with in two stages by the courts. On the charge of attempted murder, she was remanded in custody to December 30, with instructions to approach the High Court as it is a third schedule offence and the Magistrate court has no jurisdiction over it.

The State which was represented by Michael Reza and Jonathan Murombedzi, Tinashe Makiya and Francesca Mukumbira successfully opposed her being granted bail on condition that she was a security threat to the Vice President after her first failed attempt at murdering him in South Africa.

The lead prosecutor, Reza submitted before court that the Second Lady is a flight risk due to the nature of offences against her and the amounts of money involved.

“The offences the accused person is facing are fairly serious as most of them attract a custodial sentence,” Reza submitted.

“The amount externalised is in excess of a million US Dollars and the money laundered put together will amount to close to US$2 million and this is a substantive amount in any language. The accused is married to the Vice President and clearly, she has a very high standard of living and to move from an opulent house to a prison cell will make any reasonable person want to flee.”

Reza also submitted before court that Marry had refused to hand over her diplomatic passport to the arresting officer which he said was indication enough that she intended to flea the country.

The court also heard that there are other matters which are still under investigation which will likely see more charges being preferred against the Second Lady.

“The investigating officer advises me that the accused is under investigation of the matter in which she handled funds from Musha Mukadzi, how she took foreign currency from her security detail which was given to them as allowances for foreign trips and that four previous winners on the Miss Zimbabwe pageant won motor vehicles and all of them were registered in her name and ownership was not changed technically making her the owner of those vehicles,” said Reza.

Reza also submitted that the courts had become a source of ridicule under the ‘catch and release’ narrative which has seen a lot of high profile people jumping the borders of Zimbabwe after being granted bail.

The investigating officer, Victor Masimba testified in court reiterating the same statements raised by Reza.

During cross examination, Marry’s lawyers, Taona Nyamakura and Mzokuthula Mbuyisa of Mtetwa and Nyambirai law firm told the court that her health should be considered in granting her bail and that her diplomatic passport would make it impossible for her to run away as she would be extradited without difficulty.

The defence counsel also told the court that denying her bail would mean denying her minor children of their right to have their mother’s tender care and nurturing.

“Allegations are that during the period extending from October 2018 to May 2019, the accused would instruct Memory Chakuinga, who is the Managing Director of two South African based companies namely Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd and Bonnette Electrical Pvt Ltd which are based in Pretoria, South Africa to raise proforma invoices for the purchases of either event tents and chairs or prepaid household electrical meters.

The invoices would then be referred to CBZ Bank on the pretext that the accused wanted to purchase the event tents, chairs and prepaid meters for consumption in Zimbabwe, when in actual fact the accused knew very well that after the funds were transferred to South Africa, she would then divert them for other personal purposes,” reads part of the document.

According to the document, the funds were diverted to the purchase of two range rover vehicles which are registered in the name of the accused in South Africa worth half a million dollars while US$36 thousand was used for the purchase of furniture which is alleged to have been delivered at house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa.

“One hundred and forty-two thousand dollars was used for the purchase of house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria South Africa and the house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours Pvt Ltd which the accused is the sole Shareholder.

It is alleged that on the 8th October 2018, the accused sent her driver Carrington Kazingizi and Terrence Mutandwa to the Republic of China with United States Dollars cash amounting to one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars (US$114 000-00). The money exited Zimbabwe through Robert Mugabe International Airport without any declaration being made to the authorities which is in contravention of the Exchange Control Act, Chapter 22:05,” reads the document.

According to ZACC, the fraud case has one count and the Vice President of Zimbabwe Comrade Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga is the complainant.

It is alleged that during the year 2019 on the date to the prosecutor unknown, the accused misrepresented to Judge President George Mutandwa Chiweshe that herself and the complainant had consented to wed under the Marriage Act, Chapter 5:11 under the marriage licence on the 2nd of July 2019 at their place of residence at number 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke, Harare.

“The accused then submitted copies of national identity documents of both parties to the Judge President George Mutandwa Chiweshe without the knowledge and consent of the complainant.

The Judge President then contacted the Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi to look for a magistrate to solemnize the marriage.

The Acting Chief Magistrate, Munamato Mutevedzi as the highest-ranking marriage officer in the Judiciary decided to preside over the wedding ceremony and the national identity documents were forwarded to him.

The Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, upon noticing that the passport size photos and address of the parties were not included, he contacted the Secretary of the Judiciary Service Commission Walter Chikwana who in turn contacted the accused with the request,” notes the document.

Acting on misrepresented facts, the requested items were delivered to Walter Chikwana who forwarded them to Munamato Mutevedzi to facilitate the registration for special marriage licence for the complainant and accused.

“Acting on the misrepresentation, the marriage officer caused the completion of registration forms and the marriage certificates in preparation for the ceremony. When the accused was doing all this, the complainant was bed ridden and not in a condition to consent to the marriage.

After the applications for special marriage licences were made, a Duplicate original register MR No: 0222402 was prepared. On the Duplicate Original Register copy, the marriage was between Constantino G.D.N. Chiwenga and Marry Mubaiwa.

On the Register it was endorsed or indicated that the marriage was by own consent through the misrepresentation by the accused whilst in actual fact, the complainant had not consented.

On 22 June 2019, the accused together with complainant proceeded to South Africa where the complainant was to receive emergency medical attention as he was critically ill.

On 2 July 2019, the marriage Officer Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi proceeded to number 614 Nick Price Drive Borrowdale Brooke so as to solemnize the marriage with all the necessary documents for the marriage to take place. However, he could not get access to the house.

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

Allegations against her of attempted murder are that on 22 June 2019, the complainant, Vice President Chiwenga, was airlifted to South Africa for emergency medical attention, however upon arrival, the accused forced the complainant to stay at a Hotel in Pretoria for 24 hours only for his security team to force their way to take him to the hospital.

