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Opinion|CLAIMS by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that his nemesis and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has failed God by refusing to accept the disputed outcome of the 2018 presidential elections and Constitutional Court ruling are a clear demonstration of the arrogance, self-righteousness and conceit of the Mnangagwa administration which believes that its ascension to power was by divine design.
Mnangagwa cannot attribute to himself the all-knowing qualities that are only found in God, especially in view of the fact that his policies and the conduct of politics by his party stink to high heaven.
But perhaps what is most sad is how local church leaders he met with at State House to find a home-grown solution to the country’s deteriorating political and economic crises have shown that they are not neutral players and can, therefore, not be tasked with the responsibility of playing the role of mediators and peacemakers.
We know that many of these so-called indigenous church leaders are just out to gain some filthy lucre from politicians. It is not surprising that some of those leaders even started begging for residential stands, demonstrating that they are just out to selfishly gain something rather than to help resolve the crisis bedevilling the country.
The church has a moral and spiritual responsibility to call politicians and the government to order when they violate the principles of common decency. The church should be encouraging Mnangagwa and Chamisa to make the necessary concessions to ensure that there is genuine dialogue that will lead to the resolution of the country’s political and economic crisis.
It is quite disconcerting and rather unfortunate that the Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches leader Andrew Wutaunashe — long known as a Zanu PF bed fellow — would warn Mnangagwa against entering into negotiations centred on his legitimacy. Such entrenched positions do not create a conducive environment for dialogue, but the ordinary people will continue to suffer even when these pastors get land and other goodies from the system.
Wutawunashe’s history is a matter of public record. He is the same man who declared former President Robert Mugabe as close to Jesus and is now perambulating with the same man who forced out Mugabe by the gun and is now declaring him the answer to the challenges facing the country. Are these not clear, open double standards? Which God is he representing and claims to know? In the old days this is what would qualify as utter blasphemy.
These churches should just do us a favour by becoming neutral players that speak truth to power without becoming cosy with any particular side.
This meeting at State House shows it’s not only politicians who are polarised on partisan lines but the churches as well. All the country requires is detoxing at the moment. Pity the Zimbabweans, they have no peacemakers at all except some corrupt individuals masquerading as men of cloth.
Pity them Zimbabweans for having such so-called men of cloth who instead of representing the poor, dine with the rich and the oppressors. Did Jesus not say in Matthew 11: 28: “Come to me, all who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.” How do these so-called men of cloth sleep?
What we know for real is they will soon be devoured. What do you expect if you ride a hyena? We implore all the so-called men of cloth, if indeed they are genuine, to come together on their own for a common position not to be pitting Mnangagwa against the opposition’s Chamisa to the country’s enemies delight.
It boggles the mind why each of the two politicians has a group of churches and pastors supporting them. For what?
That’s uncalled for. Citizens have suffered enough, we say enough are the lives which have already been lost due to this political impasse.
Churches must be neutral, not this grandstanding. We need healing, not this mischief by some church leaders.
NewsDay
Miss Deaf Zimbabwe stranded in Seychelles. After being voted second princess at Miss Deaf Africa in Seychelles last Saturday, Zimbabwean representative Takudzwa Phiri missed her flight home and is now stranded on the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Phiri (19) raised the country’s flag as she made it into the top three, with Miss Deaf Malawi taking the Miss Deaf Africa crown, while Miss Deaf Mauritius was crowned first princess.
Miss Deaf Interpreter Takunda Tapfuma said Takudzwa missed her flight home on Monday.
“Owing to financial constraints, Takudzwa had gone to the competition alone without a patron or an interpreter,” he said.
“This is the reason why she missed her flight because she could not communicate when she needed help.
“We tried looking for sponsorship to send a team to the pageant, but we could not find the support. Takudzwa managed to find her individual ticket, hence she had to go without an escort.”
Tapfuma said arrangements were being made to try and bring Takudzwa home as soon as possible. “We want to liaise with the South African Airways to ask them if they can reschedule her flight for another day considering her condition,” he said. “In the mean time, Takudzwa will be staying with the people who hosted them for the event.
“These people said they are even willing to help with availing half the amount for a new ticket, but we do not have the money for top up. Despite this ruinous situation, Takudzwa represented the country very well, as she scooped second princess prize out of 12 contestants from different countries.” The event was organised by the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi), in collaboration with Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort.
Source – State Media
State Media|FC Platinum are expected in Bulawayo tomorrow ahead of their Group B Caf Champions League mini-group match against Tunisian giants, Étoile du Sahel, at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.
The two sides had contrasting fortunes in their opening matches last Friday, with the Tunisians defeating record Caf Champions League winners Ahl Ahly 1-0, while Pure Platinum Play were unfortunate to go down 1-2 to Sudanese side AL Hilal at the intimidating Al Hilal Stadium where over 500 anti-riot police were also in attendance.
The heavy police presence was attributed to the side’s shock defeat to archrivals El Merriek in a league match that triggered crowd trouble, as their fans could not stomach losing to their rivals ahead of the Caf Champions League mini-league opener.
Despite losing their opener, Pure Platinum Play were left convinced that had they converted their chances or even been more alert in defence, the final outcome of the match could have been different.
“I think we should have done better really, especially in terms of our defending. We should have defended better than the way we did. Look, these are big games and if you give such teams chances, they utilise them, no doubt about that, and those two goals were such chances. With the quality of players we have, we ought to have done much better,” said FC Platinum coach Lizwe Sweswe in his post-match analysis.
He expressed confidence that they will do better in this mini-league phase compared to their maiden appearance in which they managed just two points from six matches.
Despite the two goals FC Platinum conceded, the story could have been different had they buried the chances that came their way, especially a first-half headed miss by Tawana Chikore following a sleek move.
Chikore headed his effort over the bar with the goalkeeper completely beaten.
FC Platinum had done well to weather a torrent of attacks from the hosts, who literally camped in the final third inside the first 15 minutes, as they searched for an early goal. However, the three-man defence of the outstanding Gift Bello, Lawrence Mhlanga and William Stima, ably supported by holding midfielder, Kelvin Madzongwe, guarded their territory with aplomb.
State Media|ZIFA have engaged the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to map the way forward after the National Sports Stadium failed to meet the Caf minimum requirements.
The association have also approached stakeholders at Mandava in Zvishavane which also failed the Caf test.
Zifa invited Caf officials to inspect the stadiums hoping Mandava, in particular, would pass so FC Platinum could play their Caf Champions League matches at home.
But, for the umpteenth time, Mandava failed to meet the standards and FC Platinum will host their 2019-2020 Caf Champions League group matches at Barbourfields.
They take on Tunisian giants, Etoile du Sahel, this weekend.
The National Sports Stadium was also deemed unfit to host international matches and if nothing is done, the national team will have to shift to Bulawayo.
But yesterday, Zifa president Felton Kamambo said the association have since engaged Government and other relevant authorities to help renovate the facilities.
“We had invited Caf to come for inspections but, unfortunately, Mandava and the National Sports Stadium failed the test,’’ he said.
“We have engaged Government on the National Sports Stadium issue.
“We are not the owners of this giant facility. We only use the stadium as and when we can.
“So, the right thing was to approach the authorities. We are glad that we are moving towards the right direction and I am sure, in no time, we will be inviting Caf for another inspection again.
“We are also in the process of engaging those in charge of Mandava so that we can help each other, pointing the flaws at the venue.
“FC Platinum need to switch back from Barbourfields for their home games for convenience purposes.”
Kamambo said there were several areas which Caf said needed attention at Barbourfields.
“We have also engaged the Bulawayo City Council regarding Barbourfields Stadium,’’ Kamambo said.
“There are some major areas which need to be looked at. For example, the issue of lighting.”
Caf stadium requirements
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has ruled that Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium in Harare no longer meets their standards to host international matches.
The giant stadium has also been optimistic President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s favourite venue for his gatherings that have seen him end up speaking to predominately empty concrete seats in recent days.
The only stadium approved by Caf is Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, 440km from Harare, which has been given temporary approval.
“Caf has even warned us that failure to upgrade the stadiums could mean that in future we will be forced to play our home matches in neighbouring countries,” said Zimbabwe Football Association spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela.
The National Sports Stadium has been used for all national team games of late, as Rufaro Stadium in Harare fell short of Caf standards last year.
Last month Caf inspected the National Sports Stadium, Barbourfields and Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane – the home ground of Zimbabwe’s Champions League representatives FC Platinum.
Mandava also failed the inspection, meaning that FC Platinum will continue to play their Champions League home games at Barbourfields, a journey of 180km.
Zimbabwe beat Mauritius 3-1 in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Barbourfields in August which is the only international the stadium has hosted in the past five years.
“We always have been appealing to owners of the stadiums and the local authorities to upgrade their stadiums, and we now have a crisis,” said Gwesela.
“We have been notified by Caf that major renovations will be needed for the National Sports Stadium NSS and Mandava for them to meet their standards.”
This development comes a week after Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced plans that football’s world governing body has to raise $1bn dollars to build at least one stadium meeting Fifa standards in every African country.
Zimbabwe’s next full international matches will be in March as the group stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifying gets underway.
MDC Senate chief whip Lillian Timveous says her party legislators will next week enter Parliament with their mouths gagged in protest over Zanu-PF MPs’ disruptive behaviour during committee meetings.
] They are also bitter over an unofficial gag order imposed on them by Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The opposition legislators said they were also concerned over the push to have them investigated and punished for refusing to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The MDC chairs eight portfolio committees in the National Assembly and two thematic committees in the Senate and their sittings have often been disrupted by the ruling party in revenge to the opposition snub of the President.
Timveous, who also sits in the Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC), told NewsDay recently that the MDC was tired of the squabbling and had no option except to protest. She said Zanu-PF was planning to change the standing rules and orders and form a Privileges Committee to investigate MDC legislators for walking out on Mnangagwa in Parliament.
“They are disrupting the committees chaired by the opposition because they do not want to be investigated for corruption,” Timveous said.
“Next week, we will come with sellotape wedged on our mouths in protest that we have been gagged in Parliament as an opposition and we are not allowed to speak anymore,” she said.
Timveous said when the SROC sat last Thursday to try and resolve the impasse; Zanu-PF attempted to set up a Privileges Committee made up of its members only to investigate the MDC legislators for walking out on Mnangagwa.
“We then walked out of the SROC because we cannot allow a Privileges Committee composed of members of Zanu-PF only to investigate us. Parliament is not Zanu-PF headquarters. It uses public funds and the Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi cannot even tell us that we do not deserve the Parliament vehicles because they are not funded by Mnangagwa. Those are Parliament funds.”
Togarepi confirmed that his party wants the MDC legislators investigated for snubbing Mnangagwa.
“Yes, we want them investigated because in our view they are violating both the Constitution and the Standing Rules and Orders. We would like Parliament to use powers vested in it to deal with the opposition MPs’ disorderly behaviour,” he said.
“The decision of the Constitutional Court in the election dispute is final. They are actually in contempt of court and we cannot allow such intransigence to go unchallenged. Funny enough, they do not raise the legitimacy issue when there are benefits coming from government, but they do so when they are expected to represent the electorate.
“The President together with Parliament forms the legislature. They debate Bills which cannot be laws without the signature of the same President they do not recognise. Such hypocrisy cannot be allowed in our democracy and violating the Constitution in Parliament should be totally condemned. These terrorist tendencies should be stopped immediately,” Togarepi said.
NewsDay
Paul Nyathi|Police have reported that a thirteen year old boy died over the weekend after helping himself to a bottle of heavy alcohol.
The United State has become the second country to dispute Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s development aid figures presented in the National Budget.
The exposè has left Mthuli Ncube’s credibility as Finance Minister questionable as he is expected to give thoroughly investigated and highly accurate information failure to which may be enough cause for him to resign or to be fired.
A senior United States official working in Zimbabwe said that the development aid figures released by Mthuli Ncube in the 2020 national budget statement, are less than what his country provided in the 2019 financial year.
Deputy Ambassador Thomas Hastings, said the amount of financial aid to Zimbabwe this year was understated by the government.
“… They recently released the total amount of money that we gave in 2019, it was about $330 million. So, it was a bit more than it was in the budget report that’s the total amount that includes our work with PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), it includes work that we have provided this year for food relief, people who are faced with food insecurity because of the drought and other causes it includes drought and any other causes and it also includes the assistance that was given to people who suffered the consequences of Cyclone Idai. So, putting all the numbers together it was over $330 million this year.”
Thomas said Zimbabwean authorities should include all the development aid provided by the United States in 2019.
“Well, it’s important to include all of the programs and that’s why we recently put the information out there to make sure that the total amount of our assistance was made on to the people of Zimbabwe.”
He could not be drawn to comment on suggestions that the undervaluing of the development aid provided by the Zimbabwean government was being deliberately done by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
“I don’t know about that, you have to talk to the Ministry of Finance about how they came up with all those numbers … when you take the amount of work we do with health, with food assistance and Cyclone Idai and emergency relief, that’s how much it totaled.”
In the budget statement, Ncube indicated that Zimbabwe this year obtained development support from USA amounting to $252,722,653.
Mthuli Ncube also admitted understating the amount of financial aid that China gave to the Southern African nation in the first nine months of this year.
At the budget presentation, Ncube said the country received US$194 million from donor countries in the first three quarters, of which only US$3.6 million came from China. The Chinese embassy in Harare put the figure at US$136.8 million and urged the Zimbabwean government to “make a comprehensive assessment of the bilateral support figures and accurately reflect the actual situation when formulating the budget statement”.
The statement by Ncube, which was issued after the meeting with Chinese officials on the matter said that “the two sides agreed to continue working on a common accounting mechanism”.
It did not, however, specify the accounting formula to be used or the exact amount that Beijing has advanced to Zimbabwe between January and September 2019.
State Media|A WOMAN from Bulawayo has been arrested after she allegedly strangled her new-born baby and dumped the body in a sack.
Sithokozile Ndlovu (26) from Old Pumula suburb who was pregnant was allegedly seen by her neighbours trying to throttle the baby soon after giving birth.
The following morning, the neighbours discovered the baby was missing and made a report to the police.
Ndlovu pleaded not guilty to an infanticide charge before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu.
The magistrate remanded her in custody to December 17 for continuation of trial.
Ndlovu said her baby died while she was giving birth.
“I didn’t strangle my son, he died while I was giving birth. I only admit that I wrapped him in a sack and threw him away,” she said.
For the State, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on November 29, Ndlovu allegedly choked her new-born baby inside her bedroom.
