With violations of human rights spiking in the past two weeks, the MDC calls for an urgent establishment of the independent complains mechanism provided in section 210 of the Constitution.

Reports of rape, abductions, assault, torture and even killings by members of the security forces have been reported and videos of some of these episodes have been circulated.

Yet the people of Zimbabwe have nowhere to seek redress.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe obligates the government to establish an independent body to receive complains, evaluate and order remedy.

The provision was against a background of regular spikes of violent episodes specifically those that are politically motivated and state sponsored.

The mechanism must be established to compliment the work of Independent Constitutional Commissions.

We applaud the Civic Society for taking this matter to court seeking an order to compel the government to establish the mechanism, sadly years later no judgement has been passed.

We find the delay to establish this body to be deliberate and negligent.

It is a failure to obey and uphold the Constitution.

The claim by Ziyambi Ziyambi that his government will investigate the violations is therefore disingenuous, the easiest task is to implement provisions of section 210 of the Constitution.

It is not option.

An attempt to provide military hotlines to report these crimes is also unworkable.

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

Zanu PF and its surrogate media have been on the forefront in blaming the recent national shutdown and the attendant violence on the MDC led by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa, yet Zimbabweans are well aware which of the two political parties has always masterminded violence and national shutdowns in this country.

In any case, the MDC national headquarters, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, had its windows shot at and shattered in last week’s violence. The building was petrol-bombed in an attempt to raze it to the ground in the same horrific manner Zanu PF and the captured State security agents have executed similar acts in the past.

Nine vehicles with no number plates pulled up outside the MDC headquarters around 10 pm on Monday, 14 January 2019. Armed men jumped out of the vehicles and shot at the building, shattering all front windows and hurled petrol-bombs into the building with the party’s security personnel trapped inside.

The front-office desk was completely burnt in the raging inferno while all the walls of the six-storey building are still pitch-black with smoke arising out of the arson. It is by the sheer mercy of God that the three security personal who guard the building during the night survived and that the building itself is still standing today.

Now that’s terrorism!

One cannot expect the ZBC to have reported on this brazen case of arson at Morgan Tsvangirai House because it kills their propaganda narrative that the MDC is to blame for all the violence that took place during the national shutdown.

Yet Zimbabweans are all too familiar with the identity of these armed merchants of violence who drive around in unmarked cars, engaging in wanton violence and without any prospect of being arrested.

The inescapable fact of last week’s events remains that all Zimbabweans were outraged by the steep increase in the price of fuel that was nocturnally announced in the dead of the night by Emmerson Mnangagwa before his trip to Eastern Europe.

The country was outraged because any fuel price increase inadvertently results in the hike in the price of commodities and transport fares, burdening already weather-beaten citizens. Coupled with work stoppages by disgruntled doctors, nurses, teachers and the rest of the civil service whose meager salaries could barely take them through the month, a shut-down was inevitable.

And all this had nothing to do with the MDC.

The national shutdown became loud and palpable and assumed the scope of a huge labour dispute between the Zanu PF government and the suffering civil service, which civil service now constitutes the majority of those still at work in the country.

Due to the immediate national impact of the work of any civil service, their work stoppage affected all public service and immediately permeated into a citizenry already breathing under the heavy yoke of run-away prices and a biting cash crisis.

The national anger across the sectors easily took the form of a national shut-down. It is naïve for anyone to arrogate the shut-down to the MDC, which has a history of publicizing its protests and actions, as it did only some two months ago.

The trigger to last week’s shutdown and the violence that emanated there was Mnangagwa who announced a steep fuel price increase in the bewitching hours, triggering rampant chaos by sunrise as a despondent nation painfully struggled to adjust to his pronounced economic reality.

Displeased teachers closed their schools. Health personnel, including struggling doctors who are now using condoms as disposable gloves, had already shut down strategic national health institutions and the contagion immediately assumed a national scope.

While any form of violence is criminal and the perpetrators ought to be brought to book, the groundswell of national discontent was already brewing long before the clueless Mnangagwa’s witch-hour press conference. The country already stood to a heap of dry wood and paper and it was none other than Mnangagwa himself who provided the spark to this horrific national consequence.

Zanu PF and its megaphone media have ironically upped the ante in criminalizing any form of national shut-down, shifting the blame elsewhere when it is Zanu PF goons that have always been grandmasters of national shut-downs, including violent ones as in the latest case.

After all, Zanu PF’s illegal and medieval act to shut down the internet played into and exacerbated the national shutdown. The High Court was very clear on the illegality of the internet shutdown.

What remains unforgivable is that in this brave 21st century, when almost all economic activity thrives on the back of online and e-transactions, one could have a national leadership with the sheer nerve to shut down the internet for a whole week. That was tantamount to shutting down the country, considering the utility of the internet in this digital age.

Yet we had Mnangagwa in the same week gallivanting to the back of beyond in Belarus, Azerbaidjan and Kazakhstan; shouting himself hoarse that Zimbabwe is open for business when all economic activity was at a standstill back home; thanks to an illegal internet shutdown by his own government.

In any case, the touting of some of the countries Mnangagwa visited as havens of global investment was a yawning lie unless this jaunt was a cover-up for its real purpose of interacting with close political associates as well as mining tycoons and cronies in the criminal underworld.

Considering the government-sponsored shutdown at home, Mnangagwa’s call for foreign businesses to come and invest in Zimbabwe was a whistle in the dark; it was akin to inviting a business concern to come and sell oxygen tanks in a graveyard!

How does a national leader woo investors to a country where a government wantonly and illegally shuts down the internet, the very back-bone of 21st century economies?

Yet all this might not be surprising because it is Zanu PF that began this grand crusade of national shutdowns. Their bad policies since 2000 have meant that our industries have shut down. The roaring production plants have gone dead and quiet and the once-belching thick smoke is no longer bellowing out of our now quiet industrial areas.

It is Zanu PF that masterminded that national shutdown.

When I was growing up in Chitungwiza, every morning Zupco buses would be ferrying thousands of the country’s workers to industrial sites at Lyton Road, Msasa, Plymouth Road, Graniteside and other industrial areas.

Thanks to Zanu PF, there has been a virtual national shutdown of these once-thriving industrial sites.

Zanu PF spawned a similar shutdown on the country’s farms, where we used to earn hard currency through huge tobacco exports. Today, the politically connected elite that took over these farms has largely been unproductive. On most of these farms can only be seen thriving weeds and grass, derisively referred to by ordinary Zimbabweans as a thriving crop of soya-beans.

No one can dispute the fact that we had to own our land but we did it to intractable national detriment. We could have done it better. In the words of the late Eddison Zvobgo, we bastardized an otherwise glorious revolution by turning it into a violent and racist agrarian enterprise.

Thanks to Zanu PF, there has virtually been a national shutdown of our agriculture. That is why in the past few years we were importing maize from Zambia and Malawi, of all places, after we downgraded our national status from a bread-basket to a basket case.

With over three million Zimbabwean economic refugees in South Africa and millions others in Europe and the broader international community, is it not Zanu PF that orchestrated that national economic shutdown, resulting in us exporting our skills and expertise abroad?

In 2008, it is Zanu PF under Robert Mugabe that had shut down the country when we had empty shelves, a worthless currency and closed schools and hospitals.

Was that not a Zanu PF inspired national shutdown? And was it not Morgan Tsvangirai and the MDC’s ministers’ competent hand on the wheel of government that opened a country that had been virtually shut down by Zanu PF’s incompetence.

Yet they now want to criminalize shutdowns by saying those who spearheaded this one should be prosecuted, which shutdown they masterminded themselves?

They also have the cheek to say the MDC is a violent party! Yet it is Mnangagwa who should tell us more about the Gukurahundi genocide, Murambatsvina and the 2008 violence that was orchestrated by the military while he was Minister of Defence.

The callous murders of August 1 and last week’s murder of at least 12 people, which happened with him as Commander-In-Chief, are instructive. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, an independent constitutional body, has pronounced itself on the matter by holding the military liable for last week’s deaths.

Now that innocent Zimbabweans, including some in the MDC leadership, have escaped with their lives into the mountains in fear of the sword of Damocles, we have a regime that is now blaming the victims. It is instructive that it is not even the police who are hunting down these innocent Zimbabweans but Zanu PF youth in army uniform.

Zimbabweans are aware of the real godfathers of violence—the deacons and arch-bishops of violence, as Tendai Biti would say.

The press last week exposed the gory details; the intricate inside plot in Zanu PF to either impeach or remove Mnangagwa through yet another military coup. The mouldy and divided command element was exposed in last week’s action where some soldiers were ordering schools to shut down while others were commanding that they be opened.

The different instructions spoke to acute divisions at the very apex of the State. Upon their return from Eastern Europe, one could see George Charamba’s hand in the vain propaganda attempt to deflect and divert the whole matter from Zanu PF’s rotten innards by implicating the MDC in the latest violent acts.

For the record, and however justifiable the reasons for the shut-down may have been, the MDC did not call for any such shut down and did not partake in any violence. The MDC is not a secret cult movement. It is a political behemoth and when it calls for a shut-down, it does so openly. Only two months ago, the MDC publicly called for and held a peaceful demonstration in Harare and had no reason to spill blood or to loot people’s businesses.

Anyone who killed or looted must face the music before a competent court of law. All we urge is that there be no persecution by prosecution.

School headmasters and teachers, civil servants and other institutions that were shut down did not do so at the behest of the MDC. They did so for legitimate economic reasons that had nothing to do with the MDC.

When the MDC does call for a national shut-down, as it may in the future, it will be peaceful and its tremors will betray its gigantic national traction, its legitimacy and its mammoth source.

For now, Zimbabweans know that it is Zanu PF that is the master-mind of violence and all national shut-downs, including the on-going wanton violence. Any lame attempt to implicate the MDC will not wash. We note the desperate attempts to divert from the internal fissures in Zanu PF and the widely reported Zanu PF internal plots to violently oust Mnangagwa. The rotten Zanu PF innards should not be blamed on the MDC, whose national headquarters was burnt in a criminal act of arson.

Never mind the oft-repeated mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business. A free and fair election is the foundational business upon which all other businesses are built. It is a contradiction in terms for a country to purport to be open for business when it is not open for credible elections.

Zimbabwe is definitely closed for business while the party in government remains completely shut down and impervious to common sense, reason and logic.

By Own Correspondent: Former Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister and G40 Kingpin Walter Mzembi’ s lawyer Job Sikhala has revealed that his client is gravely ill and is not able to stand trial.

Sikhala said Mzembi is not in a condition to stand trial over charges of theft to the tune of $1.6 million of trust property.

Mzembi is said to be in South Africa where he is receiving treatment for colon cancer. Sikhala said Mzembi is critically ill and need prayers. Said Sikhala:

The circumstances are beyond all of us, I had to fly to South Africa to get my own personal assessment of the condition of my client on Saturday and my client is seriously indisposed to stand trial.

Accused will not be able to stand trial, not in the near future. Join us in prayer so that he gets through this. It is something very serious and on the next date, I don’t think anything would have changed.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent: South Africa opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed that it will approach the UN, International Criminal Court (ICC) and parliament over the political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the media in South Africa on Monday, the youthful DA leader Mmusi Maimane said:Today, [Zimbabwe] finds itself on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.

Widespread civilian suppression, military-led violence, and bloodshed have ensued, as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF government has implemented what can only be described as a dictator-like military clampdown on citizens, which has to date claimed the lives of at least 12 people.

Firstly, in my capacity as chairperson of the Southern African Partnership for Democratic Change (SAPDC), I will pay a working visit to Zimbabwe this week.

I will meet with the current opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, and former MDC leader, Tendai Biti, among others. The purpose of this visit is to seek practical solutions to the ongoing crisis and garner support across the region for much-needed intervention in Zimbabwe.

Last week, the DA approached President Ramaphosa. For President Ramaphosa and his ANC, maintaining the brotherhood of ‘big man politics’ across the continent is more important than the dignity, livelihood and human rights of fellow human beings.

From Zimbabwe to Zambia, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — the ANC has chosen oppressors over the oppressed. This is because Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa are cut from the same cloth.

Zimbabwe’s government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which fashioned itself as a new dispensation when it won elections in July last year, gave Zimbabweans hope and confidence that the economy was poised for better days, but now it seems the promises were just pie in the sky, according to economist John Robertson.

Leading economist John Robertson, often seen as a fierce critic of the Zanu-PF government, is one of those who believed the Mnangagwa led government was serious about making decisive measures to overcome the country’s well-documented challenges.

