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 ??

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said while he believes in freedom of speech, the decision to shut down the internet was meant to disconnect protestors and restore peace and sanity in the country.

Last week, there was total internet shutdown following #Shutdown Zimbabwe protests which saw protestors looting and destroying shops. The development saw security forces opening fire at civilians killing an estimated 8 people and injuring scores others.

Said Mnangagwa:

I believe deeply in freedom of speech and expression, and these rights are enshrined in our constitution. You only need to look at a newspaper or read my social media comments to see the level of criticism I get, and I welcome this.

What we saw last week was the social networks being used to plan and incite disorder and to spread misinformation leading to violence. In response, the decision was taken to temporarily restrict access to prevent the wanton looting and violence, and to help restore calm.

I am aware of the criticism of this decision, and we did not take it lightly. The measures were temporary, tactical and aimed at restoring the peace. This has been achieved, all restrictions have been removed and I look forward to continuing to freely engage on social media

By Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has explained why his administration switched off the internet following protests that rocked the country last week.

In a statement released on his Twitter account, Mnangagwa said his Government had to temporarily restrict access to social media to stop people from planning and inciting disorder and to spread misinformation.

Said Mnangagwa:

I believe deeply in freedom of speech and expression, and these rights are enshrined in our constitution. You only need to look at a newspaper or read my social media comments to see the level of criticism I get, and I welcome this.

What we saw last week was the social networks being used to plan and incite disorder and to spread misinformation leading to violence. In response, the decision was taken to temporarily restrict access to prevent the wanton looting and violence, and to help restore calm.

I am aware of the criticism of this decision, and we did not take it lightly. The measures were temporary, tactical and aimed at restoring the peace. This has been achieved, all restrictions have been removed and I look forward to continuing to freely engage on social media.

Correspondent|SELF-exiled former Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Professor Jonathan Moyo, has pleaded with the Zimbabwe government to allow mourners travelling to Oliver Mtukudzi’s burial free passage through toll gates.

Moyo said the tollgate waiver could be one way of honouring Oliver Mtukudzi who died this Wednesday after a long battle with diabetes.

In a message directed to deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Moyo said: “Adv Fortune Chasi nematambudziko aTuku.

“Folks like my friends going Dande to Madziva to honour the departed national hero (Mtukudzi) on Sunday request from your Ministry a special dispensation for a tollgate waiver on the route. It would be a gesture most appropriate & much appreciated!”

Advocate Chasi responded that this was a reasonable guesture.

“I don’t think it’s an unreasonable suggestion at all. ZINARA should consider it,” Chasi concurred.

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) manages the country’s tollgates. It is under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.

He added: “Apart from the long queues to arise from the Eskbank Tollgate it would be a sign of honor.”

The deputy Minister could however not be drawn into stating expressly whether the request would be taken up by government.

“Thank you Honourable Chasi. Your listening disposition, rational approach and common decency are humbling. The matter is left in your hands. The ancestors will appreciate the gesture in honour of an exceptional national hero and global icon,” Moyo said.

Oliver Mtukudzi, who died on January 23 at the age of 66, was a great cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe. Known to his fans as Tuku, he was a cultural icon for the southern African country.

His aura and presence had a global resonance with fans around the world, yet the man remained humble and magnanimous.

He was also a businessperson, activist, philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in the southern African region. But it was his innovative music that made him deeply loved.

Dubbed “Tuku music”, it was a blend of southern African music traditions, including mbira, mbaqanga, jit and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore.

The Tuku burial is set for Madziva, Bindura tomorrow at 2pm.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Music Promoters presents a Dr Oliver Mtukudzi Send Off gig in Harare. Find the details below:

Date: Saturday 26 January 2019
Time: 9am till 6pm
Venue: National Sports Stadium

• Featuring:
• Alick Macheso
• Jah Prayzah
• Sulumani Chimbetu
• Thomas Mapfumo
• Seh Calaz
• KillerT
• Freeman
• Enzo Ishall 
• Exq
• Garry Tight
• Tocky vibes
• Peter Moyo 
• Baba Harare 
• The Charambas
• Nicholas Zacharia
• Diana Samkange 
• Hope Masike
• Edith Weutonga
• Fungisai Mashavave
• Any muridzo
• Freeman
• Sniper
• Mbeu

By Own Correspondent| According to a report by The Telegraph, an unnamed soldier reportedly admitted to committing rape.

Said the soldier in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph:

It was night. We were looking for someone in the MDC. We had an address, this lady was sleeping with a light on. I asked is her husband there, and she said she doesn’t have one. I was done in a minute.

The man also said his unit, who wore civilian overalls and no insignia during the operation, broke “many bones” of MDC supporters by restraining them to the open back panel of an army pick up truck and then smashing it closed on their legs. He said they will beat up people again if they protest.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is in record revealing that anyone vuolated by lp

THE underfire Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) yesterday established hotline numbers that people could use to report any acts of misconduct by anyone “purporting” to be a soldier in the wake of widespread acts of brutality against civilians by people in military fatigue.

“The Zimbabwe National Army has noted with concern allegations of misconduct and acts of violence by people purporting to be members of the organisation,” ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore, said in a statement.

Since last week, soldiers and police officers have been cracking down against opposition supporters and people suspected to have participated in recent violent protests against the fuel price hikes, amid reports of torture of civilians and raping of women.

People beating up civilians will be armed to the teeth with AK-47 assault rifles and in army and police uniforms, while also using military and police trucks.

The police and the military recently issued a joint statement claiming brutality on civilians was being perpetrated by some ex-military elements using stolen uniforms.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi could, however, not explain where the former officers were getting the arms and service trucks they were using to brutalise the civilians.

“The actions by these bogus elements have subsequently put the image of the organisation into disrepute,” Makotore said.

“In view of the forgoing, the ZNA would like to urge members of the public to report any acts of misconduct by anyone purporting to be a member of the organisation using the following military police hotline number 0712 842 318, 0786 452 155.”

On Thursday night, soldiers and police officers allegedly went on a rampage in Harare’s Kuwadzana high-density suburb and forced out a young man, tortured him, accusing him of possessing some petrol bombs before dumping him about 20km away from his home along Harare-Bulawayo Highway after searching his place of residence and finding nothing incriminating.

The matter was reported at Kuwadzana 2 Police Station under case number RRB 3873960.

According to the victim, three armed people in civilian clothes knocked at his door for over 30 minutes and they called for reinforcements after he had refused to open the door.