“At around 10PM, the accused person strangled her new-born baby and wrapped him in a blanket before putting him in an empty sack. The following morning, she proceeded to a nearby stream where she dumped the baby,” he said.
Mr Kamudyariwa said Ndlovu denied being pregnant when she was questioned by the police but changed her story after her neighbours contradicted her.
Ndlovu’s neighbour, Ms Nokuthula Luphahla, said in court that she heard noises from her neighbour’s bedroom.
“I rushed to my neighbour’s house and I found her holding her new born baby by the neck and there was blood all over her bed. I asked her what she was doing and said she was not ready to be a mother and didn’t want the baby,” she said.
“Before Ndlovu killed her baby, she asked for an empty 10kg sack from me. I didn’t know her intentions.”
The matter was reported to the police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
State Media|CONSUMERS have raised concern over the high data prices in Zimbabwe saying most people including the working class can no longer afford to buy data bundles that can cover their research and communication needs.
Of late, all telecommunications service providers in the country have continued to increase the cost of data every month.
This has seen Zimbabwe being listed among regional countries with the most expensive data.
Consumer Rights Association spokesperson Mr Effie Ncube said data was no longer accessible by a majority of consumers including the working class.
He said his organisation continues to lobby the Government and relevant authorities to look at data prices.
“The data prices are exorbitant and unaffordable even by the working class in Zimbabwe, and we have frequently called on the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Government to look into the cost structure of data with a view to making sure it is affordable to the rest of the population in the country,” said Mr Ncube.
“Given the centrality of data in driving business, research in education, health care and in every facet of life, it will be important for the Government to strictly regulate the cost of data and voice calls otherwise communication will be rendered impossible for all the people in the country.”
In South Africa, he said, that country’s competitions commission recently intervened and ordered service providers to reduce their data prices by 50 percent margins, adding that locally they also want the Competition and Tariff Commission to take a similar approach.
In separate interviews, some consumers told Business Chronicle that they were unable to buy data as it is expensive and even if they afford, it will be too low to complete their services.
A student from the National University of Science and Technology who declined to be named said:
“It’s now difficult to buy data, so I’m forced to go to the campus each time I do my research and that also costs me on transport.”
Another consumer, Mr Nicolas Sithole, said he has abandoned social media platforms like WhatsApp as he no longer affords to spend $15 per week on data.
“I cannot afford the $15 WhatsApp weekly data bundle, even the cheaper one which goes for $8, it does not even last a week. Now for my Internet needs, I survive by scouting free internet spots in the Central Business District,” he said.
Early this year, Zimbabwe was reported to have the most expensive data in the world with a gigabyte averaging $75,20, which was 289 more times as much as in India.
However, Internet service providers have in the past cried foul over the operational costs they were incurring when using generators to power boosters in times of load shedding saying this has contributed to incessant increases in data costs.
THE High Court has dismissed an application for bail pending trial by a serial Bulawayo fraudster who allegedly masqueraded as a top Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) officer and President Mnangagwa’s close security aide and duped Ingwebu Breweries of 375 litres of fuel and $1 200.
Henessy Dube (40) of Entumbane suburb allegedly met Ingwebu Breweries managing director Mr Dumisani Mhlanga and produced a fake CIO identity card.
He identified himself as a director of operations in the CIO.
Dube then allegedly offered to assist the company to recover money from its debtors purportedly using his influence by virtue of being in the President’s Office. He is also facing charges of raping two women he had hired as nurse aides and stealing his brother’s identity card, academic and professional certificates and using them to secure a teaching job at a school in Tsholotsho district.
Dube is facing charges of fraud, impersonating a public officer, theft, rape and making a false statement to deceive a registration officer in violation of Section 10 (1) (b) of the National Registration Act.
The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese follows an application for bail pending trial by Dube through his lawyers Tanaka Law Chambers citing the State as a respondent.
Justice Makonese ruled that there was no guarantee that if released on bail Dube would not abscond given the gravity of the offences he allegedly committed.
“In this present case, the applicant faces several charges of rape, fraud relating to the theft of identity documents and impersonation. As regards to his previous conduct, there is sufficient proof that he faced charges of rape and theft in Kezi and those dockets were closed after he disappeared,” said the judge.
“There is an outstanding warrant of arrest against the applicant and with his previous abscondment, it is clear that applicant is not a suitable candidate for bail. I am satisfied that from the aforegoing, the applicant is not a suitable candidate for bail and in the result, the application for bail pending trial is hereby dismissed.”
In his bail statement, Dube said he was a proper candidate for bail and argued that chances of absconding were non-existent. He further contended that stringent reporting conditions would cure the fear of abscondment.
Dube further argued that the seriousness of the offences was not a factor against the granting of bail. He said the State case is weak and he is willing to stand trial.
The State, which was represented by Mr Khumbulani Ndlovu, opposed the application, arguing that Dube was a flight risk.
One of the investigating officers also testified that Dube had been on the run hence there was no guarantee that if released on bail, he would stand trial.
“In this matter, the applicant’s previous conduct reflects that he has propensity to abscond to avoid trial. The past conduct is consistent with applicant’s desire to flee on the day of his arrest,” said the investigating officer.
In papers before the court, it was stated that sometime at the beginning of May this year during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Dube hatched a plan and went to Ingwebu Breweries head offices in Bulawayo intending to see management.
During that time, Ingwebu Breweries was facing operational challenges, some of which emanated from a failure by its debtors to honour their commitments.
Dube approached the company’s managing director and introduced himself as the director of operations at the CIO based in Harare. He told Mr Mhlanga that he was in Bulawayo as part of a team of President Mnangagwa’s close security aides during the ZITF period.
He produced a fake CIO identity card bearing the names Majaha Julian Dube and indicated to the Ingwebu Breweries managing director that he had picked information pertaining to the ill-treatment of workers and war veterans by management including the impending retrenchment of workers.
Dube told the managing director that the President was not amused and due to his misrepresentation, Mr Mhlanga was convinced and he briefed Dube on the goings on at the company with the accused person promising to render assistance.
A few days later, Dube returned to Ingwebu Breweries and offered to use his authority to pressurise the company’s debtors, which included companies contracted on beerhall franchise, to pay their debts and the management agreed.
Some debtors reportedly paid up after Dube’s intervention.
Dube further pressurised management at Ingwebu Breweries to employ his friends under the guise that they were students on attachment from the CIO.
Their contracts were signed by management and they were given tasks to spy within the company’s various departments.
It was later established that the accused person was not employed by the CIO and due to his misrepresentation, Dube benefited in the form of 375 litres of fuel allocation and $1 200 among other undisclosed benefits.
It also emerged in court that on December 7, 2012, Dube acquired a national identity card under the names Henessy Dube NR 08-682325-J-53 bearing his portrait. On June 3, 2017, Dube allegedly took another identity card NR 08-719040-R-53 with his picture but under the names Majaha Julian Dube.
Checks with Registrar-General’s Office showed that the names Majaha Julian Dube and all the particulars including the portrait belonged to his brother based in South Africa and is suspected to have acquired citizenship of that country.
Armed with his brother’s identity card and his academic certificates, Dube applied for a teaching post in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. He was subsequently employed as a teacher and deployed in Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North under EC Number 5710690W.
He however, unceremoniously breached the contract and absconded. Dube has a previous conviction after masquerading as a doctor for six months at Mpilo Central Hospital.
State Media|FORMER Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday notified the court that he wants to approach the Constitutional Court to determine whether he is still entitled to Presidential Immunity as set out in Section 98 of the Constitution.
The former VP notified the court that he also intends to approach the upper court to seek clarification on whether he was also protected under the defence of Good Faith as pronounced in Section 98 of the Constitution.
He made the notification when he appeared at the Harare magistrates’ court where is facing criminal abuse of office charges.
Mphoko allegedly instructed junior officers at Avondale Police Station in Harare to release former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) acting chief executive Moses Juma and former board member Davison Norupiri, who was Zinara’s finance committee chairperson, from the cells.
Juma had been jailed on abuse of office charges.
“Take notice that the accused person contends that a Constitutional matter has arisen in these proceedings and by operation of Section 175 (4) of the Constitution requests that the matter be referred to the Constitutional Court for determination,” said Mphoko in his notification letter tendered to the court.
Mphoko, through his legal team led by Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara said five Constitutional questions, which need referral to the ConCourt, have arisen in the matter.
He wants the ConCourt to also decide on:
“Whether Presidential Immunity as set out in Section 98 of the Constitution extends to acts and or omissions by the Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts or omissions actuated during the discharge of his or her duties accordance with Section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether the defence of Good Faith as enunciated in section 98 (4) of the Constitution is available to a Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts and or omissions were actuated during the discharge of their duties in accordance of section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether by operations of Section 99 and 107 of the Constitution, the defence of “obedience to orders” is available to a Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts and or omission were actuated during the discharge of their duties in accordance with Section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether by operations of Section 110 (1) as read with section 207(2) of the Constitution the President and or Vice President has the immutable authority to direct, intervene, instruct and command the police service and its constituent members.
“Corollary to the aforementioned questions is the question whether the defence of claim of rights is available to a President of Vice President who intervenes in the activities of the police service and its constituent members.”
Mphoko also made the notification after Harare regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya turned down his application to have his trial transferred to a Bulawayo court.
The former Vice President claimed that he could no longer afford to travel from Bulawayo to Harare for his court hearings.
Mphoko also argued that the witnesses can afford to travel to Bulawayo through State assistance.
He also claimed the need to attend to his social, economic and health needs would result in him making numerous applications for postponements, disturbing the court systems in the process.
“There is also a corresponding Prosecutor General in Bulawayo and there is no justification for the matter not to be dealt with in Bulawayo,” said Mphoko’s lawyer Adv Zhuwarara in his application.
The State led by Mr Lovett Masuku said Mphoko should not seek to extend his social and economic problems to the witnesses, as they are employed officers with other duties to execute.
“A matter can be heard anywhere if the Prosecutor General consents to the change of venue, but in this particular matter that has not been done,” he said.
In his ruling magistrate Mr Mujaya concurred with the State saying the PG has not consented to the change of venue and dismissed Mphoko’s application.
He is expected to return to court on December 6 for trial continuation.
State Media|THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted rain, cold weather accompanied by strong winds and lightning to affect mostly the Southern parts of the country beginning today.
In a statement, the MSD said: “Due to the moisture confined over the Northern provinces, very isolated thunderstorms occurred in Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West provinces. However, for all these cases the only notable recorded amount was 6mm at Binga.
“With the high-pressure system ridging over the south east coast of the subcontinent, an influx of moisture is expected to bring drizzly, cold weather and relatively strong winds over Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, south of Midlands, Masvingo and South of Manicaland and South of Mashonaland West provinces.
“The rest of the country should be under mostly sunny and hot conditions with chances of afternoon thunderstorms in places”.
It said more rains should be expected tomorrow in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, South of Midlands, Masvingo and South of Manicaland Provinces as the high-pressure system from the South strengthens.
“Strong winds may blow off roof tops, taking down trees and power lines. There will be chances of lightning strikes over the northern areas. Mindful of these strong winds, remain indoors when roof tops have been blown off, and hide under desks or tables.
“It has been proven that thatched huts are more resistant to wind than metal or tile roofed houses. Do not hide under isolated trees during storm activity,” read the statement.
The announcement comes at a time when the country has been eagerly awaiting the rainy season to commence after months of hot weather and drought.
More than 9 000 cattle have died.
There was a false start to the rainy season a few weeks ago which was characterised by violent storms but a long dry spell has ensued since then.
A number of places in Matabeleland North and South provinces have already fallen victim to storms and strong winds, with two people reported dead in Maphisa, Matabeleland South. About five people have been struck by lightning, two from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb.
State Media|Property and woodwork machinery worth millions of dollars were on Monday night destroyed by fire at Glen View Area 8 Home Industry Complex along Willowvale Road in Harare.
This was the fourth time this year alone that fire gutted the complex.
Generators, compressors, chairs, beds, kitchen cupboards, lounge suites, tables and wardrobes were among the items destroyed.
The cause of the fire had not been established yesterday, with traders giving different explanations ranging from an electrical fault to suspected foul play.
Some said the place was “haunted” because of the high frequency of the mysterious fires.
A trader whose property was destroyed, Mr Clifford Mapfumo, pleaded for the erection of better structures as the current ones were exposing them to fire outbreaks.
“The challenge here is that it is now a pattern that each year there is a fire. Sometimes, the cause of the fire has been human error and this time around, we believe it was an electrical fault.
“We use highly flammable substances here like thinners and glue and people have resorted to compressors and generators that use petrol. Whenever there is a fire, it is hard to control.
“Vanishes used in making furniture are highly flammable and our shades are below standard as they were erected using plastics and cardboard boxes,” he said.
Mr Misa Shuro said a number of the traders lost all their machines.
“It is suspected that there was an electrical fault, but l think cigarette smokers had a hand in the fire. Everything on my stand including our display stands and wardrobes were destroyed,” he said.
Mr Eddison Mazambani said “We are counting our losses. We don’t know how best we can be assisted on issues of fire outbreaks because each year we experience them three to five times.
“We lost room dividers, kitchen units, beds and wardrobes. I think only one sofa was recovered,” he said.
Mr Issah Chapepa said he suspected foul play.
“There might be something happening behind the scenes. l lost sofas, wardrobes and TV stands,” he said.
The Harare City Council recently appealed to Government to help in restoring order at the complex.
Own Correspondent|ZANU PF with the help of the Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, has gone ahead with its move to set up an all themselves Privileges Committee to investigate whether or not opposition MDC parliamentarians were in contempt of Parliament when they boycotted sittings attended by President Mnangagwa.
The unfortunate committee which will see ZANU PF being a complainant, judge and jury against the MDC was announced by Mudenda on Tuesday.
Mudenda announced that Parliament’s Committee on Rules and Orders had appointed the eight-member committee chaired by Mudzi South legislator Jonathan Samukange (Zanu-PF) to come up with appropriate recommendations for punishment when they find the opposition legislators guilty of contempt of Parliament.
The decision to form the committee followed successive incidents since 2017 where MDC legislators would refuse to rise or recognise the presence of Mnangagwa when he attended Parliament.
Other members of the Committee are Omega Hungwe (Dzivaresekwa), Cecil Kashiri (Magunje), Kindness Paradza (Makonde), Alignia Samson (Proportional Representation), Levi Mayihlome (Umzingwane), Stars Mathe (Nkayi South) and Senator Joseph Chirongoma (Mashonaland West) all of ZANU PF.