Pre-election promises of changes in economic policies suggest that Zimbabwe’s prospects of enjoying a substantial recovery are better now than they have had at any time since independence in 1980, wrote Robertson soon after the 2018 elections won by Mnangagwa.

“In the election, all these major discouragements to investors were targeted for reform. And by correctly identifying their causes, improvements to prospects were placed within reach,” he wrote then.

One could not fault the optimism that Robertson and many other Zimbabweans had following the change in government after 37 years of Robert Mugabe’s rule and economic ruin.

Policy documents that were put forward by the new government were unusually critical in their assessments of government’s past performance and gave confidence that long drawn economic problems would receive attention.

But several months later, the situation has worsened. There is no fuel, there is no joy. Zimbabweans are spending nights in fuel queues, medical doctors across the country are on strike, teachers have threatened their own strike while government workers have given a 14 day notice to do the same.

Robertson is not amused and believes the southern African country’s government is reneging on its promises.

In his 2019 Economic Outlook, Robertson points out that the National Budget carried no indications of commitment to any of the promised reforms.

“As a starting point, total spending is to rise by 47%, even though revenue is expected to increase by only 17%. Borrowings to fund the budget deficit will have to increase by 44,6% to $4.1bn. Government expenditure proposals, therefore, do not support the assurances offered at the beginning of October,” said Robertson.

On the Public Sector Investment Programme figures, the Budget shows that the capital spending will come to only 18,4% of total expenditure, instead of the promised target of “more than 25%”.

“So far, government has failed to resolve the difficulties, but it is not clear whether they want to. It suits them to sustain the 1:1 exchange rate for privileged individuals, who have priority rights because of who they are, or what they import.”

According to Robertson, current conditions certainly contradict the central bank’s claims that “signs of sustained recovery” are evident.

“On the contrary, the viability of many businesses is in doubt and the formal economy is a fragile state. All of these have called into question the government’s frequently repeated claim that the New Dispensation is going to drive the country in a new direction.”

Media Statement|Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President, Obert Masaraure’s bail hearing which was scheduled for today ( 28 January 2019) was postponed for tomorrow after the State failed to file its papers.

This deplorable conduct by the State confirms the conclusions of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and Law Society of Zimbabwe that all arrested in the ongoing brutal clampdown by the government of Zimbabwe will not receive justice.

As ARTUZ we hold that justice delayed is justice denied and once again make our demand that all ARTUZ and other leaders who are political prisoners should be released unconditionally.

Released by
ARTUZ Information Department

GLOBAL human rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has dismissed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reform pledge as a paper tiger devoid of implementation since he came into office, with his regime accused of widespread human rights violations.

In a damning report released on January 17 this year, HRW said Mnangagwa was among a number of regional leaders who had failed to deliver on their promises.

“Despite promises for reforms, Mnangagwa, who has a long record of human rights abuses, called on Zimbabweans in December 2017 ‘to let bygones be bygones’, paving the way for continued human rights violation mostly perpetrated by police and military,” part of the report read.

The report said although the July 30, 2018 general elections were relatively peaceful, they were marred by disputed results and post-election violence.

“Throughout the year, Mnangagwa and other high-level government officials made numerous promises to deliver governance reforms to mark the post-Robert Mugabe era, but took few steps to demonstrate commitment to accountability, justice for human rights abuses, and respect for the rule of law,” HRW said.

The rights group also condemned the Zanu PF administration for failing to revive the economy, and to effectively respond to the outbreak of cholera, which killed over 50 people countrwide, but mainly in Harare.

On media freedoms, HRW said the government had failed to amend or repeal repressive laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), the Public Order and Security Act (Posa), and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

These pieces of legislation were used under Mugabe’s regime to curtail basic rights through vague defamation clauses and draconian penalties.

Reforms that are expected in Zimbabwe include restoration of the rule of law, a commitment to equitable, legal and transparent land reform, and ensuring that military and national police forces are subordinate to the civilian government

Meanwhile, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), in line with its call for national dialogue, is setting up a platform to allow Zimbabweans to share their views on how to stem the current crisis in the country.

For the past two weeks, the country has been rocked by a violent crackdown by the military and police on suspected protesters who took part in the national stayaway that turned violent.

“NPRC envisages the national dialogue as an opportunity for Zimbabweans to collectively shape their desired socio-economic and political landscape and bring meaningful transformation to the nation,” the commission said.

The NPRC has so far conducted bilateral consultations with the goal of building consensus on the need for a national dialogue.

“The nation is, hereby, advised that the NPRC will shortly be inviting sectoral representatives to jointly formulate with us the framework to guide the national dialogue process,” it said in a statement.

NewsDay

By Simba Chikanza| The man who has killed more black Africans than apartheid South Africa, ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, has announced that he is appalled by a SkyNews report which exposes military brutality.

The report comes over 2 weeks after the military opened fire and shot nearly 100 people resulting in a confirmed 12 dead, plus also more than 800 assaulted.

It also comes after 2 weeks of this reporter exposing Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga for declaring that anyone who was shot dead must go report to the police.

To this date Mnangagwa had not at all commented on the military brutality on civilians which has included the raping of women as soldiers forced their way into people’s houses at night.

The development saw businessman Nigel Chanakira getting to question if the person posting on his Twitter account is truly Mnangagwa and not a worker as previously hinted by Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba.

Wrote Chanakira, “Respectfully, President @edmnangagwa we have many wounded whom we may show you. Are you honestly so uninformed about what is going on in our country? It’s difficult to believe that it is you who runs this account. I’m very willing to engage you on this matter with a few braves.”

Meanwhile, below was Mnangagwa’s full text comment: “I was appalled by today’s @SkyNews report. That is not the Zimbabwean way. I have instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested and encourage all those impacted to contact the authorities and file an official complaint”

By Paul Nyathi|A cross section of MDC supporters have called on party President Nelson Chamisa to completely avoid social moments with ZANU PF leaders or anyone with ZANU PF links.

The call by the MDC supporters comes after ZANU PF spin doctor Energy Mutodi published a selfie featuring him and the MDC leader at Oliver Mtukudzi burial claiming that he had met with Chamisa who undertook that the MDC will never hold any more demonstrations against the failing government of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Next time President don’t trust anyone who is Zanupf kumira pedyo newe
Havakude ava,” wrote a ZimEye.com reader Gracemore Masawi Chitiyo.

“You look at everyone with Pastors eyes please protect yourself from these Vultures
Vanoda kuku kanganisa,” she pleaded.

By Simba Chikanza| The man who has killed more black Africans than apartheid South Africa, ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, has announced that he is appalled by a SkyNews report which exposes military brutality.

The report comes over 2 weeks after the military opened fire and shot nearly 100 people resulting in a confirmed 12 dead, plus also more than 800 assaulted.

It also comes after 2 weeks of this reporter exposing Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga for declaring that anyone who was shot dead must go report to the police.

To this date Mnangagwa had not at all commented on the military brutality on civilians which has included the raping of women as soldiers forced their way into people’s houses at night.

The development saw businessman Nigel Chanakira getting to question if the person posting on his Twitter account is truly Mnangagwa and not a worker as previously hinted by Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba.

Wrote Chanakira, “Respectfully, President @edmnangagwa we have many wounded whom we may show you. Are you honestly so uninformed about what is going on in our country? It’s difficult to believe that it is you who runs this account. I’m very willing to engage you on this matter with a few braves.”

Meanwhile, below was Mnangagwa’s full text comment: “I was appalled by today’s @SkyNews report. That is not the Zimbabwean way. I have instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested and encourage all those impacted to contact the authorities and file an official complaint”

The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) is today convening an urgent extraordinary general meeting to discuss the state of the rule of law in the country amid concerns from the legal fraternity that the lower courts might have improperly handled cases involving the over 1 000 suspected protesters arrested during a recent wave of anti-government mass protests.

More than 1 000 people have been denied bail and had their trials fast-tracked throughout the country, raising concern over possible miscarriage of justice.

“Whereas council has considered the state of rule of law in the country, in particular, the events occurring at the courts and whereas in terms of by-law 10 of the Law Society of Zimbabwe by-laws 1982, the council has resolved that this is a matter of urgency, justifying calling a meeting on short notice,” the letter inviting members to the meeting read.

The agenda, as stated in the letter, is: “To consider the state of the rule of law in the country and resolve on the appropriate response by the profession.”

This comes after the LSZ had initially met with Chief Justice Luke Malaba and others raising concern over the same matter.
LSZ president Misheck Hogwe told NewsDay yesterday that they recently met Chief Justice Malaba and presented concerns raised by various lawyers representing the accused.

“The Chief Justice’s position was that as far as administrative issues are concerned, it will be pretty easy for his office to intervene,” Hogwe said.

“But as far as judicial decision-making is concerned, the Chief Justice rightly pointed out that it would be inappropriate for his office to intervene or interfere with the judicial decision-making process of the magistrate.

“After giving that feedback to our members, it was felt that it was necessary for the members to convene by way of an extraordinary meeting to discuss those issues.”

Hogwe said the so-called fast-track trials were believed to be compromising the concept of fair trial.

“A number of legal practitioners had raised concern about the administration of justice in the lower courts pertaining from cases arising from the events of last week.

“Basically, some of our members feel that there are certain injustices prevailing in the lower court. For example, they feel like there is a routine denial of bail to suspects accused of violence or other offences arising from the events of last week, but one. They also feel that the suspects have not been generally given adequate time and facilities to prepare their defences.”

-Newsday

By Own Correspondent|Government and civil servants’ representatives are in a crunch meeting in the Capital Harare today in talks aimed at resolving the issue of salaries.

During the last meeting to be held between the two parties, the government tabled a $300 million offer which the civil servants rejected.

The workers are demanding a $1 733 salary for the least paid worker, up from $414.

Government workers had initially issued a 14-day strike notice which ended on Friday. They, however, opted against striking instead, choosing to give negotiations a chance.

The Apex Council chairperson Cecilia Alexander told State Media that her association had not yet declared a strike and was expecting the government to improve on its former.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent: Chitungwiza and Harare councils have revealed that they are demolishing illegal structures and tuckshops as directed by Government.

Said Harare City Council:

Harare City Council began its citywide exercise in Mbare over the weekend demolishing illegal tuckshops. Harare City Council chief town planner Samuel Nyabeze said the urban regeneration project is being spearheaded by Government. Chitungwiza Acting Town Clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu said council was acting on a pre-existing circular from Government sent to all local authorities last year. Said Kasu:There is a pre-existing circular from Central Government that was sent to all local authorities last year which was directing all local authorities to conduct clean-up operations and clean-up campaigns. What is happening now is just intensification of work that council had previously been directed to do. As part of the planning process for the current operation, there was an exercise done to identify the sites that vendors are going to be relocated, and this exercise was done before the start of the current operation. The operation is not about how much vendors were or were not remitting to council, it is about bringing sanity to public and open spaces in Chitungwiza.

By Own Correspondent– A study by a Zimbabwean based think tank has revealed that members of the white garment churches popularly known as Vapostori contribute significantly to ZANU PF victories in elections.

The study, recently released by the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU), and titled Religion and Politics in Zimbabwe, reveals that vapostori members have stronger support for ZANU PF than other churches.

Read the report:

Members of the apostolic churches do have stronger support for Zanu PF than other churches and are a very distinct group from all other religions.

… They have significantly greater social capital, less political fear, and greater political trust.

Clearly, Apostolics are the largest religious group and, if partisan affiliated, can have a significant effect on the outcome of an election.

When it comes to political participation such as voting, Apostolics are merely a sub-group of the general rural population, and it is this population that demonstrates affiliation for Zanu PF rather than the MDC.

At least, this was so in February 2017, but it also seems fair to conclude that not all members of the Apostolic churches will support or vote for
Zanu PF.

There is a common assumption that the apostolic churches, the Vapostori, represent a “captured” constituency for Zanu PF when it comes to elections.

This is undoubtedly a story with some truth to it but rarely examined in any analytical fashion.

The assumption probably derives some support from the notion that the Apostolic churches take their support from a largely rural population as well as from the poorer sections of Zimbabwean society.

In the past, ZANU PF leaders have addressed apostolic gatherings, numbering in the thousands in some places. Members of the Presidium, both past and current, have been seen wearing the long white robes at apostolic shrines.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent| Former Commander of the Airforce of Zimbabwe and current Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri said that his party, ZANU PF does not regret the ongoing military crackdown on protestors.

While addressing people who had gathered at the commissioning of Guruve Community Information Centre on Friday, Shiri said that the security forces could not fold their arms and watch whilst malcontents were burning the country.

Said Shiri:

There are several ways to express our grievances. You can do so through Parliament, Government and peaceful protests.