“Three Nissan NP300 trucks soon arrived and behind them was a police truck with armed uniformed police and military officers. They ordered me to open the door or they would break it,” he said.

“I opened and they ransacked my house, claiming they were looking for a petrol bomb. After finding nothing, they asked me where I worked, where my wife worked, the ages of my children and where they attend school. They took me away, tortured me, tore my shirt and blindfolded me and threatened to feed me to lions (at Lion and Cheetah Park).”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (Nango) has demanded that soldiers must immediately be sent back to the barracks and the police perform their duties of protecting citizens and stick to their constitutional mandate after reports of abuse of citizens by law enforcement agents increased.

In a communiqué released yesterday, Nango said: “We are still concerned with the continued presence of soldiers within communities and demand that soldiers immediately go back to the barracks and police play their role of protecting and serving citizens.

“In the same vein, we condemn the law enforcement agents that exude a semblance of being political because law enforcement agents should at all times stick to their constitutional mandate.”

The NGO body also demanded that political parties refrain from giving instructions to law enforcement agents.

“Nango is concerned and notes that intra and inter-political party violence and discord is escalating at the expense of national development. This comes amid incessant corruption in government, poor service delivery, decline in health care and education systems and the general contempt for the rule of law by the military and the police,” the group said.

“We strongly condemn wanton attacks and abductions of civilians and demand an immediate end to abuses and that security of the citizens is ensured.”

They also said children’s rights must be protected after reports emerged that they were also arrested in last week’s clampdown on protesters.

NewsDay

VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga was yesterday taken to task by Roman Catholic bishops, who demanded answers over the recent military crackdown, which claimed 12 lives following bloody clashes between citizens and State security agents.

The prolonged blitz, which followed a stayaway organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) two weeks ago, put the country back into the international limelight as pictures and videos of the military and police brutalising people went viral on social media platforms before government shut down the Internet.

Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo, to a meeting held at Africa Synod offices in Harare, was grilled by the church leaders, who demanded to know what caused the recent protests as well as the state of the economy.

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference secretary-general Reverend Father Fredrick Chiromba said the church quizzed Chiwenga and his delegation on what provoked the protests.

“We wanted to get an understanding on the current situation, what we need to do as a nation, things like national cohesion,” he told NewsDay Weekender.

“I wouldn’t want to get into details at this stage, but it was about getting clarification. In fact, we will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process that I wouldn’t want to pre-empt at the moment. It was simply to get an understanding on what provoked this situation and get answers why we are where we are and moving on, how government and the church can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation to a Zimbabwe we want.”

Two weeks ago, violent protests erupted in the country following the decision by government to hike the price of fuel by 150%.

At least 12 people were killed by security forces, while more than 70 had gunshot wounds.

The military has maintained a heavy presence in most residential areas and reports of rape have been raised.

The Catholic bishops said they were concerned with the state of the economy and wanted to help as the church in crisis management.

Chiwenga went to the meeting armed with a detailed response on how government was handling the issues.

The VP said he took the meeting as a platform to share ideas with the church on governance and how the State ought to conduct itself.

“We need to brief them about what we are doing in the economy … what we want to do about our relations between the church and the government. I am Catholic myself and we have always done this,” Chiwenga said, as he avoided taking questions on the meeting.

Human rights groups and civic organisations, including the United Nations, have raised concern over the way government responded to the protests.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will on February 7 bring different political parties to the table to launch the national consensus-building campaign, which is aimed at initiating dialogue on the country’s political and economic problems.

Zimbabwe Congress of Churches (ZCC) general-secretary Reverend Kenneth Mtata yesterday disclosed that currently, there was no alternative to dialogue pertaining to the country’s problems.

He said even if the church was calling for dialogue, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must be allowed to take the lead and formulate the technical aspects of how it would be done.

Mtata told delegates at the discussion forum organised by the Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum (Zinef) and the ZCC that there was need for national consensus and buy-in from the different political parties (Zanu PF) and the opposition, which seem to be singing different tunes pertaining to national dialogue.

“What has been done so far is that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) must take the lead in this process and they are working with churches and other bodies to initiate the process,” Mtata said.

“If we are going to have national dialogue, we must agree on the process and who guarantees the dialogue outcomes because they must be binding, and we need to agree on who is going to convene this national dialogue.

“As ZCC, we have interacted with political parties and right now we have invited political parties for prayers and ZHOCD is going to launch the national consensus-building campaign.”

He lambasted what he termed as “greed” by political parties which seemed to be calling for dialogue on one hand, but on the other, they also push for their political party interests, which he said ends up hindering the progress on initiating dialogue.

“For those in government, dialogue might be seen as a sign that they are weak and that they have failed, and a sign of giving up authority in government.

But dialogue is a means by which people can find a way of saying ‘where are we as a nation’? That is why it is important for the media to create an atmosphere for dialogue,” the cleric said.

“At the same time, there are people in the opposition who say dialogue is not necessary, and that if we do not assist government, it will collapse. People that think that if government collapses, then we will have another democratic alternative are wrong. In fact, if the system collapses, then what emerges is someone who has guns and power.”

NewsDay

The prolonged blitz, which followed a stayaway organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) two weeks ago, put the country back into the international limelight as pictures and videos of the military and police brutalising people went viral on social media platforms before government shut down the Internet.

Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo, to a meeting held at Africa Synod offices in Harare, was grilled by the church leaders, who demanded to know what caused the recent protests as well as the state of the economy.

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference secretary-general Reverend Father Fredrick Chiromba said the church quizzed Chiwenga and his delegation on what provoked the protests. 

“We wanted to get an understanding on the current situation, what we need to do as a nation, things like national cohesion,” he told NewsDay Weekender.

“I wouldn’t want to get into details at this stage, but it was about getting clarification. In fact, we will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process that I wouldn’t want to pre-empt at the moment. It was simply to get an understanding on what provoked this situation and get answers why we are where we are and moving on, how government and the church can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation to a Zimbabwe we want.”

Two weeks ago, violent protests erupted in the country following the decision by government to hike the price of fuel by 150%.

At least 12 people were killed by security forces, while more than 70 had gunshot wounds.

The military has maintained a heavy presence in most residential areas and reports of rape have been raised.

The Catholic bishops said they were concerned with the state of the economy and wanted to help as the church in crisis management.

Chiwenga went to the meeting armed with a detailed response on how government was handling the issues.

The VP said he took the meeting as a platform to share ideas with the church on governance and how the State ought to conduct itself.