Adv Mudenda gave the detailed terms of reference.
“The terms of reference for the Privileges Committee are as follows: to investigate the conduct of MPs of the MDC-A in consecutive instances whereby they (1) (a) did not rise for His Excellency the President (b) walked out of Parliament on His Excellency and (c) did not bother to attend Parliament whenever His Excellency the President attended,” he said.
“(2) To establish whether such conduct as outlined above constitutes contempt of Parliament and any other incident that may arise from the investigation, and to report its findings and recommendations to the National Assembly by the 28th of February 2020.”
He said the decision to constitute the Privileges Committee by the Standing Rules and Orders Committee followed a point of privilege raised by Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi regarding the conduct of the MDC where he said since 2017, they did not rise as a mark of respect or walked out of the Chamber each time Mnangagwa attended sittings in his official capacity.
“Honourable Togarepi found the behaviour by the MPs to be grossly disrespectful of the office and person of the Head of State and Government in terms of Parliamentary customs and practices which the institution of Parliament in any jurisdiction is expected to observe,” said Adv Mudenda.
“He also found such conduct to undermine the dignity and integrity of the August House. The Speaker ruled that there existed a prima facie case of contempt of Parliament and accordingly the National Assembly resolved that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders appoints a Privileges Committee to investigate the conduct of the MDC and come up with corrective punitive measures.”
Three months ago, Adv Mudenda directed that MDC Alliance legislators lose their sitting allowances when they failed to attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by Mnangagwa.
Source: State Media
LONDON– Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister launched an epic rant at Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool star made a joke about the Juventus hero at the Ballon d’Or awards.
Anfield ace Van Dijk finished second to Lionel Messi as the Barcelona forward bagged a record sixth Ballon d’Or trophy, while Ronaldo finished a distant third.
Ronaldo did not attend the glitzy do in Paris and instead showed up at the 2019 Gran Cala del Calcio do in Milan to pick up the Best Player in Serie A gong.
Ronaldo knew he would not claim a sixth Ballon d’Or and Van Dijk made light of the fact in an interview with Dutch TV channel RTL7 before the gala.
Asked if Ronaldo’s absence meant he had one fewer rival to beat to claim the crown, the Champions League winner said: “Was he a rival then?”
The tongue-in-cheek response prompted an almighty rant from 34-year-old Ronaldo’s older sister Katia Aveiro on Instagram.
She wrote: “I think there are people living completely frustrated and unrealistic!
“It is well-known that Ronaldo will not win tonight’s prize. Although he has won important collective titles . . . but this is another conversation. We will see where the truth about football will come!
“Now, dear Virgil, where you are going, Cristiano Ronaldo has gone and come a thousand times.
You see, my dear Virgil, that Cristiano Ronaldo was a tri-champion in the country where you have been playing for years and you still haven’t got your hand on the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo was even the best player and best scorer in the country where you play, Virgil. By the way, he was younger than you.
“Then, dear Virgil, Cristiano Ronaldo went to other places and became the greatest player in the history of Real Madrid. Tell you something, Virgil? Maybe so, because this club, with this Cristiano guy, even beat you in the Champions League final . . .’’’ — The Sun.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says there is no need for external mediation in Zimbabwe, as the country has the capacity to find home-grown solutions to its problems.
Most of the parties that took part in the 2018 harmonised elections were already participating in the dialogue initiated by President Mnangagwa to find a common understanding on how to move the country forward, he said.
The Vice President made the remarks while introducing President Mnangagwa at a meeting held between the country’s Presidium and members of the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches at State House on Monday.
The main opposition MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has refused to be part of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad), demanding an external mediator as a precondition.
Said Chiwenga: “His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others.
“There is no doubt that a peaceful environment in our country translates into socio-economic development, empowerment and growth of our country.
“Let me, therefore, reiterate His Excellency’s view that as Zimbabweans we are capable of finding enduring solutions to our own challenges. As such, home-grown solutions are to be pursued than international mediation that other parties are trying to pursue.
“Hatiende kunotsvaga nyamukuta kunext door. Vana nyamukuta vedu tinavo muno.”State media
Farai Dziva |An MDC official has said Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the right to speak for God.
In the statement below MDC youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma says Mnangagwa’s utterances about MDC leader Nelson Chamisa are blasphemous:
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘Chamisa Has Failed God’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very mess he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as arch-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
The end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|Former MDC youth assembly leader Happimore Chidziva has warned Emmerson Mnangagwa Against pushing Zimbabweans into a corner.
The party’s deputy organising secretary, Chidziva, has pointed out that when people are cornered, they will respond accordingly.
Said Chidziva:
“ED (Mnangagwa) thinks that we fear guns. He is pushing us into the corner and Zimbabweans will respond accordingly as cornered people always do.
“We are not going to be stopped by anyone, and so we will continue with our programmes.
There is nothing that is going to stop us from mobilising the people to fight this evil regime.”
By Obey Sithole|The shooting of live bullets, confirmation of the state’s addiction to violence.
On Sunday the 1st of December, the violent regime unleashed yet another section of the state apparatus in their desperate show of power.
The ZANU-PF led government has for long come to terms with the reality that they are unpopular and too weak to convince the nation hence they have mastered the regrettable art of coercion.
Sunday was one such day of many others when madness superseded rationality resulting in the unjustified, unnecessary and uncalled for the firing of live bullets.
The people’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa was in Marondera for the tree planting day ceremony where he was to plant trees in selected areas within the municipal area.
Just the knowledge that he will be stepping on the
Marondera soil, as usual, sent the state into panic which led to the deployment of several heavily armed police officers.
Shockingly, the activation of the police officers was directed to people who were only armed with tree seedlings to champion a sustainable green environment.
This was the state’s strategy to bar the people’s President from showing leadership to the nation, which he has always done even in the face of state-sponsored multi-faceted prohibitions.
Yesterday’s events led to the firing of live bullets in the direction of President Chamisa. This clearly shows that the idea was to shoot the people’s President, something which deserves utmost condemnation and action.
I have read some lame tweet from the state, which tried to justify and sanitize the evil act. We would like to categorically state that no amount of word weaving will transform such acts of madness into sense.
The fundamental point to note is that lives are precious and peace is priceless. We do not at any point as a nation deserve violence especially from the state which has a responsibility to protect citizens.
Those who were behind the acts must be brought to book because such is unacceptable from professional police officers.
We call upon the police commissioner to provide us with all the names of those who were on duty in Marondera at the particular time.
This will help not only the nation but even the esteemed police services to know individuals with terroristic tendencies in their midst.
By Ezra Thsisa Sibanda |Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or 2019 again.
Yes he has undeniable talent, always was, always has been but doesnt deserve it. Its another scandal, Ronaldo & Liverpool’s Dijk have been robbed once again by Messi’s followers.
CR7 is paying hard for leaving Real Madrid. He is being victimised, as for VVD he was denied because he is playing for an English team.
They dont like premiership but we don’t care, the league is the best in the world.
1/4 hwende-ruhanya fall out may just have triggered a political drama which will have a Jongwe style tragic end. reliable authority has it that Ruhanya has surrendered all the information he has on Hwende including his past&present associations & family details to his contact
— Poto Njere (@Potonjeree) December 3, 2019
3/4 today cio shared a location of Hwende’s house where he stays with his family and lied that it’s a love nest. Hwende must take this as a serious warning that they are closing in on him (thanks to his friend).The location was taken using the car tracker and not through
— Poto Njere (@Potonjeree) December 3, 2019
Hwende-Ruhanya fall out may just have triggered a political drama which will have a Jongwe style tragic end. Reliable authority has it that Ruhanya has surrendered all the information he has on Hwende including his past and present associations & family details to his contact.
Ruhanya helped his associates to instal trackers & recorders in Hwende’s 2 cars.the plan is to kill Hwende either by accident or by poisoning. I am yet to ascertain whether Ruhanya is cooperating with the full knowledge that his “friend” is one foot in the grave.
Today CIO shared a location of Hwende’s house where he stays with his family and lied that it’s a love nest. Hwende must take this as a serious warning that they are closing in on him (thanks to his friend). The location was taken using the car tracker and not through a woman’s phone as alleged.
Farai Dziva|Government workers under the Apex Council have requested a cost of living adjustment before Christmas.
Civil servants are requesting the cost of living adjustment with effect from December.
Apex Council chairperson Cecilia Alexander has written a letter to the government requesting an urgent National Joint Negotiating Council meeting to discuss civil servants’ grievances.
“The Civil Service Apex Council would like to bring to your attention the further deteriorating value of civil service incomes in the light of spiralling inflation.
Civil servants are now severely incapacitated as the October salary of RTGS$1 023 for the lowest paid worker will not suffice for the December 2019 month end…”reads part of the letter.
Farai Dziva|
The price of blood has been hiked with effect from 1 December 2019.
Below is a notice issued by PSMI Laboratory, West End Hospital:
REVISED BLOOD BANK CHARGES IN ZWL $ EFFECTIVE AS OF 1 DECEMBER 2019
Group and Screen – $270.00
Packed Cell per unit – $2 160.00
FFPs per unit – $1 620.00
Platelets per unit – $1 620
Coombs test – $540.00
Cross match labour – $180.00
VIDEO LOAIDNG BELOW
Farai Dziva|Popular online figure, Samantha Kureya, has scooped a top human rights award.
See below a statement posted by human rights defender Prosper Tiringindi:
Congratulations to Gonyeti for winning Southern Africa Human Rights Netwrok award.
Gonyeti a popular Zimbabwean online figure and satirist was abducted from her Harare home and assaulted by unknown assailants,
Samantha Kureya, popularly known as ‘Gonyeti’, was forcibly taken from her home by masked and armed men…
For the original full story- Click here. | Last time when he understated Chinese aid money by more than $136 million, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said it was a calculation mistake, but this time another country, the US has revealed its own cash disbursements were understated.
The US government’s aid was as it were, “notoriously” lowered by a whopping $78 million.
The latest development was revealed by the deputy US ambassador to Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Thomas Hastings, was quoted by the Voice Of America saying
“… they recently released the total amount of money that we gave in 2019, it was about $330 million. So, it was a bit more than it was in the budget report that’s the total amount that includes our work with PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), it includes work that we have provided this year for food relief, people who are faced with food insecurity because of the drought and other causes it includes drought and any other causes and it also includes the assistance that was given to people who suffered the consequences of Cyclone Idai. So, putting all the numbers together it was over $330 million this year.”
In the budget statement, Ncube indicated that Zimbabwe this year obtained development support from USA amounting to $252,722,653.- READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE ON THE VOA WEBSITE
By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf Secretary for Commissariat Victor Matemadanda has expressed satisfaction on progress being made by the party’s mobilisation committees revealing that his party was “very confident that the votes for Zanu Pf in Harare for future elections would increase surpassing the number of votes acquired in previous elections.
Zanu PF will set District Coordinating Committee (DCC) structures in the remaining eight provinces after the 18th National People’s conference set for Goromonzi High School, Mashonaland East next week.
The party has already put in place DCC structures in Harare and Bulawayo, with the restructuring exercise on the two metropolitan provinces already underway.
Giving an update on the state of the party on Tuesday, Matemadanda said the setting up of DCC structures in other provinces will commence after the conference.
“The next move at the moment is focusing on the Annual People’s Conference, and then from there we will get new instructions from the party leadership on how we conduct the DCC elections in other provinces.
“As you know Harare and Bulawayo had different characteristics from all other provinces in that they have dissolved their executive.
“I haven’t gone back to Bulawayo to see how they are doing but in Harare they are doing very good work, they are mobilizing, they are restructuring and I am very confident that the numbers we are going to have in Harare for the party and for future elections are much more than what we have been having all these years,” said Matemadanda.
-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Ngezi Platinum player Michelle Katsvairo has been issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to turn up for his trial commencement.
Katsvairo was brought before the court for reportedly bashing his wife after she had gone out without notifying him.
The 29-year-old appeared before Mbare Provincial Magistrate Stanford Mambanje charged with physical abuse before he was granted $300 bail and remanded to November 29 for his trial.
He was also ordered to report once every Friday at the nearest police station.
-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The ruling ZANU-PF party will on Wednesday hold an ordinary meeting of the Politburo at its headquarters in Harare.
This was revealed by the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo in a statement.
He said:
The Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 4 December 2019 at the party headquarters commencing at 1000 hours.
The ZANU PF politburo is the party’s highest decision-making body outside Congress.
The bulk of its members are handpicked by the party’s First Secretary, who in turn holds office for five years after nominations from the provinces.
By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is set to take over as Acting president of the country in December when President Emmerson Mnangagwa takes his annual leave.
The Vice President who has been away on a medical pilgrimage in South Africa, India and China returned in the country looking visibly strong.
He was met at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by a few close relatives, and the Deputy ambassador to China.
His wife Mary and senior Zanu Pf and government officials were conspicously absent to welcome him amid unconfirmed reports that some party heavy weights were pushing for his ouster on medical grounds which saw him take a four month sabbatical from duty.
However, according to ZANU PF sources, close allies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa are advising him against taking the long month leave over fears of a revolt that might take place in his absence.
“The President will be taking his annual vacation and Number 2 will be the one that will take charge as the Acting President,” the source said.
“There is unease in some comrades who feel that the long absence of the President and leaving power to Number 2 might create an era of uncertainty in the country. You will recall that in January when the President went to Euro-Asia there was a violent protest that rocked the leading to loss of life.
And also there was a faction of ZANU PF that convened meetings to plot an impeachment but that was thwarted. So the President is being advised to take a proper steps during this period of uncertainty.”
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo announced the suspension on Lucas Sharara, the Chairman of ZINA, Harare province.
The province together with Mashonaland East were the only two that passed Votes of No Confidence in Dongo.
Below is a letter that was written by Dongo and addressed to members of the Association:
THE MEMBERS ZIMBABWE NURSES ASSOCIATION – HARARE PROVINCIAL BRANCH HARARE
Dear all,
RE: SUSPENSION OF HARARE PROVINCIAL BRANCH CHAIRPERSON – MR LUCAS SHARARA
Reference is made to the above matter.
Please be advised that the Harare Provincial Branch Chairperson, Mr Lucas Sharara, has been suspended in terms of Clause 8.7 of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association Constitution pending investigations of allegedly bringing the Association’s name into disrepute by peddling falsehoods meant to injure the Association as well as failing to obey lawful orders by not providing reports into the activities of the Harare Provincial Branch.
His suspension is for a period of not more than two months pending an outcome on the allegations which are currently being investigated.