However, we will not tolerate acts of violence, looting and burning of property. This is not how Zimbabweans behave. We do not regret the intervention by the soldiers.

If the police are incapacitated we will call the military to put out the fire. Did people want Harare to burn while soldiers watched? We appeal to youths to be disciplined and to appreciate the importance of peace, unity and love.-StateMedia

GOVERNMENT and its edgy workers are meeting for the third time today in a last-minute attempt to avoid a crippling nationwide industrial action as previous salary negotiations ended in a stalemate with civil servants’ 14-day notice to strike lapsing on Friday last week.B

Today, the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) will meet workers’ union leaders for feedback over government’s $300 million offer that was presented at the last meeting, but rejected by the union leaders.

In the afternoon, the Apex Council will then meet to decide the way forward.

Although other unions are already priming their members to down tools, Apex Council leader Cecilia Alexander yesterday said she was still hopeful that government would table a better offer.

“This will be our third meeting. We haven’t declared a deadlock yet, but we hope the government has a better offer,” she said.

“It will be up to the Apex Council in its wisdom to call for a strike or not after the meetings. We, as Apex, it’s a body of 16 unions and if two or three decide that they are on strike, that is their own position, but as Apex, we will make the decision after the meeting,” she said.

Progressive Teachers’ Unions of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said if government failed to table a better offer today, a strike was inevitable.

“As long as nothing happens tomorrow (today) by 10am, then the strike is inevitable,” he said.

Civil servants are demanding $1 733 for the least paid worker, but government has so far offered way too far below their

demands.

The civil servants claimed they were financially incapacitated to continue reporting for duty, dismissing a measly “cushioning allowance” deposited into their accounts on Friday as a drop in the ocean.

NewsDay

Outspoken Member of Parliament for Norton Constituency Temba Mliswa (Independent) has said that a cabinet reshuffle is needed for the current Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration.

Mliswa said this reshuffle is also need for the bureaucrats considering that the scourge is deeply embedded within the country.

Writing on social media, Mliswa said:

I continue to insist that a reshuffle is needed. Corruption is so deeply embedded & we can’t expect a different result with the same faces especially the bureaucrats.

Deputy Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi hinted towards the end of 2018 that a Cabinet reshuffle was imminent.

However, to date nothing has yet materialised.

CHIWUNDURA legislator Livingstone Chimina (MDC Alliance) has been further remanded in custody to February 11 in a case where he stands accused of allegedly assaulting Zanu PF youths who invaded Gweru’s Kudzanayi bus terms and extorted money from buses drivers.B

Chimina, together with a Gweru City Council employee, Charles Machangira, and bus company supervisor Leticia Mteliso, are accused of assaulting three Zanu PF activists who stormed Kudzanayi long-distance bus terminus last month and illegally collected ranking fees from transport operators.

Gweru magistrate Beauty Dube deferred the matter to February 11 during a court sitting on Friday.

When he appeared for initial remand, his lawyers, Shepherd Mafa and Wellington Davira, told magistrate Dube that it was the complainants who must actually be charged for extortion.

“They (complainants) collected money from buses illegally at the rank and were never arrested. However, when our clients apprehended one of them in a civil arrest manner and handed him to the police, they surprisingly refused to take their report, saying the case was political,” Davira argued.

Chimina, who denied the charges, is also facing incitement of public violence charges related to the fuel price hike protests.

POLITICAL tempers flared at the burial of the late music icon and national hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi yesterday after State security agents, for the second time inside 24 hours, attempted to block opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa from entering the main gate to the musician’s rural home in Madziwa, Mashonaland Central province.B

It took the intervention of mourners to break the security barrier and let Chamisa in after over 40 minutes of haggling with soldiers and police officers, who claimed they had received orders from their “superiors” to bar him from the funeral.

After forcing his way in with the aid of mostly youthful mourners, Chamisa had to endure another hour of standing in the crowd as security agents again blocked him from securing a seat in the VIP tent, where other dignitaries were being ushered to.

As if that was not enough, attempts were also made to block Chamisa from joining other church leaders at the grave site, but fellow clerics came to his rescue, arguing he was an ordained pastor with the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe.

NewsDay witnessed police forming a 20-man wall to block Chamisa, who was in the company of his deputy, Morgen Komichi and several MDC legislators, before the crowd moved in and broke the wall.

On Saturday, Chamisa failed to attend a memorial concert organised for Mtukudzi at the National Sports Stadium in Harare as security agents could not let him in with his motorcade.

Komichi yesterday described the incident as the height of political intolerance by the Zanu PF government and its State apparatus.

“We arrived at the gate and the police refused to open the gate for us. The officer-in-charge later confirmed the police was under instruction not to allow us in,” he said.

“When we eventually entered, the police put a barricade on us so that we don’t get into the tent. We left and joined the public to watch the proceedings from a distance. They tried again to block us from the grave site. All this was in the view of everyone, including foreign dignitaries and ambassadors.”

He added: “This is disrespect of the death; to segregate people at the burial of a person who was everyone’s relative.”

But Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi, who witnessed the drama, later chose to be diplomatic, saying: “Chamisa was not blocked. I actually went at the same time with him. My security gave way to Chamisa to get in. When I arrived, he was in the crowd, trying to find his way. He was actually helped by security staff to make his way to the funeral. He was not blocked. He should not lie. My security made way for me and, as I passed, he also passed. We believe that funerals are for everybody. Everyone should be free to bereave.”

Chamisa’s presence at the funeral almost disrupted the proceedings, as mourners mobbed him, prompting Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri, who was reading out President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s speech, to briefly stop and plead for order.

“Can we be silent, please! These are some of Oliver’s friends who have come to pay their last respects. Let us listen what I am saying here. It is more important,” Muchinguri bellowed.

Police were again forced to form a human shield to block photojournalists who had shifted focus from Muchinguri to Chamisa.

Hostility between government officials and opposition officials heightened over the past two weeks after State security agents rounded up over 1 000 mostly suspected MDC activists accused of leading recent violent countrywide protests.

Government insists the protests were organised by Chamisa’s MDC as part of its regime change agenda, but the latter has denied the charge.

The majority of the suspects have been denied bail, while their trials have been fast-tracked, raising the ire of their lawyers, who have claimed miscarriage of justice.

At the Saturday concert, former DJs linked to the MDC were denied the opportunity to eulogise using the public address system at the stadium.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwean women have mobilised themselves to speak out against the alleged rape of women by members of the army following the crackdown on organisers of the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests which saw violence breaking out and an estimated 12 people being shot by security agents.

In a message doing the rounds on social media platforms, Zimbabwean women have declared Wednesday #BlackWednesday calling on all citizens who are standing in solidarity with women who were allegedly raped by soldiers to put on black attire.

Nettie Musanhu called on citizens to stop demonising and judging rape victims but to support them in order to assist victims break the culture of silence.

Said Musanhu on twitter:

Linda Masarira. Spokesperson of the MDC led by Dr Thokozani Khupe urged women to speak out as one against rape.

Said Masarira:

“Our greatest challenge is that we have women’s organisations that are very much polarised. Most of the organisations are only after donor funding and having conferences in hotels. But when it comes to dealing with the real issues in the ground, they are nowhere to be found…..Women’s organisations should not be silent when there are so many violations against women right now.”

Added one Chido Luciasi:

“Acting as if our lives do not matter. It took them seconds to locate plough thieves. Now it’s taking ages to bring the culprits to book. #WomenLivesMatter”

Said Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Director Memory Kadau :

Added the Adult Rape Clinic:

By Paul Nyathi|ZANU-PF Politburo member Perrance Shiri has said the party has no regrets over the recent military intervention in restoring peace following violence perpetrated by malcontents two weeks ago.

He said people should revert to constitutional ways of expressing their grievances and refrain from resorting to violence.

Addressing a crowd at the commissioning of Guruve Community Information Centre last Friday, Shiri said the army could not sit and watch the country burn after the police force was incapacitated.

“There are several ways to express our griviences,” he said.

“You can do so through Parliament, Government and peaceful protests. However, we will not tolerate acts of violence, looting and burning of property. This is not how Zimbabweans behave. We do not regret the intervention by the soldiers,” he said.

“If the police is incapacitated we will call the military to put out the fire. Did people want Harare to burn while soldiers watched? We appeal to youths to be disciplined and to appreciate the importance of peace, unity and love.”

Shiri is notorious for being the commander of the killer fifth brigade soldiers that came to be known as Gukurahundi in the early eighties.

Then known as “Black Jesus,” Shiri led the soldiers to kill over 20 000 people in the Matabeleland and Midlands province in a spate of three years of massive violence.

The region is still living in fear of Shiri who is now the Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Water.

His statement comes after the army killed twelve people in the one week of citizen protests over a 143% fuel price increase effected by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Army also killed seven people in Harare on August 1 after riots emerged inn the capital following the delays in announcing presidential election results of the July 30 elections.

In the last few days, reports have been received of members of the army persecuting innocent citizens on a door to door follow up operation accusing them of having taken part in the protests that turned violent.

The world has heavily condemned the actions of the army and police calling on Mnangagwa to urgently address the issue.

The former Airforce of Zimbabwe commander further warned teachers who are contemplating going on a cripling strike to remain at work despite the very low salary government is paying them.

Source: State Media

THE trial of an Airforce of Zimbabwe pilot accused of killing his lawyer girlfriend in a crime of passion late last year, kicks off in Gweru today.

The case is part of the 17 murder cases lined up for hearing by the High Court on circuit in Gweru.

In an interview, Chief Public Prosecutor Mr Samuel Pedzisayi who is in charge of Midlands province, said High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa will preside over 17 murder cases in the next two weeks.

“The first circuit for the 2019 legal year for the Midlands is starting on Monday and 17 cases will be heard before Justice Mabhikwa,” he said.

Mr Pedzisayi said the trial of Airforce of Zimbabwe pilot, Tashinga Musonza (29) who allegedly killed his lawyer girlfriend Miss Lucy Duve (32) in a crime of passion in November last year kicks off today.

“Gokwe has six cases, Gweru four, Shurugwi three, Zvishavane two, Lower Gweru and Lalapansi one each,” he said.

Musonza allegedly fatally assaulted his Gweru-based lawyer who was working for a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) accusing her of cheating on him with his colleague.

It is the State’s case that on November 25, Musonza went to their lodgings around 10PM and found Ms Duve asleep. He allegedly accused her of cheating on him with his colleague.

The two drove to the airbase since Musonza wanted the matter clarified. They allegedly woke up Ms Duve’s alleged lover who denied being in a relationship with her.

Musonza allegedly got furious and started assaulting Ms Duve.

His colleague tried to restrain him but was overpowered before he ran away from the scene to seek assistance from fellow colleagues.

Upon their return they found Ms Duve lying unconscious in a pool of blood.

Musonza later drove Ms Duve to Clay Bank Hospital in the company of two of his colleagues and another female who is said to be Ms Duve’s friend.

She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital leading to the arrest of Musonza.

A postmortem report showed that Miss Duve had a fractured skull, blood clots in her brain and that her lungs were affected by the attack among other injuries.

The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, together with Minister Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo visited the Duve family in Suburbs, Bulawayo, to console the family.

Ziyambi said Government doesn’t condone violence against women and also assured Duve’s family that justice will prevail.

State Media

Zimbabwe appears headed for another social crisis as authorities have embarked on a widespread operation to destroy illegal structures in urban areas, reminiscent of the 2005 disastrous Operation Murambatsvina which left over 700 000 people homeless.

The operation began in Chitungwiza on Friday afternoon where armed soldiers stormed the busy C Junction in Chitungwiza Unit C ordering owners of tuckshops and other small business premises to remove their wares and pull down their structures within 30 minutes failure which they would be beaten up.

With memories of the blood that soldiers spilt in the communities still fresh in their minds gloom immediately descended on the usually bustling centre of business as people began pulling down their shops and carting their wares home, marking an end of sources of livelihood for many.

The Standard witnessed the operation in action at C Junction on Friday before it spread to other parts of Chitungwiza, a dormitory town of Harare and home to over three million people. Yesterday the destruction had become commonplace in the town with major action being reported at Makoni Shopping Centre, one of Chitungwiza’s biggest and busiest business hubs.

It appeared the police and the city municipality were all behind the operation as their officers stood by as people pulled down their tuckshops and stalls.

The Standard also visited Harare’s oldest and most populous suburb of Mbare where the operation began to unfold yesterday morning. Illegal shop owners in the sprawling suburb were busy pulling down their structures under the watchful eye of soldiers, police and Harare municipal police.

There was no resistance seen except downcast and visibly angry faces of affected people.