It is alleged she ordered the security personnel to excuse her and the General in his private ward alleging she wanted privacy with her husband, only for her to unlawfully remove the medical intravenous giving set as well as the central venous catheter which was inserted into the Vice President who began bleeding profusely.

She allegedly disappeared from the hospital after the hospital staff was alerted by the security personnel.

Zbc

SEVEN police officers from Bulawayo have been arrested for allegedly storming a Njube man’s bedroom before assaulting him as he lay naked on the floor while threatening to shoot him for failing to pay a $1 500 fine.

The police officers stationed at the Njube and Bulawayo Central police stations identified as Samuel Marava, Leonard Mlezane, Kudakwashe Saungweme, Abious Munatsi, Edgar Muduva, Vincent Dube and Colen Zumo allegedly assaulted Mr Edmond Makonese (56) for failing to pay the fine at the Tredgold Magistrates Court.

The cops pleaded not guilty to assault charges before West Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu yesterday.

The magistrate remanded them out of custody on free bail to December 31 for continuation of trial.

It is alleged that Mr Makonese defaulted paying a fine after he was found operating as an agent in the city centre without a licence.
The courts had fined him $1 500.

The police officers allegedly went to look for Mr Makonese at his home in connection with a warrant of arrest that was issued against him for failing to pay the fine.

The court heard that the officers saw the complainant’s son, Tatenda, who was outside the house and allegedly assaulted him demanding to know where his father was hiding.

They allegedly stormed into the complainant’s bedroom and assaulted him while threatening him with a firearm.

Prosecuting, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on March 6 this year at around 7:30AM, police officers stormed into Mr Makonese’s bedroom armed with a pistol and batons.

He said they found him changing clothes and ordered him to lie down naked.

“The police officers assaulted the complainant by hitting him with hands, booted feet and baton sticks several times intending to cause bodily harm,” he said.

Mr Kamudyariwa said one of the police officers threatened to shoot Mr Makonese who was now screaming in pain as he was being assaulted.

He said Mr Makonese sustained chest injuries, swollen eyes and a deep cut on his forehead and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.

Makonese’s neighbour, Mr Samuel Phiri testified that he saw Makonese walking barefooted with blood gushing from his head.

“I was so worried when I saw my neighbour half naked, in the company of many police officers who were busy assaulting him on his way to the police station. His head was covered with of blood,” said Mr Phiri.State media

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Farai Dziva|The prosecution of Marry Chiwenga mirrors the abuse of state institutions by Zanu PF bigwigs, political observer Antony Taruvinga has said.

See full statement below. ..
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:

1. Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
2. State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
3. Selective application of their law targetting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
4. Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders. Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.

While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.

This is cheap propaganda.

— Leonard Koni?? (@Leokoni) December 18, 2019

By A Correspondent| The court case of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry Mubaiwa, has opened a can of worms amid indications that the former army commander was also demanding part of the properties his wife allegedly acquired in South Africa.

This was revealed during Mubaiwa’s first appearance in court on Monday following her arrest on Saturday for money laundering, externalisation and attempted murder of Chiwenga while he was in a South African hospital in June.

Chiwenga and Mubaiwa are undergoing a nasty divorce following allegations of attempted murder of the Vice-President by his estranged wife.

During the court appearance on Monday, Mubaiwa’s lawyer Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners asked the investigating officer, Victor Masimba of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, whether he was aware of the divorce processes or not, while hinting that the Vice-President was demanding part of the properties allegedly purchased illegally by Mubaiwa.

Mubaiwa was remanded in custody on both charges to December 30 by deputy Chief Magistrate Christen Mberewere. Prosecutor Michael Reza appeared for the State.

During cross-examination, Nyamakura hinted to the court that the Vice-President was fighting for part of the properties bought in South Africa by Mubaiwa which form part of the charges, a situation said to be contained in the court challenges in the Chiwenga-Mubaiwa divorce case.

“If the Vice-President is claiming (in the divorce case), would it be okay to say he is claiming proceeds of the crime?” Nyamakura asked.

According to the Zacc memo, Mubaiwa, named as chief executive of East Town Holdings and shareholder of a company called Tarnor Investments, externalised close to US$1 million by misrepresentations on proforma invoices before converting the money to personal use.

“During the period extending from October 2018 to May 2019, the accused would instruct Memory Chakuinga, who is the managing director of two South Africa-based companies namely Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd and Bonnette Electrical Pvt Ltd which are based in Pretoria, South Africa to raise proforma invoices for the purchases of either event tents, chairs and prepaid meters for consumption in Zimbabwe, when, in actual fact, the accused knew very well that after the funds were transferred to South Africa, she would then divert them for other personal purposes,” the memo read.

Allegations are that in February 2019, the accused instructed the same Chakuinga to come up with a proforma invoice for US$307 545,05 and diverted the funds to purchase a house in South Africa and was registered under LaChelle Travel and Tours.

She also allegedly diverted $142 858,93 meant for prepaid electric meters towards the purchase of a house.

“The former model also caused CBZ to transfer $142 858,93 to Bonnet Electrical Pty Ltd’s SA Standard bank account which was meant for the purchase of prepaid electric meters.

In order to launder the externalised funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature of the source of the property by diverting the funds and further transferred it to Martin Portgietter Attorney Standard Bank Trust Account number 81327021 towards the purchase of a house, being house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Gold Estate, Pretoria South Africa.

The house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours PTY Ltd where the accused is sole shareholder,” read the Zacc memo.

Mubaiwa also allegedly bought a Range Rover Autobiography, another Range Rover vehicle and a Ford Ranger using the externalised funds.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent| VP Chiwenga’s wife’s bail hearing will be heard on Friday at the High Court it has emerged. 