During the period that Mr Sharara is on suspension, the Vice-Chairperson, Mrs Farirai Chitambwe, will be the acting Chairperson.
Also note that during this period, Mr Sharara does not act or speak on behalf of the Association.
Yours faithfully,
Mr E. Dongo
ZINA PRESIDENT
By A Correspondent- Three Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials face expulsion from the institution after an investigation disclosed that they were working with the civil society and opposition parties in the 2018 harmonised elections, a report has claimed.
The officials were reportedly feeding the opposition with information on what was happening in ZEC in a bid to prevent the rigging of the elections. The publication quotes its source as saying:
The opposition was well informed and always on point in various issues prior to the elections, amid suspicion of the existence of a mole or moles within the system.
Once due process is done, the report on internal investigations will be transmitted to the ZEC chairperson, who is likely to order a disciplinary hearing of the three.
The 2018 elections produced a disputed outcome, with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa petitioning the Constitutional Courts to overturn the presidential results which he claimed were “cooked” by ZEC.
Despite the Court finding Chamisa’s “evidence” of rigging inadmissible, the MDC leader rejected the ruling, insisting on negotiations with the declared winner, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
-ZimMorningPost
By A Correspondent- A man shot and killed an armed robber in Harare following an exchange of gunfire in a closed alley.
The two robbers smashed the motorist’s car window, seized a horse blanket and fled in a Honda Fit whereupon the robbed man, who was armed, gave chase.
A statement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on its Twitter handle reads:
A man who had stopped at the intersection of Harare Drive and Alpes Road had his car window smashed and a horse blanket stolen by a thief who got into a getaway Honda Fit. The man chased the Honda Fit vehicle into a closed road.
When the criminal and his partner realised that they were cornered, they fired at the complainant and abandoned their vehicle.
The complainant who was also armed fired back and managed to hit one of the suspects who later succumbed to the gunshot wound.
The Honda Fit has since been recovered and investigations are underway to account for the outstanding accomplice.
Dear editor, please can you write or tweet to Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe.
Is everything happening in the country, shortages of fuel, legitimate incapacitation of the doctors, no tools of work and lack of medication, expensive electricity and unaffordable basic commodities to name a few being caused by Chamisa not recognising Mnangagwa?
It’s high time these so called men of God stopped slushing to ED , if they want real changes in the country and if they mean well. It’s a waste of time to flock to the State house for heaping praises at ED. The hero worshipping must come to an end. If people are going to meet Mnangagwa they must honestly speak the issues that are affecting the people they purport to represent. People are dying in hospitals it’s not even time to discuss that Chamisa should recognise ED it’s neither here nor there and not important at all .
They must be constructive , put pressure on ED to fix the economy as he is the Leader ruling Zimbabwe recognition is not the issue unless you are trying to tell us indirectly that Chamisa has the keys to unlock the Economy and fix the problems in the country. Is ED failing to do the job he was mandated by people to do because Chamisa feels strongly that he was the winner of 2018 Election ? What is the real issue that’s making them flock to the State house. If I was ED I would not listen to any of them hypocrites they were doing the same with Bob.
They are there to make their stomachs full , there for selfish reasons . They are actually wasting ED’s time , he needs people who can honestly tell him where he is going wrong and how they propose he fixes the mess in the country.
The way people are being brutalized for just trying to have their desperate voices heard and those that are walking innocently on the streets. They don’t even talk about the killings that have happened on the streets in Harare not once but twice , innocent people were gunned down in broad daylight , the slow genocide happening in-the hospitals and you don’t mention all that, how shameful is that. Chamisa chete, chete is the issue. Be Godly man and do what you stand for and be careful that you will be judged harshly on the day of reckoning.
I am proud of the Catholic Bishops they went to the State House to plead with ED about the Health issues the country is facing and as the governing person to sort it out.
Stand up and be counted, your children and your grandchildren one day will be ashamed of carrying your last name.
Chamisa is not the issue , he is not governing , the country is burning, only and until most of these church leaders realise that they are not what the Church or Christ calls them to be , things will be sorted out in our country. Call a spade e a spade or stay at your houses and stop pretending like you care for the masses that are suffering and dying everyday.
Dear editor, please can you write or tweet to Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe. Is everything happening in the country, shortages of fuel , legitimate incapacitaion of the doctors , no tools of work and lack of medication, expensive electricity and unaffordable basic commodities to name a few being caused by Chamisa not recognising Mnangagwa?
It’s high time these so called men of God stopped slushing to ED , if they want real changes in the country and if they mean well. It’s a waste of time to flock to the State house for heaping praises at ED. The hero worshipping must come to an end. If people are going to meet Mnangagwa they must honestly speak the issues that are affecting the people they purport to represent. People are dying in hospitals it’s not even time to discuss that Chamisa should recognise ED it’s neither here nor there and not important at all .
They must be constructive , put pressure on ED to fix the economy as he is the Leader ruling Zimbabwe recognition is not the issue unless you are trying to tell us indirectly that Chamisa has the keys to unlock the Economy and fix the problems in the country. Is ED failing to do the job he was mandated by people to do because Chamisa feels strongly that he was the winner of 2018 Election ? What is the real issue that’s making them flock to the State house. If I was ED I would not listen to any of them hypocrites they were doing the same with Bob.
They are there to make their stomachs full , there for selfish reasons . They are actually wasting ED’s time , he needs people who can honestly tell him where he is going wrong and how they propose he fixes the mess in the country.
The way people are being brutalized for just trying to have their desperate voices heard and those that are walking innocently on the streets. They don’t even talk about the killings that have happened on the streets in Harare not once but twice , innocent people were gunned down in broad daylight , the slow genocide happening in-the hospitals and you don’t mention all that, how shameful is that. Chamisa chete, chete is the issue. Be Godly man and do what you stand for and be careful that you will be judged harshly on the day of reckoning.
I am proud of the Catholic Bishops they went to the State House to plead with ED about the Health issues the country is facing and as the governing person to sort it out.
Stand up and be counted, your children and your grandchildren one day will be ashamed of carrying your last name.
Chamisa is not the issue , he is not governing , the country is burning, only and until most of these church leaders realise that they are not what the Church or Christ calls them to be , things will be sorted out in our country. Call a spade e a spade or stay at your houses and stop pretending like you care for the masses that are suffering and dying everyday.
Tendai Ruben Mbofana|If there is anything I find utterly repulsive, disgraceful, and unacceptable in this entire world, are people who bring the name of the Almighty Jehovah God – our hallowed Creator – into disrepute, and find absolutely nothing amiss with blaspheming His Holy name in order to fulfil their narrow, selfish, and usually vile purposes!
Granted, as human beings, none of us is perfect – as anyone who claims to have no sin is a liar (in itself a sin) – but, resorting to blaspheming the name of God to justify or cover up one’s transgressions is nothing short of evil and demonic – and has no place in any society that purports to be made up of a majority Christians.
Yesterday’s (Monday, 2 December 2019) utterances by some so-called ‘indigenous’ church and political leaders, seeking to blasphemously invoke the name of Jehovah in their power games – even maliciously quoting and and misinterpreting biblical verses to fit their own skewed narrative – not only exposes the demonic nature of those who are supposed to be giving direction to this nation, but also places a very dark cloud over the entire nation.
As much as it is common knowledge, and acceptable, that every political organisation’s major objective is to attain and retain political power – however, there can never be any legitimate excuse for hiding behind the sacrosanct throne of Jehovah, in justifying what are clearly unholy and ghastly deeds.
Leaders are, indeed, placed in power by the authority God – and should be respected – nevertheless, when they pervert the same God, we as the people, should call them out, and hold them to account for such satanic machinations. All leaders are put in positions of authority to be the face of the Almighty God, whose abundant wealth of grace treats all His children with love, care and protection.
A loving God, who does not rule through horrendous and barbaric fear, or heinous and vicious atrocities against His own people – but offers grace, whilst we are still sinners, thorough the sacrifice of His only begotten son Christ Jesus, that we may have redemption, salvation, and everlasting life.
He actually sacrificed His own loyal, obedient and sinless son, that we – mere sinners – may have life, and life more abundantly. In fact, Jesus himself said that he was the Good Shepherd who would give up His life for those He loved – as there was no greater love than this.
Needless to say, the wanton repression, brutal crackdown, and killing of the people of Zimbabwe – who are all created in the likeness and image of God – by those entrusted as the custodians of His grace, loving-kindness, and tender mercies, should be condemned, and can never be tolerated – as this distorts the goodness of Jehovah.
What image of God are those in power in Zimbabwe portraying by their callous and murderous acts against the citizenry? That we serve a power-hungry, vindictive, and cruel Jehovah – who would not care even if He was to kill anyone who wronged Him?
Surely, that is not the God that most of us gratefully and humbly serve! Ours is a God, whose unparalleled love surpasses all understanding – who is a giver and preserver of life, and whose major hallmark is the forgiveness of sins – as He even commands us to forgive those who trespass against us, as we would want Him to forgive us our trespasses.
In fact, any church leader who is genuinely of God, should emulate biblical prophets and apostles, who would not hesitate rebuking leaders who went against the word and nature of Jehovah.
What we in Zimbabwe have witnessed, in our recent history, are fake prophets who – for power and wealth – would not hesitate to say whatever pleased the leaders of this country. These impostors have never wasted any time flocking into the presence of this country’s authorities, full of falsehoods and bootlicking, whilst endorsing their corruption and looting of our nation’s resources, ruthless oppression of the masses, and incompetence – whilst hiding under the thin and transparent veil of respecting authority and laws of the country.
Need we remind these so-called church leaders that the biblical prophet Elisha also encountered problems with people such as them – who were all too keen to placate King Jehoram with empty words, yet he was clearly in violation of God’s principles. Elisha, who stood out as the sole and lonely voice of truth, amongst a host of shameless false prophets, needed to be brave and bold in rebuking the king, knowing fully well that Jehovah would protect him (Elisha).
We also find other great true men of God in the Bible, such as Elijah – Elisha’s mentor and predecessor – who fearlessly stood up against King Ahab and his wife Jezebel for leading the kingdom in idolatry and paganism – as we in Zimbabwe similarly witness, with our hearts bleeding with grief, the flocking of those in power into witchcraft and satanism, in order to bolster their powers. This is not mere hearsay, as proven by the late former dictator Robert Gabriel Mugabe’s deathbed commandment for his body never to be left in the care of the current leadership, as it would be used for satanic rituals.
Yet, not even one of these so-called ‘indigenous Zimbabwean prophets’ has ever spoken against such devilish activities.
The prophet Nathan is also well known for reproving King David after he committed adultery with Beth-Sheba, and then proceeded to have her husband Uriah killed. In the New Testament, the prophet John the Baptist – whom Jesus Christ described as the greatest of all the prophets – reprimanded King Herod for ‘marrying’ Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
Do our modern-day self-styled prophets not know of the wayward and promiscuous nature of those in authority in our country? Yet, they would rather look the other way, and sup at the table of the powerful, whilst heaping them with over-exaggerated praises.
Additionally, we find the prophet Samuel who castigated King Saul for his gross disregard for God’s commandments and instructions. What do our pseudo-prophets in Zimbabwe say to the country’s leadership about Jehovah’s commandments, such as: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness” – which, they have flagrantly violated?
We also witness countless incidences of the prophet Amos proclaiming, “Let justice roll down like waters”, whilst chastising all those leaders who exploit the poor, are corrupt and loot resources for their self-aggrandisement, in the face of a poverty-stricken and oppressed people.
The prophet Micah is also recorded as having conveyed a stern warning from Jehovah against leaders “who eat the flesh of my people”, and “build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with the wrong”.
A stark message to all those in power, including in our own Zimbabwe, who seek to enrich themselves, and hold on to power, through brazen corruption and the spilling of innocent blood – of which, the people of this country have been at the receiving end, most recently being the 1 August 2018 and January 2019 cold-blooded gunning down of unarmed protestors.
Furthermore, as the nation wallows in abject poverty, those in high offices prodigally splash our taxes through the hiring of luxurious private jets for gallivanting throughout the world, build and buy world-class mansions all over the planet, seek expensive medical care in foreign lands, and live virtually like mafia mob kings.
Yet, the rest of the nation can not afford a decent nutritional meal, has no money to pay rentals for a simple home, has no ready access to health care – as government arrogantly refuses to render to the doctors what is rightfully theirs, as well as fail to procure sufficient medical equipment and drugs – whilst, the cost of all essential basic commodities and electricity skyrocket beyond the reach of the vast majority.
The prophet Isiah further added, “The tyrant shall be no more…all those alert to do evil shall be cut off and those who deny justice to the one in the right” – as Zimbabweans know all too well of the growing paranoia gripping the establishment, which has resorted to the malicious crackdown on any dissent, characterized by the alleged abduction and persecution of labour and political activists, savage beating up of people (largely bystanders) on the pretext that their gatherings were unsanctioned.
On the other hand, the prophet Jeremiah praised King Josiah for his “justice and righteousness “, and “judged the cause of the poor and needy”, as he was well known for protecting the poor from the powerful people.
Such are the traits glaringly missing from this country’s political, economic and social, religious landscape.
It should never come as a shock that these so-called prophets we have in Zimbabwe align themselves with a corrupt, ruthless and brutal regime – as they are also in the same boat as the political establishment, similar to their forefathers, the false prophets of King Ahab and Jezebel, and King Jehoram – notorious for fleecing their gullible congregants, through their satanic prophesies and miracles.
It is time that Zimbabweans woke up to the realisation that the Church of the true God – Jehovah Almighty – does not, and will never, protect, support, and endorse works that go contrary to His word.
As the Bible, itself clearly says, “You will know them (false prophets) by their works” – indeed, no matter the miracles, regardless of the prophesies – the overriding factor is their shameless aligning with, and support of, evil. Jesus Christ Himself said that they have no truth in them, as they serve their father Satan the devil – the prince of all lies.
We should never forget that not too long ago, these were the very same ‘prophets’ who proclaimed that Mugabe was the ‘son of god’! Such blasphemy! Then – for seven pieces of silver – they so readily supported the coup d’etat against their ‘son of god’, and threw their lot with another ‘son of god’!
Real prophets of Jehovah stand for righteousness. True prophets of the living God speak out and stand up against injustice, oppression, and corruption. Let justice roll down like waters in the land of Zimbabwe! For indeed, Jehovah God promises that all those who eat the flesh of His people shall be no more…all those alert to do evil shall be cut off!