Residents were pulling down the structures on their own after being given a 24-hour notice to demolish the structures on Friday by soldiers who reportedly warned unspecified action if the order was not heeded.

Almost all morning, armed municipal police and soldiers were milling around the suburb, observing the demolitions. The Standard witnessed a group of the council police officers moving in clusters around Mbare.

“Yesterday (Friday) municipal police came here and ordered us to remove the structures within 24 hours or face unspecified consequences. Soldiers then came today (yesterday). They are armed and watching from their trucks, not saying anything,” one resident said.

“We don’t have room to disobey — you know what the soldiers have been doing these days. We, however, feel they should have given us adequate notice and alternative places to sell out wares. We are here not because we want to, but because we don’t have jobs.”

But other residents said the decision was a welcome move because the tuckshops were mushrooming everywhere and not paying council levies, but paying to Zanu PF youths.

“And they are now a menace, obstructing traffic. These tuckshops also fuel the black market. They were selling cooking oil at as high as $17 when OK Zimbabwe is selling it at $4. They should go,” another resident said.

But although municipal police were seen apparently backing the operation, it appears there could be discord and controversy in the launching of the operation.

Harare mayor Herbert Gomba, the policy head of the city told The Standard yesterday that he was not aware of any such operation and that council had definitely not sanctioned the demolitions or enlisted the services of the military.

“We have not made a resolution to that effect,” Gomba said. “My council’s policy is that of engagement and we have always advocated for that. I am not sure if that was followed, but we will investigate further and give details later.”

Standard

The late music icon and national hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi received a befitting farewell from over 40 000 people who thronged the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Saturday to celebrate his life during a send-off concert organised by local promoters.

There was jubilation from the beginning to the end of the concert, as Tuku’s adoring fans gave their last respects to the man who had entertained them for over 40 years.

Ammi Jamanda, of the Rhythmz of Africa, ignited the dancing mood with a cover version for the late Mbuya Maduve’s song Ndega Ndega.

Zimdancehall’s man of the moment, Enzo Ishall, threw the audience into a frenzy when he jumped off the stage and stood by the terraces, belting out the song of the moment, Kanjiva.

Gospel music guru Mechanic Manyeruke’s son Guspy Warrior, Soul Jah Love, Kinnah and Mathias Mhere did not disappoint.

Jah Prayzah, who captivated the audience with Muchinjikwa Unorema, and former Black Spirits member Picky Kasamba broke down as they were giving their farewell speeches.

“If we were able to restore his life back, he would be here with us,” Jah Prayzah said.

NewsDay Life & Style also witnessed several Tuku fans in tears, as they battled to come to terms with the death of their icon.

When the hearse carrying Tuku’s coffin entered the stadium, driven by Nyaradzo Funeral Services owner Philip Mataranyika, ululations and whistles filled the stadium.

As the hearse left for One Commando Barracks, some fans rushed from the terraces, chanting Shona: “Tipeiwo nguva yekuchema gamba redu” (Give us time to mourn our hero).

Speaker after speaker described Tuku as a unifier, mentor and promised to live by his legacy.

“He was a man that lived to unify people, lived by values and loved his country. I hope we honour him by instilling those values in every single one of us. I also hope that moving forward we will be a unified proud Zimbabwe,” Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation minister Kirsty Coventry said.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe board chairperson Herbert Chimhundu thanked government for conferring national hero status to Tuku.

Manyeruke concurred, telling NewsDay Life & Style: “The recognition given to him befits him. He was a man of the people, whose arms were open to everyone.

Oliver was just good. I advise young artistes to emulate the late Tuku, he was just good.”

Gospel musician Togarepi Chivaviro said Tuku taught them to work together without feeling threatened.

“We should be able to adopt the legacy such that when we die, living artistes should also say I learnt this and that from Chivaviro, Leonard Zhakata or Alick Macheso,” he said.

Zora musician Leonard Zhakata said: “My words cannot do enough to describe this legend. The numbers that came to bid him farewell and events that took place speak for themselves. Videos and pictures also speak. It’s the first time a musician has been given national hero status, first time the stadium is

full for such an occasion.”

Fellow musician Bob Nyabinde described Tuku as a unifier, who encouraged people to work together through his music.

“He was a philosopher and a mentor to many musicians, particularly the upcoming. He could sing with any artiste from a particular genre. We have been challenged to be people who others will emulate,” he said.

Partying continued outside the stadium when the concert ended, with some people playing Tuku music in their parked vehicles.

NewsDay

It  was a rare scenario in local music and in the history of national heroism.

The Bindura-Mt Darwin highway was a sea of colours as thousands of people gathered at Oliver Mtukudzi’s homestead in Madziwa, Mashonaland Central province.

Mtukudzi’s fans came from all walks of life to bid farewell to their hero.

He was the first musician to be declared a national hero and his burial in Madziwa as per the wishes of his family did not deter people from showing their love to the man who made history in the country’s showbiz scene.

The activities in Madziwa began on Saturday night when a contingent of the musician’s followers arrived from various parts of Mashonaland Central.

Others came from Harare and Norton to salute their hero. Mashonaland Central was Tuku’s home province. His fans from areas like Shamva, Bindura, Mt Darwin and Rushinga made sure that they gave their hero a befitting farewell.

Music lovers from all walks of life also gave Tuku a memorable send-off.

A stage was set about 200 metres from the musician’s homestead. As people trooped in to pay their last respects, attention shifted towards the stage at around 9pm on Saturday.

Musicians took turns to salute Tuku with energetic performances and the homestead reverberated to song and dance.

It was an excellent way of saluting a hero who had shown great artistry on stage. Yesterday morning saw all roads leading to Madziwa and with numbers swelling, parking became a challenge as vehicles continued to extend for several kilometres on both sides of the highway.

Musicians, politicians, sportsmen, entertainers and villagers gathered for merrymaking. Celebrating a hero and a superstar who has left an indelible mark.

Instead of shedding tears, many decided to celebrate his life and share their experiences with him. Burial proceedings began towards mid-morning with Tuku’s widow, Daisy, giving a touching speech.

She revealed how the departed hero made a mark in her life and how his hardworking culture has been passed on to the family and musicians after him.

Family spokesperson Victor Rukainga revealed how Tuku began his career. He said the musician was in love with his art and began playing homemade guitars when he was young.

“He started playing guitars made out of ‘Olivine’ tins. I knew that he had the talent because of his passion for music. When he got a job, he bought a good guitar with his first pay,” he said.

“His parents did not know that he was doing music. He tried to hide it because it was not acceptable to pursue music.

“When his popularity started growing, he took his close relatives to one of his shows and they were surprised. He gave his best performance.”

He revealed that the Municipality of Bindura at one point disappointed Tuku when they failed to avail an appropriate place for him to build his arts  centre.

Pakare Paye Arts Centre, which is in Norton, was meant to be in Bindura, but the authorities were not co-operative.

The family spokesperson then called Mtukudzi’s daughters to the podium. Sandra Mtukudzi said her father taught them the importance of unity.

She saluted her mother Melody Murape for inspiring them to work hard even when things seemed bleak.

Selmor Mtukudzi then led her sisters and mourners in singing “Mumweya Nemuzvokwadi”.

Alick Macheso was then given a chance to salute Mtukudzi on behalf of other musicians. Macheso said Tuku was a father in the music industry and they had worked together on a number of projects. He said he has taken advice from his elders Tuku, Thomas Mapfumo and Nicholas Zakaria.

Macheso did a rendition of Tuku’s song “Tichasangana Kudenga” and this moved mourners who joined in. Then it was time for Neria’s lead actress Jesesi Mungoshi to say a few words about the departed hero.

As she took to the podium emotions got the better of her, after regaining her composure she told the crowd about how the late musician was her source of inspiration.

Dub poet Albert Nyathi did a poem to salute the late hero and many people applauded his celebratory words that showed his poetic prowess.

Guest of honour was Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who read President Mnangagwa’s speech and highlighted how Tuku preached unity in most of his songs and urged young musicians to emulate him.

She said Tuku led by example when he sang “Hatidi Hondo”, which is a call for peace.

When people had saluted Tuku through speeches, it was time to lay the hero to rest.

Celebratory songs were sang as the hero’s body was taken to its final resting place. The events at Madziwa will no doubt continue to be the subject of many discussions in the area and beyond.

State Media

By Own Correspondent| Four people who took part in the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests early this month were on Friday jailed for a combined five years behind bars by a Mbare Magistrate.

Johannes Sigauke (42) of Zone 1, Hopley Farm, was jailed for three years for stealing a solar battery and torching Southlea Park Police Station and two police vehicles while the other three were sentenced to two years apiece for impersonating members of the Zimbabwe National Army and assaulting a Harare businesswoman whom they tried to rob.

Sigauke appeared before Mbare magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who initially sentenced him to 60 months in jail term before suspending 12 months on condition of good behaviour.

Sigauke however pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him but he was convicted after a full trial.

In passing sentence, Mambanje said the accused deserved a custodial sentence because he had committed a serious offence that endangered the safety of the general public and caused irreparable loss to the State.

The court heard that on January 14 Sigauke and his accomplices, who are still at large, went to Mbudzi roundabout armed with logs and stones and barricaded the road with burning tyres and boulders.

They besieged Southlea Park Police Station, started throwing missiles and stones before setting two police vehicles on fire.

The vehicles were reduced to shells.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened an investigation against 23 MDC councillors and two National Assembly members implicated in a $60 million tender scam.

Other charges are related to the sell of stands to MDC councillors in a self-enriching scam.

When contacted by The Sunday Mail, Zacc Commissioner in charge of investigations Mr Goodson Nguni confirmed the investigations.

He said ZACC was keen to interview the opposition members, some of whom who are no longer with the Bulawayo City Council, including Njube MP and MDC-Alliance Bulawayo provincial chair Gift Banda.

The investigation stems from a Bulawayo City Council report compiled by an investigating team made up of Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing top officials.

The Government investigation team headed by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ministry director engineering services, Engineer Hungwe, unearthed that council awarded a $59, 6 million tender to Terracotta without following proper procedure.

It was revealed that Terracotta won the contract in 2015 for the rehabilitation of Basch Street Terminus (Egodini) ahead of Pearl Properties which had charged $30 million and Road Port which quoted $3 million. 

Nguni said Zacc was investigating why Terracotta was given a contract ahead of Pearl Properties.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer Takunda Lawrence Madamombe (22) on Saturday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges of public violence after he was caught burning a Zupco bus and stealing a motor cycle during the recent #ShutdownZimbabwe protests.

Madamombe who is attached to the Presidential Guard, State House, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before provincial magistrate Francis Mapfumo.

He is charged together with, Dennis Maguri (29) of Rydle Ridge Park and Kudakwashe Gapare (22) of Whitecliff North, who also pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is the state’s case that on January 14, 2019 at around 10am Madamombe and his accomplices together with 200 others still at large, were at Whitehouse Shopping Centre along the Harare-Bulawayo Road where they connived to engage in acts of public violence.

They allegedly barricaded roads with boulders, burnt tyres and threw missiles at the motoring public after which they stopped a Zupco bus with registration number AEG 3955 which was proceeding to Harare.

It is the state’s case that they ordered the bus crew and its passengers to disembark after which one Emmanuel Chari, who is already in prison over the same matter, drove the bus and parked it about 40 metres away from the main road where it was set ablaze.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent|Permanent secretary in the Information ministry Nick Mangwana has described opposition leader Nelson Chamisa as a drama queen out to seek attention following reports that he was barred from attending the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s memorial music gala at the National Sports Stadium.

On Saturday, Chamisa was not allowed entry into the National Sports Stadium with his motorcade, as he was stopped by security agents.

However, Mangwana said Chamisa was not barred from entering the stadium arguing that he was treated like everyone else, including Government ministers, who were not allowed to enter the stadium in their vehicles.

Said Mangwana:

He was not barred. All other dignitaries including ministers were parking their cars outside and walking in. But Chamisa refused and wanted to drive in. Security protocol did not allow this and he walked away. He was not denied entry. Chamisa is being a drama queen. A prima donna out to attract attention for the sake of it. Government has no business barring people from funerals or any functions, but protocol has to be followed. We are not a chaotic Government.

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since launched a manhunt for at least 27 MDC-Alliance officials and activists, including their civil society partners, for allegedly organising #ShutdownZimbabwe protests which later turned violent.

Suspects on the police wanted list include, activist Promise Mkhwananzi, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) chairperson Rashid Mahiya, Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament Charlton Hwende and party spokesperson Jacob Mafume. 

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said they wanted to interview the above mentioned people with regards to the violent disturbances.