“We need to brief them about what we are doing in the economy … what we want to do about our relations between the church and the government. I am Catholic myself and we have always done this,” Chiwenga said, as he avoided taking questions on the meeting.

Human rights groups and civic organisations, including the United Nations, have raised concern over the way government responded to the protests.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will on February 7 bring different political parties to the table to launch the national consensus-building campaign, which is aimed at initiating dialogue on the country’s political and economic problems.

Zimbabwe Congress of Churches (ZCC) general-secretary Reverend Kenneth Mtata yesterday disclosed that currently, there was no alternative to dialogue pertaining to the country’s problems.

He said even if the church was calling for dialogue, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must be allowed to take the lead and formulate the technical aspects of how it would be done.

Mtata told delegates at the discussion forum organised by the Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum (Zinef) and the ZCC that there was need for national consensus and buy-in from the different political parties (Zanu PF) and the opposition, which seem to be singing different tunes pertaining to national dialogue.

“What has been done so far is that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) must take the lead in this process and they are working with churches and other bodies to initiate the process,” Mtata said.

“If we are going to have national dialogue, we must agree on the process and who guarantees the dialogue outcomes because they must be binding, and we need to agree on who is going to convene this national dialogue.

“As ZCC, we have interacted with political parties and right now we have invited political parties for prayers and ZHOCD is going to launch the national consensus-building campaign.”

He lambasted what he termed as “greed” by political parties which seemed to be calling for dialogue on one hand, but on the other, they also push for their political party interests, which he said ends up hindering the progress on initiating dialogue.

“For those in government, dialogue might be seen as a sign that they are weak and that they have failed, and a sign of giving up authority in government.

But dialogue is a means by which people can find a way of saying ‘where are we as a nation’? That is why it is important for the media to create an atmosphere for dialogue,” the cleric said.

“At the same time, there are people in the opposition who say dialogue is not necessary, and that if we do not assist government, it will collapse. People that think that if government collapses, then we will have another democratic alternative are wrong. In fact, if the system collapses, then what emerges is someone who has guns and power.”

-Newsday

THE late music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s first wife, Melody Murape, has bared her soul on her marriage with the late singer who was declared a national hero, becoming the first artiste to receive such an honour in the country’s history.

In a wide-ranging interview with NewsDay Weekender Life & Style on the sidelines of Tuku’s funeral service at his Norton home, Murape said contrary to reports that she was divorced by Tuku, she was the one who moved out of the marriage after the music star decided to take on a second wife.

“Tuku did not divorce me. It’s me who surrendered as I was against polygamy and moved out of our Eastlea home, and people must get it right. Many people peddled falsehoods that I eloped to a soldier. Those were all lies. Tuku was the only husband I knew from the age of 18,” she said.

“When I was leaving our matrimonial home, Tuku cried and then locked me up for almost a week, preventing me from leaving. I just said I was not interested in polygamy.”

Melody — who is the mother of Selmor and Sandra — said Tuku was a loving and supportive husband who would spoil her on several occasions before the marriage broke up.

“I am the first wife. I am the one he wedded in 1979 at Gwanzura Stadium before he became that famous. As a housewife, I would remain home when Tuku went on international trips, but upon his return he used to spoil me a lot,” she said.

“Tuku used to take care of me. I loved him. He also loved me and I know he died while still loving me.”

Melody, however, said he respected Tuku as the father of her two daughters.

“I am pained. Tuku is my daughters’ father. Sandra and Selmor were here talking to their father as they bade him farewell ahead of their United Kingdom tour and barely four days later, they are coming back for the funeral,” she said.

Speaking on the publicised beef between Mtukudzi and her daughter Selmor, who is also an afro-jazz singer, Melody said she had managed to reunite them although it took her almost three years.

“Something had happened that I cannot share with the public that had angered the father (Tuku), but the state of affairs was not as bad as described by the public. Everything was now water under the bridge such that they were about to record a collaboration that was written by Tuku,” she said.

“Yes, there was something that had happened. It is normal in every family that there will be some misunderstandings.”

Melody said her happiest moment with the musician was when they wedded in 1979 at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare.

“I married Tuku at the age of 18. I was still young. He was staying at Old Highfield and I was staying at Engineering and we used to meet at Machipisa Shopping Centre,” she said.

She said she first met Tuku at Chimurenga music star Thomas Mapfumo’s show.

“It was a school holiday and I had come to Harare from our rural area to my sister’s place for a Thomas Mapfumo show. So when we were about to get into the concert, Tuku was attracted to me, I was beautiful for sure. I did not know him by then as he was not that famous as I only knew him with his first name Oliver,” she said.

She said although her father had initially opposed her marriage to Tuku, he later accepted it and he was even involved in preparing for the wedding and went on to give her a car as a wedding present.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent|While the ruling on popular cleric and founder of #ThisFlag movement Pastor Evan Mawarire’s bail challenge has been postponed to next week, his lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) told journalists that he was optimistic that his client’s freedom bid will not face any challenges.

Bhatasara told journalists that the state’s case was weak.

“The state’s case is weak, and there are no reasons why they should oppose bail. We hope that bail is going to be granted because the responded knows that the accused is mandated to bail that is why they altered the variations we had submitted, they know that there is nothing which can make be said is the reason to deny bail,” he said.

Mawarire is being charged with contravening section 22(2) (a) (iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or in the alternative being charged with inciting public violence as envisaged under section 187(1) (b) as read with section 36(1) (a) of the code.

However, while submitting his bail application, the cleric maintained his innocence, challenging the state to prove if his utterances were in any way close to inciting violence or an attempt to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

He insisted that nowhere in the video did he say people should engage in violent activities.

However, the state is fighting against Mawarire getting bail on the grounds that he will abscond trial as he has a passport.

Mawarire offered to surrender his passport, title deeds of his parents’ house as a surety to guarantee his availability for trial.

However, High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi will make a judgement over the matter on Tuesday 29 January.

NATIONAL hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried tomorrow (Sunday) at his rural home in Madziva.

The international music icon died at the Avenues Clinic in Harare on Wednesday after battling diabetes.

President Mnangagwa declared Dr Mtukudzi a national hero on Thursday.

Government has provided 43 buses to ferry the mourners to Madziva on Sunday morning.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said 30 buses will ferry people from Harare.

“As a sign of love, we are encouraging Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers and attend the burial in Madziva. As Government, we have come up with 30 buses for Harare, so that those who would want to join the mourners can do so. These 30 buses will leave for Madziva on Sunday morning.