ZANU PF national commissar Victor Matemadanda has been caught offside again, threatening to unleash soldiers on innocent civilians airing their grievances.
The deputy Defence minister is quoted saying, in the local Newsday paper, “Soldiers are not trained to beat up demonstrators, but to kill… last time the police were called first, but failed to contain the situation because they are not ruthless enough, but soldiers are trained to kill,” Matemadanda said without elaborating.
He apparently warned that if people fail to comply with the law they will be dealt with by soldiers who are trained to kill unlike the police. Speaking during a Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial coordinating committee meeting in Chinhoyi last week Matemadanda, who is Defence deputy minister, warned that soldiers would not hesitate to shoot to kill when called to quell protests.
“People should not dice with death to the extent of dancing in front of army tankers. Politics is not a hugging and kissing game. People should not fool themselves by dancing in front of army tankers, they will meet their fate,” the combative Matemadanda added.His remarks came as the military is still under global spotlight for fatally shooting six unarmed civilians in August 2018 and 17 others in the January anti-fuel price hike protests.
Turning to remnants of the G40 faction still active in the ruling Zanu PF party, Matemadanda warned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa would soon crush them.“Mash West G40 remnants must forget about resurrection, they are now dead and buried and be warned that you shouldn’t test President Mnangagwa’s patience too far,” Matemadanda said
Last month, Mnangagwa claimed that remnants of the G40 faction were sabotaging his party and government programmes. Newsday
The striking Medical doctors have withheld applications for the Strive Masiyiwa run Higher Life Foundation financial assistance accusing government of interfering with the selection process, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) has said.
In a statement, ZHDA said their meeting yesterday resolved to put on hold the Higherlife Foundation offer until they iron out outstanding issues with their employer whom they have accused of trying to hoodwink them to return to work without a “reasonable offer”.
“We have received information that our members are now being forced to sign assumption of duty which is now forcing our members back to work. Also government is asking for a list of those who applied which shows their finger in this HFL plan.
“So we are now advising our members to withhold their application with immediate effect. We will patiently wait in the trenches till there is a reasonable offer from the government,” read the statement.
Ministry of Health and Child CareZimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA)
Correspondent|A Rio Zim Mhondoro High School flyer for 2020 Form 1 intake has shown that the school demands each prospective pupil to bring the following materials before they are registered:
RTGS 293.00
Copy of birth certificate
Original Grade 7 result slip
Report book
200 standard bricks
3 buckets of manure
1 bucket of maize
Own Correspondent|Strive Masiyiwa gives an update on the fund for doctors. Writing on his Facebook page, he said:
In a bid to help break the impasse and get urgently needed medical help to the sick and injured in society, our foundation made the following offer:
$100m to be distributed to the doctors over 6 months, as follows:
Each doctor to get $5000pm (tax free);
Free transport valued at $1500 pm;
$10m to help doctors with personal equipment, and protective clothing.
All this money is over and above whatever they receive from the government once they reach an agreement. We asked each doctor who is interested to apply directly by 5 pm last night. We had so many applications that we had to extend the time to 10 pm.
Information on Applicants will not be released to any third party, in keeping with the foundation’s policies. Those who were successful will be informed directly.
I have also directed Vaya to offer Free transport to every nurse that applies, for the next six months. This is worth over $900 per person, per month …these are gestures of goodwill.
I have also asked our partners who worked with us on Cyclone Idai to set up a special fundraising initiative to help doctors, nurses and other health care workers in Zimbabwe. It will be announced in a matter of days. Anyone will be able to make donations to this fund. I’m hoping that churches will join this initiative, and bring whatever they can, to help our healthcare workers, particularly over the holiday season.
It is my hope that the doctors, and their employer, the government, will reach an amicable agreement shortly. We have no part in this process, and our people are under strict instructions not to be involved. No matter what they agree, I will meet my commitment to those who applied and qualified.
Own Correspondent | In a new twist to the unfolding events in the G40 grouping, exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo, has totally broken ranks with close ally former First Lady Grace Mugabe, portraying her as his tormentor.
Moyo narrates how he had a difficult time under the Mugabe’s including the late former President, and how he was rescued by General Constantino Chiwenga. An interesting development because Moyo a close ally of Grace’s during the protracted fighting between the Lacoste and the G40 faction, had brazenly declared, in 2015 that, ‘Kusina Mai hakuyendwe.’
Correspondent|The ruling ZANU-PF party will on Wednesday hold an ordinary meeting of the Politburo at its headquarters in Harare.
This was revealed by the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo in a statement. He said:
“The Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 4 December 2019 at the party headquarters commencing at 1000 hours.”
The ZANU PF politburo is the party’s highest decision-making body outside Congress.
The bulk of its members are handpicked by the party’s First Secretary, who in turn holds office for five years after nominations from the provinces.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will be sitting in his first Politburo meeting after over six months in absence. Some members of the Politburo were already calling for his recall on grounds of ill health.
Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo announced the suspension on Lucas Sharara, the Chairman of ZINA, Harare province.
The province together with Mashonaland East were the only two that passed Votes of No Confidence in Dongo. Below is a letter that was written by Dongo and addressed to members of the Association:
THE MEMBERS ZIMBABWE NURSES ASSOCIATION – HARARE PROVINCIAL BRANCH HARARE
Dear all,
RE: SUSPENSION OF HARARE PROVINCIAL BRANCH CHAIRPERSON – MR LUCAS SHARARA
Reference is made to the above matter.
Please be advised that the Harare Provincial Branch Chairperson, Mr Lucas Sharara, has been suspended in terms of Clause 8.7 of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association Constitution pending investigations of allegedly bringing the Association’s name into disrepute by peddling falsehoods meant to injure the Association as well as failing to obey lawful orders by not providing reports into the activities of the Harare Provincial Branch.
His suspension is for a period of not more than two months pending an outcome on the allegations which are currently being investigated.
During the period that Mr Sharara is on suspension, the Vice-Chairperson, Mrs Farirai Chitambwe, will be the acting Chairperson.
Also note that during this period, Mr Sharara does not act or speak on behalf of the Association.
Yours faithfully,
Mr E. Dongo
ZINA PRESIDENT
School’s action directly contradicts instructions of ministers of Home Affairs and of Basic Education
An immigrant child has been out of school for a year after Bodibe Intermediate Public School near Mahikeng refused to enrol him because he lacks documents.
The parents received a letter from the school on 8 January stating: “This communique serves to confirm that the school is unable to register [name of child] due to lack of basic documentation of learner registration by his father. Non-citizens.”
The father, Paul Mpofu, is Zimbabwean and has no documents giving him the legal right to live in South Africa. The child was born in Zimbabwe. He was nine years old when the family moved to South Africa in 2010. He completed grades two to seven at Matlaba Primary School and grades 8 and 9 at Bodibe Intermediate. But the school turned him away for grade ten in January.
Mpofu said after he read a GroundUp article quoting Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi saying in October that every child needs to go to school regardless of documentation, he went back to Bodibe Intermediate, but the school still refused to take his son.
Mpofu said he had also tried in May after EWN reported that Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga had said that schools should neither refuse migrant learners’ entry nor remove them if they don’t have proper documents.
GroundUp could not get a response from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga. He never answered his landline or mobile. An email was sent to him on 26 November. On 27 November, GroundUp was advised through the switchboard to send an email to Terence Khala, who also did not respond. The email was also copied to [email protected]. In a text message on 28 November, Mhlanga said, “Please resend because I never received your email.” He provided the same email address GroundUp used to send the first email. The reporter forwarded the questions but he never responded.
GroundUp emailed and phoned the Northern Cape provincial education department on Monday and Tuesday. We were told the spokesperson would be in the office next week.
The principal of Bodibe Secondary School did not answer his phone on Monday. GroundUp sent him a copy of the letter he used to bar the child from school on Whatsapp on Monday with some questions. He read the questions but did not respond.
Ngqabutho Nicholas of the African Diaspora Forum said in January 2020 the organisation would “embark on a project that monitors schools provincially and nationally … to investigate if what the Minister of Home Affairs instructed to schools is being implemented”.
Ground Up
Pindula|The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and teachers met on Monday and managed to break the impasse over the remuneration of examiners for both “O” and “A” Level public examinations.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe confirmed the development. He said:
Examiners in both residential and non-residential marking will claim a dinner amount of $57 as stated on the contract as well as the supplementary allowance of $20 per day.
There will be a concerted effort by Zimsec to ensure that non-residential markers will get transport to and from marking venues.
Majongwe also revealed that an agreement was reached to pay the markers as soon as marking was finished for each subject, that is, not later than 10 days after the completion of marking.
Stanley Goreraza| If someone was to have 10 roads named after them, I’d expect nothing less from Idi Amin – the Ugandan psychopath. And that is the road Emmerson Mnangagwa is fast-paced walking on. He now wants to change the Constitution to allow him to rule for eternity when we have as a nation said NO to eternity and unlimited terms.
Mnangagwa is building a dictatorship going down, digging a crater of a hole and dragging Zimbabwe down. Laws such as that cyberspace policing nonsense are the building blocks to this dictatorship. He is already a dictator.
He has to be stopped and how can he be stopped?
For far too long ordinary Zimbabweans have been spectators to the running of their country, afraid of the CIO, afraid of the Army and afraid of being thrown into jails. We are spectators and this is why our country has been fucked front and back by people like Mnangagwa who see Zimbabwe as a voluptuous mini skirted woman whom they can molest and pleasure themselves with anytime they feel like it.
War Veterans did not free Zimbabwe. Vakatora nyika, havana kusunungura nyika! Kutora nyika neku sunungura nyika zvakasiyana. They stormed a Prison, took charge of the Prison and did not release the Prisoners.
So they are not liberators as CHRISTOPHER MUTSVANGWA LOVES to so often loudly remind himself.
1980 meant nothing. We are not free and there is no fairness anywhere in Zimbabwe. Until vanhu vatora nyika kubva kune vakaitora vakaiita “chinhu chedu”, nothing good will come out of bad news Zimbabwe.
Cellphone companies will have to cut data prices by up to half by the end of next month or face prosecution by the Competition Commission.
All mobile phone operators may be compelled over the next three months to start offering free and daily data to prepaid customers “to ensure all citizens have data access on a continual basis”.
If the commission has its way, access to the websites of educational institutions and “public benefit organisations” will also be free.
But cellphone operators still insist they are not to blame for high data costs. They say this is a result of the government’s failure to release more spectrum to service providers.
The announcement by the competition body yesterday will be seen as a victory for long-suffering customers who complain about the high costs of data in SA.
Their complaints are what caused the commission to launch an inquiry into data costs two years ago.
The findings, which were made public, confirm data prices in SA are excessively high and that the biggest cellphone providers, MTN and Vodacom, have failed to explain why.
Currently, a pre-paid monthly 1 gigabyte of data costs around R150, which according to the commission, is high and discriminates against the poor. On a two-year contract, which is a market for the middle classes, the cost is lower.
Commissioner Thembinkosi Bonakele said Vodacom and MTN would have to reduce their prices by between 30% and 50%.
“Vodacom and MTN must immediately reduce prices by agreement with the commission and I have indicated before, we believe on the basis of evidence that there is scope for price reductions in the region of 30% to 50%,” Bonakele said.
“A failure to reach this agreement within two months will then lead the commission to considering going ahead with prosecution for excessive pricing or other exclusionary abuse before the Tribunal.”
The inquiry also found that MTN and Vodacom have monopolised the data industry.
“We find that price-based competition is inadequate. The challenger networks of Cell C and Telkom Mobile are unable to effectively constrain the two first-movers and that Vodacom has substantial market power, with MTN to a lesser degree,” reads the report.
“There was a consensus in the submissions to the commission on this point, with the obvious exception of Vodacom and MTN themselves, who continued to maintain that the market was competitive.”
The report also recommends that MTN and Vodacom must, within two months, agree on the same pricing for data below 500 megabytes.
It also recommends that all mobile providers, including Cell C and Telkom, must reach an agreement with the commission in the next three months to “offer all prepaid subscribers a lifeline package of daily free data to ensure all citizens have data access on a continual basis”.
The operators must also stop charging data on content from public benefit organisations and educational institutions.
MTN spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan said the government had failed to release the spectrum that the mobile industry needs to reduce costs.
“To simply lay the blame for data costs at the foot of the operators is wrong. MTN in SA has had to compensate for the lack of spectrum by spending over R50bn in the last five years to build a world-class network for all South Africans, covering over 95% of the population with 4G coverage, without any 4G spectrum having been allocated,” said O’Sullivan.
Vodacom spokesperson Byron Kennedy said: “Vodacom has reduced the effective price of data by circa 50% since March 2016… with regard to the Competition Commission report, we will engage with the commissioner and comment further in due course.”
-Sowetan
Own Correspondent |While the world commemorates 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender Violence, police in Karoi, are dealing with yet another grisly murder case, involving the accused, Shandai Masau, who is alleged to have stoned his ex- wife, Precious Muvengwa to death.
The facts of the matter are that on November 26, Masau contacted Muvengwa, with the intention of giving her USD20 for their child, Takudzwa Masau’s school fees. The two met at Julius Shops, in Chikange, where the accused gave the deceased the promised cash.
Masau then requested another rendezvous, to have sex with his ex-wife Muvengwa, he was married to, till 2016. They met at Kygo farm, had sexual intercourse, after which a misunderstanding, over the upkeep of their child erupted.
In anger according to the police report, Masau went on to strike Muvengwa on the head with a stone, ‘he took another stone and struck her on the occipital.’
”The deceased fell down. The accused grabbed her throat and struck for the third time,” reads the report. The accused proceeded to steal RTGS300 and an intel phone from the deceased. He went to look for a shovel, burying the deceased in pit along the river bank.
After his arrest Masau led the police to the scene of the crime, where two blood stained stones were recovered, including the shovel, used to dig the pit. Masau also led the police to the pit had buried the deceased.
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The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Nelson Chamisa has warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa against pushing the party and Zimbabweans into a corner.
Speaking to the DailyNews on Monday, the party’s deputy organising secretary Happymore Chidziva declared that when people are cornered, they will respond accordingly. He said:
“ED (Mnangagwa) thinks that we fear guns. He is pushing us to the corner and Zimbabweans will respond accordingly as cornered people always do.
“We are not going to be stopped by anyone, and so we will continue with our programmes. There is nothing that is going to stop us from mobilising the people to fight this evil regime.”
Chidziva’s remarks come after police banned Chamisa from planting trees at a school in Marondera on Sunday, as has become the “norm”, with countless MDC events banned on spurious grounds.
