Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga says timely intervention by President Mnangagwa to engage his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, to facilitate his airlift to Beijing for specialist care and treatment prevented his “imminent death” and saved his life.

In July, the President made the decision when VP Chiwenga was battling for life in the intensive care unit of a South African hospital.

At the time, the VP suffered memory lapses, speech impairment and excruciating pain.

However, in what has been an extraordinary recovery story, VP Chiwenga — who arrived home in the early hours of Saturday after a four-month absence — yesterday looked fit and agile when he received President Mnangagwa at his home.

The duo shared a hearty embrace before an hour-and-half private engagement.

Emerging from the meeting, a visibly elated President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, explained the VP’s path to recovery.

“When he left he was unwell, which was giving us sleepless nights because our comrade was unwell,” said the President.

“So we arranged for him to go to South Africa and while he was there, we spoke to our Chinese friends, we spoke to President Xi Jinping, who is our dear friend, who offered to assist with his treatment.

“We saw it fit for the VP to go to China. We flew him there and he stayed there for a number of months. Now you can see for yourselves that he has regained his fitness and he is clear-minded.
“When he initially left he was having memory lapses, and he was in so much pain that everyone could tell the agony he was in.”

VP Chiwenga, he said, is now “raring to go”.
“I am confident that now the whole of Zimbabwe knows that the Vice President is back and fit, and he is very clear and raring to go. That is why I said God is there because my colleague is back and we can now put our heads together to uplift the country.”

When The Sunday Mail asked him when the VP was expected back in office, President Mnangagwa responded: “You can see the way he looks now, but on my part, I am not too concerned about him returning back to work, I am more concerned about his welfare and that he is back to full fitness. But as someone who is coming from being ill, I only wish for him to start his duties slowly and move progressively to take up more work. You can see for yourselves that the man is glowing.”

The President also revealed that the VP’s ill-health had “affected him personally”, adding that his return had brought him immense relief.

He said he also sent a special message of thanks to President Xi Jinping for facilitating VP Chiwenga’s treatment.

“I am also very grateful to my brother, the President of the People’s Republic of China whom I talked to and he said he will do his best and instruct his system to do their best to look after your Vice President, and that has been done.

“And I have sent a letter to President Xi Jinping thanking him for the role he played in looking after my VP.

Besides that, I have also asked General Chiwenga on how was the care in the hospital and he says, ‘Mukoma, ndakabatwa zvakanaka, I can’t think of anything else or wish for anything else . . .’”

With a voice full of life, VP Chiwenga thanked the President for his judicious decision to send him to China for treatment.

“And I want to thank personally my President, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, if he had not intervened the time I was in the intensive care in South Africa, I could have been history by now, and when he communicated with his counterpart President Xi Jinping, I was then taken to China . . . he did not act as the President but acted as my brother to make sure that I survive . . .
“And I would also want, before I go far, to thank the people of Zimbabwe for their prayers; those prayers from across the country helped my recovery.”
He also explained his hospital stint and recovery.

“Up to yesterday, from the time I left, I had spent 123 days in hospital. When I got there it was the 21st of July and got my discharge certificate later on after 123 days.

“I feel strong and I am raring to go for work . . . everything possible was done; they left no stone unturned . . . so I am very fit and happy.”
He said he had already resumed his duties.

It is now incumbent upon us to work to achieve the vision our President has set for 2030”.
“Let us work with him tirelessly to ensure everything is achieved.”
— SundayMail

A MAN from Silobela was on Tuesday mauled to death by crocodiles while on a fishing expedition at Tshapewa Dam.

Julius Hoko from Tshapewa Village under Chief Gobo, had gone for fishing but did not return home, only for villagers to find his remains after some days of searching.

Although Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo could not be readily reached for comment, Silobela legislator, Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu confirmed the incident.

“Yes, we received reports of a man from Ward 18 in Tshapewa area who was mauled by crocodiles. His remains were discovered after days of searching after he had been reported missing,” said Mpofu.

He said the remains were taken to Silobela District Hospital.

“We are grateful to the villagers who managed to retrieve the remains and facilitated that the remains be taken to Silobela Hospital. Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family in this time of losing their breadwinner,” said Manoki.

He appealed to relevant authorities to deal with the crocodiles that have since infested the dam, killing humans and livestock alike.

“This is not the first time we have lost many lives to crocodiles in Tshapewa Dam. The crocodiles are also killing people’s livestock.

We are appealing to relevant authorities to do something, be it killing the troublesome crocodiles or transferring them to a safer place where they do not clash with humans,” he said.

Mpofu said it was difficult for the villagers to avoid going fishing as it was their source of livelihood.
— SundayNews

Own Correspondent| Yesterday morning, Zimbabweans were shocked to learn that vice President Constantino Chiwenga who was away for more than four months seeking medical attention in China had landed at the Robert Mugabe International airport.

Present at the airport were only his two brothers and Deputy Ambassador to China and none from the government or Zanu PF party.

Conspicuously absent was his wife Marry who has not been seen with the retired general since reports of conflict between the two began surfacing.

While there has not been an explanation on why Marry was not present to meet his husband, various sources who spoke to ZimEye have given conflicting statements on the issues surrounding the powerful couple.

The first source alleged that Marry and Chiwenga were no longer in talking terms amid claims that the former model was suspected of leaking sensitive information to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction.

The source added that Marry was sent back home from China with the retired army general not interested in seeing her again.

But another source gave a different story, suggesting that she was in the same plane only to come out later.

They told ZimEye: “a few days ago she had traveled I guess to pick him up. Also, she doesn’t have to come out of the plane the same time with him.”

Footage at the airport Saturday morning however has no Marry, and her absence became more conspicuous hours later when Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Chiwenga at his house.

Another source told ZimEye that soldiers from 1 Commando cordoned off the airport with ministers afraid to go see Chiwenga so they cannot be seen as his backers.

The source added that there was mood of suspense at state house due to the fact that Chiwenga was infuriated when he heard that Mnangagwa had approached Joice Mujuru to replace him while he was still in China.

“But as far as the army is concerned Mnangagwa has done his homework by appointing his own relative Valerio Sibanda the Commander Of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. It is thus highly unlikely that the military will remove Mnangagwa.

By Dorrothy Moyo| The previously abducted Hospital Doctors Association leader Peter Magombeyi has said MDc leader Nelson Chamisa is too slow.

Magombeyi said this as he compared himself with the MDC President.

MAGOMBEYI SAYS @nelsonchamisa IS TOO SLOW | IS CHAMISA SLOW?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 24, 2019

Writing on Sunday morning, he said, “When I was SRC leader) I never listened to retrogressive statements. Zim health care system has to move towards the first world standards. Hatinga dzokere kwana mbuya nyamukuta
Chamisa you are slow!”

The statement was met with queries on what he expects Chamisa to do which he can better.

To this, he had not responded at the time of going to print.

Magombeyi escaped Zimbabwe early in October after ZimEye.com exposed the Zimbabwe Republic Police for keeping him hostage.

By A Correspondent- Violent storms destroyed three schools in Chimanimani East recently.

Last Saturday, a storm ravaged Nyambeya Primary School destroying seven classrooms and a teacher’s house. The destruction left four grades (from ECD to Grade 4) without a roof over their heads.

Five blocks at Kwirire Primary School also had their roofs blown off last Thursday, leaving pupils with no classes.

The storm also destroyed teachers’ houses.

Also affected by the rains was Manase Primary School.

The Manica Post visited Kwirire Primary School and discovered that five blocks had their roofs smashed while some tents that were housing 70 Early Childhood Education (ECD) pupils had been razed.

Fortunately, the school authorities had dismissed pupils early upon sensing danger.

“After sensing danger we dismissed all pupils at 2pm. Had we not done that this could have been a disaster considering the extent of damage caused by the storm. On a normal day lessons end at 4pm,” said school head Mr Twoboy Mapooze Sithole.

Chimanimani Rural District Council owns the school, which was built in 1982 with an enrolment of 1 154 pupils.

Two teachers’ houses also had their roofs blown off at the school.

“This is a disaster. We need urgent assistance as a school. The community is incapacitated and cannot render any assistance to the school. We need partners to rebuild the school,” said Mr Sithole.

Mr Sithole said the school was affected by Cyclone Idai in March this year and authorities were busy repairing it before the latest storm.

Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba has directed the District Schools Inspector’s office to prepare a detailed report.

“We are not yet in a position to close the affected schools. I have asked the DSI to prepare a detailed report,” said Mr Shumba.

Meanwhile, 12 pupils at Nedziwa High School were struck by lightning on Tuesday afternoon. This happened while they were at school.

They were rushed to Mutambara Mission Hospital

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police(ZRP) has released the names of seven of the eight horror crash victims who perished on the spot after the Toyota Hiace they were traveling in heading to Kanyemba from Harare burst into flames on Friday night.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the developments in a press statement where he said the seven victims have been identified and the eighth victim is yet to be identified, meanwhile, two survivors who were receiving treatment were discharged.

“One body is yet to be identified and members of the public who are missing a relative are urged to come forward and assist the police in the identification process,” said Nyathi.

The victims have been identified as Charles Mutematsaka(38) from Highfield, Harare, Maria Chada(45) from Waterfalls, Master Mutematsaka(18) from Highfield, Abraham Chinwara from Kanyemba Growth Point, Guruve, Cuthbert Kasana from Shange Village, Mushumbi, Guruve, Tonderai Murasikwa, from Kanyemba and a toddler from Waterfalls.

The commuter omnibus which is suspected to have been carrying flammables collided with a lorry and burst into flames in Concession, Mazowe District killing the driver, a toddler, and six other passengers.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A man from Mucheke in Masvingo will spend the next 20 years in jail after the High Court found him guilty of stabbing to death a tout over a $1 he had failed to pay.

Robert Mabhadho (39) stabbed Vengai Mariwo who was 31 when he met his fate in 2010, in the chest and left arm while the pair were drinking beer at Mundondo Beer Hall following a dispute over $1 that Mabhadho was supposed to pay for the tout’s pushcart service.

Mabhadho had hired the deceased’s pushcart but failed to pay for the services rendered, the court was told.

Appearing before Justice Garainesu Mawadze at Masvingo High Court early last week Mabhadho who was represented pro-deo by Mr Emmanuel Mudarikwa denied having stabbed the deceased to death but due to overwhelming evidence he was found guilty of murder with actual intent and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Delivering sentence Justice Mawadze said the accused’s actions were unjustifiable and he deserved sterner punishment.

“What you did was never justifiable and you deserve sterner sentence. There is no rationale in killing someone over a $1. I therefore send you to jail for the next 20 years,” said Justice Mawadze.

Prosecutor, Mr Mike Tembo told the court that sometime in September 2010, Mabhadho, a fellow tout hired a pushcart from Mariwo as he wanted to use it for a piece job.

Mariwo then gave him the pushcart on condition that he would give him $1 for the service and they agreed.

Later, the pair then met at Mundondo Beer Hall and Mariwo demanded his money from Mabhadho.

This did not go down well with Mabhadho and a fight ensued but Mabhadho was overpowered.