“There are five buses organised to ferry people from Mashonaland West while five others have been set aside for Mashonaland Central. There will be one bus for each of the remaining provinces,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The Mtukudzi family was allocated two buses.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Harare buses will depart for Madziva on Sunday morning ahead of the burial at 2PM.

Today, the body of the national hero leaves his Norton home at 8AM for Pakare Paya Arts Centre where a church service will be held.

By 12 noon, the funeral procession departs for the National Sports Stadium where various artists will be performing live.

“Tomorrow, 26 January 2019, a church service will be held at Pakare Paya at 9am. Body viewing will be held there.

“The National Arts Council in conjunction with other stakeholders has organised a concert in honour of our late national hero which will be held tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The hearse will leave for One Commando barracks.

Helicopters will take off for Madziva around 3.30pm.

The body will lie in state before burial on Sunday afternoon.

Minister Mutsvangwa said those who cannot make it to Norton can just go straight to the National Sports Stadium where the gates open at 9AM.

“We expect people to be going to Pakare Paya for the church service but some can even go straight to the National Sports Stadium where musicians start entertaining people as early as 9am,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe had lost a unifier.

“I then want to say, deep in our hearts, we feel we have really lost a unifier. As Zimbabweans let us take this opportunity to think deeper on the advantages of unity among us, as a nation,” she said.

State Media

Celebrated Southern African artistes are set to honour superstar Oliver Mtukudzi posthumously.

He died earlier this week at the age of 66. In a major show, that has been termed as one of the biggest music events on the continent, both local and international artistes are set to perform at the show scheduled for National Sports Stadium today. The show begins at 9am and runs until 6pm. One of the organisers veteran music promoter Josh Hozheri said major local artistes have already confirmed.

“People are still confirming but so far we have Thomas Mapfumo, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, the Charambas, Peter Moyo, Andy Muridzo, Romeo Gasa, Victor Kunonga and Jah Signal.

“Most artistes have cancelled their various shows and many more are still to confirm,” he said. Hozheri said it’s a great honour to have worked with Tuku.

Meanwhile South African artistes are also headed for the concert.

Tuku’s manager Walter Wanyanya said artistes are still confirming through Mtukudzi’s agent.

“So far Ringo, Berita Khumalo and Yvonne Chaka Chaka have confirmed their participation.

“Many other artistes are in talks with our South African booking agent,” he said.

Mtukudzi was a celebrated musician, one of only three locals to be admitted into the Afro-fusion Hall-of-fame in United States.

He succumbed to his long struggle with diabetes.

Tuku grew up in Highfeilds but moved to Norton where he is celebrated for his commitment in nurturing young artistes through the Pakare Paye Arts Centre.

State Media

By Own Correspondent|In a statement issued Friday evening, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Goverment will thoroughly investigate allegations of misconduct against any member of the security services urging the media not to whip up citizens’ emotions through publishing articles that promote such.

He urged those with complaints to report them to the police where he promised they will be treated with impartiality and sensitivity.

This follows allegations that soldiers were indiscriminately beating up people in high density suburbs.

There are also allegations that soldiers raped women whilst looking for people who engaged in violent protests last week.

Said Ziyambi:

In the same vein Government wishes to assure the public that all allegations of misconduct against any of our Security Services will be thoroughly investigated and the law will be allowed to take its course. Those with complaints should report them to the police and they will be treated impartially and with sensitivity.

It is also important to note that the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has issued a statement appealing to all those who wish to complain against the Army to report their allegations to the Military Police on the following numbers:
• 0712 842 218
• 078 645 2155
We call upon our media not to whip up emotions but help bring people together as we hold hands one to another rebuilding our country.

By Own Correspondent|National hero Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried tomorrow (Sunday) at his rural home in Madziva.

Government said it will provide 43 buses to ferry the mourners to Madziva on Sunday morning.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said 30 buses will ferry people from Harare.

Mutsvangwa said there are five buses organised to ferry people from Mashonaland West while five others have been set aside for Mashonaland Central. There will be one bus for each of the remaining provinces.

The Mtukudzi family was allocated two buses. Mutsvangwa said the Harare buses will depart for Madziva on Sunday morning ahead of the burial at 2PM.

By Own Correspondent|Polite Weza (35) of Emakhandeni suburb whose video went viral on social media while pushing a plough stolen from a shop at Entumbane Shopping Complex during #ShutdownZimbabwe protests has been jailed five years.

Weza was part of a mob that looted and burnt shops during last week’s violent protests.

Weza was convicted on his own plea of guilty to public violence and theft by Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ncube.

He will serve an effective four years after one year was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.

The court heard that Weza stole an ox-drawn plough at OK Supermarket and a 20kg bag of maize seed. He also proceeded to other shops where he stole a plasma television set, radio speakers and a generator all valued at $2 920. The total value of stolen goods and property that Weza and his accomplices damaged is $143 187.

Some of the stolen goods worth $1 500 were recovered following the arrest of Weza and his accomplices. Weza was positively identified by police after he was captured on video, which has been circulating on social media.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Pastor Evan Mawarire of the #ThisFlag Movement will spend the weekend in remand prison after a High Court judge deferred ruling on his application for bail to next week Tuesday.

Mawarire is facing charges of subverting a constitutional government or alternatively inciting violence following last week’s violent protests in Harare and other cities.

He was last week denied bail at the magistrates’ courts. Mawarire who is founder of #ThisFlag Movement, challenged the decision at the High Court.

Justice Tawanda Chitapi heard arguments from both the defence and prosecution counsel.

He reserved his ruling to Tuesday next week.

By Own Correspondent| Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cain Mathema said police in Chitungwiza are investigating a case of misconduct by security forces.

Said Mathema:

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to acknowledge reports of alleged rape, sexual abuse and assaults that have been perpetrated by security forces during the recent operation. So far the police has received one such report from St Marys, Chitungwiza, and the case is already under investigations.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent|Civil servants have shelved plans to strike following the lapse of the 14 day ultimatum on Thursday issued to government over salaries.

The body revealed that instead of striking, civil servants will resume negotiations with Government on Monday over their salaries and conditions of service.

Civil Servants had issued a 14-day strike notice which lapsed on Thursday but have shelved the plans to down tools in favour of dialogue to find a lasting solution. 

Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecelia Alexander said they would meet Government early next week.