The party claims that police fired live ammunition at the MDC officials in an attempt to stop the tree-planting event.
– DailyNews
VIOLENCE broke out at the late former President Robert Mugabe’s farm on the outskirts of Harare on Saturday night, resulting in the injury of a farm security worker.
The worker was allegedly hacked with machetes by unknown assailants. But earlier in the day, suspected Zanu PF activists had invaded the property.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that police are investigating the disturbances that occurred at the farm. The matter was reported at Borrowdale Police Station. We are informed there were some gunshots and the relevant department is investigating the matter,” Nyathi said.
The invaders, who had blocked the entrance with tyres and various objects and were conducting searches to vehicles getting in and out of the farm adjacent to the Pomona Barracks, resisted eviction leading to a scuffle that lasted for close to an hour.
During the ensuing melee, one of Mugabe’s workers was attacked with a machete and was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
“We took him (the attacked worker) to Parirenyatwa Hospital, but was not attended to since there were no doctors. We ended up taking him to private doctors for attention,” a worker said.
One Marufu, who is the manager at the farm, refused to speak, saying he needed clearance first.
Mugabe’s widow, former First Lady Grace is battling to keep her husband’s empire intact, with Zanu PF supporters pushing to take over the family’s farms.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week told a Zanu PF rally in Kadoma that Mugabe’s family might be forced to relinquish all its farms, serve for one.
Mugabe, who died in Singapore in September, owned several commercial farms that were seized from white Zimbabweans at the height of the 2000 chaotic land reform programme.
Some of the farms are in Mazowe district where the family has set up an upmarket dairy project, which, however, is under threat from gold panners and former landowners.
Grace led a Zanu PF faction that temporarily pushed Mnangagwa out of the ruling party and government in 2017 before he bounced back following a military coup.
source: NewsDay
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Said Obadiah Moyo, “the status Quo is that the moratorium is not extended . All doctors who have not returned to work will have to to refer back to the court ruling… it leaves the 402 …subject to dismissal…it means they will have to go back to refer back the Status Quo, the two-day moratorium has lapsed..”
Own Correspondent | In a new twist to the unfolding events in the G40 grouping, exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo, has totally broken ranks with close ally former First Lady Grace Mugabe, portraying her as his tormentor.
Moyo narrates how he had a difficult time under the Mugabe’s including the late former President, and how he was rescued by General Constantino Chiwenga. An interesting development because Moyo a close ally of Grace’s during the protracted fighting between the Lacoste and the G40 faction, had brazenly declared, in 2015 that, ‘Kusina Mai hakuyendwe.’
“No she didn’t. She was with those who called me the devil incarnate. I was accused of smuggling the MDC into @Zimpapers. I was rescued by General Chiwenga. If I’m not mistaken I mentioned this in my conversation with @Wamagaisa for a special edition of @BigSaturdayRead last year!”, responded Moyo to a question from a Twitter regarding his relationship with the Mugabe’s.
The user a Clemence Manjengwah had asked, “Yah I remember when Mugabe called you the devil incarnate and Joice Mujuru accusing you of being a CIA agent. Thank heavens Dr Amai came to your rescue.”
The fallout between Moyo and Grace can be traced back to 2018, after she praised ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, for coming to her rescue, after he hired a jet for her from Singapore to come back home to bury her mother.
“It is an absurd corruption of public morality, values and ethos for Mrs Mugabe to claim that Mnangagwa’s gesture to hire a fancy private plane to fly her from Singapore and to pay for her mother’s funeral constitutes a political paradigm for the country to move on,” Moyo charged, at the time.
Moyo yesterday publicly trashed his ZANU PF membership card with Mugabe’s face on it.
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Said Obadiah Moyo, “the status Quo is that the moratorium is not extended . All doctors who have not returned to work will have to to refer back to the court ruling… it leaves the 402 …subject to dismissal…it means they will have to go back to refer back the Status Quo, the two-day moratorium has lapsed..”
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition of NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘Chamisa Has Failed God’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally and wrongly shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very messy he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as archy-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
The end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|Barcelona forward Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or 2019 for a record sixth time at an award ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France on Monday night.
Messi beat Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk who finished second and third-placed Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Liverpool’s Allison Becker, received the the Yashin trophy for best goalkeeper of the year while Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt won the Kopa Trophy.
Here is the list of all winners:
Best keeper award – Yachine Trophy
The Kopa Trophy (Presented to the best performing player under the age of 21)
Ballon d’Or – Women:
Ballon d’Or – Men
By Strive Masiyiwa | In a bid to help break the impasse and get urgently needed medical help to the sick and injured in society, our foundation made the following offer:
#$100m to be distributed to the doctors over 6 months, as follows:
Each doctor to get $5000pm (tax free);
Free transport valued at $1500 pm;
$10m to help doctors with personal equipment, and protective clothing.
All this money is over and above whatever they receive from government once they reach agreement.
We asked each doctor who is interested to apply directly by 5pm last night. We had so many applications that we had to extend the time to 10pm.
Information on Applicants will not be released to any third party, in keeping with the foundation’s policies. Those who were successful will be informed directly.
I have also directed Vaya to offer Free transport to every nurse that applies, for the next six months. This is worth over $900 per person, per month.
…these are gestures of goodwill.
I have also asked our partners who worked with us on Cyclone Idai to set up a special fund raising initiative to help doctors, nurses and other health care workers in Zimbabwe. It will be announced in a matter of days.
Anyone will be able to make donations to this fund.
I’m hoping that churches will join this initiative, and bring whatever they can, to help our healthcare workers, particularly over the holiday season.
It is my hope that the doctors, and their employer, the government, will reach an amicable agreement shortly. We have no part in this process, and our people are under strict instructions not to be involved.
No matter what they agree, I will meet my commitment to those who applied, and qualified.
GOSPEL artist Obert Chari has denied reports that he was caught flir_ting with a married woman.
In an interview, the Mebho hit-maker said people were fabricating stories insisting that nothing happened between him and Yeukai Muzinda.
“Even up to now I don’t even know what happened handizivi zvii zvirikuitika chaizvo.
“Kunyepa kwevanhu I think there is someone akugadzira nyaya iyi dei vaburisa ka evidence yacho,” said Chari.
Reports are that Chari had a relationship with one of the church mates known as Yeukai Muzinda.
It is believed Kudakwashe Muzinda, the husband of Yeukai, found messages in his wife’s which she was flirting with Chari.
It is alleged the couple has since separated after Yeukai’s husband stumbled upon the between them, a claim that the ZCC Hakireni Stars lead denied as hogwash.
He said he would not lose sleep over the rumour saying the issue has since been resolved by church elders.
“There was a little misunderstanding after rumours began circulating.
“The issue has since been resolved by church elders, Yeukai and Kudakwashe are still together,” he said.
– HMetro
Farai Dziva|The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has barred the National Sports Stadium and Mandava from hosting it’s matches.
The two stadiums, owned by the Ministry of Public Works and FC Platinum Football Club respectively, failed inspections conducted by CAF last month.
The move will be welcomed by Warriors fans in Bulawayo, after ZIFA controversially changed the venue for the Zimbabwe-Botswana AFCON 2021 Group H qualifier from Emaghumeni to the giant stadium in Harare citing lights issue, a claim which the Bulawayo City Council vehemently denied.
NGEZI Platinum player Michelle Katsvairo has been issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to turn up for his trial commencement.
Katsvairo was brought before the court for reportedly bashing his wife after she had gone out without notifying him.
The 29-year-old appeared before Mbare Provincial Magistrate Stanford Mambanje charged with physical abuse before he was granted $300 bail and remanded to November 29 for his trial.
He was also ordered to report once every Friday at the nearest police station.
However, he did not return for the court proceedings on the remanded date prompting magistrate Mambanje to issue him with a warrant of arrest.
The wife Sandra Sadza was admitted at Harare Hospital following the injuries she sustained.
Senior Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe is alleging that on November 2, Katsvairo had a misunderstanding with his wife Sandra as she had gone out without telling him.- H-Metro
The late former President Robert Mugabe, apparently did not leave a will, it has emerged that his family has failed to locate an inheritance will for the distribution of the national hero’s estate, a development that has prompted the Master of High Court to call for an edict meeting this week to appoint an executor.
Mugabe died in Singapore on September 6 this year after battling prostate cancer for at least 13 years. Zimbabweans had mixed reactions to this news
https://www.zimeye.net/2019/12/03/family-fails-to-locate-mugabes-inheritance-will/.
Farai Dziva|Family of God Church founder, Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe has said the issue surrounding Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy was settled by the Constitutional Court.
Wutaunashe said MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, should recognise and respect Mnangagwa as the elected leader of Zimbabwe.
“We would like to emphasise as the Church that we seek dialogue that begins from the recognition that our State, our nation of Zimbabwe and all its institutions must be preserved and respected.
“To this end, we as the indigenous (church) leaders, we are also saying there cannot be genuine dialogue based on trying to determine whether or not you are the President of Zimbabwe; you are the President of Zimbabwe.”
“We also call upon opposition parties, particularly the MDC, not on political partisan basis, but on concern as citizens of Zimbabwe and on concern as church leaders who represent millions of people, to recognise the President of Zimbabwe openly, to accept the findings of the Constitutional Court as a respect for our Constitution and institutions and on top of that, if dialogue is wanted, let it proceed from a place that respects our institutions.”
“That being provided, Your Excellency, we encourage that you continue to pursue with all the energy you can, dialogue in our nation so that our nation can come to a place of soundness and participation by everybody.”
Highlanders full-back MacClive Phiri has reportedly attracted interest from South Africa.
According to the Chronicle, Bidvest Wits scouts were present at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday during the Chibuku Super Cup final to monitor him.
When asked about Phiri’s news, spokesperson Ronald Moyo said the club was not aware of the presence of Wits scouts at the final.
“We didn’t know that there were scouts tracking the player, but that really doesn’t come as a shock because of the way Highlanders have been performing,” said Moyo.
Should the ABSA Premiership side decides to sign Phiri, Bosso could lose out on transfer fees. He is one of the three players, others being midfielders Nqobizitha Masuku and Denzel Khumalo, whose contracts expire at the end of the month.
Moyo has also said that they are negotiating with the player for a contract extension.
“It’s public knowledge that Phiri’s contract expires at the end of December and as a club, we have notified the player that he is in our plans for next season, hence the commencement of contract negotiations,” he said.State media
Farai Dziva|Former MDC youth assembly leader Happimore Chidziva has warned Emmerson Mnangagwa Against pushing Zimbabweans into a corner.
The party’s deputy organising secretary, Chidziva, has pointed out that when people are cornered, they will respond accordingly.
Said Chidziva:
“ED (Mnangagwa) thinks that we fear guns. He is pushing us into the corner and Zimbabweans will respond accordingly as cornered people always do.
“We are not going to be stopped by anyone, and so we will continue with our programmes.
There is nothing that is going to stop us from mobilising the people to fight this evil regime.”
The MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa, has held a diplomatic briefing, after the alleged attempt on its leader’s life last weekend.
Award winning human rights activist, Zimbabwe Peace Project Director, Jestina Mukoko, has recalled how in 2008, she was abducted by 5 unidentified armed men and a woman who were driving an unmarked vehicle with no registration numbers, from her home in Norton.
Mukoko a recipient of the U.S. State Department’s International Women Of Courage award, narrates her ordeal on Twitter.
Mukoko writes : “On this day they came for me at dawn. Incommunicado for 21 was tortured then 68 at Chikurubi. Why subject to abduction it’s cruel inhuman and cruel. My crime: to overthrow govt really ini? zvimwe vanhu itai muchinyara (me overthrowing the government? You must be ashamed of yourselves.)
I was not wearing anything other than a nightdress. I had no undergarments and other personal and medical requirements.
First, I was assaulted underneath my feet with a rubber-like object which was at least one metre long … Later, I was informed to raise my feet on to a table, and the other people in the room started to assault me underneath my feet. This assault lasted for at least five to six minutes. They took a break and then continued again with the beatings.”
By Obey Sithole|The shooting of live bullets, confirmation of the state’s addiction to violence.
On Sunday the 1st of December, the violent regime unleashed yet another section of the state apparatus in their desperate show of power.
The ZANU-PF led government has for long come to terms with the reality that they are unpopular and too weak to convince the nation hence they have mastered the regrettable art of coercion.
Yesterday was one such day of many others when madness superseded rationality resulting in the unjustified, unnecessary and uncalled for the firing of live bullets.
The people’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa was in Marondera for the tree planting day ceremony where he was to plant trees in selected areas within the municipal area.
Just the knowledge that he will be stepping on the
Marondera soil, as usual, sent the state into panic which led to the deployment of several heavily armed police officers.
Shockingly, the activation of the police officers was directed to people who were only armed with tree seedlings to champion a sustainable green environment.
This was the state’s strategy to bar the people’s President from showing leadership to the nation, which he has always done even in the face of state-sponsored multi-faceted prohibitions.
Yesterday’s events led to the firing of live bullets in the direction of President Chamisa. This clearly shows that the idea was to shoot the people’s President, something which deserves utmost condemnation and action.
I have read some lame tweet from the state, which tried to justify and sanitize the evil act. We would like to categorically state that no amount of word weaving will transform such acts of madness into sense.
The fundamental point to note is that lives are precious and peace is priceless. We do not at any point as a nation deserve violence especially from the state which has a responsibility to protect citizens.
Those who were behind the acts must be brought to book because such is unacceptable from professional police officers.
We call upon the police commissioner to provide us with all the names of those who were on duty in Marondera at the particular time.
This will help not only the nation but even the esteemed police services to know individuals with terroristic tendencies in their midst.
Own Correspondent| Thousands of residents residing in Lochinvar are facing displacement after controversial businessman, Billy Rautenbach through his company Marimba Properties claimed ownership of the area.
The residents occupied the area in 2000 under the Joshua Nkomo and Leopold Takawira Housing Coorperatives.
The area was gazetted for settlement by the government in 2010 after which the cooperatives received offer letters for the area.
In December 2015, the then Minister of Local Government, Saviour Kasukuwere toured the area in the company of senior officials from his ministry.
The area in question is Stand Number 48, 49 and the remainder of Salisbury Park of Lochinvar.
Representatives from Marimba Properties, including Rautenbach, who is the company’s Chairman, were in attendance. Other representatives from Marimba Properties who were present include Colonel R. Matonhodze (Rtd) who is the company’s Director and Derrick Elliot, who is also the firm’s legal advisor.