Marry, who is currently languishing in remand prison after a Harare magistrate denied her bail Tuesday is facing a raft of allegations which range from money laundering to attempted murder of her husband the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

 She was remanded in custody to 31 December.

Marry and her legal team started the bail application process today.

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name has quickly been dragged into the Chiwengas saga.

Marry Chiwenga, who was Monday denied bail and remanded in custody facing charges of attempting to kill her husband, described her arrest as baseless and hilarious in court papers filed at the High Court on Wednesday.

Marry told the court that after the alleged attempt to murder Chiwenga, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave her US$30 000 to travel to China and visit Chiwenga where the VP was seeking further treatment.

Marry said her arrest reminded of the saying that when hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.

She further claims that charges brought against her were baseless and fabricated by Chiwenga against his estranged wife in order for him to win the divorce process they are going through.

She also challenges the State to produce evidence linking her to the alleged offences.

“This is impossible because such reports do not exist for the simple reason that the incident did not occur as alleged or at all. No doctor who respects his professional standing will be made to perjure himself.

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“The witnesses are not even disclosed. The questions still remain that if the applicant ordered everyone to leave the room such that when the alleged incident occurred, alone with her husband, who then is the witness. A witness of fact cannot testify to what they did not see,” she said.

“Laughable is the so-called last exhibit. The State says it has a photograph of a bloodied T-shirt that the Vice President was wearing. Surely an exhibit of that nature despite it being merely of circumstantial relevance would have been kept and safeguarded. A photograph of a bloodied T-shirt remains a photograph, it proves nothing and cannot override primary evidence,” the court papers read.

It is revealed in her court papers that when Chiwenga was in China for further treatment after the attempted murder, Marry said Chiwenga made a request to Mnangagwa to arrange for her to be flown to China.

Mnangagwa agreed and gave her US$30 000 for her personal upkeep while in China.

Writing in her bail application, Marry said that Mnangagwa “even sent his personal security with (typed as Zim but can only be USD) $30,000 for her personal upkeep and use”.

Incarcerated Marry Chiwenga, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says she is critically ill and unable to stand trial.

“The applicant is of visible poor health, being visibly traumatised and having lost a considerable amount of weight,” her lawyers argue.

Marry, who is detained at the Chikurubi Female Maximum Security Prison, submitted that her hands are visibly swollen adding she was injured on June 23 2018 by “a hand held grenade thrown with the intention of assassinating the President (Mnangagwa),” she said in the papers.

Marry with her husband were part of the group of top ZANU PF officials who survived an assassination attack bombing on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bulawayo in 2018.

Scores of people were killed or injured on the day.

This Marry-VP divorce saga is like a dejavu which drives one back to 2011 , when she pulled a middle finger on Kawondera.

Gentle reader, when I say Karma has visited Mary’s love life I do not mean Khama Billiat that Warriors hot shot, he is happily ‘Marryied’ (pun intended) and would never try to bulldoze his way into a full presidium’s bedroom.

IT is without a shred of doubt that latest developments in Second Lady Mary Chiwenga’s love life can safely make her a perfect host for Karma. Her not so secret love life which has been in the public glare since her days as a model has made a nasty turn in which she stands to be the biggest loser in the whole drama. She had her first child with Terry Mandizha, a businessman with interest in the medical field.

Terry then stayed in Southerton while Marry stayed in Chitungwiza and she was lured by the ‘cheeseboy’, because Southerton was at that time a ‘cool neighbourhood’ where people of colour stayed. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly instituted divorce proceedings in a nasty fashion reminiscent of the way she dumped ex-husband , former Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera.

Of course, the Second Lady has a penchant for nimble feet and guns hence in her thirty something her old life, she has married a top soldier and a top footballer. It appears she has a thing for men with top marksmanship- those who don’t miss their targets! Kawondera never missed the back of the net and the VP’s antics with the gun are an open secret, he would shoot to kill the enemy, in the quest for the freedom that we enjoy now, we ‘born frees’.

Mary has had three husbands and 5 children! This week, Marry was dragged before the courts where she is facing a cocktail of charges, including illegally solemnizing a secret marriage presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi as correctly reported by this publication in July. I digress.

According to Hinduism, Karma is the force produced by a person’s actions in one life which influences what happens to that person in future lives. Mary was a movement by herself but became a force when she married Kawondera whom she later dumped in a nasty manner. The same way which she is being dumped by the VP.

That is where Karma comes in, if Karma was a person Mary would be an embodiment of such. The VP wants Mary out of the Borrowdale Brooke house

which has sentimental value to him. Interestingly, it will require experts in the construction industry to remove the insignia on the front of the house written C and M- in apparent refence to Constantino and Mary.

This reporter had an exclusive interview with Shingi Kawondera on Friday and he bared his soul. According to Shingi, when he met Marry it was love at first sight and he assumed they would live happily ever after like Romeo and Juliet or Solo na Mutsai, if we bring it closer to home.

Alas, such was not the case, he got a rude awakening and lost the marriage and fruits of his loins- a 10-year-old daughter Destiny. “Wangu, when I met her (Marry) she was a struggling model.

“Of course she came from a well up family but I was on fire, ndaipisa wangu and I invested in business that I thought were ours. “I poured in money for her to start a business, we had a vision of Lachelle Company where we wanted to do boutiques and travel services and she took over because I was in Cyprus,’ relived Kawondera.

“She is a good woman but her rich background pushes her to maintain the status and she can do anything,’’ he added.

In the heart-rending interview on Friday, Kawondera revealed that his daughter Destiny that he sired with Marry was ‘abducted’ when he was in Cyprus and he last saw her when she was two years old. Mary went on to falsify the daughter’s identity by changing the surname on the birth certificate to Mubaiwa after conniving with officials at the Registra General’s office.