Said Nyathi:

As police we are keen to interview 27 suspects in connection with rampant looting, incitement on social media and destruction of property, which occurred between January 14 and 16 this year. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact any nearest police station.-StateMedia

By Paul Nyathi

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC has scoffed at the Zanu Pf led government conduct where security details exhibited deliberate attempts to stop the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa from paying his last respects to music icon and national hero Oliver Mtukudzi.

In a statement issued Sunday, MDC national spokesperson Jacob Mafume said barring Chamisa from attending Mtukudzi’s funeral and burial was not only taboo according to Zimbabwean customs and tradition but it was a clear sign of desperation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Said Mafume:

Twice the Zanu PF government blocked President Chamisa from attending funeral proceedings of International icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.

Not only did they block President Chamisa but also Dancehall superstar Wallace Chirimuko popularly known as Winky Dee.

These acts are not only a show of desperation and disrespect but are taboo.

That a stranger can come to a neighbor’s funeral and then be the self appointed clearance guard who decides who must pay last respects is unheard of especially in Zimbabwean society.

Sowing division at a life of a unifier is flummoxing.

The lies and injustice in return for law abiding and peace loving conduct is contempt of the highest order.

The MDC takes this opportunity to thank the people of Zimbabwe who showed utmost respect to the late icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, a man who earned every drop of the waters of respect Zimbabweans and the globe continue to pour.

We also express our gratitude to the family who embraced everyone who so wished to pay condolence and pay respect to the late icon despite race or creed.

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

LOSING presidential candidate and Alliance for the People’s Agenda (APA) leader Nkosana Moyo (NM) says President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Cabinet have shown that they have no idea how to run the country. He told our senior report Obey Manayiti (OM) last week that the socio-economic problems facing the country would serve as a warning for people to vote wisely in future. Below are excerpts.

OM: Zimbabwe is in a crisis at the moment. There is a crackdown against opposition figures, their supporters and ordinary citizens. What is your take on the situation prevailing in the country?

NM: To some extent the crisis is not new. it has been with us since Zanu PF has been running this country. I think what we need to interrogate a bit more is what has happened since the coup in November of 2017. What was presented to the world at that point is a then a united Zimbabwe which was given space to express itself as a population. There was incredible unity demonstrated internally by all sectors of society, to demonstrate against what has been going on, but we need now to take a pause and ask ourselves: So what has happened since 12 months ago? At that time we saw the demonstration where virtually there was no police around, but nobody, not one person reported either an injury, violence or looting. Fast-forward to today, people go out there and attempt to communicate with their government to say we are suffering and we want to express ourselves as happened in November so that you can do something about it, and the response that the population receives is brutality. We need to pause and take stock of this. These are the same people who said it’s a new dispensation.

Like I said, the crisis has been in the making for a long time, way beyond the past 12 months, but what people were expecting is that this last period since November 2017, in this new dispensation, people expected something being done about this crisis and clearly nothing has been done.

OM: President Emmerson Mnangagwa came into power first in November 2017 and then in September 2018 after being declared the winner of the July 30 presidential poll by the Constitutional Court. Do you think he has the capacity? Is he the right man for the job?

NM: On the basis of the evidence in front of us and in front of the population, the answer must be no. I am not making a statement about President Mnangagwa as a human being. I am making it as an assessment of what you and I see on the street. Life has not improved, but not only that, the more worrisome thing is that nothing is being done that makes sense. And nothing that is being done has been done in a manner that seeks firstly to mobilise the support of Zimbabweans so that they understand what the game plan is. Things are being imposed on them whereas what we expected from a leadership that understands how to make people tighten their belts is that you make them see the plan and explain it. What we are seeing is an imposition of something that has not been presented or debated to the people and what does that mean? You cannot execute a turnaround plan and not explain to the people for them to understand the nature of the plan and the time frames involved to withstand this pain before things get better.

OM: Transitional Stabilisation Programme, a raft of austerity measures being implemented by the government. Do you think this is going to work? Is this the right prescription for our problems?

NM: Let’s say I am going to build a house and the components of building a house include a foundation and a roof but you and I would intuitively understand that the sequencing of this plan is important for the project to be successful. That is not what is happening here. It’s not enough to identify the components of what needs to be done, it is also incredibly important to understand the sequencing in order for a successful project to be executed.

Zimbabweans have suffered a deteriorating economy over the past four decades. The outcomes of that as we know are that there is very high unemployment level well above 80%. This means Zimbabweans have no means of making a livelihood at any level that can be considered to be satisfactory. On the one side you have a population whose purchasing power has been severely undercut. On the other side you have an economy whose factories have closed down because of the conditions in the country and we have said we want to revive the economy, attract investment in the country. When you revive an economy, the basis on which you make an investment in a particular geography is based on a demand for the goods that you are going to sell. If there is no demand you cannot invest and make money, you will invest and lose all your money. If you are going to invest in an economy where the people already have a diminished ability to buy, you need to make sure that you don’t make it worse by increasing taxes. When Mthuli Ncube took over, we have seen them further undermining Zimbabweans’ ability to buy. So it follows therefore that when an investor looks at a business case for investing in Zimbabwe, the observation is that there are no people who are going to buy, therefore, there is no need to build a factory in Zimbabwe.

OM: So the government is taking a wrong path?

NM: They are not sequencing in the right order and what that leads to logically is that you begin to doubt if they understands or whether they are being honest in terms of their intentions. Mthuli Ncube is a professor and he is not stupid, so the question has to be asked on why he is doing this. Why is someone like Mthuli participating in something that is irrational?

OM: What is your assessment of Mthuli Ncube as a Finance minister so far?

NM: I don’t want to judge people on the basis of who they are. I am saying to you let’s understand the evidence. I have explained that if one needs to invest, they look at the capacity of people to buy. We have a government which wants investors to come but they are starting off by depriving this market of the ability to buy which means investors cannot come to Zimbabwe.

OM: So the question remains, is he the right man for the job?

NM: The evidence will seem to imply that both the President and his Cabinet, broadly speaking, do not know what they are doing.

OM: What would you have done differently, suppose you had the chance?

NM: What are the problems that have brought us to where we are? I think answering that question requires us to go a little bit back. Close to 40 years we have been fed that Zimbabwe has been destroyed by sanctions. Firstly, the sanctions were put because we took over our farms but the manner in which we did that, of killing people is the one that called for sanctions. We need to understand that sanctions were applied to Zimbabwe but we need to understand why they were applied. When you take an action you must assess how other people are going to react. If you are not strong enough don’t do things that are going to make you killed unless if you believe in martyrdom. A leader has a right to decide on martyrdom on behalf of the whole population. So we need to understand that President Mugabe’s methodology of implementing land redistribution was not smartly thought-out and that is why sanctions were applied.

Secondly, in my opinion what has destroyed Zimbabwe is not sanctions even as I concede that sanctions by their nature are meant to hurt but we need to understand they were applied in aptitude of our lack of strategic thinking. More importantly this country has been destroyed by us as Zimbabweans and not by sanctions and two elements in particular — corruption which is at the top of this administration and assembling the best brains in Cabinet. We don’t believe for whatever reason that we must assemble our best team. We don’t have the best team yet we think we can still go to compete and win, something is wrong in our thinking. That is what I call meritocracy, which means you form a team that is based on the talent and experience available to you but we seem to do the opposite.

OM: You spoke about sanctions not being the problem. This comes at a time when there is a crusade campaigning against the sanctions. Don’t you risk going against the grain on this one?

NM: I never said sanctions must not be removed. I said the reason why this country is on its knees has nothing to do with the sanctions primarily.
Secondly, a lot of the reasons which have been given for the renewal of sanctions have got a lot to do with human rights. Why can’t we remove that? It doesn’t need money. We want re-engagement with the world, we want sanctions to be removed and we have been told the conditions like human rights and freedom of association, but yet we still kill people on the streets.

OM: On the crackdown, what do you think about the picture that we have portrayed to the outside world? Are people going to take Zimbabwe seriously?

NM: The fact is we used an army to go and kill people and this is a fact, therefore, the world has seen the reality. There are all sorts of images circulating of people who have been shot and brutalised. This is fact and that is what the investors have seen. If you are an investor and coming to invest in a space like this, the likelihood of you investing in an environment where the government does not respect its people is high. Again we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

OM: And the idea of shutting down the internet, what is your take on that?

NM: Everywhere in the world there are people who abuse the internet. You have to find ways of regulating these things in a more acceptable way in this day and age and not shutting it down. This country’s communication infrastructure is very patchy and a number of people who were inconvenienced are not the ones who were abusing the internet.

OM: President Mnangagwa has expressed willingness to work with other stakeholders. Are you willing to work with him?

NM: Why does he want to do that? It is only in September that was he inaugurated and he has a majority in Parliament. What exactly is stopping him from running the country? We need to understand his agenda?

OM: Do you have a role to play in the country to ease the situation in the country?

NM: No, again you are going against what democracy is. The people chose a particular individual, party and a particular programme and elections are supposed to come after every five years. When the five years comes, hopefully the population will have experienced success or failure and then act accordingly. When you say do you have a role, you are now mudding the waters, you are confusing the process. The focus is to continuously hold them to account on the basis of the promises they made. The debate now should be President Mnangagwa you promised such and such things and why is that not happening? Now he is denying that there is violence and yet people are dying. People must go and ask him. There is a framework of how democracy works?
OM: Given everything that you have explained, what is the possible way forward for Zimbabwe?

NM: Between now and 2023, people should continue expressing their discomfort to the government of the day which they chose. As a citizen I will tell you that the government is doing the wrong things. They have no clue on what they are doing. On the engagement with the rest of the world, if you promise that we are going to be different, the other countries will then ask you to demonstrate the difference. The government now needs to be clear and demonstrate that what they are saying and what they are doing is one thing. If you say Zimbabwe is open for business but you haven’t dealt with corruption and hiring competent people, there is violence everyday then the world will ask if you are the new dispensation.

Standard

By Paul Nyathi|A young Zimbabwean artist has produced probably the best local artefact to remember the late great musician Oliver Mtukudzi with.

Artist, Liberty Shuro has drawn a million dollar worth picture of Tuku with his own hand and paraded it on his Facebook page.

After finishing the art, Shuro wrote on his Facebook page:

One of African giants has once again fallen. We are saddened by the unfortunate event which has robbed us of a great musician, icon, philanthropist . True to his sound & word, through music, he touched on many lives, positively influenced the world. To me he was more than a mentor, a father, a role model. The world is both mourning and celebrating such an inspirational icon. He will never be replaced by any other. I am sorry to the Mtukudzi Family.

As an artist, I have created this gift to immortalize our icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi as he shall forever be remembered. His work & influence will always be alive in us all until end of times for generations and myriads of days to come. Help me pay this tribute through my drawing.

I will always remember what he taught us, “if you do not do you, the world has lost you”.

Rufu_ndimadzongonyedze

One wise legendary icon.

MDC Media Statement|Twice the ZANUPF government blocked President Chamisa from attending funeral proceedings of International icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.

Not only did they block President Chamisa but also Dancehall superstar Wallace Chirimuko popularly known as Winky Dee.

These acts are not only a show of desperation and disrespect but are taboo.

That a stranger can come to a neighbor’s funeral and then be the self appointed clearance guard who decides who must pay last respects is unheard of especially in Zimbabwean society.

Sowing division at a life of a unifier is flummoxing.

The lies, the injustice in return for law abiding and peace loving conduct is contempt of the highest order.

The MDC takes this opportunity to thank the people of Zimbabwe who showed utmost respect to the late icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, a man who earned every drop of the waters of respect Zimbabweans and the globe continue to pour.

We also express our gratitude to the family who embraced everyone who so wished to pay condolence and pay respect to the late icon despite race or creed.

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

Paul Nyathi|As news spread that people attending the on-going Oliver Mtukudzi burial in Madziva Village pushed through government security and the army to open the gate for opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to attend the burial, a ZimEye.com live streaming viewer has challenged Zimbabweans to emulate the move by the villagers and push Chamisa through into State House.

According to the viewer, the mourners have given Zimbabweans an example of what should be done to push for change in the country.

The mourners gathered up and pushed away from the entrance state security agents and soldiers who were for no reason denying the opposition leader access into the venue of the burial.

On Saturday, a Chamisa lead motorcade was denied entry into the National Sports Stadium where a tribute musical concert was being held for Tuku.

Follow ZimEye.com live on the official Facebook page for the latest at Tuku’s burial.

Mtukudzi’s children wanted the remains of their father to be interred at the National Heroes Acre. Mtukudzi died from diabetes on Wednesday afternoon at the Avenues Clinic where he was admitted. He was conferred with the national hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.