Sensing danger, Mabhadho suddenly took out an Okapi knife from his pocket before stabbing his victim on the right side of chest and left arm before fleeing.

Mariwo collapsed and died on the spot.

A report was made at Chikato Police leading to Mabhadho’s arrest at his home in Mucheke.

The body of Mariwo was then taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

The report indicated that Mariwo died of haemorrhagic shock and stab wound.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Prominent human rights lawyer Doug Coltart was reportedly assaulted by the police yesterday when visited his client, Artuz leader Obert Masaraure at the police holding cells. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader, Masaraure had been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct.

According to Masaraure, Coltart had brought him food at the police holding cells when he was assaulted. Masaraure has since been released.

Coltart’s father, former government minister and MDC official David Coltart confirmed the assault on Twitter Sunday morning:

I confirm that my son @DougColtart was brutally assaulted yesterday by police . I trust the @lawsocietyofzim will now act and take this matter up with the Minister of Home Affairs & Commisioner of Police. The assault of lawyers whilst representing their clients is unacceptable .

By A Correspondent- Controversy continues to follow former President Robert Mugabe to his grave, with his neighbours now being forced to relocate their cattle kraals to pave way for the construction of a protective precast wall at his rural Zvimba home.

Mugabe died and was buried at his rural Zvimba home in September.

When NewsDay Weekender visited the Mugabes’ homestead at Kutama a few days ago, about 200 workers were busy on site building the brick protective wall around the homestead where Mugabe’s remains are interred.

The controversial protective wall came at a cost for some villagers as they were forced to relocate their cattle kraals to pave way for construction of the wall by Chinese contractors.

A villager, Gibson Mareya, said they were summoned to the site by former First Lady Grace Mugabe early this month and told that their cattle kraals would be relocated to near Kutama Police Base.

They were allegedly told that there was no room for negotiations, but should simply follow instructions.

Mareya said no one objected save for Mugabe’s relative, Josphine Jarijari, who gave a brief history of the cattle relocation history.

“There was no room for negotiations. We were told what to do and everyone agreed. Grace told us that she would pay the cost of relocation. But a Mugabe relative, Ambuya Jarijari, initially refused, briefing the meeting that this is the second relocation after the first was done during the expansion of Mugabe’s rural home,” Mareya said.

Efforts to get a comment from Grace were fruitless. But Mugabe’s nephew, Dominic Matibiri, said the wall was meant to prevent intruders who might want to tamper with Mugabe’s remains.

“Since we buried our father there, a precast wall is a security measure to prevent his enemies from tampering around with his remains, considering that he was no longer a Zanu PF member,” Matibiri said without elaborating.

He said besides the security wall, they would also install CCTVs.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A man from Silobela was on Tuesday mauled to death by crocodiles while on a fishing expedition at Tshapewa Dam.

Julius Hoko from Tshapewa Village under Chief Gobo, had gone for fishing but did not return home, only for villagers to find his remains after some days of searching.

Although Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo could not be readily reached for comment, Silobela legislator, Cde Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu confirmed the incident.

“Yes, we received reports of a man from Ward 18 in Tshapewa area who was mauled by crocodiles. His remains were discovered after days of searching after he had been reported missing,” said Cde Mpofu.

He said the remains were taken to Silobela District Hospital.

“We are grateful to the villagers who managed to retrieve the remains and facilitated that the remains be taken to Silobela Hospital. Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family in this time of losing their breadwinner,” said Cde Manoki.

He appealed to relevant authorities to deal with the crocodiles that have since infested the dam, killing humans and livestock alike.

“This is not the first time we have lost many lives to crocodiles in Tshapewa Dam. The crocodiles are also killing people’s livestock. We are appealing to relevant authorities to do something, be it killing the troublesome crocodiles or transferring them to a safer place where they do not clash with humans,” he said.

Cde Mpofu said it was difficult for the villagers to avoid going fishing as it was their source of livelihood.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Mangwana, had downplayed the failure by government officials to welcome Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on his return from China on Saturday.

Mangwana said that Chiwenga’s return was not announced as he was coming from the hospital.

He said:

It wasn’t something that was announced in government that he was coming as he was coming from the hospital.

It is just like when he went to the hospital, there were no government officials to see him off.

If he wasn’t sent off when he left, why would there be government officials to welcome him?

Chiwenga landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport around 0230 hrs on Saturday and was welcomed by his son Tawanda, brother Onismo and Chinese deputy ambassador Zhao Boagang.

He had been to China, India and South Africa seeking treatment for an undisclosed ailment since the beginning of the year.

-Standard

By A Correspondent- Former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s language was foul, vul_gar and stinking to the heavens, a sign of immaturity in politics, veteran freedom fighter and former Cabinet Minister Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has said.

In his autobiography titled “Quiet Flows The Zambezi”, launched at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery on Friday evening, Retired Colonel Dube, a Zanu-PF Politburo member, wrote that Mrs Mugabe was crude and was the reason behind the subsequent fall of the late former president Robert Mugabe.

Rtd Col Dube said Mrs Mugabe’s immaturity in politics started showing when she used unorthodox means to push former Vice-President Joice Mujuru from her post and Zanu-PF in 2014.

“She was extremely crude and vul_gar. Her language was obscene and uncouth, to say the least,” writes Rtd Col Dube.

He said Mrs Mugabe, in her typical crude tirades, made accusations against former VP Mujuru some which bordered on witchcraft and pr0stitution.

“Some of us knew VP Mujuru to be a respectable person. All the denigration and insults she received were calculated to bring her down so that the First Lady would rise,” he said.

“Her language was foul, vul_gar and stinking to the heavens. She solicited support from some party heavy weights,” he said.

Rtd Col Dube said Mrs Mugabe, teamed with some G40 elements such as former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo to try to use the same tactic to push out President Emmerson Mnangagwa (then VP) in 2017.

Describing how former President Mugabe miscalculated the whole issue Rtd Col Dube said: “It was the beginning of the end which was hastened by his over ambitions wife Amai Grace Mugabe who lacked political tact and maturity.

“She began a campaign to land the post of Vice President once she had become the Secretary for the Women’s League from which she had elbowed out Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri.”

Rtd Col Dube said Mrs Mugabe thought she was going to use the same method although she got stuck in the political bog.

“When war erupted between the Party (Zanu-PF) and the war veterans, the writing was on the wall. Amai Mugabe made it even more legible,” he wrote.

-StateMedia

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has lashed at the  Chinese Deputy Ambassador for breaking protocol and welcoming Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at the airport on Saturday morning.

Chiwenga was arriving from a medical pilgrimage in China whe he was being treated for multiple organ failure.

Said Charamba, “TWI-PROTOCOL? Interesting that well-known oppositional twi-voices seek to teach is how to welcome and love our leaders! Itsitsi dzei? For the record, ED who is Head of State and President of Zimbabwe does not – repeat – DOES NOT receive his Deputy. In the same vein, the Chinese Ambassador who personifies the Chinese State here in Zimbabwe WILL NOT receive a Vice President of the State to which he is accredited. Protocol does not allow both cases. For the record, President Mnangagwa and his Deputy enjoyed daily communication while the VP was away.”

State Media|FARMERS in the drought hit Matabeleland region are now swarming maputi making firms in Bulawayo to get chuff, a by-product of the snack which they use to feed their cattle as people apply desperate measures to save their livestock.

The situation has been compounded by the continued increase in stock feed which has seen most farmers failing to buy the product.

Poverty deaths have also continued to rise in the region, with estimates now pointing to more than 6 000 cattle having succumbed to the drought.

Sunday Business on Friday last week discovered that farmers were swarming maputi production factories where they are buying the chuff from the plants to feed cattle.

In Kelvin North in Bulawayo, farmers told this publication that the product was cheap and was nutritious feed.

A 20-litre bucket of the chuff costs $5 compared to between $260 and $280 for a 50 kilogramme of stock feed in most shops in Bulawayo.

“We are feeding cattle with this maputi, it has a lot of energy and the price is also cheap. We sometimes add salt and other ingredients but when push comes to shove you just feed the livestock as it is,” said Mr Boas Ncube, who said he has a farm in Marula, Matabeleland South.

“You only need to make sure that after feeding the cattle, there is enough water for them because the feed is full of roughage.”

Another farmer from Kezi said as farmers they have pooled resources and are hiring trucks to carry the feed.

“We are even trying to negotiate with the owners of these factories to reserve the chuff for us but if it was up to us, we even want to buy the maputi to feed our cattle. It is a sorry state back home, cattle are dying and farmers are stranded,” he said.

The situation was also the same at another processing plant at Shasha at the Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus as farmers were buying the products.

A worker at one of the maputi processing plants at Man Precast Walling in Kelvin, Mr Trust Ngwenya said hundreds of farmers were flocking to the area to buy the chuff.

“We can sell as many as 300kgs of this chuff per day and the demand has been huge,” he said.

Farmers are also banking on the rains that have started falling in most parts of the country.

However, a livestock expert, Mr Mhlupeki Dube has warned that the transition from a drought to a wet season is usually the time when most people lose their animals.

“Remember when it rains firstly it becomes a little bit cold and that type of weather itself, causes animals to draw down on their energy just for thermo-regulation using energy reserves but because they are already very thin animals which do not have any energy reserves are drawing from empty reserves and they can succumb just on the basis of that cold spell that follows after some showers,” he said.

Mr Dube said the other issue is to do with the fact that the rain has some nostalgic effects on animals and they tend to think that there is green grass somewhere so as a result they wander off looking for green grass.

“Some get lost and even die in the bush because they are thin and they are busy looking for non-existent green grass on the basis of the rain that has fallen so once there is rain you need to look at your animals closely so that they do not stray. Above all you need to give them an energy supplementary diet, that means even if it is hay you need to mix it with molasses which is a carbohydrate which provides energy so that is an energy supplement if you do not have the commercial stock feeds.”

He added that farmers also need to give the animals a jab of vitamins.

“The most important part is that farmers have to be patient for about two to three weeks when the grass starts growing so that the animals can gain some condition because the tendency is that just after it has rained people rush to the field and use their animals for draught power regardless of the status of the animals or the condition of the animals. What happens is that soon after the ploughing day as you take them out of the jock the animals may just collapse and die because of the strain.”

WAR veterans now want government to establish a bank for them and build a specialised hospital to exclusively treat the over 25 000 remaining former liberation war fighters.

The issue was revealed in Parliament by Defence and War Veterans Ministry secretary Mark Marongwe when he appeared before the parliamentary portfolio committee on defence to speak on the 2020 budget last week.

Marongwe’s submission came hard on the heels of a recommendation by the committee that war veterans must be exempted from paying tollgate and parking fees.

“Women have their own bank, which was established for them, but if you look at the war heroes that fought in the liberation struggle they are not well funded in terms of self-help projects and there is need for financing to be availed so that there can be a war veterans bank where they can borrow money for self-help projects,” Marongwe said.

“Even 39 years after independence our remaining liberation fighters are still suffering from different effects of the war and just like in other countries like the United States of America there is need for a specialised hospital to cater for our war veterans, and the hospital can raise money through charging fees to non-veteran clients.”

Marongwe’s suggestions were supported by the parliamentary committee whose report also recommended that the former fighters be given more land and be exempted from taxes.