“Wangu (my brother), my daughter I last saw him her when she was two years old and Mary went on to amend my daughter’s birth certificate, she liaised with Registrar General Office and my daughter ’s last name was changed from Kawondera to Mubaiwa , her maiden surname and that is not fair, but well Mwari ndewemuhu wese haamwire kuDreams, I wish her well though,’ said Kawondera.

Kawondera claims that he pumped in US$80 000 to jump start Marry’s business, but throughout the interview, he absolved VP Chiwenga , adding that the VP ‘s hands are clean.

Zim Morning Post had a series of interviews with insiders in Chiwenga family and established that Mary was never a darling of the family from the onset, and the family fed poisonous information to Chiwenga. “Chiwenga’s sisters did not like Marry from the start and the situation was worse when Marry blocked them from accompanying Chiwenga to India for treatment.

“President Mnangagwa was even told about the fall out and he counselled her. “Imagine his sisters had to sleep at a hotel when they came for inauguration, “explained our source. “At a family meeting last week, Marry made things worse for herself after she hit back at the General defending herself,” added our source. Meanwhile, Mary was remanded in custody to December 30 after she appeared in court on Monday .

Source – Zim Morning Post

Own Correspondent|The bail hearing for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife Mary Mubaiwa Chiwenga has been scheduled for Friday.

The hearing will be held at the High Court after the Magistrates’ Court refused to grant Mary bail on Monday.

Chiwenga made things difficult for her bail hearing when she refused to hand over her diplomatic passport to the court forcing the prosecutor to declare her a flight risk.

 ‌

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were in progress.

He could not divulge any other information concerning the matter. Mr Chapfika’s son, Alex, told the police that his father was hypertensive. According to a leaked memorandum from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Mr John Kayira, a Tanzanian national aged 51 years, who was a friend to Mr Chapfika, informed police about the circumstances of his death.

Harare businessman Mr Macdonald Makamba Chapfika (56) died suddenly on Monday while on his way from a meeting with Government officials at Munhumutapa Building.

“This memorandum serves to place on record circumstances and initial investigations carried out on the above subject matter. “On 16 December 2019 at around 1500hrs, Mr Kayira, who is a friend to the now deceased, received a phone call from the now deceased, informing him of a business meeting with Government officials at Munhumutapa Building,” reads part of the memo.

Mr Kayira went to Chop Chop Restaurant along Fife Avenue Harare where he met Mr Chapfika. At around 1530hrs, they drove to Munhumutapa Building using Mr Kayira’s vehicle, a Mercedes Benz

Blue TEC C220 white in colour, registration number AES 6901.”

“Upon arrival at Munhumutapa Building, they were directed to the boardroom where there were other participants of the meeting,” reads the memo. “At around 1630hrs, the now-deceased made his presentation to the Government officials, who included some ministers and Ministry of Finance officials.

“His presentation lasted for about 15 minutes and was based on the procurement of maize from outside the country for the Government.” After making his presentation, Mr Chapfika left the boardroom with Mr Kayira and as they approached the main entrance, Mr Chapfika started feeling dizzy and had difficulties with his vision.

He asked Mr Kayira to collect the vehicle where it was parked and pick him at the main entrance. “Mr Kayira rushed to fetch the vehicle and when he came back, he saw the now deceased lying on the ground facing upwards. “There were some security details who were attending to him pouring water on his body in an effort to resuscitate him before a report was made at ZRP Harare Central.”

Source – Nehanda Radio

Own Correspondent|Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Marry Chiwenga nee Mubaiwa has hard done her bail application after she refused to hand over her diplomatic passport.

The move has coat her heavily as prosecutors argue its an indication she wants to skip the country.

In opposing bail the Prosecutor Michael Reza, pointed out the fact that Marry refused to hand over her passport to the investigation officer and used that as his basis to argue against bail when he said:

“The amount externalised is in excess of a million US Dollars and the money laundered put together will amount to close to US$2 million and this is a substantive amount in any language. The accused is married to the Vice President and clearly, she has a very high standard of living and to move from an opulent house to a prison cell will make any reasonable person want to flee.”

Correspondent|South African Former President Thabo Mbeki has finally left the country after holding marathon meetings with ZANU PF leaders and opposition leaders.

Mbeki said he will return to Zimbabwe to to continue the meetings with other political players.

Mbeki met President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa on Monday and the rest of the Political leadership on Tuesday.

The church has also requested to be included in the talks with President Mbeki.

After meeting Mbeki, Former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe said, “Our discussions with former President Thabo Mbeki were around how to move this country forward and we realise that we can only move the country forward by uniting as Zimbabweans and speaking with one voice.

“We want everyone to have a better life in this country and this can only come when people come together and start talking to one another. These are the issues we discussed with President Mbeki and we agreed that as political players in this country, let us come together, let us speak with one voice, let us move our country forward because the people of Zimbabwe matter than any other person.”

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has ruled out the formation of a unity government, saying the government of the day will see out its full term in office and no one should assume power through the backdoor.

Madhuku said this while speaking to Star FM after he and other POLAD leaders met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is in the country.

Social media was full of speculation that Mbeki had come to encourage a government of national unity between Zanu-PF and the opposition as happened in 2009, but Madhuku has dismissed the speculations.

“There’s no such a thing as a unity government as some are suggesting. We will never have someone coming into power through the back door.

“Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was just in the country to encourage dialogue with a view to solving the problems we are having.

“It is not even Constitutional anymore to have a GNU as happened in 2009 when we were using the old constitution.

In any case, we have an elected government in office, so why should anyone wriggle their way into power via the backdoor?” Madhuku thundered.

On Monday, Mbeki met with President Emmerson Mnagangwa at the State House, before meeting with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa later that day at a Harare hotel.

Tuesday saw Mbeki meeting with leaders of the ‘useless’ Political Actors Dialogue platform who include MDC-T President Thokozani Khupe, MDC-T Vice-President Obert Gutu, NCA leader Professor Madhuku, amongst others who included NPF spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire and Lucia Matibenga.