Mail and Telegraph sources revealed that one of Mtukudzi’s aunts insisted that the late music legend should be buried in his village of origin, Madziva. Said the source:

The children were agreeable that he be buried at the national shrine where they would create a Trust and his grave would serve as a monument and tourist attraction for visitors from across the world just like Michael Jackson’s but one of their distant aunts disagreed with them and opted for Madziwa. They had a series of meetings until the children gave up and succumbed to the aunt’s demands.

A tribute concert was held in honour of Mtukudzi at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday. His body was then airlifted by a military helicopter to his rural home. He will be buried at 2 pm on Sunday afternoon.

A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer attached to the Presidential Guard, State House yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with burning a Zupco bus and stealing a motor cycle during the recent nationwide protests economic hardships.B

Takunda Lawrence Madamombe (22) pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before provincial magistrate Francis Mapfumo charged alongside his two accomplices, Dennis Maguri (29) of Rydle Ridge Park and Kudakwashe Gapare (22) of Whitecliff North, who also pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is the state’s case that on January 14, and at around 10am Madamombe and his accomplices together with 200 others still at large, were at Whitehouse Shopping Centre along the Harare-Bulawayo Road where they connived to engage in acts of public violence.

The state alleges that pursuant to their plans, they barricaded roads with boulders, burnt tyres and threw missiles at the motoring public after which they stopped a Zupco bus with registration number AEG 3955 which was proceeding to Harare.

It is the state’s case that they ordered the bus crew and its passengers to disembark after which one Emmanuel Chari, who is already in prison over the same matter, drove the bus and parked it about 40 metres away from the main road where it was set ablaze.

The state further alleges the mob later proceeded to Puma Service Station at the same shopping centre where they chased the employees away, broke the doors and windows to the shop and looted all the groceries.

Madamombe, Maguri and Gapare are also alleged to have joined their colleagues, who are still at large, and proceeded to set ablaze a Mitsubishi pick-up truck which was parked at the service station and later broke into a pharmacy where they looted all the drugs.

During the ensuing commotion, Madamombe is alleged to have stolen a blue Yamaha 50 motorbike which was parked inside the service station. He also allegedly stole various drugs from the pharmacy. Maguri and Gapare allegedly stole a 12-volt car battery which they later sold to a commuter omnibus driver for $60.

During investigations police recovered the motorbike and some drugs from Madamombe’s spare bedroom in Whitecliff suburb.

Standard

The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance has submitted a dossier to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) detailing alleged gross human rights violations by the security forces as pressure mounts on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to end a military crackdown on citizens.B

According to the report compiled by the party’s secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, Zimbabwe has been under a de facto state of emergency since January 14 when the army was deployed to violently crush protests organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) over a steep fuel price increase and general economic hardships.

The report was copied to Mnangagwa.

Titled, State-sponsored crackdown, microwave justice and prisoners of political conscience, the report submitted to the ZHRC on Friday details hair-raising cases of assault, torture, and rape allegedly committed by the security forces across the country.

“Just yesterday, in Hopley, 14 women were raped by soldiers, while four women from Epworth were also raped out of the 13 assaulted people,” reads part of the report.

“Another 28 victims who were receiving treatment were rounded up and taken to Harare Central police before they were released to the medical facility the next day.

“Others are just too afraid to report and are recuperating from home for fear of retribution.”

Two weeks ago, police and the military reacted disproportionately to violent protests during a stayaway called by the ZCTU and social movements.

Twelve people died and several others were injured, while hundreds have been arrested amid allegations that they were being subjected to unfair trials.

The MDC said five MPs, nine councillors and four staff members had been arrested while 43 MPs as well as four staff members and councillors had gone into hiding to avoid arrests and torture.

Bulawayo has the largest number of people arrested, with about 395, followed by Chitungwiza with 138 and Harare with 104.

According to the Human Rights NGO Forum, about 844 violations have been reported with 78 people sustaining gunshot wounds.

The MDC report claims the beatings and firing of live ammunition on protesters happened throughout the country resulting in loss of life, and grievous injuries to many.

“There is a sustained vilification and attack of the MDC by the state media through the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and The Herald which continues unabated,” the report reads.

“The deliberate nationwide internet shutdown by the state led to a total blackout of information and the state media took advantage of the blackout to misinform and misrepresent facts on the ground.”

The report added: “There was targeted persecution of MDC leaders, Members of Parliament, councillors and perceived members by state security agents and Zanu PF militia followed.

“Detained party leadership and perceived supporters where systematically denied bail throughout the country.

“A de-facto state of emergency is what is obtaining currently, leading to a curtailment of basic freedoms. For instance, in Bulawayo where there is a by-election in Cowdray Park, the party failed to hold its primary elections to select a candidate in preparation for the nomination court this week.”

Meanwhile, a regional legal lobby group has accused Mnangagwa’s government of committing serious crimes against humanity and threatened to take steps to force the authorities to comply with the law in investigating the cases of abuse.

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) said it was concerned about reports of gross human rights violations committed by government, which constitutes a breach of international laws and urged the Zimbabwean authorities to investigate the abuses.

The statement took note of the use of live ammunition by soldiers and police on civilians, attacks on victims in medical care, displacements and arbitrary detentions among a litany of other serious violations of human rights during the stayaway.

“Zimbabwe has an international obligation to investigate and prosecute the crimes committed by the police, government security forces and Zanu PF officials against its citizens,” SALC said.

“Should Zimbabwe take no steps towards fulfilling its obligation, the international community has an obligation to intervene in order to hold those responsible for the commission of the crimes accountable.”

SALC warned: “As a regional body that strives to hold governments accountable for the commission of international crimes including acts of torture and crimes against humanity, SALC reiterates its position that it will take steps towards holding accountable those individuals who are committing the crimes in Zimbabwe.”

South Africa’s ruling ANC on Friday slammed the crackdown following threats by the opposition DA to take Zimbabwe to the International Criminal Court.

The United States and British governments have also condemned the crackdown, with Zimbabweans in South Africa, the US and Britain protesting on streets and Zimbabwean embassies condemning the abuses.

Standard

The MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa was on Saturday reportedly denied entrance into the National Sports Stadium where the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi’s tribute concert was being held. Earlier reports indicated that Chamisa’ motorcade was denied access into the Stadium because it was a violation of security protocol

However, a Mail and Telegraph report claims that Chamisa was not in any of the vehicles that were blocked at the entrance. Instead, it was Chamisa’s advance team that was involved in the incident, and as soon as Chamisa was informed of the fiasco, he cancelled his plans to go to the concert.

It has further been revealed that there was no sinister motive in denying Chamisa’s motorcade entrance into the stadium since government officials and other dignitaries had to disembark outside the stadium and proceed on foot.

Chamisa told the Mail and Telegraph that he was not in a position to make a comment when contacted by the publication on Saturday. Said Chamisa:

I cannot give a comment now and state whether I was there or not because that will be exposing how I travel and may compromise my security.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said:

Mwonzora and Zvizvai came to me and said security details were blocking Chamisa’s motorcade from entering the stadium.

I asked them whether it was Chamisa or the vehicles that were not allowed to enter but they could not say anything. We sent our senior security details to the gate but the cars had already left.

Only the President’s motorcade is allowed to drive into the stadium on national events so there was an attempt to breach security measures.

M&T

A Twitter user has written telling ZimEye to title Chamisa, “President.”

“…@ZimEye he’s not Chamisa, he’s President N Chamisa. Please!”, the user (below) writes. FULL TWEET:

COVER Supermarkets owner, Mr Bulisani Tshuma, has denied allegations that it is because he uses juju, which has resulted in people who looted from his shops dotted around Bulawayo during the recent violent protests returning the goods.

The violent stayaway held two weeks ago saw many retailers in the high density suburbs emptied and vandalised.

Word has been rounds in the city that some of those who looted from Mr Tshuma’s shops were either dumping the goods in the bush, returning them to the shops or handing themselves in and the goods to the police fearing threats of juju on them.

Bulawayo police deputy provincial spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the police have recovered a lot of loot dumped in the bush.

“We have recovered many items discarded in the bush especially in areas such as Entumbane, Ngozi Mine, Nketa and Nkulumane,” said Insp Ncube.

Speaking on condition of anonymity one of the women who confessed looting at Cover Supermarket in Pumula said she decided to return the goods in fear of attracting bad luck.

“Most of the people looted, I looted too but I decided to give police all the goods I took during the protest. I did not know that the owner of Cover Supermarket was one of the congregants at church (name withheld). I handed the goods fearing that something bad might happen to me,” she told Sunday News.

Contacted for a comment, Mr Tshuma confirmed that people where returning the goods but denied ever threatening them with the use of juju or anything even consulting a prophet.

“Yes, people are returning the goods not directly to me or the shops but rather to the police. As a Christian like anyone if anything happens I pray and cry to God. What is so special about my prayer that they may return the goods? They are returning the goods because of guilty consciences, also as the police are doing door-to-door searches, it does not mean that I prayed for them to have bad luck or used any muthi. I do not know what is pushing them to return the goods probably because the police are intensifying their recovery efforts.

“As for my faith I worship the Almighty God and Jesus Christ himself. It is fortunate or unfortunate that when a black person succeed in life they are given all forms of labels. They are also accused of having a certain force behind their success because our minds have been colonised to think that a black person cannot prosper without using some supernatural forces,” said Mr Tshuma.

State Media

Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s first wife Melody Murape has said she deeply loved the legendary musician and said the feeling was mutual.

The couple wed on February 24, 1979, with a huge party at Melody’s sister’s house in Highfield, then a subsequent wedding reception at Gwanzura Stadium.

Tuku’s then friend and manager, Jack Sadza, was the wedding planner at the shindig that boasted a staggering 48 bridesmaids.

They were later to break up when Tuku met Daisy, a woman Melody said she will never forgive for messing up her marriage.

Still holding bitter resentment, Melody accused Tuku’s widow of “snatching” her husband, a move she said left her utterly “heartbroken”.

Melody is mother to Tuku’s daughters Selmor and Sandra, and she was at the funeral wake on Thursday in the company of her churchmates.

She said she was devastated with the death of her beloved husband. She recalled with nostalgia how they would meet each time Tuku visited a commercial bank where she worked.

She also recalled the good times they shared each time she met with the musical icon and national hero at family functions such as lobola ceremonies.

“I am the first lady and that does not change. I loved Tuku and I know he loved me back and he died loving me and there is a Shona proverb ‘pane vana haparambanwe’. 
Each time he spoke to the children, Selmor or Sandra, he would ask about me and he would tell them I dumped him. I told him ‘I love you but you know the reason why I left,'” she said ruefully.

“I worked at  … bank and Tuku was a client there and each time he visited we would meet and greet,” she said.

She said even after their separation, there were suggestions that she had another child to prove that she had moved on.

She said her third pregnancy with another man, after the music superstar had moved on with Daisy, was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

“When I got pregnant about 10 years later, Tuku was angry. I remember we met while sending Selmor to school and he was like ‘Selmor, mhama vako inhumbuka iyo (Your mother is pregnant)?’ He was pained. That showed he loved me. I did that to prove that I had moved on and to stop some stories,” she said.

Recalling the courtship days, she said: “It was not easy for Tuku to be accepted by my father. Musicians back then were looked down upon but we sailed through and we had a big wedding at Gwanzura Stadium. Everything was fine until the time she (Daisy) came.”

She said she opted out of the marriage.

“I could not accept to be in a polygamous marriage and I walked away. He tried locking the doors at our Eastlea home but that did not work. He knew the reason I left.

“I will never forgive Daisy for that and may be one day God will intervene, I don’t want to lie that I have forgiven her, I have not. I gave birth to Selmor when she had come, I tried to hold on thinking she would let go of my husband but she could not and I decided to leave,” she said.

Melody said some people tried to separate her daughters from their father but the plan failed.

“Some people tried to sow seeds of division and a lot of things were said. However, Tuku realised that it was trivial and the relations were mended and from there they would meet,” she said.    

She said she will be at the burial of the late musician together with her daughters.

“I’m not here to cause any animosity, I’m here for Tuku’s funeral and I will be at his burial with my children,” she said.

Media Statement|UNICEF joins with the people of Zimbabwe and music lovers worldwide, to mourn the loss of celebrated singer and songwriter Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, who was a UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Following his appointment in June 2011, UNICEF had the pleasure of working with Oliver Mtukudzi on issues relating to young people’s development and HIV and AIDS prevention. He used the power of music and impactful lyrics to speak out against stigma, discrimination and abuse of children, and inspired people at all levels of society to take action on behalf of children.