The committee’s chairperson Levi Mayihlome from Zanu PF said the government should adopt a policy to ensure that once land has been allocated to war veterans, it must not be repossessed.

“The government should establish a war veterans bank which allows members to access loans at low interest rates,” he said.

“Beginning year 2020, government should also exempt war veterans from the following taxes; land, vehicles, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment levies, tollgates and parking fees.

“Widows and surviving children of war veterans must not be dispossessed of agricultural land.

“The Ministry of Defence and War Veterans should allow grass roots war veterans to elect their representatives to the board.

“The government should establish vocational training centres, which offer practical short courses in welding, plumbing, pig farming and poultry to be introduced at the beginning of year 2020.”

The committee report also said that war veterans were being ignored during government events.

“The committee recommends that the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans should craft a policy that recognises war veterans, duly awarding them with liberation war medals, with uniforms and special sitting arrangements at all events that relate to the liberation of Zimbabwe,” the committee added.

“It is also recommended that government should declare all veterans of the liberation struggle national heroes upon death with equal benefits despite that one is buried at the national shrine, provincial shrine or his home area.”

In 1997 former president Robert Mugabe was forced to pay the former fighters huge but unbudgeted payouts after they started protesting against his government.

War veterans now get monthly pensions and were also given priority during the land redistribution programme that started in the year 2000.

Standard

Zimbabwe Cross Border Traders Association president Killer Zivhu said that the government should have implemented the policy requiring every importer to declare their source of foreign currency when it reintroduced the Zimbabwe Dollar in February.

Zivhu made the remarks following Deputy Finance Minister Clemence Chiduwa’s declaration on Friday that the government is now crafting the policy. Said Zivhu:

“At that time [in February] it would have worked because there was some confidence in the banking sector which has somewhat waned at the moment.

“So, what the Government should do is to direct the RBZ to restore confidence in the banking sector first.”

On Friday Chiduwa, who was in the company of Minister Mthuli Ncube and permanent secretary George Guvamatanga, told reporters that importers will soon be required to declare the legal source of their foreign currency under legislation being drafted.

He said this is meant to push foreign currency trading into the legal interbank market and away from the black market.

Pindula

AS POLITICAL tension continues to rise in the country amid growing criticism of the authorities’ brutal handling of dissenters the government warned yesterday that it would arrest opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, pictured, if he holds public meetings without police approval, the Daily News reports.

This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government are facing renewed pressure from both locals and the international community to respect the country’s Constitution and allow peaceful gatherings and protests.

But a few days after riot police savaged MDC supporters in Harare on Wednesday, the government said yesterday that it would not hesitate to arrest Chamisa if he ever held meetings that were not sanctioned by jittery authorities.

This is despite Mnangagwa’s recent signing into law of the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) – which replaced the repressive Public Order Security Act (Posa) which was routinely used by the government to thwart both opposition and pro-democracy groups from holdings mass demonstrations.

“Under the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, you can’t do a demonstration without notifying the regulatory authority, and if they do that then they can be arrested.

“If Chamisa carries on with what he said he can be arrested. He is out of order … you can’t do that and endanger other people who are doing their business,” Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told the Daily News yesterday.

The minister was responding to threats by Chamisa to hold public meetings without notifying police, after all his recent requests for such permission were declined by the authorities

Ziyambi added that Chamisa would also be held to account for any damage and destruction resulting from unsanctioned demonstrations and other gatherings organised by his party.

“The reason that you notify the police is so that they can clear it, if it is safe … to do a demonstration. You can’t also have a demonstration the same day that there is a programme that clashes with your demonstration,” he said further.

Since August 16 this year, when police banned MDC protests in Harare, all attempts by Chamisa to be allowed to hold rallies or public meetings have been met with resistance by the police.

Ziyambi said the reasons for banning MDC public meetings were not based on political instruction since the law “allows the convener and police to discuss the reasons for banning a demonstration”.

Daily News

The government yesterday made conflicting statements about Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s return after his four-month-long stay in China where he was receiving treatment.

Chiwenga quietly flew back into the country yesterday and there were no government officials to welcome him at the Robert Mugabe International Airport.

A fit-looking Chiwenga, who appeared to have recovered from an undisclosed ailment, but suspected to be food poisoning, was met at the airport by his son Tawanda, brother Onismo and Chinese deputy ambassador Zhao Boagang.

The VP arrived in Harare shortly after 2am aboard a Chinese plane.

Information secretary Nick Mangwana said there were no government officials towelcome the VP at the airport because his return had not been “announced.”

“The VP is back,” Mangwana said.

“It wasn’t something that was announced in government that he was coming as he was coming from hospital.

“It is just like when he went to hospital, there were no government officials to see him off.

“If he wasn’t sent off when he left, why would there be government officials to welcome him.”

On the other hand, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said his boss does not receive his subordinates at the airport when they return from trips abroad.

Charamba took to Twitter to respond to social media debate about Chiwenga’s low key arrival.

“Interesting that well-known opposition twi-voices (sic) seek to teach us how to welcome and love our leaders,” he tweeted. “For the record (Mnangagwa), who is head of State and president of Zimbabwe does not – repeat – does not receive his deputy.

“In the same vein, the Chinese ambassador who personifies the Chinese state here in Zimbabwe will not receive a vice president of the state to which he is accredited.

“Protocol does not allow both cases. For the record, President Mnangagwa and his deputy enjoyed daily communication while the VP was away.

Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia later visited Chiwenga at his house in Harare’s Borrowdale suburb.

Regis Chikowore, a principal director in the Office of the President and Cabinet said the president was “extremely happy” to see his deputy in good health.

“The president met the vice president and he was extremely happy to see his deputy in good health,” he said.

Prior to his return, there were reports that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga had fallen out because of factionalism in Zanu PF. A cabinet reshuffle early this month was linked to the alleged infighting.

Some Zanu PF officials were allegedly pushing for Chiwenga’s ouster on the grounds of ill health. The VP, however, seemed to be training his guns on striking doctors and the opposition in an interview with the state controlled media soon after his arrival.

He said there was no need for “others” to have the “Genghis Khan mentality.”

Khan was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death.

“To the others, it will not help to have that Genghis Khan mentality.

“He wanted to conquer the world and went through the ancient desert. All the horses perished, all the men perished so why would you want to do that?” Chiwenga said

“We have to work, we have the resources-we must utilise them and work and build our country.

“That’s the message we want to give our people that it will not help now and again to go on strike. You strike against what? Let’s work and build our country.”

Doctors at public hospitals have been on strike since September demanding salaries linked to the United States dollar and better working conditions.

Last year, Chiwenga ordered the dismissal of hundreds of nurses that had gone on strike protesting against poor pay.

The VP has been to China, India and South Africa seeking treatment since the beginning of the year.

Standard

By Own Correspondent | Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga while thanking Chinese medics who revived his health, has criticised his own local doctors.

He did this on the first day of arriving in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean doctors as ZimEye reveals, are paid a paltry USD70 per month.

Speaking at his house, Chiwenga praised the Chinese doctors, telling Mnangagwa, ‘Mukoma, ndakabatwa zvakanaka, I can’t think of anything else or wish for anything else . . .’”

But the general barely a day in the country, suddenly opened fire on his own local professionals. Chiwenga took a swipe at civil servants especially doctors, who have been on strike for months demanding pay pegged to the US dollar. “Not that every now and again you go on strike, you strike against who?”, said Chiwenga.

THERE was a high voter turnout yesterday for the Zanu-PF Bulawayo District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections, with results expected to be announced today.

The elections in Bulawayo were held in line with Zanu-PF’s drive to reinvigorate the party. Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Victor Matemadanda, who was spearheading the party’s restructuring process, said the elections went smoothly and was astounded by the turnout.

“Initially I was not expecting such a large turnout. But the numbers are clear; they are very encouraging and project a correct signal to the leadership of whom the people want to lead them. A person and people elected by the people,” said Matemadanda.

He said of great note about the turnout was the presence of the Muslim community and the return of some former members, who had joined other political fronts such as the National Patriotic Front (NPF).

“There was a huge turnout from the Muslim community, this just goes to show that we are taking steps in the right direction. Also the numbers of youths were encouraging, they came and participated and this shows that they are interested in the affairs of the country. Another thing of note was the presence of former members who had left the party to join the NPF. They wanted to contest but according to our party’s constitution they could not because there are certain procedures that need to be followed. They need to reapply and serve for a certain term for them to be considered,” said Matemadanda.

He said during the process, which was held across Bulawayo there were no incidents of violence or rowdiness.

“We are grateful to all who participated and also displaying signs of maturity, as there were no incidents. This is what we forecasted for Bulawayo. The people know what they want and they were co-ordinated. Even the contestants have no bad blood, there were scenes of them sharing lighter moments and even wishing each other well. The only incidents that we experienced were of some individuals who were trying to influence voters but they were immediately dealt with,” said Matemadanda.

Matemadanda said he was also pleased that there was no interference from se­nior party mem­bers such as those in the Cen­tral Com­mit­tee, Na­tional Con­sul­ta­tive Assem­bly and Polit­buro.

“Vet­ting of prospec­tive can­di­dates was done smoothly. The party wants to set proper struc­tures in Bu­l­awayo. The New Dis­pen­sa­tion will not tol­er­ate acts of fac­tion­al­ism in its struc­tures,” he said.

The rein­tro­duc­tion of DCCs, which were banned in 2012, is the first step in the re­struc­tur­ing of the party as it pre­pares for the 2023 har­monised elec­tions.

A commuter omnibus conductor, Oshia Njenge, who luckily escaped a horrific crash near Mutorashanga turn-off, is still struggling to come to terms with the painful end of his eight passengers and driver after their vehicle burst into flames at the 31km peg along the Mazowe-Centenary Road on Friday.

The ill-fated commuter omnibus side-swiped with a lorry at 7pm.

The vehicle was carrying eight passengers plus the driver and conductor.

Njenge, who was the only survivor, was seated at the back seat when the accident happened.

He had to jump through the shattered back screen of the vehicle.

As he was trying to rescue trapped passengers, the kombi burst into flames and he could only watch from a distance.

“I was sitting at the back seat of the kombi when I heard a deafening bang. The back screen was shattered and I escaped through it. I tried to rescue other passengers, but there was an explosion which made it impossible to assist them,” said Njege.

“Some of the passengers, including the driver, managed to find their way out of the kombi, but they were engulfed by the flames.

“It was a sorry site watching them being burnt to death. They were screaming for help, but nothing could be done to assist them,” said Njenge.

Both Civil Protection Unit chair Mr Cosmas Chiringa and Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the accident.

“The accident happened near Mutorashanga turn-off around 7pm on Friday night. The kombi, which had nine passengers including the driver, side-swiped with a lorry and eight people were burnt to death. One of them was burnt beyond recognition. The conductor of the kombi was the only survivor,” said Mr Chiringa.

The kombi is said to have been carrying four rolls of fibreglass and some flammable substances suspected to be petrol or resin, which burst into flames as a result of the impact.

Insp Mundembe said the remains of the eight passengers were taken to Concession District Hospital mortuary.