Since its launch, Polad has done absolutely nothing to solve Zimbabwe’s economic problems.

The former South African President also met with leaders from the church and civic society.
— Zimbabwe Voice

Today the President launched the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare. To facilitate quick implementation, this project has been accorded a National Project status. This is a project to build high rise affordable housing units for low income earners pic.twitter.com/FeonFJPwxa

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) December 18, 2019

The Vice President, Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga has reportedly shown interest in the properties his wife Marry Chiwenga  nee Mubaiwa bought in South Africa.

This was revealed in court today by her lawyer during cross-examination, according to a local publication.

Mubaiwa’s lawyer Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners hinted the VP was also fighting for part of the properties Marry reportedly bought in South Africa when Nyamakura asked:

If the Vice-President is claiming (in the divorce case), would it be okay to say he is claiming proceeds of the crime?”

Mubaiwa Chiwenga reportedly bought 2 Range Rovers and a house in Pretoria using the funds she allegedly externalised and these properties are said to be part of their divorce case.

-Newsday

Listen to audio below. ..

A Zimbabwean army officer Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya died two days ago in South Africa when he was thrown from a flat.

Ngwenya was promoted to the position of Major on November 28 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The events that led to his death are still sketchy as the family and the government have not yet issued a statement regarding his death.

Posting an obituary, his friend Sindiso Mazibisa said, “Rest in power Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya. Soldiers don’t die. They Rest. Man like you were are a rare breed. A true Patriot, Husband, Father, Friend and Brother. From rural Gwanda to be a true General. May God unleash vengeance on your killers my brother. ..l.am pained after our last lengthy talk.

“But God Why????l can’t believe that my boyhood friend the Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya is gone. l can’t sleep …just crying ….What a year for me…Soldiers don’t die. .they sleep as they say…just last week what a great discussion we had as friends and former lnyanda High School students. I never knew it was good bye. A true soldier and patriot he was. l am truly hurting. This is so so painful.”

This is a developing story…

Listen to the song below. ..

By A Correspondent| The Election Resource Center questioned the sincerity of the new dispensation after the ruling party’s political commissar  Victor Matemadanda claimed elections would not remove the ruling party from power.

ERC said:

ERC denounces such reckless utterances that question the sincerity of the new dispensation in addressing electoral reforms well ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections. 

Matemadanda said “If elections fail we will use any other means necessary”.  He also went on to say that elections will not remove Zanu PF from power.

Elections provide one of the few opportunities at the disposal of citizens to express themselves democratically.   They are one opportunity that is provided once every five years where citizens decide who should govern them.

According to the Constitution, Zimbabwe has a multi-party democratic political system whose electoral system is based on equality of votes, orderly transfer of power following elections, respect for the rights of political parties and respect for the people of Zimbabwe from whom authority to govern is derived.

The utterances attributed to Matemadanda are in clear violation of the constitution which he took an oath to uphold together with other laws of Zimbabwe as a deputy minister (of Defence). 

Zimbabwe is a democratic republic in which democratic processes should be exalted and not subverted.

Suggesting that there are other ways to remain in power outside elections reinforces the growing perception that elections in Zimbabwe do not determine who governs.”

Matemadanda made these utterances last week at the Zanu PF Annual Congress.

Jane Mlambo| Local civil groups have demanded that former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is currently in the country to meet and discuss with political leaders, should also rope in civil society so that the process becomes inclusive.

Political commentator, Earnest Mudzengi said the inclusion of civil society was key to avoid the pitfalls of history.

Posting on Twitter, Mudzengi said civil society should be included in an any dialogue process.

For avoidance of pitfalls of history, dialogue must not be limited to partisan political actors. Broader Civil society must be included @sentinelzim @CitManifesto @crisiscoalition @nangozim @matcollective18 @nelsonchamisa @BitiTendai @MAZ_Zim @zccinzim @HealZim @usembassyharare pic.twitter.com/GBcbUNIQWt

— Earnest Mudzengi (@mudzengie) December 18, 2019

Since his arrival on Monday, Mbeki has met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, leaders of smaller political parties under the banner of POLAD as well as National People First.

Yesterday, he had a second meeting with Chamisa whose details have not been revealed.

Both Zanu PF and POLAD members have dismissed prospects of a Government of National Unity saying Mbeki is in the country to appreciate the situation on the ground.

ELEVEN people were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital on Sunday evening after a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed into a kombi in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb.

Acting Bulawayo chief fire officer, Mr Linos Phiri, confirmed the accident which occurred along Hyde Park Road near Sizane High School turn-off at about 7PM.

He said the passengers who sustained minor injuries, were rushed to hospital where they were treated and discharged.

“We attended an accident which occurred near the Sizane High School turn off. The accident involved a kombi with passengers travelling towards Pumula and a truck laden with sand which was travelling from Pelandaba suburb towards the main road. The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into the kombi which then landed on its side,” he said. Mr Phiri said 11 passengers in the kombi sustained minor injuries and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where they treated and discharged.

He could, however, not say how many people were in the kombi.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said police were investigating circumstances leading to the accident.

-State Media

 By A Correspondent| The ruling party is claiming members of the G40 are sabotaging their operations in Harare.

The matter came to light in the party’s central committee report meant for the just-ended Goromonzi congress which read in part:

The restructuring exercise in Harare has unearthed very unethical conduct by some members who were linked to the  G40  during the first republic.

In many instances, they have shown total disregard for authority. This infiltration by undesirable elements is a very serious security threat which the national security department is currently seized with.

They also lack discipline and are thugs who continue to cause problems for the ruling party to the extent that mobilising support for the party has become a mammoth task, This group is composed of land barons and very corrupt members who should not be tolerated by the revolutionary party.