As a tireless advocate to end child marriage, he composed the emotive song ‘Haasati Aziva’ (‘You can’t pledge your child for marriage’) and most recently, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, he authored a compelling opinion editorial in Zimbabwe’s Herald newspaper, calling for an end to this harmful practice.

UNICEF offers its deepest condolences to Oliver Mtukudzi’s family and Zimbabweans everywhere.

We honour his memory as a champion of children’s rights.

A Twitter account reportedly run by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has exposed sharp divisions within the ruling party, with two of his top lieutenants clashing over its authenticity.B

The divisions, long manifesting in the Information ministry, came to the fore this week when Information ministry permanent secretary Ndabaningi Mangwana openly trashed claims by Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba suggesting the President was not in charge of his Twitter account.

“There may be many fake accounts in HE President Mnangagwa’s name, but @edmnangagwa is the legitimate voice of the President,” Mangwana said, adding: “Nothing goes on there but that which represents his views and positions on issues and that which he has explicitly cleared.”

Mangwana is the one believed to be running the ministry’s as well as Mnangagwa’s accounts.

Charamba was moved from the Information ministry to become deputy chief secretary in the office of the president responsible for presidential communications.

Mangwana’s tweet came after Charamba on Wednesday discredited a message posted on Mnangagwa’s official Twitter account last Tuesday, where the Zanu PF leader seemed to suggest that he was committed to enter into dialogue with other political actors and civic groups to address the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

Addressing journalists at State House soon after the swearing-in of Kumbirai Hodzi as substantive prosecutor-general, Charamba said people should not believe everything posted on that Twitter account.

“Just when we were there, the President was drawing my attention to an attempt to, as it were, putting words into his mouth using his Twitter account, right. So, don’t always believe that which is coming through,” Charamba said.

When Mnangagwa returned from Russia and other little known East European countries where he had gone for a week, he used his Twitter handle to call for dialogue after violent protests engulfed the country over his decision to increase the price of fuel by 150%.

Charamba said the protests severely damaged the country’s image.

“It has been a damaging week for Zimbabwe, for political parties, for political leadership, which must in fact inculcate a sense of peace and a sense of order and a sense of constitutionalism in this country,” he said.

In a tweet posted on his micro-blogging site, Mnangagwa said it was time to talk and solve the economic crisis, months after he and his party had declared that they were not interested in dialogue with election losers.

Mangwana insisted whatever came from the Twitter account represented the president’s views and that he would have cleared the posts.

Asked about his work relationship with Charamba, Mangwana said he had a good working relationship with him.

“We work well. In fact, I am coming from a meeting with him,” Mangwana said.

Charamba has said a lot of things that contradict his boss’s tweets, amid reports there were fights for control of the Information ministry.

Standard

By Own Correspondent|South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has expressed concern over the government of Zimbabwe’s violent reaction to protests that broke out on January 14 after a sharp fuel price hike was announced.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ANC said that the people of Zimbabwe were justified in protesting against the fuel price hike which would consequently raise the cost of living for the ordinary people.

The ANC also expressed concern with the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and said that political and economic situations in the two countries should be addressed urgently.

Read part of the ANC statement:

“In the wake of recent announcements of fuel price hikes, citizens have protested, with the tragic loss of life.

The fuel price hikes understandably have a dire impact on the cost of living of ordinary Zimbabweans. This is a matter of serious concern to the ANC.

South Africa has a proud record of working towards building a continent and world which is safer and better. It is therefore incumbent upon the ANC and the South African government to assist the people and leaders of the DRC and Zimbabwe to do everything in their power to bring about political stability and peace in their countries so that they can deal with the economic challenges they are facing.

All initiatives in this regard should be guided by the objectives of SADC and the African Union, in particular, the objective of the AU Agenda 2063, to silence all guns by 2020.

The ANC continues to engage with all political parties in Zimbabwe and the DRC, to encourage them to work towards a peaceful solution and political stability so that all efforts can go towards socio-economic development and reconstruction.

The ANC notes that unless the situations in both countries are attended to quickly and effectively, an increase in economic and political refugees is inevitable.

We, therefore, believe that it is in the best interests of the two countries and their neighbours, including South Africa, to explore all avenues, to ensure that the situations in the DRC and Zimbabwe are stabilised as soon as possible.”

On January 14, the people rose spontaneously across the country after President Emmerson Mnangagwa unilaterally hiked the price of fuel by over 150%. The ensuing chaos led to the shooting and killing of 12 protestors while over 1000 have been arrested.

The brutal crackdown has also targetted opposition political figures and members of civil society organisations. Most of them have gone onto hiding.-DailyNews

By Own Correspondent| The City of Harare on Saturday reportedly demolished illegal tuckshops at Mbare Musika bus terminus.

Eyewitnesses confirmed to ZimEye that tuckshops near the ZUPCO offices in Mbare were demolished but could not confirm that City of Harare demolished the structures.

Said one Zanu Pf stalwart from Mbare:

“We took heed of the notice by the Harare City Council to bring sanity to this area and we are demolishing the structures ourselves in anticipation that we will be relocated to designated areas.”

However, other sources alleged that he structures were demolished by Harare City Council officers.

Said the source:

“The place is an eyesore and it harbours criminals at night which is why there is need for Murambatsvina. I doubt if council realises any revenue from these Zanu pf supporters conaidering that they have literally taken over council space and duties in this area.”

On Friday, City of Harare warned owners of the tuckshops that they should remove their illegal structures “urgently”.

Said Harare City Council in a tweet:

All illegal tuckshop owners in Mbare are advised to urgently remove their structures before dawn tomorrow. Vendors are urged to relocate to designated trading sites. Illegal activities are blocking roads, walkways and entrances into rate paying businesses.

By Own Correspondent|Police have launched a manhunt following the murder of a 25 year old taxi driver from Gweru on Tuesday night.

The taxi driver was reportedly hired by three suspected carjackers from the city centre before they stabbed him and hijacked his car.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said reports indicate that the cab driver had been hired by the trio, who pretended to be going to Woodlands suburb, along the Lower Gweru Road.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a murder case, where a male adult aged around 25, was fatally stabbed by unknown people who had hired him from the Gweru central business district,” he said.

“Information we have is that the taxi driver was allegedly hired by these unknown men who wanted him to take them to Woodlands suburb. The three assailants allegedly attacked him on their way and took his car, leaving him for dead in Claremont Park. He later died on admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital.”

Goko said police had since launched a manhunt for the suspects and appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to their arrest.

He appealed to taxi drivers to exercise caution when picking up passengers as the city has, in recent months, recorded an increasing number of people robbed of their vehicles.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent|Two brothers from Rusape who brutally killed a man suspected of having an extra-marital affair with one of the duo’s wife have been hauled to court and charged with murder.

Uedwick (27) and Victor Wafawarova, both of Silverbow suburb in Rusape, allegedly murdered Canaan Nyamombe, also of the same suburb, on December 27, 2018.

The incident came about after Uedwick allegedly used his wife Vimbai Jonasi’s mobile phone to wire a text message inviting Nyamombe to ‘‘her house’’.

An unsuspecting Nyamombe dully complied and went to the house, only to find the Wafawarova brothers waiting for him.

The two brothers allegedly brutally assaulted him all over the body using a log, clinched fists and booted feet stripping him naked and pulling his manhood.

The two, who were self-actors, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera.

Mr kubonera locked them in remand prison and advised them to apply for bail at the High Court.

State prosecutor Gift Mutigwa told the court that Uedwick saw text messages in his wife’s mobile phone where she was communicating with Nyamombe.

He then decided to set a trap.

“Uedwick saw some messages in his wife’s phone which he interpreted to mean she was having an extra marital affair with Nyamombe.

He then confronted his wife about the issue, but she denied having an affair with Nyamombe.

“The wife suddenly walked out of the house and disappeared. Uedwick became angry and asked his wife’s sister, Sheila Jonasi, about the affair to which she denied any knowledge of.

“He slapped her once on the face, demanding that she reveals the truth, but she remained steadfast in her denial.

“Wafawarova then started sending text messages to Nyamombe pretending to be his wife Vimbai Jonasi, informing him that ‘her husband’ was away and she was with ‘her young sister only’.  Nyamombe then told his wife that he was going to a friend’s house to collect a shovel.

“Upon arriving at Uedwick’s house Nyamombe (allegedly) sent a text message to announce his arrival.

Suddenly Uedwick and Victor Wafawarova came out of the house and captured him. He was about to flee. The two brothers started assaulting him with clinched fists, and he fell on the ground.

Uedwick then took a log and went on to assault Nyamombe with it all over the body. Victor continued assault him using clinched fists and booted feet.

“Sensing danger, Victor rushed to Nyamombe’s house to inform his wife that her husband had been caught with his brother’s wife and had been beaten.

Victor took Nyamombe’s wife to the scene.

Uedwick was still assaulting Nyamombe with the log. Nyamombe had then been stripped naked and was lying on the ground unconscious. Nyamombe’s wife then rushed to alert the police.

“Police details arrived at the scene and arrested the two brothers.

They also recovered the log that was used to assault the victim.

An unconscious Nyamombe was taken to Rusape General Hospital where he died on December 28, 2018.-ManicaPost

The late music superstar music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s music has, in the past few days following his sudden death, been a constant feature in vehicles, homes, shops and beerhalls signalling the massive impact the man has had.

Tuku’s death is trending virtually on all social media just as it has become dominant in real-life conversation and that is a strong sign of an admired legend whose life is nothing short of archetypal.

When Sungura ace Alick Macheso emerged from the entrance of Avenues Clinic in Harare, where Mtukudzi breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon, the grief that eclipsed his face was telling.

A music star in his own right, Macheso, who was set to go into the studio with the legendary Tuku this year, appeared to struggle accepting the latter’s sudden death and that was the case for fellow musicians, hospital staff, passers-by and journalists that milled outside the health facility.

“I am at a loss for words. I was looking forward to doing projects with him this year, now it cannot be done. I am hurt just as the nation and world is,” said Macheso, battling tears.

Had anyone known the tragedy would strike now, artistes would have fast-tracked their intended projects with Tuku who in his last days had taken the grandmaster role on the music scene where he collaborated and nurtured upcoming as well as established artistes.

Musician Trevor Dongo said he was hit hard.
“Our music industry will never be the same without the iconic legend! I was planning to work with him on my 2019 project, but it’s never going to happen. MHSRIP Nzou Samanyanga,” wrote Dongo on his twitter account.

Aside from the studio, the lanky acoustic guitar wizard had developed cordial relations with artistes and followers,a side which renowned poet/musician Albert Nyathi emphasised soon after learning about his passing.

“It is difficult to accept, I have no words just as we have had performances together at home and in Europe and suddenly this, it is difficult to accept all that is left for us is perhaps to celebrate his life, but at this point that too is difficult because it is just so sudden,” said Nyathi to nods of assent from producer Macdonald “MacDee” Chidavaenzi.

According to MacDee, Tuku was “literally a father to me” and his departure has left the industry orphaned.

“I remember last Father’s Day he called us to Pakare Paye (Arts Centre) and we spent the whole day watching Neria and talking about the old times, then he bought us lunch, he would treat artistes like sons,” he said.

“Just being here (at the hospital) and getting such a shocker you ask yourself: Who is going to be our father in the music industry (and) who is going to keep us sane when we lose control? It is too much!”

No one really knows how the face of local music will look without the shadow of Mtukudzi and had there been a foreword before the tragedy maybe musicians like Macheso would have jostled to create a gem that would amplify the posthumous echo of the legends.

For the fans, perhaps just one more concert would have been organised so that his infinite fan base could enjoy that serenading husky voice fused with brilliant acoustic guitar strumming.

Tuku’s last decade was the darkest epoch in his life, a period marked by bereavement. In 2010 he lost his son Sam who was the apparent heir to the throne. Tuku had started introducing his son to the world through tours, hoping his son would carry on the legacy.

A year later, Tuku visited the grave yard again, to bury his trusted lieutenant, sound engineer and close relative-his Uncle Wonder Mukonowenzou, popularly known as Sekuru Wonder. Sekuru Wonder’s death hit Tuku hard, he even postponed his birthday celebrations that year. The musician said there was nothing to celebrate when he was still in mourning.

Tuku has been under the weather for the past few years, leading to cancellation of a number of shows. His illness propelled rumours of his death. He was rumoured dead nine times in the last decade.

Last week he failed to attend the Coca Cola awards ceremony where he was supposed to receive an honorary award.