Seven bodies were positively identified yesterday.

One body could not be identified as it was burnt beyond recognition.

He said two of the three people who were in the lorry escaped with minor injuries and were treated at Concession District Hospital.

For Zephania Muringazuva, who witnessed the accident, it was the screaming that still haunts him the most.

The lorry, he claimed, was driving in front of the kombi and suddenly turned right without indicating.

“The kombi then side-swiped with the lorry. It was carrying flammable substances which caused the explosion upon impact of the two vehicles. We are not sure what the substances were because some are saying they were filled tanks of gas while some said it was petrol.

“The fire was just uncontrollable and we watched in shock as people were being burnt to death. We are still being haunted by their screaming,” he said.

Insp Mundembe appealed to those missing their relatives to visit Concession District Hospital to help identify the remaining body.

He urged motorists to observe road regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

“We also want to urge motorists to ensure there is adequate breaking distance between their vehicles. Passenger transporters should avoid night journeys.

“We also want to urge motorists not to carry flammable substances in public vehicles,” said Insp Mundembe.

Three Harare City council employees who allegedly awarded tenders to supply goods and services to companies they have links with were arrested on Friday by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

The trio — Resline Biza (49), Terence Mhereyenyoka (47) and Nhamo Gavhu — yesterday appeared separately before Harare magistrate Mr Josiah Mujaya facing corruption charges.

They were not asked to plead and magistrate Mujaya granted Biza and Mhereyenyoka $400 bail each while Gavhu was asked to pay $500.

They are all expected to be back in court on December 9. According to State papers, Biza used a company — Sales Arena — which she is alleged to have an interest in to raise an order to supply a tent to the local authority.

“Accused awarded the contract to her company Sales Arena which supplied a tent worth US$9 000 without going through competitive bidding with three or more companies, thereby deceiving her principal, Harare City Council,” read the case outline.

The court papers also show that Mhereyenyoka faced one count of doctoring a company registration document which he used to supply the local authority a spray gun and Chalkline worth US$5 700.

“The accused carried out a transaction in connection with his principals’ affairs without disclosing to the principal that he held a personal interest in the subject matter of the transactions,” read Mherenyenyoka’s charge sheet in part

It is further alleged that Gavhu, who faces five counts of corruption, used false documents to defraud Harare City Council.

“Sometime in January 2017 Harare City Council invited quotations for the purchase of rope lights. The accused unlawfully and intentionally used a document containing false statements … to raise fake quotations purporting them to be from Lighting World Msasa and Powerspeed Electrical.

“The accused inflated prices for the purported two competing companies for them to appear undesirable compared to his company of choice, Alichia (Pvt) Ltd, giving it unfair advantage to win the bid and supplied the rope lights worth US$10 000 without going through competitive bidding, thereby deceiving his principals.”

Gavhu is alleged to have used the same modus operandi on four other separate occasions.

In granting bail, magistrate Mr Majaya ordered the trio to reside at their given addresses, surrender passports and not to interfere with State witnesses.

State Media|Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga says timely intervention by President Mnangagwa to engage his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, to facilitate his airlift to Beijing for specialist care and treatment prevented his “imminent death” and saved his life.

In July, the President made the decision when VP Chiwenga was battling for life in the intensive care unit of a South African hospital. At the time, the VP suffered memory lapses, speech impairment and excruciating pain.

However, in what has been an extraordinary recovery story, VP Chiwenga — who arrived home in the early hours of Saturday after a four-month absence — yesterday looked fit and agile when he received President Mnangagwa at his home.

The duo shared a hearty embrace before an hour-and-half private engagement.

Emerging from the meeting, a visibly elated President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, explained the VP’s path to recovery.

“When he left he was unwell, which was giving us sleepless nights because our comrade was unwell,” said the President.

“So we arranged for him to go to South Africa and while he was there, we spoke to our Chinese friends, we spoke to President Xi Jinping, who is our dear friend, who offered to assist with his treatment.

“We saw it fit for the VP to go to China. We flew him there and he stayed there for a number of months. Now you can see for yourselves that he has regained his fitness and he is clear-minded.

“When he initially left he was having memory lapses, and he was in so much pain that everyone could tell the agony he was in.”

VP Chiwenga, he said, is now “raring to go”.

“I am confident that now the whole of Zimbabwe knows that the Vice President is back and fit, and he is very clear and raring to go. That is why I said God is there because my colleague is back and we can now put our heads together to uplift the country.”

When The Sunday Mail asked him when the VP was expected back in office, President Mnangagwa responded: “You can see the way he looks now, but on my part, I am not too concerned about him returning back to work, I am more concerned about his welfare and that he is back to full fitness. But as someone who is coming from being ill, I only wish for him to start his duties slowly and move progressively to take up more work. You can see for yourselves that the man is glowing.”

The President also revealed that the VP’s ill-health had “affected him personally”, adding that his return had brought him immense relief.

He said he also sent a special message of thanks to President Xi Jinping for facilitating VP Chiwenga’s treatment.

“I am also very grateful to my brother, the President of the People’s Republic of China whom I talked to and he said he will do his best and instruct his system to do their best to look after your Vice President, and that has been done.

“And I have sent a letter to President Xi Jinping thanking him for the role he played in looking after my VP. Besides that, I have also asked General Chiwenga on how was the care in the hospital and he says, ‘Mukoma, ndakabatwa zvakanaka, I can’t think of anything else or wish for anything else . . .’”

With a voice full of life, VP Chiwenga thanked the President for his judicious decision to send him to China for treatment.

“And I want to thank personally my President, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, if he had not intervened the time I was in the intensive care in South Africa, I could have been history by now, and when he communicated with his counterpart President Xi Jinping, I was then taken to China . . . he did not act as the President but acted as my brother to make sure that I survive . . .

“And I would also want, before I go far, to thank the people of Zimbabwe for their prayers; those prayers from across the country helped my recovery.”

He also explained his hospital stint and recovery.

“Up to yesterday, from the time I left, I had spent 123 days in hospital. When I got there it was the 21st of July and got my discharge certificate later on after 123 days. “I feel strong and I am raring to go for work . . . everything possible was done; they left no stone unturned . . . so I am very fit and happy.”

He said he had already resumed his duties.

It is now incumbent upon us to work to achieve the vision our President has set for 2030”.

“Let us work with him tirelessly to ensure everything is achieved.”

FORMER First Lady Grace Mugabe’s language was foul, vulgar and stinking to the heavens, a sign of immaturity in politics, veteran freedom fighter and former Cabinet Minister Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has said.

In his autobiography titled “Quiet Flows The Zambezi”, launched at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery on Friday evening, Retired Colonel Dube, a Zanu-PF Politburo member, wrote that Mrs Mugabe was crude and was the reason behind the subsequent fall of the late former president Robert Mugabe.

Rtd Col Dube said Mrs Mugabe’s immaturity in politics started showing when she used unorthodox means to push former Vice-President Joice Mujuru from her post and Zanu-PF in 2014.

“She was extremely crude and vulgar. Her language was obscene and uncouth, to say the least,” writes Rtd Col Dube.

He said Mrs Mugabe, in her typical crude tirades, made accusations against former VP Mujuru some which bordered on witchcraft and prostitution.

“Some of us knew VP Mujuru to be a respectable person. All the denigration and insults she received were calculated to bring her down so that the First Lady would rise,” he said.

“Her language was foul, vulgar and stinking to the heavens. She solicited support from some party heavy weights,” he said.

Rtd Col Dube said Mrs Mugabe, teamed with some G40 elements such as former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo to try to use the same tactic to push out President Emmerson Mnangagwa (then VP) in 2017.State media

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga says timely intervention by President Mnangagwa to engage his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, to facilitate his airlift to Beijing for specialist care and treatment prevented his “imminent death” and saved his life.

In July, the President made the decision when VP Chiwenga was battling for life in the intensive care unit of a South African hospital. At the time, the VP suffered memory lapses, speech impairment and excruciating pain.

However, in what has been an extraordinary recovery story, VP Chiwenga — who arrived home in the early hours of Saturday after a four-month absence — yesterday looked fit and agile when he received President Mnangagwa at his home.

The duo shared a hearty embrace before an hour-and-half private engagement.
Emerging from the meeting, a visibly elated President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, explained the VP’s path to recovery.

“When he left he was unwell, which was giving us sleepless nights because our comrade was unwell,” said the President.
“So we arranged for him to go to South Africa and while he was there, we spoke to our Chinese friends, we spoke to President Xi Jinping, who is our dear friend, who offered to assist with his treatment.

“We saw it fit for the VP to go to China. We flew him there and he stayed there for a number of months. Now you can see for yourselves that he has regained his fitness and he is clear-minded.
“When he initially left he was having memory lapses, and he was in so much pain that everyone could tell the agony he was in.”
VP Chiwenga, he said, is now “raring to go”.

“I am confident that now the whole of Zimbabwe knows that the Vice President is back and fit, and he is very clear and raring to go. That is why I said God is there because my colleague is back and we can now put our heads together to uplift the country.”

When The Sunday Mail asked him when the VP was expected back in office, President Mnangagwa responded: “You can see the way he looks now, but on my part, I am not too concerned about him returning back to work, I am more concerned about his welfare and that he is back to full fitness. But as someone who is coming from being ill, I only wish for him to start his duties slowly and move progressively to take up more work. You can see for yourselves that the man is glowing.”

The President also revealed that the VP’s ill-health had “affected him personally”, adding that his return had brought him immense relief.
He said he also sent a special message of thanks to President Xi Jinping for facilitating VP Chiwenga’s treatment.

“I am also very grateful to my brother, the President of the People’s Republic of China whom I talked to and he said he will do his best and instruct his system to do their best to look after your Vice President, and that has been done.

“And I have sent a letter to President Xi Jinping thanking him for the role he played in looking after my VP. Besides that, I have also asked General Chiwenga on how was the care in the hospital and he says, ‘Mukoma, ndakabatwa zvakanaka, I can’t think of anything else or wish for anything else . . .’”

With a voice full of life, VP Chiwenga thanked the President for his judicious decision to send him to China for treatment.State media

By A Correspondent| EMMERSON MNANGAGWA’S personal spokesman George Charamba has taken a direct swipe at the Deputy Chinese ambassador for driving to the RGM Airport to welcome Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday.

In the wee hours of Saturday, the Deputy envoy, Mr Zhao Baogang performed a brief welcoming ceremony for Chiwenga at the airport.

Writing on his twitter portal, Charamba complained saying, what is the sympathy for itsitsi dzeyi? He said in full:

“TWI-PROTOCOL? Interesting that well-known oppositional twi-voices seek to teach is how to welcome and love our leaders! Itsitsi dzei? For the record, ED who is Head of State and President of Zimbabwe does not – repeat – DOES NOT receive his Deputy. In the same vein, the Chinese.

“…Ambassador who personifies the Chinese State here in Zimbabwe WILL NOT receive a Vice President of the State to which he is accredited. Protocol does not allow both cases. For the record, President Mnangagwa and his Deputy enjoyed daily communication while the VP was away.