The report is coming at a time when Vice President Chiwenga reportedly claimed that the G40 faction was still alive in the ruling party.

-DailyNews

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has ruled out the formation of a unity government, saying the government of the day will see out its full term in office and no one should assume power through the backdoor.

Madhuku said this while speaking to Star FM after he and other POLAD leaders met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is in the country.

Social media was full of speculation that Mbeki had come to encourage a government of national unity between Zanu-PF and the opposition as happened in 2009, but Madhuku has dismissed the speculations.

“There’s no such a thing as a unity government as some are suggesting. We will never have someone coming into power through the back door.

“Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was just in the country to encourage dialogue with a view to solving the problems we are having.

“It is not even Constitutional anymore to have a GNU as happened in 2009 when we were using the old constitution.

In any case, we have an elected government in office, so why should anyone wriggle their way into power via the backdoor?” Madhuku thundered.

On Monday, Mbeki met with President Emmerson Mnagangwa at the State House, before meeting with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa later that day at a Harare hotel.

Tuesday saw Mbeki meeting with leaders of the ‘useless’ Political Actors Dialogue platform who include MDC-T President Thokozani Khupe, MDC-T Vice-President Obert Gutu, NCA leader Professor Madhuku, amongst others who included NPF spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire and Lucia Matibenga.

Since its launch, Polad has done absolutely nothing to solve Zimbabwe’s economic problems.

The former South African President also met with leaders from the church and civic society.
— Zimbabwe Voice

SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly expressed concern over the unfolding socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe and pledged his government’s support to a churches’ initiative towards finding a lasting solution.

Ramaphosa met the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Olav FykseTveit, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) general secretary Kenneth Mtata on Monday among other delegates where the Zimbabwe question was also discussed.

Mtata is also the chairperson of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA), a network of National Councils of Churches (NCC) in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region.

According to a statement by Mtata, the South African President expressed concern “about the challenges that Zimbabwe continue to face leading to many fleeing that country.”

“He said that he was aware of the famine, doctors’ industrial action, the fuel queues, and broader social challenges. He said he was committed to making sure that his government would support efforts towards a lasting solution,” Mtata said.

The clergy, under the ZCC banner, are pushing for a National Convergence Platform (NCP) which will be signed on December 13.

It seeks to bring together all political parties, civic society groups and Zimbabweans from all sectors toinput into a national vision that seeks to, among others, get the country out of its political and socio- economic crisis.

The country’s multi-faceted crisis is manifesting in hunger and deep-seated poverty among others bedevilling the generality of the populace with analysts warning this could plunge Zimbabwe into becoming a failed State.

Mtata added: “He (Ramaphosa) said that his government was committed in making sure that sanctions are lifted on Zimbabwe, even if they are targeted on certain individuals.

“The country will be perceived as an unattractive investment destination. He recognised with appreciation the efforts of the churches in finding a lasting solution through dialogue. He said his government would support such initiatives towards a lasting solution.”

On the political front, the opposition MDC is questioning the legitimacy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and insists on dialogue to deal with the legitimacy issue.

Mnangagwa has said he is open to dialogue with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa but under Political Parties Dialogue (Polad) meetings with some opposition parties that participated in the 2018 presidential elections.

Tveit said, after the closed meeting between Ramaphosa and the delegation: “The meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa was a unique occasion to raise global issues on the agenda of the World Council of Churches which are also significant challenges for the churches and the society of South Africa today.”

While Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Khusela Diko could not be reached for comment yesterday, a statement by the South African leader’s office confirmed the meeting with WCC leaders at the Lakes Hotel in Benoni, Gauteng.

“The engagement by the President with the highest echelon of the clergy is in the context of advancing the objective of realising a socially cohesive and safe South Africa and the world,” read a statement from Ramaphosa’s office.

— NewsDay

Jane Mlambo| Former Zanu PF politiburo member and now with the opposition MDC Alliance, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has told former South African president Thabo Mbeki to go away accusing him of failing in his bid to solve problems by meeting with small political parties.

Responding to a ZimEye post in which it reported that Mbeki had told opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to join POLAD, Bhasikiti said the former SA President had crossed the line hence should just go back to his country.

“Kana adaro ngaachidzokera zvakwana.Vamwe vakabigwa chii,vachitobira tax payer by being bankrolled by ED,” said Bhasikiti.

Kana adaro ngaachidzokera zvakwana.Vamwe vakabigwa chii,vachitobira tax payer by being bankrolled by ED.

— Dr.K.Bhasikiti. (@KbhasikitiGmai1) December 18, 2019

Mbeki is in Zimbabwe to meet help find a solution to the political and economic problems facing the country.

He has met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chamisa and POLAD leaders Lovemore Madhuku, Thokozani Khupe, Lucia Matibenga and has also met the Zimbabwe People First leadership.

By Own Correspondent| Council has resolved to enforce the collection of administration fees from former housing co-operatives and pay schemes as per the Council resolution and open accounts where members can pay administration fees towards the servicing of the stands.

According to minutes of a recent Education, Health, Housing and Community Services and Licensing Committee there has been concern over continued payment of administration fees to leaders of former housing cooperatives which were turned into pay schemes.

“In 2016, Council approved the Housing Pay Scheme Policy. This came about as a result of an outcry from co-operative members that co-operative executives were charging exorbitant administrative fees and not undertaking any servicing of the areas,” reads the minutes.

“Under the policy all new and old co-operatives were converted into Pay Schemes run by the Director of Housing and Community Services who would open an account where all individual Pay Scheme members would deposit administrative fees towards the servicing of their stands.

“Individual members would then sign Agreements of Sale with Council upon payment of land intrinsic value. Old co-operatives would surrender their database and payments to Council and members who had paid land intrinsic value would sign individual Agreements of Sale with Council. Council would take over the collection of administrative fees from the Pay Schemes.