Heartbreaks, bereavement, illness and age could have wrecked Tuku this past decade but ‘Nzou’ (the elephant) stood up for the challenge, in Shona they say ‘Nzou hairemerwe ne nyanga dzayo’. After being reported dead and unable to take the next gig, like a phoenix he rose to the occasion.

Named Nzou (Elephant), Tuku had a cat’s nine lives. He survived incidences that could have killed him, narrowly escaping death time after time.

For three he played, for three he inspired and for the last three he stayed.
He was reported dead a total nine times and on the afternoon of Wednesday January 23 2019, when the roumur mill went on overdrive with news of his death many thought it’s that old tale.

A few years back Suluman Chimbetu visited Tuku’s residence after the rumor mill went over drive with Tuku’s death. Upon arrival and being welcomed by a ‘fit’ Tuku, Sulu recorded a video where Tuku boldly and comically said to the nation ‘I am still alive and when I decide to die I will call you,”

Reflecting on the death of Tuku, Sulumani said he dismissed the rumour on Wednesday since it was not the first time to hear of his death.

“I just laughed and thought it was a joke. But when the family confirmed I felt heavy and sad. It’s a huge blow to me and also the arts industry, Tuku was like a father to me, he referred to me as his son.
This is a big gap, we thought Sam (late) was going to take over if Tuku decides to retire but life had other plans, Sam was taken from us early and with the death of the old man we have been robbed,” said Sulu.

Celebrated guitarist Clive “Mono” Mukundu who was part of the Black Spirits band from 2003 to 2007 said when he heard of his death on Wednesday afternoon, he dismissed the news as fake.

On Thursday Mono published a recording of a phone conversation he had with Tuku laughing off the ninth death rumour in 2016.

“How many times do you want to die,” Mono asked, Tuku responded… “This is the ninth time I am dying, but last time I told people that when I am dying I will call them and I am yet to call,”.

“When I heard the news I quickly dismissed it as a rumour since it was not the first time we have heard of his death when he was actually still breathing. I only got to believe it when someone who was at the clinic confirmed to me,” said Mono.

Bulawayo-based Jeyz Marabini described Tuku as a ‘singer of singers’.
“We have lost a great man, we have lost not just a man but also music. He is a hero, he was a singer for singers, and we all looked up to him. He was a man who dedicated his life to music, he was music.

“Everyone in Zimbabwe and Africa are mourning his death, this shows that Oliver was a great man. I had a great opportunity of working with him whilst he was still alive, his music will comfort us,” he said.

The director of Iyasa, Nkululeko Dube described Tuku is a father figure.

“He was easy to approach, you could talk to him about anything and everything. His music spoke and still speaks to everyone, it speaks to the heart despite which ethnic group, country and continent one was from,” said Dube.

Standard

State security yesterday blocked MDC leader Nelson Chamisa from entering the National Sports Stadium where he intended to attend Oliver Mtukudzi’s funeral.

Dancehall artiste Winky D, who has been accused of backing Chamisa with his kaSong keJecha, released late last year, was also denied entry into the giant National Sports Stadium where he was billed to perform before a capacity crowd at the late Tuku’s send-off gig.

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora described the decision to bar his principal as cowardly and unacceptable.

According to Mwonzora, Chamisa’s entourage was blocked from entering the stadium by state security agents. He said when he went to seek the intervention of Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, he found the gates locked.

“He [Chamisa] came in at around 2pm and state agents manning the gates refused to allow him in,” Mwonzora said.

“The body [Tuku’s body] had just arrived and the proceedings had already started. When he received information that he was not allowed, myself and Murisi Zwizwayi went and tried to engage the government minister particularly Ziyambi Ziyambi. Although the minister seems to have agreed, the people manning the gates closed and locked the gates before going away.”

He added: “This is unacceptable. The person being buried was not known as a member of any political party. His music was unifying. This decision was cowardly and totally unacceptable. He [Chamisa] was unable to go in. We went to complain to Ziyambi because we felt as a Zimbabwean, long-serving MP, and leader of opposition party, he should be allowed to go in, but he was barred from attending the send-off.”

Ziyambi, however, said Chamisa was not barred, but tried to get in with his vehicle when no car was allowed into the stadium for security reasons.

“He wanted to drive in, and this was against the security’s directive. We were all dropped outside the gate,” Ziyambi said.

But sources close to the developments disclosed that Chamisa’s security went and advised the state security that the opposition leader was coming and they were told he would not be allowed in because he would cause chaos through the multitudes of supporters in the stadium.

“They negotiated, but we heard some of the security details saying they would not allow him in and that they would close the main gate so that he uses the small gate where they intended to crowd him off and embarrass him,” a source said.

“Chamisa was told not to come to the gate and Mwonzora was in the meantime negotiating with Ziyambi when the main gates were closed, leaving the said small gate. Chamisa was forced to turn away and leave.”

Winky D was also blocked from entering the stadium and was forced to miss the send-off gig where he was billed to perform.

His manager Jonathan Banda yesterday said: “All I can say is he had difficulties in entering the stadium, he eventually left.”

Winky D was stoned last year in Kwekwe over the song Kasong keJecha seen to be against Zanu PF.

Following the violent protests that led to the deaths of 12 people, injury and arrest of hundreds, Winky D is said to have gone into hiding fearing for his life. He only surfaced at Mtukudzi’s funeral in Norton.

The dancehall artiste jointly produced a song, Panorwadza Moyo, with Mtukudzi in 2016.

Thousands of Zimbabweans thronged the National Sports Stadium to pay their last respects to Tuku, who is set to be buried today in Madziwa in Shamva district.

Standard

[19:19, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 301 3463‬: Tirimukuchema kudaro gamba redu Oliver Mtukudzi achatakurwa mangwana 26/01/19 kuNational Sports stadium kuchanoitwa inonzi body viewing.No kudaro mukuru wedu President Advocate Nelson Chamisa vachange variko kuonekana kekupedzisira nemumwe wawo gambawo saiwo.Zvese izvi zvichaika nenguwa dza0900hrs kuseni.Naizvozvo tinokukokai mese vana veshanduko toenda tonozadza Ground mangwana.Wenyu Sachigaro weguta reHarare mukoma Eric Murai.Tisangana ikoko tichiti Chamisa chete chete
[19:19, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: tonoti chamisa chete chete mu ground here chairman,,,,,
[19:24, 25/01/2019] ‪+27 84 644 8620‬: For e sake of respecting Tuku and mourning him with the respect he deserves ,i think dai tambochema mukuru ava without a political mind and give him the respect he deserves.i foresee political muscling and grandstanding overiding the funeral which is not respectful for a man of Tuku,s stature
[19:24, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: chokwadi!!!!
[20:21, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: True. Well said. Politics aside
[20:23, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: This message will reach Zanu pf. What will happen. Aaaah hey
[20:27, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: Noted chairman. But hey, let’s be careful. Togona kunyadzisa as Zimbabweans.
[20:33, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: I get you Chairman. Was just saying if the mobilising message gets in Zanu hands, then it will be a matter of outdoing each other, which will create a political tension
[20:34, 25/01/2019] ‪+27 71 705 6130‬: Saka apa murikuti kunochema Mutukudzi here ipapa.Kunoonesana kuti anevanhu ndiyani zvavo.Ndidzo nyika dzacho .kkkkkk.
[20:37, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: Guys, remember zanu has resources, soldiers,police and intelligence. Kunozadzwa masoja nemapurisa ari mu civ. It can also bus people kubva kumaruvha husiku huno. Tozodii
[20:44, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 244 2098‬: Yaaa kuchema akuna kuipa asi vamwe vakafarisa zvekuita kunge rufu nderwe muactivist weMDC vachasungwa. Zvinoda kuziva kusiyanisa mhando dzendufu.
[21:53, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: This is shameful using a funeral for political gain ummmmmm are we that desperate
[21:55, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: Ndazvishayawo ini
[22:39, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: Mukuda kuchovhera vamwe kuitira kuti varobwe nema gunners ka,vamwe vakugadza kugara nemboma,huyai mudedzere mega mumukanganise kutaura ED mega vamwe zvekubinhwa pasina cash hatizvikuze
[22:40, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: Zvonyadzisa zvirikurongwa nevakuru izvi ?????
[22:43, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: ?? apo iye akuvhovhera aripa joza aasi kuona kutsemurwa kukuitwa vanhu
[22:45, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 228 0369‬: Kkkkkkk

The Strike is On: Teachers will Negotiate from the Trenches

Apex decisions are done collectively and not unilaterally. The recent unilateral statements allegedly by Cecilia Alexander that Apex has postponed industrial action to open room for negotistion is unfortunate and has no locus standi. Alexander must make decisions after consulting Apex affiliates. That she has unilaterally given a statement without consulting affiliates reveals her filitation and romance with the employer.

Both our notice for industrial action of 8 January 2019 and our 48 hour reminder of the 23 January 2019 matured on 25 January 2019. Apex must therefore proceed as preplanned to meet and shape the modus operandi of industrial action on 28 January. Any other utterances are as unfortunate and ill-conceived. We cannot continue to negotiate for infinity. The law is clear that there must be three negoting meetings, and workers there after can either decide to push negotiations by other means, viz, industrial action or arbitration. That we gave notice to industrial action means we have chosen the path of industrial action.

Its good to learn through grape vine that government has called for further flitation and romance with Apex on the 28 of January. One wonders why the government has to wait until the lapse of the notice period, if it takes workers seriously. It is therefore prudent that while Apex romances with the employer, teachers negotiate from the trenches with effect from Monday 28 January 2019. The legal notice is there and our total action will ensure that better results come from government. We therefore call all teachers across the union divide to sharpen their instruments for combat. If the newspaper setickes are anything to go by, Cecilia Alexander cannot be trusted now, but if she negotiates while we are in trenches she can never betray us as we will only move out of the trenches after a reasonable offer. A complete withdrawal of our labour will quickly resolve the current impasse. Henceforth all teachers are called to withdraw their labour. We will only go back when gvt gives us a good offer. Only our united action as teachers can liberate us and ensure we are not betrayed by Apex.

Our actions should speak more than words. Apex needs to be realigned to respect collective decisions of workers. All teachers must raise the flag of status restoration, by totally withdrawing their labour. However, in our pursuit of genuine labour issues lets also be careful that we are not hijacked by some elements in Zimbabwe who want to attach themselves to everything. Our withdrawal of labour is certainly not synonymous with shut down. Let expedient elements desist from hijacking labour issues.

Viva unity of teachers viva.

Todya marara here?
Kana sora ratsva ngaritsve!

Venceremos

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)

Women rights activists have questioned the appointment of a fellow woman Oppah Muchinguri to the Defence portfolio amid allegations that women were being raped by soldiers during her time.

One of the women rights activist, Nettie Musanhu said they were expecting that the appointment of Oppah Muchinguri to the ministry of defense would ensure the safety and security of women and girls around the military.

She expressed worry over reports of soldiers sexually harassing women while the government has remained mum on the issue.

By Own Correspondent| Former Vice President and leader of the National People’s Front (NPF) Joice Mujuru has added weight to calls for thorough investigations regarding alleged rape crimes commited by soldiers following last week’s protest.

Mujuru said because rape violated human dignity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration should take rape allegations seriously.

She said:

These allegations of systematic rape levelled against the Zimbabwe National Army should be taken seriously and investigated. Our nation shouldn’t be known across the world because of such criminal acts. 

Rape is one of the most repugnant affronts to human dignity and the range of dignity-related rights, such as security of the person and integrity of the person. we demand answers from the highest office.

A serious government that is open for business protects its women and girls 

FORMER Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Dickson Itai Mafios appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of inciting violence during recent protests against fuel price hike

Mafios who is brother to former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Bindura magistrate Vongai Guwuriro, who remanded him in custody to Monday.

The State alleges that on January 15, Mafios approached a group of youths in Chiwaridzo and incited them to join the violent protests over fuel price hikes that rocked the country recently.

Mafio’s family members, who were in the court room, wept when he waved at them while being whisked away by prison officers.

He was represented by a Bindura lawyer Graciano Chapupu Manyurureni, while Clement Kuwanda represented the State.

-Newsday

FORMER Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Dickson Itai Mafios appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of inciting violence during recent protests against fuel price hikes.B

Mafios, who is brother to former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Bindura magistrate Vongai Guwuriro, who remanded him in custody to Monday.

The State alleges that on January 15, Mafios approached a group of youths in Chiwaridzo and incited them to join the violent protests over fuel price hikes that rocked the country recently.

Mafio’s family members, who were in the court room, wept when he waved at them while being whisked away by prison officers.

He was represented by a Bindura lawyer Graciano Chapupu Manyurureni, while Clement Kuwanda represented the State.

-Newsday