“The President will meet and welcome his Deputy in the appropriate way and setting. In the meantime, all well-meaning Zimbabweans rejoice that Vice President Chiwenga is back and looks fit.”

It is believed there is a rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, and the former, Mnangagwa, has omitted Chiwenga in renaming over 10 streets after him.

Meanwhile Chiwenga today announced that he is ready to resume his official duties.

Chiwenga was speaking to reporters after arriving at around 02:30Hrs.

Chiwenga had been in China for the past four months where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Government is placing strong emphasis on reviving key economic sectors through the promotion of production-oriented investment and implementing initiatives targeted at enhancing the performance of State enterprises and parastatals.

This was said by Vice President Kembo Mohadi during the 7th edition of the Excellence in Corporate Governance Awards held in Harare on Thursday night.

The annual awards ceremony is organised by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe (ICSAZ) to honour company boards who promote good corporate governance practices.

Mohadi said the various reforms being undertaken by Government had put Zimbabwe in the right direction.
“We are seeking to grow the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

“Progress has been made on many fronts that include, but not limited to fiscal consolidation, monetary policy restoration and liberalisation of the foreign exchange market to mention but a few.

“The 2020 National Budget, which marked a transition from austerity to a growth stimulation and employment generation era, offered quite a number of incentives which should be taken advantage of by all productive sectors of the economy.”

Mohadi said Government was improving the ease of doing business in the country through the establishment of a “One-Stop Shop” investment centre.

“The establishment of a One-Stop Shop investment centre is aimed at improving investor confidence,” he said.State media

Watch video loading below. ..

MDC President Nelson Chamisa will be arrested if he holds public meetings without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police and getting its approval.

This was said by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in an interview with the Daily News on Friday.

He said:
“Under the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, you can’t do a demonstration without notifying the regulatory authority, and if they do that then they can be arrested.
“If Chamisa carries on with what he said he can be arrested.

He is out of order … you can’t do that and endanger other people who are doing their business.”

Police have been routinely banning almost all of the MDC’s planned public gatherings giving flimsy reasons for doing so.

Nicknamed ”Wamba Dia Wamba”, after a Congolese warlord, when as a fiery student leader, he was expelled from Harare Polytechnic for a time because of his activism as a founder member of the MDC in 1999.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed into law the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) — which replaced the Public Order Security Act (Posa).

Posa was used by the police to block the MDC from holding rallies.
– DailyNews

MDC President Nelson Chamisa will be arrested if he holds public meetings without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police and getting its approval.

This was said by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in an interview with the Daily News on Friday.

He said:
“Under the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, you can’t do a demonstration without notifying the regulatory authority, and if they do that then they can be arrested.
“If Chamisa carries on with what he said he can be arrested.

He is out of order … you can’t do that and endanger other people who are doing their business.”

Police have been routinely banning almost all of the MDC’s planned public gatherings giving flimsy reasons for doing so.

Nicknamed ”Wamba Dia Wamba”, after a Congolese warlord, when as a fiery student leader, he was expelled from Harare Polytechnic for a time because of his activism as a founder member of the MDC in 1999.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed into law the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) — which replaced the Public Order Security Act (Posa).

Posa was used by the police to block the MDC from holding rallies.
– DailyNews

MDC President Nelson Chamisa will be arrested if he holds public meetings without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police and getting its approval.

This was said by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in an interview with the Daily News on Friday.

He said:
“Under the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, you can’t do a demonstration without notifying the regulatory authority, and if they do that then they can be arrested.
“If Chamisa carries on with what he said he can be arrested.

He is out of order … you can’t do that and endanger other people who are doing their business.”

Police have been routinely banning almost all of the MDC’s planned public gatherings giving flimsy reasons for doing so.

Nicknamed ”Wamba Dia Wamba”, after a Congolese warlord, when as a fiery student leader, he was expelled from Harare Polytechnic for a time because of his activism as a founder member of the MDC in 1999.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed into law the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) — which replaced the Public Order Security Act (Posa).

Posa was used by the police to block the MDC from holding rallies.
– DailyNews

Self-exiled G40 kingpin Professor Jonathan Moyo and MDC-ALLIANCE leader Mr Nelson Chamisa have allegedly written a letter to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and selected SADC leaders requesting for them to push for exclusive dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa, outside the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad).

The letter dubbed “Open Letter to President Ramaphosa” was not sent through official channels, but has been distributed to five newspapers, among them the Sunday Times for publication on Sunday, Kenyan sources said.

President Ramaphosa is especially targeted since he is taking over the African Union chairmanship in January next year.

“Chamisa and Moyo have agreed that they would not send the letter to the Presidents of Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and Angola, claiming that ‘the regimes in these countries are as repressive as Zimbabwe.’

“Although they initially wanted to exclude President Masisi of Botswana from the list of recipients of the letter, Chamisa assured Moyo that the Khama remnants in the BDP would be in a position to push Botswana towards a more friendly posture.

“Chamisa and Moyo were advised by US officials to embark on a diplomatic offensive against the rising anti sanctions sentiments, ahead of the AU Summit in January 2020,’’ said the sources.

However, the initiative is unlikely to succeed as African countries are convinced that the sanctions are not justified.

MDC secretary-general Mr Charlton Hwende yesterday said; “My president Chamisa is very clear in engaging SADC leaders to mediate between Zanu-PF and MDC-A.

‘There is need for dialogue between the two major political parties in Zimbabwe to take the country forward.”

Analysts and political leaders have criticised the MDC-A leader for continuing to insist on dialogue between President Mnangagwa and himself outside POLAD.

Recently, Mr Chamisa approached bishop of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Nehemiah Mutendi to facilitate dialogue with President Mnangagwa.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku said if the MDC-A was serious about dialogue with Zanu-PF, it should do so through Polad.

“Polad provides that platform where two political parties can discuss certain issues without the involvement of other players.

“MDC-A should realise that they are the only party missing from the framework.

“They are welcome to join us. Sadc recognises Polad and so who are they to condemn the platform.

“This country does not belong to ZANU-PF and MDC-A only, other parties constitute almost five percent, which is a big number,” said Professor Madhuku

Political analyst Mr Tafadzwa Mugwadi said it was interesting that Mr Chamisa was pushing for a parallel process that excluded other players at a time when the Polad platform had been endorsed by progressive forces.

“That only serves to show that he is aware that he is fast losing relevance even among his kingmakers in the vanguard. He should sort out his own problem than hiding behind the excuse of bilateral discussions with President Mnangagwa,” he said.

MDC-T vice president Obert Gutu said MDC-A should appreciate the efforts of local co-conveners of Polad led by retired Justice Selo Nare from the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and Mrs Margaret Sangarwe from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to initiate the dialogue process.

“These two individuals are not only proud Zimbabweans, they are also people of impeccable integrity and credentials.

“This attitude of always wanting and preferring foreign things at the expense of our own home-grown solutions and ideas is clearly indicative of low self-esteem and self-hate. Dreaming of a foreign convenor to chair Polad is like experiencing a torrid and horrible nightmare.

“That is not going to happen. Zimbabweans will manage dialogue amongst themselves.

“They don’t need a foreigner to handle their dialogue,” said Mr Gutu.

Professor Richard Chinomona said Zimbabwe needed every patriotic citizen to contribute the best of his or her ability towards rebuilding the nation.

“The dialogue process should be done in the spirit of love for our country that should take precedence over our own personal political, economic or other ambitions.

“There should be no special treatment of certain individuals or groups.

“These platforms could be political such as Polad, churches and business among other platforms,” he said.

Professor Chinomona said Government should put together all these views and concretise them into policies, programmes and activities that promote peace, stability and prosperity for the common good of all.

“I think it is myopic for any one individual or group of individuals to think that they hold the keys to Zimbabwe’s economic challenges,” he said

Polad member, Rebuild Party of Zimbabwe leader Reverent Everesto Chikanga said MDC-A should not use Polad as a sticking point for dialogue with Zanu-PF.

“President Mnangagwa is everyone’s President. Chamisa is free to engage President Mnangagwa, but he should recognise him as the President of Zimbabwe first. If we are looking for a national dialogue that will take our country forward, Polad is the only platform.

“It has already been endorsed by the international community, including Sadc and the AU among others. President Mnangagwa is saying everyone should join Polad.

“If he is serious about dialogue, Chamisa should do so,” said Rev Chikanga.

-Herald

A 34-year-old suspect was arrested at the Beitbridge border post on Thursday for trying to smuggle explosives into South Africa from Zimbabwe.

Police said the explosives were contained in four-gallon (roughly 15l) plastic containers being transported on a trailer. The suspect initially told police that the containers contained oil.

“He was then directed towards the baggage scanner. When the containers were subsequently opened, 398 pieces of blasting cartridges (explosive gel) were found and the suspect was immediately arrested,” police said.

They added that the suspect, who is from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, would appear soon in the Musina magistrate’s court on charges of possession of explosive materials.

“The motive for the smuggling is not known at this stage, however police investigations are continuing.”

— TimesLive

Watch video loading below. ..

It is barely 10 o’clock in the morning, but the sweltering heat is unforgiving and scores of patients from all over the country sit huddled on wooden benches while others are sprawled on the pavement around the entrance of the outpatients department at Karanda Mission Hospital, Mt Darwin.

A pregnant young nurse aide, dressed in pink, calmly attends to each patient, but clearly, she is overwhelmed because more patients keep walking through the gate a few metres away. It gets worse when a Kurai bus from Harare docks by the gate and more patients flock into the hospital to join the long, meandering queue.

The bus is literally emptied of passengers, who have all come in desperation to seek medical care, which has been elusive in public hospitals across the country following the doctors’ strike that began two months ago.

An elderly man with a dangling urine bag peeping from the hem of his worn out trousers walks with determination and shrugs off a helping hand from his aide, who has accompanied him from Harare. It looks bloody, but the man is unperturbed and his face lights up as he approaches the nurse aide.

A heavily pregnant woman waddles along carrying her oversized bag. She is alone. The bus fare (about $70) proved too much for relatives to accompany her.

Kurai is the only bus that has not yet hiked its fare for the 200km trip from Harare.

NewsDay Weekender had earlier trailed the speeding bus, whose driver was more concerned with honking his horn than paying attention to the sharp curves and the many dips on the road.

Back at the 150-bed mission hospital, the smell of sickness, blood, wounds and disease hangs thick, but no one seems to mind. They are only too happy that at last they are at a place of hope and pin their hopes on the dedicated staff to heal them and restore their health.

For such a crowd, there is a surprising quietness and serenity as each individual awaits their turn to be served. Many have come from faraway places like Gokwe, Rusape, Gwanda, Kwekwe and even Beitbridge.

Besides an occasional cough and hushed whispers, it remains peaceful.

For the past few weeks, this has been the situation at this lovely establishment, which is known for its quality service and dedicated staff. It is one of the last few oasis of hope in the madness that prevails in most public hospitals, which have literally ground to a halt in terms of operations.

Taison Hloko (60) from Muzarabani cuts a lone figure as he sits by a concrete bench. He is waiting for the visiting hour, so that he can see his wife, who is admitted at the hospital.