“The Committee now expressed concern that regardless of such a policy having been adopted by Council, certain co-operative executives continued to charge administration fees on their members which was in direct contravention with the policy,” read the minutes.

The Director of Housing and Community Services, Mr Addmore Nhekairo, was requested to communicate with all housing Pay Scheme and former Co-operatives asking them to desist from charging members any administrative fees as this was now the prerogative of Council.

“The Director of Housing and Community Services was further requested to take over the administration of housing Pay Schemes, former Co-operatives and ensure he opened accounts where administration fees would be deposited and sign individual Agreements of Sale with pay scheme members who had paid land intrinsic value,” read the minutes.

By Patrick Guramatunhu| Nelson Chamisa met former South African president Thabo Mbeki and this is what he had to say: 

“We want dialogue that is meaningful, where the political will to change for the benefit of Zimbabweans outweighs political expediency. Dialogue must deliver true change and real reforms. When we shake hands let us be agreeing to truly walk in the same direction, a new direction.

“Democracy can’t exist without a true commitment to happiness, freedom and peace. Our political impasse cannot continue. We stand firm on the principle that none but ourselves can bring about the true change we need. Real issues affecting us all must be at the heart of any dialogue.”

Former President Mbeki has gone to meet many of the other opposition leaders who have already acknowledge Mnangagwa and the Zanu PF regime as the legitimate winners of last year’s elections; a sign Mbeki is in the country to talk MDC to join POLAD. 

There is nothing in Chamisa’s twitter to suggest Mbeki will take the Zanu PF bull by the horns and tell the regime it is illegitimate and must step down. Nothing! 

By blatantly rigging last year’s elections, failing to stamp out corruption, shooting innocent protestors, etc. President Mnangagwa confirmed that Zimbabwe was still a pariah state. All his wittering about the November 2017 coup delivering a new democratic dispensation is all just hot air!

As long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state there will be no meaningful economic recovery. 

The claim by Nelson Chamisa that his proposed dialogue and shaking hands with Mnangagwa will be enough to revive the economy is just another blast of hot air. The inclusion of a few MDC leaders in the Zanu PF cabinet will not change the fact that this regime rigged last year’s elections and hence change the country’s pariah state status. 

No one will be fooled by the addition of a few MDC leaders into this Mnangagwa regime; just as no one was fooled by the inclusion of Professor Mthuli Ncube, Kirsty Coventry, etc. into the cabinet. The new administration will be a Zanu PF dictatorship in all but name.

All Chamisa is after is a chance to be minister and get back on the gravy train. MDC had no vision to share during the 2008 GNU and it has no vision now.

It is clear, President Mbeki is pushing for a new Zanu PF and MDC GNU. The two parties failed to get any meaningful democratic reforms implemented during the 2008 GNU they will do no better now.

Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is dire; unemployment has remained at 90% ever since the hyperinflation years of 2004 to 2008; 90% of the population are poor with 34% now classified as extreme poverty according to a recent WB report; country’s health care has all but collapsed; etc. The country needs a working solution to end the crippling economic meltdown and it is so, so disappointing that all we will get is yet another political gimmick. 

SADC had the chance to redeem itself for failing to get the Zimbabwe crisis resolved during the 2008 GNU. It is clear President Mbeki’s proposed solution of giving power to Zanu PF will never works and the chance is, once again, being wasted. Thanks for nothing President Mbeki!

SOURCE: zimbabwelight.blogspot.com

Lawyers representing Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, are expected to file a bail application in the High Court today challenging the decision by the magistrate’s court to deny her bail.

Mubaiwa was on Monday remanded in custody to December 30 by Mr Chrispen Mberewere after being charged with attempted murder, fraud and foreign currency externalisation.

Mr Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners, who is representing Mubaiwa, confirmed the development yesterday.

“We wanted to file the bail application today (yesterday) but could not because we failed to get the record of proceedings from the Magistrates Court together with the ruling, which we wanted to attach to our application,” he said.

“We are, therefore, going to file it tomorrow (today) without those papers because we heard that some of the papers would only be available by Friday.”

Mubaiwa is being charged with attempting to murder VP Chiwenga, illegally externalising US$1 033 000, laundering US$990 000 and fraudulently seeking to upgrade their customary union to a civil marriage without her husband’s consent.

The attempted murder charge arose from the time she accompanied VP Chiwenga to South Africa in July for urgent medical attention.

Own Correspondent|Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba has called for the arrest of MDC leader Nelson Chamisa for allegedly calling for renewed sanctions on the country.

Speaking on a point of privilege in parliament on Tuesday, Chinotimba accused the MDC President of destroying Zimbabwe by allegedly calling for sanctions in his recent foreign trips.

Full extract of Chinotimba’s debate in parliament.

On a point of privilege Madam Speaker,  I think we have come to a point where Parliament should do its job.  This country is now in tatters because of some people.  To be honest with you, a senior who was once a Parliamentarian left Zimbabwe and went to Germany, Britain and America to ensure that this country suffers economically. We have been quiet but it is now time that we come up with legislation with a mandatory sentence for people who go out of the country and advocate for sanctions that economically harm the nation to be arrested.    People are suffering and they are living in poverty yet they are the same people who are supposed to vote for them.  It is time that as authorities of this nation we interrogate these issues, especially countries like America

Correspondent|Alliance president, Nelson Chamisa is expected to travel to Bulawayo and meet his party’s National Council Thursday and brief it on his meeting this week with former South Africa president, Thabo Mbeki in Harare.

Sources in the party confirmed Chamisa’s visit to the second capital city Tuesday.

“He will be in Bulawayo where he is expected to meet the National Council and touch on a number of key issues including his meeting with Mbeki on Monday,” one of the sources said.

The MDC National Council is the main decision-making body of the party in between congresses.