During the 2015 site visit, former Minister Kasukuwere conceded that the area had been fully developed and evictions or demolitions must be stopped and the area should be regularized.
It was agreed that Marimba residential Properties will therefore surrender the stands to the government and in return, the government and council would identify suitable land of equivalent value to compensate the company.
Documents in CHRA’s possession indicate that Mr Rautenbach accepted the proposal as the Chairman of Marimba Residential Properties.
It was also agreed that council would take over the administration of Stands 48 and the remainder of Salisbury Park of Lochinvar.
However in March 2018, the Ministry of Local Government wrote to the Chairpersons of Joshua Nkomo, Leopold Takawira, Wadzanai, Mydek and Dzapasi housing cooperatives informing them of the cancellation of offer letters that had been issued to their members.
Read part of the letter signed by E. Mlalazi (Secretary for Local Government, Public Works and National Housing) , “The Ministry had issued those offers believing that the land had been acquired for use by the State. Regrettably, the acquisition process was abandoned by the Acquiring Authority after unsuccessful legal contestations on the part of the Ministry.
“The owners of the company, in whose name the land is registered, have nonetheless been engaged by the Ministry to discuss the way forward on the future of your irregular settlement. They have expressed interest to work with your beneficiaries to regularize the scheme on terms agreeable to both parties.”
Following the cancellation of the offer letters, legal practitioners representing the housing coorperatives wrote to the Ministry of Local Government arguing that its position was ‘unlawful, unreasonable, disproportionate and substantively and procedurally unfair’.
Despite the contestations, Marimba Properties approached the residents requesting that they pay for their stands in United States Dollars.
This is despite the fact that the residents are paying to council.
During the weekend a group of people claiming to represent Marimba Properties came and threatened residents with eviction in the event that they fail to pay for their stands in United States Dollars.
After confrontation, a group of residents were assaulted by the mob that claimed to be representing Rautenbach.
Presidential Spokesman, George Charamba, posted on @jamwanda2 | KEY POINTS FROM REPORT OF UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON RIGHT TO FOOD.
Report by Ms Hilal Elver, UN Special Rapporteur on right to food, covering her preliminary impressions from her visit to Zimbabwe from 18 – 28 November, 2019, has been spectacularly mangled by Zimbabwe’s polarised and often uninformed media.
This leaves readers all the poorer for it, while undermining the constitutional reason for existence and privileges for the erring media.
As always, the Public has to turn elsewhere beyond the politically divided and motivated media for fact and sense.
By way of background, Zimbabwe has to date hosted two Special Rapporteurs, with three more expected for the country to complete its obligations under various peer accountability agreements with the United Nations. That Zimbabwe continues to host such missions after a long hiatus shows the country’s determination to re-engage and to satisfy international norms in the way it conducts itself.
This point was recognized by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food who noted the invitation was “an expression of the Government’s willingness to open its doors to international human rights mechanisms and, with it, to improve its own human rights record.” This is not a small point given that under the First Republic, Zimbabwe used its sovereign authority to keep out such scrutiny, thus laying itself open to criticism.
The Second Republic is thus etching a different trajectory & living true to its promise to open its doors to international scrutiny on human rights adherence. It’s a new turn in governance, accountability & (re)engagement. By no means a small point in overall national narrative!
As per tradition, all such reports or observations are PRELIMINARY. What makes them preliminary is that the State Party is allowed/required to respond to initial observations by the Rapporteur for a final report which is then presented to full plenary.
The final report usually is what passes for conclusive record which the Rapporteur then tables, & is always a result of collaborative effort with State Party. What that means is that certain aspects in preliminary report may change or reflect counterpoints raised by the State Party. This is critical.
The local media wrongly cover this preliminary report as some Roma-locuta; causa-finita-est (Rome/Pope-has-spoken; case-is-closed) document!! It isn’t.
Secondly, the visit comes against the backdrop of mounting national food insecurity doubly arising from devastating Cyclone overwritten on a searing drought. Necessarily, the right to food becomes a key variable in the matrix of human rights. The visit is thus appropriate and reveals a State Party which confidently invites scrutiny upon itself at a time of greatest vulnerability, both for its citizens and for itself in the eyes of a censorious world. That, in itself, shows a determination to do right, indeed to be seen to be doing right.
The politics of right to food have always looked large in Zimbabwe and the way Zimbabwe is perceived, principally by the West. That Zimbabwe invited the Rapporteur at a time such as this shows active, creative pre-emptive diplomacy, more so given the kind of opposition we have.
The scope of the rapporteur’s work encompasses different Govt departments and interest groups whose missions impact on right to food. It also entail wide-ranging reading of policy instruments and related reports on right to food and general food security in the country.
There are also field visits to cover sample communities which then allow Rapporteur to make fair generalization on National State of access to food. With those key preliminary points made, we can then move into the nub of the preliminary report itself, principally what it says.
FOOD INSECURITY: basing on ZIMVAC figures, the report says 5,5m Zimbabweans, or 38% of the rural population is currently food insecure. The report projects the figure to double in early 2020. This parlous state and prospect is blamed on natural adversities, principally on drought and the March Cyclone.
This is barely news to any Zimbabwean. Where the report begins to make news is on remedial measures meant to deal with this situation. It identifies key actors as Government of Zimbabwe which bears primary responsibility, the international community which “has the responsibility to help countries in dire situations”, and humanitarian agencies. The report remarkably breaks with UN tradition in its assessment of the international response to Zimbabwe’s burgeoning food crisis.
While most reports indulged in pass-time of blaming Government solely, the Rapporteur says: “However, I note that the imposition of unilateral economic sanctions and conditionalities has contributed to a negative image of the country, thereby adversely impacting on the levels of international aid to Zimbabwe, in comparison to neighbouring countries that suffered similar adverse effects from Cyclone Idai.”
The report proceeds to devote a whole section on this matter, stressing ILLEGAL sanctions and conditionalities imposed on the Government of Zimbabwe levy “indirect costs on the overall civilian population, particularly on right to food.” It notes: “Zimbabwe has been under some form of sanctions since 2001. These targeted sanctions and conditionalities were imposed on the country following policy disagreements concerning the manner in which the land reform Programme..
was handled, reflecting criticism of the political situation and human rights abuses. While sanctions target certain individuals and institutions, they contribute to creating a very adverse environment for business, international trade and foreign investment. To some extent, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of corruption, uncertainty, and food insecurity and unemployment for the most vulnerable people in the country, particularly in these times of emergency. It is my strong conviction, based on what I have learned during the course of this mission, that these economic sanctions worsen the existing inequalities and do not have any actual impact on their supposed targets.”
The Rapporteur explicitly mentions American sanctions: “The conditionalities under the ZDERA Act coupled with the failure by the Govt to clear its arrears make it a serious challenge for the Govt to access credit lines from international financial institutions. Such conditions clearly diminish the ability of Govt to meet its obligation to adequately feed its people.”
The Rapporteur then makes a specific appeal: “Given the economic and food emergency presently existing in the country, I urge concerned member states, development partners and the international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to ease the conditions imposed…
on the deployment of funds to the Govt. For similar reasons, I urge the termination of all sanctions.” That pointed appeal is balanced off against a call on Zim Govt “to initiate the promised legal reforms to respect, protect and fulfill its human rights obligations, notably, the rights to freedoms of expression, assembly and association, which are the necessary foundations of a human rights based approach to food security.” Key points loom large from this portion of the report.
Firstly, this is the first time a UN report has acknowledged SANCTIONS even calling them ILLEGAL. Secondly, this is the first time a UN report relates impact of these ILLEGAL SANCTIONS on the GENERAL POPULACE and adverse conditions obtaining in the country. Thirdly, this is the first UN report which tackles America’s ZDERA, mentioning it by name and linking it to bilateral aid, IFIs and conditionalities from both. Lastly, this is the first UN report which has frontally called for an immediate, unconditional lifting of sanctions, thus bringing the UN in harmony with SADC and AU’s anti-sanctions resolutions!!!
One could also add that this is the first ever UN report to admit that in essence, sanctions stemmed from LAND REFORMS & LAND REFORM-RELATED POLICY DIFFERENCES. The media reportage on report either overlooked this key development, or only carried it belatedly as an afterthought.
By Own Correspondent| ZIMEYE IS THIS WEEK INVESTIGATING THE BELOW CASE. Following the list of several rape cases involving the Harare necromancer, Walter Magaya, a latest woman has come up with more damning allegations. To date most cases have proved to be true with Magaya officially paying out lumpsums in out-of-court settlements.
In another case, the preacher is seen on video while in a police station confessing to paying bribes so to cover an investigation up.
Another case has the man’s other girlfriend being killed while on a fake church trip personally commisssioned by him, the victim- Chipo Chakanyuka, whose family Magaya is still paying compensation for 5 years later.
Another of Magaya’s victims was assisted by ZimEye to obtain an out of court lumpsum payment im compensation.
Although ZimEye could not obtain a direct comment from Magaya on this latest case at the time of writing, we have engaged him concerning 5 others that have been proven to be credible accounts confirmed by legal documents as well as LIVE video recordings. In August this year, Magaya telephoned ZimEye and promised for a whole day interview (to explain his conduct towards scores of young women) which he never turned up for and his numbers became unreachable soon afterwards.
FULL TEXT
Dear Editor
I have been sleeping with Walter Magaya for almost 2 years he has aborted 3 of my pregnancies; now I have developed genital warts and have been sick asking for assistance so I can get treatment for warts and he is refusing.
He even changed his number.
He sleeps with all his students he calls for seminars.
He would invite me to his Marlborough house for sex and would ask me to massage him.
I was his sex slave.
He would tell his wife he is going for prayers yet he will be sleeping with me.
But now he can’t help me have doctors treatment.
When he would travel he would book us in different rooms, so his guards don’t know.
I need your help.
Farai Dziva|Popular online figure, Samantha Kureya, has scooped a top human rights award.
See below a statement posted by human rights defender Prosper Tiringindi:
Congratulations to Gonyeti for winning Southern Africa Human Rights Netwrok award.
Gonyeti a popular Zimbabwean online figure and satirist was abducted from her Harare home and assaulted by unknown assailants,
Samantha Kureya, popularly known as ‘Gonyeti’, was forcibly taken from her home by masked and armed men…
Farai Dziva |An MDC official has said Emmerson Mnangagwa’s remarks about party leader Nelson Chamisa reflect the Zanu PF leader is possessed by evil spirits.
In the statement below MDC youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma described Mnangagwa’s utterances as blasphemous:
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘Chamisa Has Failed God’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very mess he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as arch-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
The end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|
The prices of blood have been hiked with effect from 1 December 2019.
Below is a notice issued by PSMI Laboratory, West End Hospital:
REVISED BLOOD BANK CHARGES IN ZWL $ EFFECTIVE AS OF 1 DECEMBER 2019
Group and Screen – $270.00
Packed Cell per unit – $2 160.00
FFPs per unit – $1 620.00
Platelets per unit – $1 620
Coombs test – $540.00
Cross match labour – $180.00
Farai Dziva |An MDC official has said Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the right to speak for God.
In the statement below MDC youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma says Mnangagwa’s utterances about MDC leader Nelson Chamisa are blasphemous:
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘Chamisa Has Failed God’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very mess he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as arch-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
The end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
A ZIMBABWEAN man is on the run after he allegedly killed his wife and stashed the body for four days under the bed while living in with his three-year-old child in Pretoria, South Africa.
Reports say the fugitive Kuziva Tsvito from Dangamvura in Mutare allegedly killed his wife Netsai Makore, 33, two weeks ago and wrapped the body with dustbin plastics before stashing it under the bed.
Tsvito stayed in the room with his three-year-old daughter as well as the decomposing body.
Makore’s body was discovered on the fourth day.
H-Metro has learnt from South African Police Service’s (SAPS) officer (name withheld) handling the case that Tsvito killed his wife after suspecting her of cheating then transferred money from his now deceased wife’s account into his account.
A sister to the deceased who lived within the neighborhood in Pretoria noticed an unusual pattern as she was no longer seeing her sister taking their child to school.
She further went to the house where she was led by the stink from the decomposing body which led her to discover the body stashed under the bed before alerting the SAPS.
Brother to the deceased Joseph Makore said he found his sister wrapped in plastics and is appealing for the whereabouts of Tsvito.
“Kuzi you can run but mweya wa sisi wangu uchagara nawo ende dzinza rese muchapera one by one.
“That is my sister wandakasiira, it happened Thursday night or Friday morning akagara naye four days achirara mumba nemwana on top of the bed then we discovered it on Tuesday; anyone anoziva kwaari call me,” said Makore.
Makore said Tsvito would clean fluid coming from the corpse using a cloth and a bucket to keep the stink away.
“I’m the one akatora pic iyo that small white bucket aikoroba mvura kuti musanhuhwe.
“Kuzi mhanya hako asi mweya wemukadzi wako uchapedza dzinza rese Satan wekwa Tsvito,” he said.
Makore told H-Metro that his sister Netsai is yet to be buried.
Some sources said the two used to fight a lot as Tsvito was taking Netsai’s belongings to his girlfriends.
One Cresencia Christine Sipono wrote on Facebook that Tsvito was well known for flirting with married women and asking out girls in the streets.
The three year child is now under the custody of Makore family while Tsvito is said to be still on the run.
Meanwhile SAPS, liaising with Interpol, have spread the net to arrest him for murder.
— HMetro
Farai Dziva |An MDC official has said Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the right to speak for God.
In the statement below MDC youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma says Mnangagwa’s utterances about MDC leader Nelson Chamisa are blasphemous:
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘Chamisa Has Failed God’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very mess he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as arch-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard- hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
The end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|Government workers under the Apex Council have requested a cost of living adjustment before Christmas.
Civil servants are requesting the cost of living adjustment with effect from December.
Apex Council chairperson Cecilia Alexander has written a letter to the government requesting an urgent National Joint Negotiating Council meeting to discuss civil servants’ grievances.
“The Civil Service Apex Council would like to bring to your attention the further deteriorating value of civil service incomes in the light of spiralling inflation.
Civil servants are now severely incapacitated as the October salary of RTGS$1 023 for the lowest paid worker will not suffice for the December 2019 month end…”reads part of the letter.
By A Correspondent- The World Bank (WB) has ruled out a possible financial bailout to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for now, saying Zimbabwe will only continue to benefit from technical assistance, analytical work, and emergency response support to victims of Cyclone Idai until after the country has met certain reforms demanded by international financiers.