“My wife was involved in an accident with a scotch cart and fractured her pelvic bone in September. Ideally, we would have taken her to Harare, but the situation there was pathetic. There were no doctors,” he recalls the painful experience.

Desperate to save his wife’s life, Hloko braved the long draining trip to Karanda — an Evangelical Alliance Mission-run hospital which boasts of treating over 100 000 patients and performing about 3 500 surgeries annually.

“The journey was too painful for her, but we both had to be brave because we knew this place was her only chance,” he said.

Since then, Hloko has been hanging around the hospital, sleeping in the open at the verandas of nearby shops.

“We sleep on the verandas of the shops and during the day we just walk about waiting for the visiting hours. It has been very difficult for us, but there is no other place I would rather be,” he said with resignation.

Hloko is upbeat that soon, his wife will be discharged and they can go home, but he makes a plea to the doctors.

“Please come back to work. We need you. This is no way to live. People are struggling,” he said.

But the reality of the situation across the country’s hospitals is reflected in the wards at Karanda, which are literally swarming with patients.

In the male wards, all the beds are occupied as well as the floor.

The scene is shocking as well as sad. Grown men, mostly shirtless because of the suffocating heat, crouch on their beds surrounded by relatives, who have come to visit. Oblivious of their surroundings, they chat happily and are eager to hear news from home.

Despite being overcrowded, the patients are well taken care of. The ever-polite staff is always on hand, ready to assist, but the workload is evidently taking a toll on them.

After every few minutes, another stretcher bed is wheeled in with another patient from the surgery. There are many of these apparently. Some patients lie on these stretcher beds in the passage as they wait to be admitted.

“I had to sleep under my husband’s bed after his surgery, because he needed assistance. It was only a bit uncomfortable at first to be in a room full of men, but when I realised that we just wanted the same thing I relaxed,” Jane Magoso said.

But she feels he was discharged prematurely.

“I do not fault the service here; it is excellent, but because there are too many people coming every day, they are running out of space and so at times they discharge quickly. We sort of understand because others also need help,” she said.

-Newsday

THE return on Saturday of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga from China where he has been on treatment for an undisclosed ailment for over six months has become the subject of much speculation and conspiracies in Zimbabwe.

Social media has generated rumours galore, with users alluding that Chiwenga’s return from the Asian country had exposed the fragile nature of relations between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy.

Many have questioned the conspicuous absence of Mnangagwa and other senior government officials from the Robert Mugabe International Airport to welcome back home Chiwenga following such a long hiatus from the country.

Conspicuouslys absent was also his wife Mary Chiwenga who has been seen in the country while her husband was holed in a Chinese hospital.

“It is clear Chiwenga is an unwelcome visitor following internal squabbles in the ruling Zanu PF’” said a senior official.

“Speculation has been rife that Chiwenga and Mnangagwa fell out amid clashes in how to run the country as well as on appointment of cabinet ministers.

“Following the January protests Zanu PF insiders accused Chiwenga and some military elements of scheming to topple Mnangagwa.

“Chiwenga is also accused of having a soft spot for the youthful opposition leader Nelson Chamisa whom he wanted to be involved in the political dialogue while Mnangagwa has set conditions that Chamisa must concede electoral defeat.”

Sources also said Chiwenga, though he was not a full time politician before the November 2017 military intervention that ushered in the Mnangagwa adminstration, has already built strong structures within the party to upset Mnangagwa.

Does Mnangagwa trusts Chiwenga?

Zanu PF insiders close to both Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have always said the two are very close and have always consulted each other in critical decision making.

While that argument may hold water it remains a fact that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Mnangagwa has worked closely with the ousted leader the late Robert Mugabe but in the end their 52 years old relationship had to end in a bitter way.

“If Chiwenga had ambitions he could have taken over in November 2017 after the military intervened and ousted Mugabe,” another source said.

While those close to Mnangagwa maintain that the two leaders’relations are in good form those routing for Chiwenga question why not even one government official was at the airport to welcome the vice president.

“We expected the ruling party officials, like the national chairperson ( Oppah Muchinguri) to be there and welcome the second in command,” the source said.

But presidential spokesperson George Charamba said on his microblogging site Twitter that there was nothing unusual in the purported absence of Mnangagwa and other prominent persons from the airport to welcome Chiwenga back home from China.

“The President will welcome his Deputy in the appropriate way and setting.

“In the meanwhile, all well-meaning Zimbabweans are happy that Vice President Chiwenga is back and looks fit,” Charamba said.

He also added that it was not part of national or international protocol that presidents or ambassadors were obliged to take time off their schedules to receive vice presidents from wherever they are coming back from.

For the avoidance of doubt, said Charamba, the President and his Vice President were always in communication during all the time Chiwenga was out in China receiving treatment.

— Zim Morning Post

By Patrick Guramatunhu| Let us all be very clear here; Zanu PF blatantly rigged last year’s elections, the regime does not have the people of Zimbabwe’s mandate to govern the country and must therefore step down, especially since it is now clear that it has failed to revive the economy. The duplicity of such major international players like the EU, who condemned the rigged elections but continue to treat the Zanu PF regime as the legitimate government, has only emboldened the regime to continue to ride roughshod over the people’s hopes and dreams to end its reign of terror!

“The EU confirmed the talks on its official Twitter account, saying the talks, dubbed the second edition of the formal political dialogue, include issues on investment, human rights, rule of law and good governance,” reported Newsday.

The EU had a high powered Election Observer Mission team of 246 individuals and their report was through and detailed and the condemnation of the elections as a farce was unequivocal.  

“The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability. Finally, the restrictions on political freedoms, the excessive use of force by security forces and abuses of human rights in the post-election period undermined the corresponding positive aspects during the pre-election campaign. As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards,” stated the EU Election Mission final report. 

Whilst the Americans had made it clear the sanctions on Zanu PF leaders will remain as punishment for the blatant rigging of the elections and the use of violence in the 1 st August 2018 “post-election period” in which 7 civilians protesting the rigged elections were shot dead. The EU took off their foot off the sanctions pedal regardless of their own scathing election report. 

Even when Mnangagwa followed the 1 st August “shoot to kill” order with yet another “shoot to kill” order in which 17 civilians protesting the soaring fuel prices were killed; the EU still turned a blind eye. 

It is this ambivalence by key international players like the EU that have encouraged corrupt and tyrannical regimes like this Mnangagwa government to believe it can blatantly rig elections, use brute force to silence its political opponents, etc. and get away with it. 

When Mnangagwa took over from Mugabe two years ago, he, like Mugabe before him, was cocksure he was going to revive Zimbabwe’s economic fortunes. He expected his “Zimbabwe is open for business!” clarion call to be answered by a flood of investors. By failing to end corruption, to keep his promise to hold free, fair and credible elections, etc. Mnangagwa confirmed that Zimbabwe was still a pariah state ruled by corrupt and vote rigging thugs. Investors understood this message and have continued to shy away from the country.

It is no secret that Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is open for business!” is dead in the water and the country’s economic meltdown, in a pitiful state he took over two years ago, has turned a decided turn for even worse. The country is facing a chronic shortage of fuel, cash, power, medicine, food, etc. Inflation, single digit a year ago, has surged to 400% plus. 

Decades of under funding had left the country’s health care and education services in a sorry state. The regime has just fired doctors because it could meet their demand a living wage, above their current US$ 40 per month. Without doctors and nurses the health care services is now all but dead! The same is happening in education; some teachers are now work two-day week because they not afford the transport costs. 

How long are the people of Zimbabwe going to accept to suffer and died quietly the consequences of the economic meltdown, the chronic shortages, no health care, etc.? How long is a piece of string! 

Mnangagwa and his regime know the country’s economic meltdown is socially, morally and politically unsustainable. Still the regime is clearly determined to hang on to power for as long as possible; not by reviving the economy and alleviating the people’s suffering and deaths, it has failed to to do so; by using brute force. 

I for one, was not surprise that Mnangagwa used excessive force to disperse MDC supporters who had gathered to hear their party leader, Nelson Chamisa, give his Hope of the Nation Address. Mnangagwa is very jumpy and as the economy sinks deeper and deeper we can be certain he will be resorted to more and more violence in a futile attempt to silence all those protesting the economic hardships. 

It is disheartening that whilst Mnangagwa was unleashed his riot Police to beat MDC supporters for no reason at all; he was having his re-engagement meetings with the EU officials, who continue to treat this illegitimate regime as if it won free, fair and credible elections. 

If any of the EU member state’s elections process “failed to meet international standards” the Union will suspend the same member’s membership and follow this up with very stringent economic and political sanctions to punish those involved. Why is Mnangagwa and his cronies being treated differently? 

Why is the EU turning a blind eye to the economic suffering and deaths Zanu PF misrule and barbarism is inflicting on innocent Zimbabweans whose only crime is to demand the same freedoms and rights EU nationals take for granted?

SOURCE: zimbabwelight.blogspot.com

By A Correspondent- Sometime late last year, mourners attending a funeral at St Peter’s in Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb were astonished after realising that they had been fed donkey meat disguised as game meat.

It was later discovered that the meat was from a stolen donkey after some of the people who had consumed the meat reported stomach aches.

In Zimbabwe, donkeys have not been known to be part of the local diet but more for providing draught power in rural communities.

It is against this backdrop that a local businessman’s attempts to open an abattoir for the slaughter of donkeys early this year caused a stir in Bulawayo.

The businessman, Gareth Lumsden, had first announced in October 2017 that he had established a US$150 000 donkey abattoir in the City of Kings, courting the ire of animal welfare organisations.

A popular Harare butcher, who spoke to NewsDay Weekender this week, indicated that the sale of donkey meat was risky business.

Shadreck Matsetu, who runs three butcheries in Budiriro, said it was unlikely that he could consider selling donkey meat — even in the event that it is given green light — because he did not believe that donkey meat was edible and that it would find takers among his customers.

“I think it’s safer to stick to what we have been selling all along. I’ve done fairly well with beef, pork and chicken — and sometimes goat meat — but to think that I can sell donkey meat, I don’t know,” he said with a shrug.

“But I don’t think it’s something I can consider. Perhaps it’s traditional. From the time we were growing up, we never thought there could be a time in future when people would eat donkey meat.”

In 2017, when stories about the possibilities of taking donkeys to the slaughter in the country started circulating, the then Agriculture deputy minister (Livestock), Paddy Zhanda, said while he was not sure if the campaign would succeed, there was concern over the low donkey population in Zimbabwe.

“I’m not sure how the business will go because it takes longer for a donkey to grow as compared to other forms of livestock,” he said.

“Countries with a huge population of donkeys are Botswana and Namibia. In actual fact, in Namibia donkeys are left to roam in the wild. We will get to know (more) of the abattoir when it’s complete as we are the ones that will inspect it.”

The organisations that campaigned against Lumsden’s plans argued that his proposed slaughter rate of 70 donkeys a day would wipe out the country’s national donkey herd — estimated at 175 000 — in just five years.

The Department of Veterinary Services, which administers abattoir inspections and certification under the Veterinary Public Health Act and issues livestock transit and slaughter permits, indicated that no such licence was processed for a donkey abattoir in the country.