Although Swithern Chiroodza, the MDC Alliance Bulawayo province spokesperson confirmed that Chamisa would be in Bulawayo, he could not divulge further details.

“The president is coming to Bulawayo to deliver his New Year’s message to the party’s structures. His address will touch on a wide range of structural and organisational issues. These will be the last crucial meetings of the year,” he said.

Mbeki jetted into Zimbabwe Monday and met President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chamisa and members of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

After his meeting with Mnangagwa, Mbeki said he was ready to assist Zimbabwe in resolving the prevailing current challenges and also urged Sadc to assist the country.

COMMUNITIES in Matobo District, Matabeleland South are still afraid to open up on the Gukurahundi atrocities resulting in some of them failing to access national documents, a Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission official said yesterday.

Speaking at a mop up exercise on the access to documentation at Matobo Rural District Council offices in Maphisa, ZHRC commissioner Japhet Ndabeni Ncube had to nudge people to speak about Gukurahundi.

He continuously assured them they would not be victimised for speaking out on the atrocities as the authorities wanted to establish the truth in order to assist them.

After assurances, a few people opened up and an elderly woman broke down as she narrated the circumstances leading to the disappearance of her father during the disturbances.

“I had to bribe my way to get a national identity card but up to now I don’t have a birth certificate as I lost it when we were running away from Gukurahundi in Tsholotsho. When I tried to get another birth certificate, I was told to bring witnesses to confirm my father’s disappearance and death. My uncle refused to go and testify on my behalf saying he was afraid to reveal that his brother disappeared during Gukurahundi,” said the elderly woman, as she broke down prompting ZHRC officers to excuse her from the meeting.

Commissioner Ncube said ZHRC was out to understand how Gukurahundi had affected the people and the elderly woman’s reaction was understandable.

Another woman also shared how her father disappeared during the night and was never seen again.

 She said she was only 10 years old at the time and up to now they have tried without success to get his death certificate.

“When we tried to get his death certificate to address some of the family problems, we were asked to bring proof of his death. We don’t know what happened to him but we suspect he was killed by the people who took him away,” she said.

What emerged during the meeting was that most people were afraid to talk about the subject. 

Some of the participants said during election campaigns, some politcians intimidated them by reminding them of the Gukurahundi attrocities if they dared to vote ‘wrongly’.

Comm Ndabeni Ncube said: “What is clear is that you are afraid to speak about Gukurahundi artrocities but we are saying there is nothing to fear. We are supposed to make recommendations to Government on how you can be assisted hence it is important for you to open up  that there is an appreciation of what you went through.”

Some people said they were free to open up to their traditional leaders and then the commission can then engage the leaders to get information.

One of the traditional leaders said some of the people do not want to be reminded about the dark past by being interrogated before being issued with national documents.

“People just want you to assist them get the national documents without being subjected to a lot of questions that remind them about the Gukurahundi atrocities,” he said.

Another traditional leader who asked not to be named said many people do not want to revisit the horrors of Bhalagwe camp, for example, where people were killed and dumped in disused mine shafts.

“Some people were dragged out of their homes at night and thrown down the shafts while they were still alive hence many are still afraid to discusss the atrocities,” he said. 

ZHRC chairperson Dr Elasto Mugwadi said the commission will meet the tradiional leaders as suggested by some people. 

“We will set up a date to meet traditional leaders that include the village heads, headmen and chiefs so that we explain our programme to them. We have realised that communities need to be sensitised on our programme. We want communities in this area to open up so that they can get national documents,” said Dr Mugwadi. 

Traditional leaders from Shurugwi are concerned with the labelling of their people as being behind the spate of killings and robberies in gold mining areas countrywide.

The chiefs said it was unfortunate that both mainstream and alternative media platforms and high-ranking officials were perpetuating the “MaShurugwi” label.

The “Mashurugwi” tag has become synonymous with violent machete-wielding gangs that terrorise gold panners, either to forcefully grab one’s gold or proceeds from a transaction or a gold-rich mine.

While there is a general agreement that the untoward behaviour started in Shurugwi, it has been adopted in almost all major mining areas and in some cases, towns and cities where the marauding machete-wielding youths intermittently invade beer drinking places.

Chief Banga, born Lameck Toindepi of Shurugwi, told said that there was no empirical evidence supporting the claim that the machete attackers were from his district.

He warned people to stop the labelling, saying there was a serious risk that people from Shurugwi would be alienated.

“This is one issue which people must not joke with,” said Chief Banga.

“From the arrests that police have made, I have not heard of a situation where people from our district are dominating the statistics.

“In fact, to be quite frank, I am not aware of any of my subjects partaking in these criminal activities.

“The problem is that we have the media and even people in official positions referring to the criminals as “MaShurugwi”.

“The reality is that almost every other gold panner has, at one time or the other, worked in Shurugwi because of the vast gold deposits we have in our area.

“So, when they then go to other areas, they probably then claim to originate from Shurugwi.”

Chief Banga said it was increasingly difficult for his people to go to other parts of the country in search of business and employment opportunities.

Chief Ndanga, born Christmas Musavengana, said it was wrong to associate the people with the machete attackers.

He called on law enforcement agencies to descend heavily on the violent gangs and afford communities an opportunity to go about their economic activities unhindered.

Chief Ndanga said police in the Midlands Province assured him that the situation was under control.

“For starters, I think it is grossly unfair to refer to criminals of this nature by any geographical location,” said Chief  Ndanga.

“It maligns the people of Shurugwi needlessly and it is my hope that people desist from this because even our consultations with the police show that these acts of violence were being committed by people from different parts of the country, not Shurugwi in particular.

“I am happy that the police have assured us that they have since moved into all hotspots and the peace that is synonymous with our country is back.”

Police statistics show that since March, 3 471 people have been arrested for possessing dangerous weapons such as machetes under an operation code named, “No to anarchy by artisanal miners”.