Said Alexander:

Government has invited us to a meeting early next week,” she said. “We have to sit down and map the way forward. There is no law that says we should immediately go on strike when the notice lapses. We, as Apex Council, have not yet declared a strike. Industrial action is declared, but for now we are dialoguing.

Alexander said as workers they expected Government to have improved on its 19% offer.

By Own Correspondent|South Africa’s the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has said any assistance Cyril Ramaphosa’s government gives to Zimbabwe must be conditional.

COSATU said while the organisation is not opposed to their government giving assistance to Zimbabwe, any assistance South Africa offers must be conditional.

Said COSATU:

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has noted the comments by the South African government on giving assistance to our neighbouring country Zimbabwe. The federation is not opposed to any attempts to help our neighbouring country and its citizens in their hour of need, but we demand that any assistance be conditional.South African … taxpayers and workers will not agree to any propping up of any dictatorship in Zimbabwe

By Own Correspondent| Government collected $166.15 million during the last three months of 2018 from the two percent per dollar transacted tax (Intermediate Money Transfer Tax).

Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube introduced the 2% per every dollar transaction tax in October last year as part of his “austerity for posterity” measures in a development which saw him receiving heavy criticism from all sections of Zimbabweans.

Zimra revealed that Government collected $177.27 million with $11.12 million collected at the previous rate of $0.05 per transaction during the first nine months.

Zimra said in its performance report that revenue grew by 848.30 percent from $18.69 million collected in 2017. ZIMRA said it was able to reach the $5 billion mark, in part due to the revision of the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT).

By Own Correspondent|Irked by the state of the rule of law in the country, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has called for an emergency meeting on January 28 2019.

The organisation said that it is concerned with what it says are injustices happening at courts.

Read a statement released by the LSZ:

We have received reports from some members and in other instances, we have observed practices that do not show that justice is being done. It would appear that no-one is paying attention to the adage: ‘Justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.’ Irregular and illegal pre-trial processes and court processes appear to be collusively used to deny an accused person access to justice.

The lawyers have revealed that they had reached out to the Chief Justice Luke Malaba to express their displeasure.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga yesterday met leaders of the Roman Catholic Church as part of Government’s efforts to build a common understanding between the State and the church on issues affecting the country.

His visit follows Mnangagwa’s invite last week for a national dialogue among heads of the country’s political parties, religious and civil leaders, whom he urged to set aside differences and come together in the furtherance of the national interest.

Mnangagwa’s call came on the back of deadly disturbances instigated by the opposition MDC-Alliance and its civil society partners that resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Six people died and goods worth million of dollars were looted by violent protestors who also damaged property worth millions of dollars in the different cities and towns.

Chiwenga told the clerics, who were led by Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference secretary-general Father Frederick Chiromba, that Government’s doors were always open for engagement.

Speaking after the meeting Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other officials, highlighted the importance of mutual understanding between the church and Government.

He said: “We were sharing our ideas on our country with the church and the church sharing its ideas with us. We need to give them what we are doing in the economy.

“We give them what we want to do about our relations between the church and Government. We have always engaged and I am catholic myself.” Father Chiromba said the meeting was at the request of Chiwenga who wanted to brief the bishops on the current affairs in the country.

“He wanted to brief them (bishops) on the current situation and that is what he did,” he said.

“The bishops also responded and asked for clarifications in some areas.

“The main outcome is that Government is keeping an open door for the church so that the church can go to Government and ask for information and other issues. It was simply to get an understanding of the current situation and what we have to do as a nation to bring national cohesion.”

“At the moment we do not want to go into details. Current affairs touch on everything in the country and the discussions were very broad, covering everything and anything that is of concern to Zimbabweans at the moment,” he said.

Father Chiromba confirmed they also discussed the violent protests. “Yes, we would not want to go into details at the moment but it was simply to get clarification and that was given.

“We will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process and we would not want to pre-empt.

“We simply wanted to get an understanding of what provoked this situation, to get a common understanding in that area on why we are where we are at the moment and moving on how the church and Government can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation towards the Zimbabwe we want,” he said.

The violent demonstrations, which is part of the regime change agenda by opposition political parties and their foreign agents, saw at least 1 100 people being arrested.- state media

By Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leader Peter Mutasa has been charged with treason and is set to appear at Harare magistrates court tomorrow (Saturday).

Mutasa, was charged with subverting a constitutionally elected government or inciting public violence during the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests last week.

Said the ZLHR in a statement

ZCTU President Peter Mutasa has been charged with subverting a constitutional government or alternatively inciting public violence over shutdown protests held last. Mutasa, who is represented by Alec Muchadehama of ZLHR is detained at Harare Central Police Station and is likely to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday 26 January 2019.

Paul Nyathi|While the whole country and the whole world have gone all out sending condolences on the late National Hero and musician Oliver Mtukudzi, former President Robert Mugabe has shockingly remained silent.

The 95 year old former leader of the country emerged on media complaining that he lost US$1 million cash to relatives at his rural home in Zvimba leaving some commentators claiming that perhaps he was not told of Tuku’s death.

Mugabe was captured by the media clarifying that his employees, some of them relatives, had actually stolen US$ 1 million in cash from him and not the US$150 000 that was initially claimed. The money was in a suitcase and was discovered by the employees when they were carrying out their chores at his rural home in Zvimba.

The suspected thieves, Constancia Mugabe (50), Johanne Mapurisa (50) and Saymore Nhetekwa (47), were granted $2000 bail each after they appeared before Chinhoyi magistrate Felix Mawadze earlier this month.

According to the media the court papers state that in 2016, Mugabe packed books in four briefcases which he took to his library at his homestead in Zvimba. He also included a black polo briefcase containing US$1 million which he gave to Constance to look after although he did not tell her what it contained. When Mugabe requested the briefcase in March 2018, Constance said she could not find but promised to look for it.

After learning that the suspects were living luxuriously, Mugabe sent another employee to look for the briefcase. When the briefcase was discovered it now contained only $78 000 instead of $922 000. After the arrest of the suspects, the police discovered that they had purchased many properties which they could not afford.

Mapurisa who is a caretaker bought a house for US$20 000 at Murombedzi Growth Point and registered it in the name of his wife, Noticia Sibindi. He also bought a Toyota Camry for US$6 800 Nheketwa, another caretaker, allegedly bought a Honda Fit. Muhumbe, employed as a groundsman, bought a Honda CRV and registered it in his brother, Emmanuel’s name.

Only US$42 800 was recovered.