The department’s director, Josphat Nyika, issued a circular dated October 9, 2017, in which he ruled out the possibility of a donkey abattoir being licensed in the country.

“I am sure you are all aware of the anxiety, acrimony, havoc and mayhem that have been generated among the Zimbabwean public by the construction of a donkey abattoir in Bulawayo,” he said.

“You are hereby advised that the said abattoir, or any for that matter, will not be registered to operate in Zimbabwe, and that no donkey will ever be slaughtered at any abattoir.”

Traditionally donkeys have only been known as beasts of burden rather than a delicacy, although in other countries such as China, the meat is a prized protein source often served in burgers.

Research done by senior veterinarian Erick Mutizhe to evaluate stakeholder perceptions on donkey skin trade, unearthed some sticking points in the donkey meat processing business.

Mutizhe observed that the consumption of donkey meat was considered a taboo.

He said some of the donkey owners indicated unwillingness to part with their stock as that would deplete their labour source and the mules were central to their families’ livelihoods.

“The majority of donkey owners expressed willingness to sell donkeys to donkey skin markets if they exceeded the maximum number of donkeys they needed at their households,” he said.

Mutizhe concluded that donkey skin trade was risky and it was important to carry out thorough assessment to ensure that the country would not embark on a trade that may dispossess families of livelihoods emanating from donkey ownership.

International animal welfare charities The Donkey Sanctuary and Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (Spana) last year applauded government’s strong legal position against the emerging donkey meat and hide trade.

Following a one-day conference on donkey trade held in Bulawayo last year, the organisation said Lumsden’s Battlefront Investments, a meat value chain operator in a joint venture with some Chinese partners, intended to satisfy the demand for donkey skins for the production of ejiao, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Spana Zimbabwe country director Keith Dutlow told the media that donkeys played a vital role in catering for the daily livelihoods for rural communities.

“Our aim is to prevent the devastation caused by this horrific trade, which is destroying rural communities, undermining communities and leading to the brutal slaughter of a vast number of animals throughout Africa,” he said.

According to Mutizhe, the demand for donkey skins in the production of traditional Chinese medicines has resulted in donkeys being sourced from all over the world.

The demand for donkey meat saw a spike in livestock theft as equine creatures were targeted for slaughter and sale. Last year, Umguza district became a flash point with suspected livestock rustlers invading the district to steal cattle and donkeys.

Newly-resettled villagers in Maraposa, Redwood, Stella and Makondo were the main targets.

Richard Matshona, a villager from Redwood, popularly known as Mathonisa resettlement area, told NewsDay Weekender at the time that livestock rustlers were ransacking their area. They stole two cattle from one homestead and slaughtered them along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, just a few metres from the homestead.

The incident happened shortly after the arrest of a suspected donkey-meat seller who had allegedly stolen the beast, slaughtered it and sold the meat to unsuspecting residents.

In his research, Mutizhe observed that “there were possibilities of donkey welfare violations, increased donkey thefts, potential decimation of donkey numbers and reduction in the quality of livelihoods of rural people”, if the animal’s skin trade was given the green light.

He recommended that there be education for donkey owners, advocacy for legislation on their skin trade and their inclusion in national animal health programmes.

Animal rights and welfare activists contend that the world’s donkey population is likely to be decimated as millions of the beasts are slaughtered every year for their skins, according to a report by the United Kingdom-based welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary.

The practice is more widespread in South America and Asia where millions of donkeys are killed, pregnant mares, foals and sick animals stolen, transported and killed.

According to The Donkey Sanctuary’s report, Under the Skin Update, there is a high risk of anthrax and equine flu infection in the trade of donkeys, which are central to the livelihoods of 500 million people across the globe.

Donkey populations in China have reportedly collapsed by 76% since 1992. Since 2007 donkey populations have declined by 28% in Brazil, by 37% in Botswana and by 53% in Kyrgyzstan.

Africa has not been spared, with the commercial trade of donkeys rife in Kenya and Ghana.

More than 60 000 donkeys died in West Africa this year along live skin trade routes, which the World Organisation for Animal Health had said are almost certainly linked to the
trade.

These deaths demonstrate the potentially high risk of contagious diseases being spread as a result of the skin trade. Donkey skins from this area are being exported untreated direct to China

-Newsday

MDC president Nelson Chamisa will be arrested if he holds public meetings without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police and getting its approval, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said.

In an interview with the Daily News on Friday, Ziyambi Ziyambi said the new law Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, demonstrations without notifying the regulatory authority is a criminal offence.

“If Chamisa carries on with what he said he can be arrested. He is out of order … you can’t do that and endanger other people who are doing their business,” said Ziyambi.

Police have been routinely banning almost all of the MDC’s planned public gatherings giving flimsy reasons for doing so.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed into law the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) — which replaced the draconian Public Order Security Act (Posa). Posa was used by the police to block the MDC from holding rallies.

Watch video loading below. ..

Eight people died while two others sustained minor injuries last night when a commuter omnibus heading to Kanyemba from Harare collided with a lorry and burst into flames in Concession, Mazowe District.

Former Warriors player Abel Muteji (46) has appeared in court for allegedly stealing motor vehicle parts.

The Zimbabwe under-23, Chapungu United and Mkwasine ace striker was arrested for theft.

Muteji played for Chapungu Football Club and together with his twin brother Cain, were part of the under-23 national team that was called for national duty in the All -Africa games in 1995.

Their brotherly partnership charmed the soccer loving nation.

Muteji however decided to hang his boots some years ago taking mechanics as his profession in Chiredzi’s Tshovani Suburb.

On Monday, he was in court and the State led by David Tafangenyasha submitted that on a date unknown to the State, the complainant Persuade Shemar left his truck parked outside Muteji’s premises.

The complainant later found out that a diesel pump, 500 litres tank, 60 wheel nuts, tilt pump, exhaust silencer, 2 leaf spring, 2 half shafts, 2 U bolts, 10 wheel studs, steering pump, front shock absorber, starter motor, wheel drum, 2 fuel pipes, 1 grill, 3 trailer load axles, 6 leaf springs, 6 hanger pins, 12 hanger bushes, 6 double booster chambers, twin splitter valve and 24 tier bolts were missing from both the truck and trailer.

Shemar, who resides in Kuwadzana in Harare reported the case to the police on 15 September who instituted investigations.

Muteji was found in possession of the missing diesel pump, leading to his arrest.

The recovered pump has been valued at $3 750 and the value of all the missing goods is Z$77 570 Bond.

Muteji is set to appear back in court on December 5.

Muteji studied at Mkwsine High School in the Lowveld where he started his football career.

In 1995, Abel and Cain (Muteji brothers) were voted soccer stars of the year with Dynamos’ Memory Mucherahowa winning the Player of The Year.-Lowveld Post

@ARTUZ_teachers leader @OMasaraure has been Arrested in town while directing his wife for parking. Charged with disorderly conduct. The people who arrested him said they want to punish him. Detained at Harare Central police @DougColtart @MakomboreroH @pridemkono @robohchere

— Mhofu Mapanzure (@NationMudzit) November 23, 2019

By A Correspondent- Villagers in Fudu area in Nkayi have accused a fellow community member of owning mystical beings which have turned teachers at Fudu primary and secondary schools into sex slaves causing them to flee the learning institutions.

Male teachers have said the invisible beings sodomise them and female teachers narrated ordeals of marathon sex sessions that occurred in their sleep and tired them out to the extent that they struggled to work the following day.  

Villagers alleged the supernatural beings believed to be goblins which operate in shadow form were owned by a fellow villager. 

A meeting was held at Fudu Secondary School and was attended by village head Cornelius Ndlovu, School Development Committee Chairperson (SDC) Mbalekelwa Ndlovu and community members on Tuesday. 

During the meeting it emerged that for a month now lessons had been disrupted at both institutions.

“Teachers fled the school but a few have returned, lessons are held erratically since at times teachers won’t be at school as they fear for their lives. We do not know whether those who have not returned will ever return. We paid school fees but now it’s like we threw our monies into a pit because our children are not learning,” said Tracy Dlomo.

Speaking on condition of strict anonymity a Fudu Secondary School teacher said goblins had turned them into sex slaves. 

“It’s terrible. Most of us (both female and male teachers) have been sexually abused by the goblins as we would wake up with semen stains on our undergarments and feeling tired. Most of the female teachers would feel as if an invisible hand was caressing them while they slept at night. They would feel dizzy before falling into a deep sleep. In the morning they would surprisingly wake up with no undergarments and they would be wearing their male counterparts’ trousers. We did not want to leave this place but we are forced to transfer because of this unbearable situation,” she said casting a dejected face.

A male teacher said: “About 10 of us (teachers from both primary and secondary) saw an apparition of a female teacher who died mysteriously at the school soon after she was promoted. During the night we would feel something playing with our genitals until we climaxed. About 20 of us have had the same nasty experience. At times during my sleep I would feel like I was having sex. Shockingly I would wake up feeling extremely tired and would phone my wife who is based in Bulawayo and she has since advised me to transfer.”

Another male teacher declared that he was in the process of transferring as he could not stomach the traumatic situation.

“The goblins sodomised me and five other colleagues told me that they were also sodomised. This is terrible! I believe it’s somebody who does not want us here because we are from other places,” said a male teacher. 

In a bid to root out the suspected goblins the community leadership under the watch of headman Reuben Ncube enlisted the services of prophets who have fingered a villager as the force behind the magical beings at the school.

Mlandeli Mpofu said the suspicion was heightened after the said villager bragged to the prophets saying he wielded unfathomable spiritual power from the spiritual underworld.

“We are now afraid of him because when the prophets fingered him during a meeting which was attended by 500 people he said they could not do anything to him because he was too powerful. He said he wielded spiritual power and would defeat them with a combination of air force and ground force. He bragged that he has a strong muthi that will cause them to die in a strange manner,” said Mpofu. 

As  if that was not enough another villager Prosper  Nyathi said: “At this meeting we have only  10 community members  out of 85. They are afraid to attend these meetings because they fear him. His wife died mysteriously. He called a prophet who did rituals on the wife’s grave  and a strange fire erupted and razed her brother’s family homestead leading the person who is suspected to have killed his wife to confess during a meeting that was attended by former  Nkayi officer in charge, only identified as Tshabangu, and the community leadership,” said Nyathi.

Village head Cornelius Ndlovu said the prophets who were tasked to root out the goblins failed to exorcise the school.

“We are worried because about 500 community members paid $5 each. A total of $2 500 was raised and paid to the prophets. Shockingly they failed to remove the goblins. Now we want to engage other prophets or a witch- hunter and we will agree with villagers on how much will be paid and the villagers agreed that if a goblin is found at a homestead that person would pay a hefty fine equivalent to two beasts,” he said.  

The man the villagers accuse of owning the problem goblins, Austin Ndlovu, denied the allegations saying he had even sought legal help after villagers besieged his homestead in the company of the self-styled prophets. He said the accusations stemmed from superstitious fear after he and a prophet conducted a ritual on his late wife’s grave.