This comes after Finance minister Mthuli Ncube recently met with WB president David Malpass, where the Zimbabwe Treasury boss claimed government had made great strides in implementing currency and economic reforms.
In emailed responses to NewsDay Business, a World Bank spokesperson said: “Our engagement with the government of Zimbabwe is currently limited to strategic dialogue, technical assistance, analytical work, and emergency support in response to Cyclone Idai”.
“The World Bank Group continues to consult with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development partners to establish a common platform for international financial institutions to re-engage in Zimbabwe,” the WB official said.
As part of an amendment to the United States 2001 Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act last year, all US executive directors of a multilateral development bank were ordered not to allow any debt relief or further financial support to Zimbabwe.
This would only be lifted if the Zimbabwe government met certain conditions that involve resolving the 2000 land reform programme, respecting human rights, investigating and prosecuting sanctioned individuals and respecting human rights.
Government, which owes US$1 billion to the WB among other institutions, urgently needs a bailout package to fund its expenditure and stabilise the local currency.
“In the absence of international support, Zimbabwe’s macro-economic challenges may persist. With dwindling reserves, there is a high-risk of exchange rate overshooting, contributing to inflationary pressures. Climate-related risks may constrain recovery of the agriculture sector in the medium-term exacerbating food insecurity,” said the World Bank, in its October 2019 overview of Zimbabwe.
“Social and political pressures could lead to policy slippage, delay in macro-economic stabilisation and political reforms. This might jeopardise the reform agenda under the IMF Staff Monitored Programme and delay the government’s re-engagement aspirations.”
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- The ruling Zanu PF party is one of City of Harare’s biggest debtors and owes the MDC-dominated local authority more than $1,2 million in unpaid rates.
A local publication reported that other debtors who owe the local authority huge amounts are the Walter Magaya-led Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries Church, which is yet to pay close to $400 million, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport ($101 250 000), the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Norton Town Council, Chitungwiza Urban Council and the National Railways of Zimbabwe — whose total debt adds up to more than $2 million.
A debtors’ list seen by NewsDay shows that Zanu PF’s holding company M&S Syndicate (Pvt) Limited, owed the local authority $1 189 768,30 in unpaid water bills at the 15-storey building located in the capital.
Zanu PF national secretary for administration Obert Mpofu said just like any other utility, the party was bound to have debts and urged council to “remind the party” of its obligations.
“They should approach the party. Like any other utility, we have to meet our obligations, but if we are not reminded about that, it is difficult to do anything. We are just users of their services like any other utility and if they want to be paid, they should approach us,” he said.
Ironically, Zanu PF has been at the forefront of accusing the local authority of failing to provide services that include potable water, quality roads and refuse collection, among others.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Efforts by the country’s largest coal producer, Hwange Colliery Company, to circumvent paying former employees terminal benefits in United States dollars recently hit a snag after the former workers approached the High Court seeking an order to compel their paymasters to pay them in terms of the registered arbitral award.
Hwange Colliery owes the 16 ex-workers a combined US$1 261 173 in terminal benefits.
According to the court papers, Hwange Colliery recently served the former employees with notices to vacate the company’s houses, albeit without having paid them their terminal benefits.
The benefits were supposed to be paid in terms of the deed of settlement signed between the parties over five years ago.
“The matter was referred to the honourable arbitrator Lovemore Madhuku and after having considered both parties’ submissions, the arbitrator issued an arbitral award in the applicant’s favour in which he ordered the first respondent (Hwange Colliery) to pay the applicants (ex-employees) a total of US$1 261 173 …
However, the respondent failed, neglected and/or refused to comply with the arbitral award which was subsequently registered as a court order on July 24, 2014,” the workers said.
On October 30, 2019, the former employees said Hwange Colliery wrote to them alleging that it now wanted them to vacate the company houses, but without paying them their dues.
“The respondent is now alleging that it has paid the applicants the full amount due to them of $832 366. However, it is common cause as already outlined above that what is due to the applicants is US$1 261 173. Therefore, the applicants still remain owed and still remain entitled to remain in occupation of the houses,” they said.
The former employees said they were now seeking an order to interdict Hwange Colliery and all those claiming through it, from taking any steps to institute or to proceed with any eviction proceedings against its ex-workers until payment of their terminal benefits.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has failed God by not accepting the 2018 presidential election results and the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) ruling, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Mnangagwa lampooned Chamisa for refusing to accept the 2018 presidential results, saying God was a God of order and, therefore, the refusal by the MDC and its leadership to accept the results, which were reaffirmed by the ConCourt, was a clear act of defiance against God.
The Zanu PF leader, whose victory in the July 30, 2018 poll has been disputed by the MDC, was addressing leaders of local Christian denominations at State House, at a meeting meant to find a home-grown solution to the
country’s deteriorating political and economic crises.
“For structures to work, those of us who put them should respect them, especially when they pass a ruling. I am now going to politics: We had our elections, after those elections, you don’t tell yourself that you have won. Other people are the ones who name the winner.
If you enter a race … and you run the race and you get to the finish line, you don’t go there and say it’s me who won, there are other people who announce the winner … these are the institutions that regulate how people live in the country. Now when you can’t listen to the institutions, you will have disobeyed God, because he is a God of order,” Mnangagwa said.
Chamisa has refused to recognise Mnangagwa’s presidency, with his party legislators also walking out on the Zanu PF leader each time he enters Parliament Building.
The youthful opposition leader claims his victory was stolen by Mnangagwa in connivance with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) and the ConCourt.
The MDC has insisted that Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy was behind the country’s political and economic mess, saying only genuine dialogue between Chamisa and the Zanu PF leader would unlock the current political logjam.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A cheeky 19-year-old Bindura tout was yesterday fined $400 for mounting an unlawful roadblock to stop commuter omnibuses from operating after a fellow tout had died.
Kudakwashe Rwodzi forced passengers to disembark from kombis and later drove one of the vehicles to the funeral of his late colleague, only identified as Courage. The court heard that Rwodzi stole $420 from the vehicle.
Bindura provincial magistrate Tinashe Ndokera ordered Rwodzi to pay $400 fine, failing which he would serve a 30-day jail term.
Another 30-day imprisonment sentence was wholly suspended on condition he restitutes the stolen $420.
The court heard that on October 15 this year, Rwodzi and his three accomplices, who are still at large, ordered all kombis in the town to stop operating in honour of their fallen
colleague.
The quartet conducted an unlawful roadblock and directed all kombis to the funeral.
A driver, Takudzwa Makunde, drove to the roadblock and was ordered to reimburse passengers’ money and drive to the funeral, but he refused and he was assaulted by the quartet using open hands. Passengers disembarked and Rwodzi drove the kombi to the funeral before stealing $420 which was stashed in the dashboard.
Makunde called the commuter omnibus owner and together they searched for the vehicle and found it parked at the funeral, with the money missing.
A police report led to Rwodzi’s arrest. Vincent Marunya represented the State.
-Newsday
By Wilbert Mukori- “If you see a frog hoping in the midday heat, you can be certain something is amiss!” so goes the adage.
Zimbabwe’s economic situation is getting worse and worse. Unemployment still 90% plus; 3/4 of the population now living on US$40 per month or less; inflation is set to reach the 1000% mark soon, if it has not done so already; doctors on their 92 day on strike and all public hospitals closed; etc.
The economic meltdown has the politicians hopping in the midday heat; they know the situation is socially, politically and morally unsustainable!
“President Mnangagwa today met members of the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches at State House to discuss various issues affecting the country,” reported the Herald.
“The churches were led by the patron of the organisation Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church.
“They stressed that any political dialogue in the country should be premised on the acknowledgement of President Mnangagwa as the elected Head of State and Government.”
The tragedy is the church leaders are telling Mnangagwa what he wants to hear, the same regurgitated nonsense, that will do nothing to get the nation out of the economic mess we are in.
Zimbabwe is in this economic mess because the country has been stuck with a corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF regime for the last 39 years. The nation has failed to remove Zanu PF from office all these years because the party rigged elections.
Zimbabwe is a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous tyrants. The country’s economy has been in trouble for donkeys years because it is notoriously difficult to do business in a pariah state. As long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state, there will never ever be any meaningful economic recovery. NEVER EVER!
By blatantly rigging last year’s elections, failing to stamp out corruption, etc. Mnangagwa confirm that Zimbabwe is still a pariah state. International election observers like the EU, the Americans, the Commonwealth, etc. all know the elections were rigged and stated the same in their reports. Zimbabwe’s corrupt and incompetent opposition gave the elections some credibility by participating in the flawed elections knowing fully well Zanu PF was rigging the elections.
Even with all the evidence of the elections lacked “transparency, traceability and verifiability”, as EU Observer Team stated in their report; the opposition idiots still endorse the elections as free, fair and credible. Chamisa is cherry picking; he endorsed the parliamentary results but would not do the same with presidential result. He wants to be declared the winner even though, like ZEC, he too has failed to verify where he got his figures.
But even if Mutendi and his friends can get Chamisa to endorse Mnangagwa as the winner, this will not change the reality on the ground. Zimbabwe will still be a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs; Mnangagwa himself wrote that in stone by blatantly rigging last year’s elections.
Burying our heads in the sand and pretending Zimbabwe is a healthy and functional democracy, we have done this for the last 39 years, has not change the reality. Zimbabwe has remained a pariah state and will remain a pariah state until we finally cure ourselves of this curse of rigged elections.
Nehemiah Mutendi and his friends must tell Mnangagwa the truth because the truth will set him and the nation free.
The truth is last year’s elections were flawed and illegal, Zanu PF blatantly rigged the elections, and the regime (not just Mnangagwa) is illegitimate. Zanu PF be step down to allow the nation to implement the necessary democratic reforms to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
Only by holding free, fair and credible elections will this nation finally cure itself of the curse of rigged elections and pariah state label!
If Nehemiah Mutendi and his friends cannot stand the political heat of speaking truth to power then they must get out of the kitchen!
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda has warned civil servants who are sabotaging President Mnangagwa’s plans to transform the economy, to be prepared to lose their jobs.
He made the remarks in Chinhoyi recently during the party’s Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting.
President Mnangagwa has announced his vision of attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030, whereby citizens will have a per capita income of US$3 500.
Matemadanda said the Second Republic was eager to change the people’s lives, and there was no room for saboteurs.
The Mashonaland West PCC resolved to support the candidature of President Mnangagwa for the 2023 elections.
Matemadanda said a number of civil servants were sabotaging the President’s vision of turning around the economy and the living standards of people.
“There are people who do not want to give the party the chance to rebuild,” he said.
“We are in the new dispensation, in the same Zanu-PF. The new dispensation has a different approach to business, that is why you heard the President say that it’s no longer business as usual.
“It’s either you shape up or ship out.”
Matemadanda said some civil servants were “being stubborn and acting against the Government”.
He said civil servants must be prepared to support President Mnangagwa’s vision.
Matemadanda also called on civil servants to respect the outcome of court cases.
-StateMedia
Jane Mlambo| Despite the kudos given to the then Chief Executive Officer of Chitungwiza general hospital and now Minister of Health and Child Care Obadiah Moyo, the audit report below reveals a different story as he left the medical facility in a worse off situation.
The audit report reveals that since the partial privatisation of the hospital, revenue has gone down while the partners awarded tenders were milking money from the institution without checks and balances.
Download the report below for more details;
By A Correspondent_ Zanu Pf is bidding to destroy MDC and recent reports alleging that the party had budgeted over $6 million dollars to ensure that the destruction of the opposition are being proved true, Chief Svosve has said.
In a live broadcast interview with ZimEye, Chief Svosve said Zanu PF is a party of no shame which institutes its attacks in broad daylight.
“I dont know why people doubt that Zanu PF has no capacity to do what it does? The party is on record saying that Zanu PF would never do that. But contrary to their claims, the party is known to attack, for violence.
It attacked the late former MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in broad daylight. Itai Dzamara was abducted in broad daylight. Professor Jonathan Moyo is on record saying Dzamara faked his own abduction yet to date, he has never been found…..
Now people are saying there were no live bullets fired in Marondera but Zanu PF murder people in broad daylight, fired live bullets in broad daylight …
Zanu PF is desperate and the only way they will get out of where they are is to kill Chamisa,….”
Watch the live video loading below….
Own Correspondent| Nine human rights defenders (HRDs) on Monday 2 December 2019 pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal nuisance as their trial commenced at Harare Magistrates Court.
The nine HRDs who include human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader Obert Masaraure, Gerald Tavengwa, Godfrey Chanda, Andrew Munguri, Nation Mudzitirwa, Shepherd Tazvivinga, Tryvine Musokeri and Simon Drury told Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa that they were not guilty of committing the offence of criminal nuisance as defined in section 46 of the Criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The nine HRDs were arrested at Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare on 23 August 2019 during an anti-government protest dubbed “Pay Day Funeral”, where they allegedly gathered to “mourn the deaths” of their salaries, which they said were inadequate including poor working conditions and standards of living.
According to prosecutors, the nine HRDs, who are represented by Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Advocate Fadzayi Mahere and David Drury, allegedly interfered with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public by creating a nuisance or obstruction through singing and dancing while carrying a miniature coffin and a small wooden cross.
The miniature coffin and the wooden cross will be produced as exhibits during their trial.
On Monday 2 December 2019, one of the State witnesses confessed to using “minimum” force to subdue the nine HRDs which he justified as meant to “subdue” them.
The trial will continue on Wednesday 4 December 2019.
By A Correspondent- Professor Jonathan Moyo has alleged that former First Lady Grace Mugabe attacked him and called him a devil incarnate until he was helped by General Constantino Chiwenga.
Prof Moyo who first revealed that he was in a cage in ZANU PF said:
” I guess. But I was a troubled soul in that cage with that membership; especially from 2013 to 2017. It was hell on earth!”
Said one social media user Clemence Manjengwa:
“Yah I remember when Mugabe called you the devil incarnate and Joice Mujuru accusing you of being a CIA agent. Thank heavens Dr Amai came to your rescue.”
Prof Moyo replied:
“No she didn’t. She was with those who called me the devil incarnate. I was accused of smuggling the MDC into @Zimpapers . I was rescued by General Chiwenga. If I’m not mistaken I mentioned this in my conversation with @Wamagaisa for a special edition of @BigSaturdayRead last year!”
Moyo, who is in exile in Kenya ran away from a military coup in November 2017.
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
USD = ZWL$16.3181
ZWL$ = RAND0.8923
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
USD = ZWL$ bluemari 22.50
USD = BOND: bluemari 16.60
– Marketwatch