The president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Peter Mutasa, “has presented himself to Harare Central Police Station accompanied by his lawyer,” a grouping of human rights lawyers said in a tweet.

It was not immediately clear whether he had been arrested, but his colleague, the ZCTU unions Secretary General Japhet Moyo was arrested on Monday as he flew into the country on charges of trying to subvert the government and inciting violence.

Mutasa appeared earlier this month on a video clip posted on social media, with cleric and activist Evan Mawarire.

They called jointly for a national job boycott to protest against a steep fuel price increase and the general economic meltdown.

Mawarire was arrested last week on subversion charges and earlier on Friday he sought bail in the High Court.

The prosecution opposed his bail application on the grounds that he was likely to abscond.

“If convicted he’s likely to stand a long term of imprisonment and that is enough inducement for him to flee,” prosecutor Mirirai Shumba told the High Court in Harare.

Nationwide demonstrations erupted last week after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that fuel prices were being doubled in a country suffering regular shortages of fuel, food and medicine.

Furious demonstrators took to the streets in several cities and towns with widespread rioting and looting.

Soldiers and police put down the protests and at least 12 people died. More than 1,100 were arrested, including opposition Movement for Democratic Change lawmakers and senior figures.

By Own Correspondent|The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is encouraging citizens to come out in their numbers and clean their immediate environments on 1 February 2019 as this is the National Clean Up Day.

In a statement issued Friday, EMA called on citizens to participate in the exercise which will go a long way in creating a clean, safe and healthy environment.

Said EMA Communications Officer Joyce Chapungu:

On the 5th of December 2018, His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa declared that the first Friday of every month is the national clean-up day. This came from the realisation that waste management had become an issue of concern affecting mostly the urban and semi urban centers of Zimbabwe.

This declaration will go a long way in creating clean environs as provided for by section 73 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The inaugural National Clean up Exercise was on the 4th of January 2019.

On that day, various stakeholders including the Presidium, Cabinet and Provincial Ministers, corporates, civil society, religious organisations, politicians and the media fraternity participated in the program, thus making it a success.

Such inclusive participation is commendable as it is a key enabler to attaining Sustainable Development Goal number 11 which is “To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.

The first Friday of February 2019 falls on the first day of the month. All citizens of Zimbabwe are encouraged to come out in their numbers and clean their immediate environs from 0800hours to 1000hours.

Clean the front, back, sanitary lanes and all areas around your premises and beyond. Pick up all litter and clear dumps. If we all participate, we will achieve a clean, safe and healthy environment. Clean up materials such as bin liners, brooms, pokers, latex gloves, pokers, rakes and shovels are required for this noble exercise and stakeholders are encouraged to procure these in preparation for all the up-coming clean-ups.

Where stakeholders may have challenges or unable to procure their own cleaning materials, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) can assist.

For sustainability of the program, leadership involvement and participation is key. Additionally, all waste generators are encouraged to embrace and adopt waste separation at source as it enables waste to be re-used and recycled thus creating green jobs.

Correspondent|OPPOSITION Movement for Democratic Change legislators Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff), and Livingstone Chimina (Chiwundura) are set to spend a second straight weekend in prison after their trial was pushed to next Mon

Prison authorities today blocked MDC officials from visiting the legislators who are locked up at Hwahwa Prison outside Gweru.

When the MPs appeared in court early this week, they were remanded in custody to 28 January as the State asked for more time to locate its witnesses. 

Chibaya and Chikwinya are part of the 12 MDC MPs who are currently in custody over accusations of inciting citizens to engage in violent protests on the 14th of January.

Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Winnie Kankuni (Sunningdale), Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff), Rusty Markham (Harare North) and Livingston Chimina (Chiwundura) are some of the MDC MPs known to have been arrested.

MDC deputy Treasurer-General Chalton Hwende said on Friday: “Our Chief Whips were today denied the chance to see our fellow MPs who are in custody at HwaHwa prison.

“The memo at the prison limits visits for Hon Chibaya, Hon Chimina, Hon Mkapiko, Hon Chikwinya to once in every seven days.”

MDC Secretary-General Douglas Mwonzora said they had just finished compiling their statistics regarding the actual number of party officials in prison and those in hiding.

“We have just finished compiling our interim report on the on the gross human rights violations by the state. According to the report 12 people were killed while a total of 758 were arbitrarily arrested. A total of 5 MPs and 9 Councillors were arrested,” Mwonzora said in a statement.

Several legislators, including leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Tabitha Khumalo, Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North), Job Sikhala (Zengeza West), Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South), Chalton Hwende (Kuwadzana East), Happymore Chidziva (Highfield West), Joana Mamombe (Harare West) and Mashonaland West Senator Voice Chinake, are in hiding.

MDC chief whip in the National Assembly, Prosper Mutseyami, yesterday said that the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House meeting today would tackle issues to do with victimisation of their members, whom he said were being brutalised, tortured and refused treatment.

Meanwhile, South African opposition Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has condemned the use of violence by state security organs to quell protests.

“I just had a conversation with leaders of opposition in Zimbabwe. I condemn the use of violence against citizens by the Zanu-PF regime. We should stand against prosecution and arrest of opposition leaders,” Maimane said.

He also added his voice to the growing calls for South Africa to assist Zimbabwe, but was quick to say such assistance must be humanitarian and not financial.

“Ultimately, South Africa must offer humanitarian help not help fund Zanu-PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa.”

By Own Correspondent/ Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri today met with five bishops from different parts of the country.

The meeting was held at the Catholic Bishops Council Offices in Harare Friday morning.

Present at this meeting were Bishop Bhasera from Masvingo, Bishop Mpandasekwa of Chinhoyi, Bishop Joram from Mutare, Bishop Nyandoro of Gokwe and Father Chiromba who is the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Council.

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

By Dorrothy Moyo| The family of the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi has rejected the heroes acre burial awarded the singer by the government.

This came after ZANU PF President Emmerson Mmangagwa announced that Tuku is now a national hero.

The benefits of national hero status include being buried at the highly political Zanu PF shrine. Other benefits are that the deceased’s estate is not taxed, in addition to being buried at the shrine.

But the Mtukudzi family has rejected the offer by government and since decided that he will be buried at his rural home in Madziwa.

Earlier Mtukudzi’s local MP, Temba Mliswa told ZimEye the late “will be buried at his rural home just like the late cabinet minister Timothy Stamps.”

In addition, a family member said, “he will be buried in Madziva at 2 pm on Sunday. These are Oliver’s express wishes. He wanted to be buried amongst his ancestors.”

Meanwhile Mliswa also told ZimEye his wishes were that he be buried near his late son, Sam.

Own Correspondent|THE Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services has dismissed a statement made by presidential spokesperson George Charamba that the nation had to take tweets from President Mnangagwa’s official twitter page with a pinch of salt.

Charamba cautioned the nation against believing everything that is tweeted through President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s verified Twitter account,insinuating that the page was being run without the full control and authority of the President.

But the Information Ministry, via its own twitter page, has dismissed Charamba’s claims.

In a short but hard-hitting tweet, the Information Ministry twitter page, believed to be under the hands of the ministry’s permanent secretary Nick Mangwana, has said nothing gets posted on President Mnangagwa’s twitter page without him having cleared it.

Charamba cautioned the nation against believing everything that is tweeted through President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s verified Twitter account.

Responding to journalists who were probing about the call for dialogue by President Mnangagwa, Charamba said, “Just when we were in there the President was drawing me to an attempt as it were putting words in his mouth using his twitter account. So do not always believe that which is coming through that account.”

But in an apparent clap back, the Information Ministry has just tweeted: “There maybe be many fake accounts in His Excellence President Mnangagwa’s name but @edmnangagwa is the legitimate voice of the President. Nothing goes on there but that which represents his views and positions on issues and that which he has explicitly cleared.”

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

Confusion due to serious factional fights has ripped the government’s information department right in the middle, with information of key national significance constantly changing depending on the mouthpiece that speaks at the time.

Former Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson and now NPF Mash Central Chairperson, Dickson Mafios was yesterday arrested on allegations of inciting violence during last week’s stay away job action.

According to NPF Spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire, Mafios was brought to court and was remanded out of custody to January 28 on $100 bail

.

By Own Correspondent| Pastor Evan Mawarire’s bail bid hit a snag after a High Court judge here deferred his ruling to Tuesday 29 January 2019.

Mawarire whose bail application last week at the Harare magistrates courts was denied was remanded in custody prompting his lawyer to approach the High Court for recourse.

Mawarire, has in the past led a national protest shutdown in 2016, is charged with subverting the government and inciting public violence. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted.

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

The past few days have seen a surge in allegations of state sponsored rape cases. Some of the women who were interviewed were followed, brutalized and arrested.

These point out to institutions of the state being turned rogue, creating a coalition against the citizen.

The MDC is disgusted by the use of rape as a weapon against women in an evil attempt to cower them from speaking out their discontent.

What kind of state rapes and sodomizes it’s people?

People who disappeared a few days ago, their bodies are being found deformed in mortuaries. The world must not watch while these violations continue. What is happening is already crimes against humanity by any definition and standard.

There is no mention of any investigation around these mass violations. With the numbers of reported violations including those attended to by NGOs and covered by the media, signs are that this can easily be a second Gukurahundi.

The madness must stop. This nation needs healing, its people need justice.

Behold the New. Change that delivers!

Dr Bekithemba Mpofu
Deputy National Spokesperson

By Own Correspondent| The late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s ex-wife Apostle Locadia Karimatsenga has joined the rest of the country in mourning the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi.

Mtukudzi, died from diabetes on Wednesday at Harare’s Avenues Clinic where he was admitted.

Posting on social media, Karimatsenga, who is now an Apostle said:

#OliverMtukudzi was an Icon, sent to us by God to give us comfort in times of joy and sorrow. He ministered Gods love and reminded us of the importance of maintaining peace and harmony amongst ourselves. As we mourn we celebrate the exemplary life of a true Hero who’s songs and message to humanity will forever remain engraved on our hearts. Rest In Glory Ambassador of Christ

By Own Correspondent|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has joined the nation in mourning music icon and national hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.

Mtukudzi died at the Avenues clinic after battling diabetes.

Said the ZEC:

“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission joins the Nation in mourning the music legend Dr Oliver Mutukudzi. May His Soul Rest in Peace.”

By Own Correspondent| One of the three prisoners who jumped off a moving prisons van from Chikurubi Maximum to Whawha Prison over two weeks ago before being captured in Lalapansi is battling for his life due to the injuries he sustained during his bid to escape.

The prisoner has been identified as Timothy Munhare (32) and is classified as a dangerous criminal. He is serving 37 years for robbery and carjacking. The two other prisoners who attempted to escape died from heir injuries.

Zimbabwe Prison Services Midlands/Masvingo spokesperson Jere Ruzive revealed that Munhare was captured in Lalapansi last Saturday and is battling for life at Gweru General Hospital. Said Ruzive:

The inmate was captured while hiding in a drainage pipe in Lalapansi. However, he has severe injuries that he is nursing. He broke his collar bone and he has problems with his back, neck and head. He probably landed dangerously after jumping from the moving truck.

Munhare is expected to appear in court once he has recovered to face more robbery charges.

By Own Correspondent| In a Registrar General’s Circular no 1 of 2019, the University of Zimbabwe has revealed that it is now charging its accomodation according to the prevailing commercial rates.

Below is the circular and the new accomodation fees:

By Own Correspondent|United Kingdom’s joint Minister of State at the Foreign Office and Department for International Development, Harriet Baldwin has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure soldiers who raped women during a violent crackdown on protesters are brought to book.

Baldwin is also Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire.

She was reacting to a report by ITV News where a woman named Melody said she was raped by 2 soldiers whilst children watched.

Said Baldwin:

Sickened by @ITV reports that Zimbabwe’s security forces have raped civilians during their violent crackdown. Sexual violence is an atrocity and who is commanding these forces? The UK urges @edmnangagwa to ensure these perpetrators are brought to justice.

Correspondent|The late great Afro-jazz musician and national hero Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried at his rural Madziva home near Bindura on Sunday, sources close to the Tuku family have revealed.

Mtukudzi, who died on Wednesday at the avenues clinic in Harare, was declared a national hero, with the family having the liberty to choose where and when he will be laid to rest.

Announcing the conferment of national hero status on Oliver Mtukudzi at the Mtukudzi home in Norton Thursday, President Mnangagwa said the government will cover all funeral expenses.

He added that the Mtukudzi family will decide where and when Tuku will be buried.

A family source said: “Over the past few weeks, the family had come to terms with the reality that Tuku might lose his fight to diabetes. All burial scenarios seem to have been finalized while Tuku was alive, as there wasn’t that much debate or consultations regarding his final resting place.”

This was also confirmed by UK-based former Radio Zimbabwe DJ Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who worked for a long time with Mtukudzi.

Sibanda, who for much of the week has been at the Mtukudzi home in Norton to pay his condolences, said Tuku confided to him some years back that he would want to be buried at Madziva.

Ezra Sibanda said: “Tuku once told me his wish was to be buried at his rural home in Madziva, 30km from Bindura, Mashonaland Central province.”

He added: “He told me a few weeks after the burial of his son Sam in 2010 who died in a horrifying accident & was buried at Warren Hills, Harare. I’m pleased his wishes have been respected and will be laid to rest in Madziva on Sunday!”

There had been speculation that Mtukudzi could be buried at Warren Hills where his son Sam was buried eight years ago.

Mtukudzi is not the first national hero to be buried somewhere other than the National Hroes’ Acre in Harare.

Recently, the founding Vice Chancellor of Nust, Professor Phineas Mogorosi Makhurane, was declared a national hero but the family preferred to have him laid to rest at the family home in Gungwe, Gwanda South.

Professor Makhurane was buried on December 8, 2018.

By Own Correspondent|Five minors have been dragged to court facing theft charges.

The minors were allegedly part of a mob that looted during last week’s protests in Bulawayo.

The minors all from Emakhandeni suburb aged between six and 13 years appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza facing theft charges.

They were remanded out of custody to February 14 for trial.

The accused persons, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, were part of a mob that allegedly engaged in running battles with anti-riot police during the protests.

They allegedly broke into Apollo Shopping Centre in Emakhandeni suburb and looted groceries and 129 pool tokens.

The accused persons were arrested after police received a tip off from members of the public leading to the recovery of some of the stolen items.-StateMèdia

TWENTY-NINE primary schools in Matabeleland North Province recorded a zero percent pass rate in last year’s Grade Seven examinations, but there was an improvement in the overall provincial pass rate.

Last year the same number of schools recorded the zero pass rate but officials have said it’s not the same schools as some have improved.

Matabeleland North deputy director responsible for primary education, Mrs Beatrice Manjere said the low marks are attributed to teacher shortages and new schools without adequate materials.

“We have 29 schools that recorded zero percent pass rate. Same number as last year but different schools and some are new comers. We are going to thoroughly supervise these schools. We will be assisting them on how to handle multi grade teaching because with most of these schools they are small schools,” said Mrs Manjere.

She said some of the new schools have a staff complement of three teachers who have to teach all the grades.

“We have to staff develop them on multi grade teaching and equip them with some teaching strategies like early reading initiative which means encouraging pupils to have a culture of reading ,” said Mrs Manjere.

She said they were looking forward to more teachers in the recruitment exercise being undertaken by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. “The pass rate by subject for the province by subject is 30,4 percent and by units its 43 percent, an improvement from 2017 record of 37 percent. We are happy with the five percent increase and I think this could be attributed to the supervision visits which were made by the province to the districts and also by strategies in teaching such as early reading initiative,” said Mrs Manjere.

She said eight students scored five units and they are mainly from Hwange district.Mrs Manjere said the province has a total of 600 primary schools, and 563 of them had candidates sitting for the Grade Seven examinations.

Mrs Manjere said overall the province scored 41,82 percent pass rate in English, 41,82 percent in Mathematics, 71,41 percent in IsiNdebele; 38, 26 percent in

General Paper; 47,63 percent in Agriculture; 67,24 in percent Tonga; 92,98 percent in Shona and 71,3 percent in Nambya.

“In terms of Tonga we still have a shortage of teachers. We still need Tonga speaking teachers to teach Tonga,” said the deputy education director.

“For Tonga language which had a candidature of 3 980 pupils, 139 scored distinctions translating to a pass rate of 67 percent while 51 candidates sat for Shona, with four distinctions recorded translating to 92 percent pass rate,” said Mrs Manjere.

State Media  

By Own Correspondent| Commuter omnibus operators in Bulawayo have agreed to reduce kombi fares across city routes from $2 to $1,50 with immediate effect.

Taxi association leaders who spoke to a local publication Thursday said they met Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube to discuss the fare issue and present their grievances. 

Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-operation Chairperson Mr Atlas Moyo said they had agreed to reduce the taxi fare as a measure to meet halfway with commuters.

He said the fuel price hike had necessitated an increase in fares.

Said Moyo:

We met with the Minister, our leader in the province and we presented our grievances to her. We have since agreed on a downward review of the taxi fare to $1,50 from the $2 that has been charged ever since the new price of fuel was announced. We also need to feed our families and keep the vehicles fit to avoid road accidents. We are hoping for a better situation as time goes on.

Bulawayo City transit spokesperson Daniel Pondo said the new fares were not tallying with their expenses.

Expriccos taxis chairperson Mr Mpikelelo Khumalo yesterday said most operators would be unable to keep vehicles in shape due to high operational costs.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent|At least 29 primary schools in Matabeleland North Province recorded a zero percent pass rate in last year’s Grade Seven examinations, a government official have revealed.

According to the official, there was however a 5% improvement in the overall provincial pass rate.

Matabeleland North deputy director responsible for primary education, Mrs Beatrice Manjere said the low marks are attributed to teacher shortages and new schools without adequate materials.

Said Manjere:

We have 29 schools that recorded zero percent pass rate. Same number as last year but different schools and some are new comers. We are going to thoroughly supervise these schools. We will be assisting them on how to handle multi grade teaching because with most of these schools they are small schools.

She said some of the new schools have a staff complement of three teachers who have to teach all the grades.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent|Harare Mayor Hebert Gomba has confirmed that council is consulting and proposing to name one of the roads in Harare or Harare gardens after the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi.

Said Mayor Gomba:

It’s true city of Harare councilors are in consultation with management to name one of the road or Harare gardens as Mtukudzi st or Mtukudzi gardens….please note beyond this your council intends to honor other legends such as Thomas Mapfumo, George Shaya and Zex Manatsa

When I went to pay my and our council’s condolences to the family, I personally told Amai Daisy about our intentions,

By Ndaba Nhuku| They spend time on gossip. Talking about who has slept with who. Posting their naked bodies. Discussing others’ lives. Being cyber bullies to boost their rotten egos. Seeking funds for fake projects.

Lord help them, their silence over the issues affecting women over the last two weeks is shocking. Their silence about the rape committed by ZNA is shocking. This is how Gukurahundi happened with people pretending not to know or have heard about it.

If all women spoke strongly they would make change come. Sadly most are mere opportunists after lining their own pockets without care.