“I understand them because accusations are arising from the fact that I conducted a ritual with a prophet to identify the person who killed my wife. The prophet stood on the grave in broad daylight while praying and calling for my wife to avenge  herself and the prophet assured me that I will see the person who killed my wife. After that the news spread across the whole community saying I practise witchcraft,” he said.

“After the ritual on the grave my late brother’s homestead was gutted by strange fires. His wife made a makeshift homestead but the mysterious fires followed her and destroyed it,” he said. 

“I’m a devoted Christian and I don’t have any goblins. Those people who are peddling lies have tarnished my reputation. During a fierce argument with the prophets I said I have a ground force which are my ancestors and I believe in them for guidance and protection and air force which is my God. 

“After the cleansing ceremony at Fudu Secondary School about 500 community members besieged my homestead. I asked the leadership what they were up to and they said I should ask the prophets. The prophets said they had come to remove the goblins from my homestead. I granted them access but they could not find anything. After that they scooped soil from the centre of the yard and I do not know what they were going to use it for,” he said. 

Ndlovu said he was disturbed by that and reported the matter to the police.

“I was shattered by such accusations. I had to report the matter and police advised me to seek a protection order. Sadly, I was not granted the order against Headman Ncube, village head Cornelius, the community and the prophets. The magistrate said I sought a protection order against a wrong person, Headman Ncube who did not attend the exorcism gathering. So it was turned down. Next week I will report the matter to Chief Sikhobokhobo because I feel I‘m being abused by the villagers and community leadership,” he said.

-BMetro

Vice President Chiwenga is fit and ready to resume his duties.

He is currently meeting President @edmnangagwa to catch up with his old friend & principal!

There was joy & jubilation.

More to come!@matigary @Mathuthu @mawarirej @maDube_ @Mavhure @Shekie4 pic.twitter.com/decIprd6ap

— ?????? ?????? (@KMutisi) November 23, 2019

By A Correspondent- Pastors with House of Glory Church in Belmont, Bulawayo have reportedly sparked outrage among congregants forcing some to abandon the church amid allegations that pastors were causing divisions through secret fake prophecies and deliverance sessions.

Pastors Augustine Bhero, Mrs Bhero, and Prophetess Florance Majachani of House of Glory Church got caught up in controversy after allegedly performing fake prophecies and delivery sessions in a bid to allegedly seek fame and wrest control of the church through growing their following.

This was despite the fact that the church board members had initially indicated that they did not approve of the delivery sessions.

Sources close to the issue said what was most weird was that the pastors were trying to seek relevance by bringing a new dimension of deliverance through impersonating God and the Holy Spirit. Prophetess Florance was alleged to often claim she was Jehovah and Mrs Bhero the Holy Spirit.

Among the litany of accusations levelled against the prophets were that for everyone they conducted deliverance sessions in a similar style, which one could easily notice was fake.

“They first tell congregants that they are masters of deliverance. They just make people believe them because in all their deliverance sessions they say that the forefathers are the ones causing people to be troubled. They are just simple people seeking relevance by doing things that are out of line to those desperate for help. In order to prevent members from leaving the church other pastors tried stopping them from delivering people but it was in vain,” said a close source.

To avoid drawing unnecessary conflicts in the church the trio now prophesy and conduct deliverance sessions at Pastor Augustine’s house in Emganwini.

Those seeking deliverance secretly book for sessions at the house. When delivering congregants, a video recording is done and it is believed that it is then used to woo more candidates for deliverance and growth of their offshoot of the church.

In a bid to unravel the truth two B-Metro reporters went for a deliverance session under the pretext of being a couple in dire need of a child.

Interestingly, the prophets were not able to perceive that the “couple” was just acting.

The pastors dismissed allegations that they claimed to be Jehovah and Holy Spirit and instantly demanded to know who had referred the “couple” for deliverance.  

“There is only one God. We are just vessels of God; no one can ever be God. Please describe the person who told you about us and where they work. This person who told you we are Jehovah or Holy Spirit is mistaken. Our duty is to prophesy and deliver people from evil spirits. Our deliverance is conducted from 1st generation, 2nd generation and 3rd generation. Do you know TB Joshua? Our ministry is similar to TB Joshua’s,” said Mrs Bhero.

Prophetess Florance proceeded to explain more about their deliverance sessions.

“Deliverance means manifestation, and that is done so that we know what’s tying you guys. We are going to pray until God does wonders for us. Since you guys are married, and you want a child we are going to pray to God to grant your wish. We are mightily used by God.  We are capable of destroying anything. Our mission is to destroy. We kill goblins and evil spirits. Those are small things,” she said. 

After a series of prayers the “couple” were each given prophesies.

To the woman Mrs Bhero declared that she had a spiritual husband and was possessed with a witchcraft spirit. To the man it was said that he had an anti-marriage spirit which did not want to see him happily married.

They said these evil spirits had to be cast out.

The couple was told they would not be released until the spirits were cast out.

Indeed they were only released after faking manifestations, and being ‘delivered’.

One of the Church’s Apostles, Mike Majachani who is Prophetess Florance’s son and is believed to be against the deliverance sessions, said he was unaware of the deliverance sessions held in Emganwini.

“I am surprised there are deliverance sessions held in Emganwini. I don’t even know about all that,” said Apostle Mike.

After contacting Apostle Mike, efforts to get hold of the trio were fruitless as their phones rang unanswered.

The fake prophecies and deliverance sessions done by the pastors come hot on the heels of another case in which the same pastors once held a fruitless prayer session to resurrect a dead woman at West Park Cemetery in 2015.

They reportedly told mourners not to be quick to accept the death of the deceased Anna Nyandoro but to have faith that she would resurrect after they prayed for her.

Pastor Augustine and other pastors are said to have taken turns in hitting the coffin, and commanding Nyandoro to wake up but their efforts were in vain.

The service is said to have ended when the pastors told people that God had heard their request but they should accept his decision of taking Nyandoro.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is back in Zimbabwe in time for the Zanu PF annual conference scheduled for 11 to 16 December in Goromonzi.

He returned to Zimbabwe earlier today and was welcomed at the airport by a delegation of Chinese people and some relatives.

With his return imminent, a Zanu PF insider commented earlier this week:

The conference will be the ideal stage for Chiwenga to uplift his loyalists in the party, and show that his faction can still mount a significant challenge in the broader context of his political ambitions.

in a big way, the conference will be an opportunity for him, if he makes it, to re-assert his influence within the party and the military.

Chiwenga is reported to have ambitions to succeed Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country’s president. For his part Mnangagwa is reported to have reshuffled his cabinet recently to consolidate his hold on power and reduce Chiwenga’s influence.

-TheIndependent

By A Correspondent- Prominent man of God and leader of Divine Baptist Ministries Pastor Ian Ndlovu has revealed a prophetic message alleging that some people who ran away from the country will come back home while several who are currently at home will run away.

Predicted the prophet:

“Some who are in who will go out for a season and some who have been outside who will go back to where they came from, it shall come to pass.”

God has planted a divided tongue among them and all that they will do is divide and divide until they take each other out. Let us watch and pray.

I saw some of those that ran away come back home and some of those at home go away to faraway places.

I will read the message again… but those that are able to hear in the spirit can hear what i am talking about….

There is a woman, this woman currently is sitting under a very big tree. She is hiding behind the shade of the tree but the big tree will fall away and if this woman is pushed from where she is sitting, there will be big big trouble.”

Watch the video loading below….

Gvnt has said fired doctors should reapply for their vacant positions back. Should fired doctors reapply or they should just be reinstated?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 23, 2019

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF national secretary for finance and politburo member Patrick Chinamasa has said that his party knows that the masses are suffering revealing that the party and government was working on a raft of measures to make sure that they rescue people from the current economic hardships.

Chinamasa said he understands why some people are beginning to get frustrated with the current economic situation but called on calm while President Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration delivers the change the country needs.

Addressing an Indigenization Breakfast meeting at Holiday Inn last week, Chinamasa said when the ‘new dispensation’ was ushered in, there were high expectations across the political divide for immediate change.

“We know people are suffering but joy is on the horizon. Very soon we will be looking back with a sigh of relief that we have done it.

“The country was in a mess when the new dispensation took and we understand that people had their own expectations as to what should happen in the country. We all want a better country for everyone but that does not come over night.

“We won’t work miracles to turn around the economy but we will take those baby steps until we get there,” said Chinamasa.

Chinamasa called on the Zimbabwean people to give President Mnangagwa some time to impelement his vision which will bring in a better country for everyone.

“The President has a vision and we must all support it. Negativism will only affect us together so let us put our hands together and work for our country.

“This is the only country we have so we must guard and protect it jealously. Vision2030 is a reality and we must all embrace and support it,” said Chinamasa.

On indigenisation, Chinamasa said people’s contributions are welcome to make sure that they come up with a law that serves their interests.

“Our President is a listening man that is why we want to listen to people’s contributions so that we can review our policy on indigenization and economic empowerment,” said Chinamasa.

-TellZim

By A Correspondent- Two Bulawayo siblings have been arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of 1,6 tonnes of Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) copper cables valued at more than $400 000.

Sithembinkosi Muti (44) and Thembekile Masiza Conjwayo (34) both of the Kingsdale suburb had hidden the copper cables in Muti’s house.

The duo was not asked to plead to receive or taking into possession any material used in connection with generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electric charge when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Nomasiko Ndlovu.

They remanded in custody to December 4.

According to court papers, on Wednesday at around 5PM, detectives received information that Muti and Conjwayo were in possession of copper cables at their house.

At around 6PM, the detectives went to Muti’s house in Kingsdale where they found Conjwayo and introduced themselves.

The detectives requested to search the house and Conjwayo who was in possession of Muti’s house keys opened one of the spare bedrooms where 124 rolls of copper cables and an ameen AWS 300 electronic scale were recovered.

Conjwayo allegedly told the detectives that the copper cables belonged to his sister.

A follow up was made to locate Muti. The siblings failed to account for the copper cables leading to their arrest.

The recovered copper cables are a mixture of 50 millimetre and 75 milimetre squared rolls. They are all worth $486 300. Zesa has been experiencing increased incidents of vandalism, some of which have claimed lives.

Recently, Cabinet also expressed concern over vandalism of Zesa infrastructure and put into spotlight the effectiveness of the 10-year mandatory sentence for those convicted. Some stakeholders have suggested a mandatory sentence of 20 years.

Some of the stolen copper is being smuggled into neighbouring South Africa where there is a ready market.

Many cases of vandals being electrocuted while cutting live wires have been reported but this has not been a deterrent.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga says he is now very fit to join others in government in the work to build the nation.

He said this while speaking to reporters in the wee hours of Saturday morning soon after he touched down at the Robert Mugabe International airport.

VP Chiwenga arrived back home around 02:30 this Saturday morning and was received by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang and some government officials.

He expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for facilitating his treatment in China.

Chiwenga had been in China for the past four months where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- At least 8 people where burnt to death in a kombi accident in Mutorashanga Friday evening.

The kombi was coming from Concession and headed to Kanyemba when it was side-swiped by a lorry near the Mutorashanga turnoff.

Acting Mashonaland Central Development Co-ordinator, Mr Cosmas Chiringa confirmed the accident which happened around 7pm.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates..