Paul Nyathi|ZANU-PF activist Acie Lumumba is confident that there will not be another coup in Zimbabwe. In a cryptic tweet today, Lumumba said that there is a battle between two senior figures, a battle to keep support form the financier (Queen B probably.

“It’s time; There is a power wrangle at the top. @edmnangagwa doesn’t want you to know who, you know who doesn’t want @edmnangagwa. Between the 2 is also the battle to keep support from the financier (who is the most lucrative pipeline available FOR NOW). There will be NO COUP!,” Lumumba said.

1/10| It's time; There is a power wrangle at the top. @edmnangagwa doesn't want you know who, you know who doesn't want @edmnangagwa.Between the 2 is also the battle to keep support from the financier (who is the most lucrative pipeline available FOR NOW).There will be NO COUP!

— #ThePeoplesChampion???✊? (@acielumumba) January 21, 2019

He added that there will not be another national shutdown as people are afraid of losing their lives. He suggested that Zimbabweans are quick to forget and are keen to move on with their lives.

2/10| There will be no more shutdown/stay away. Business lost a lot last week, they cant afford to stay shut. Also those who stayed away gained nothing so they dont see the point. Self preservation is why there will be no more shutdown. Zimbabweans move on quickly!

— #ThePeoplesChampion???✊? (@acielumumba) January 21, 2019

Said Lumumba: “There will be no more shutdown/stay away. Business lost a lot last week, they can’t afford to stay shut.

“Also, those who stayed away gained nothing so they don’t see the point. Self-preservation is why there will be no more shutdown. Zimbabweans move on quickly!”

Acie further warns that Oppah Muchinguri who is rumoured to be favourite amongst ZANU PF rebels to take over from Mnangagwa when he is eventually removed is the person to watch.

3/4| There is a voice silent in all this but playing a very smart calculative game. ZanuPF will selfpreserve, they will do the needful to stay in power, but like musical chairs,one must go to save one.Don't underrate Oppah's ability to navigate the game. She was 1st choice VP!

— #ThePeoplesChampion???✊? (@acielumumba) January 21, 2019

SOUTH Africa’s largest trade union, the Congress of South African Trade (COSATU) has reportedly thrown its weight behind a planned march by Zimbabweans living in that country on February 1, against the Zanu PF led government.

The march will be held in Pretoria as a follow up to the countrywide fatal protests held in the country last week following a 150 percent hike in fuel prices announced by the government.

In an interview with CITE from his base in Johannesburg, Chairperson of the African Diaspora Forum (ADF), Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda confirmed COSATU would use its influence to support the Zimbabwean cause.

He said a lot of meetings had taken place in South Africa since the protests started, as Zimbabweans in the diaspora were worried about the escalating violence.

“The bulk of meetings and the marches that have taken place in South Africa were apparently organised by ordinary people with no affiliation to any political party or grouping. A lot of meetings are actually taking place and I’m attending most. We are basically discussing mass action that will be supported by COSATU around February 1 to stand with people of Zimbabwe,” Dr Sibanda confirmed.

“Brothers and sisters in the diaspora are very unhappy about the situation in Zimbabwe and want action and see this government moved. The march coming on February 1 has now received more attention as a lot of civic society organisations and COSATU have come in and the meetings would be at COSATU house.”

The ADF chair said diasporans were worried about the reported killings and the subsequent internet blackout which had affected communication between them and their families.

“Resultantly, there’s a lot of solidarity activities taking place seen by the march at the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria. There was another group at the Johannesburg consulate and another in Cape Town,” Dr Sibanda said.

He said they were concerned about the security and safety issues in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo as they infringed on people’s rights.

“We are saying we cannot have a president (in Zimbabwe) who calls himself constitutional yet has an illegal background, having people butchered and at the same time was in charge of Gukurahundi.

“People are now abducted, reportedly killed and the army has been released into the streets doing policing work, which makes Zimbabwe into a military state rather than a constitutional state. We don’t even need a police state but a democratic state where people’s rights are fully respected,” he noted.

Dr Sibanda also condemned the use of live ammunition by the security forces..

“Brute force should not be used but hooligans should be arrested and face the law rather than the army becoming a law unto itself. People that looted and those that destroyed property must be arrested and sent to court. We can’t have people reportedly killed by the army and police, which are institutions supposed to protect them, that’s unacceptable,” Dr Sibanda highlighted.

Human rights activists have put the number of civilians killed during the protests at 12, including a police officer while about 800 people have been arrested.

CITE

Own Correspondent|ZIMBABWEANS are now able to access social media websites following a High Court ruling on Monday.

A High Court judge ruled that the Minister of State Security does not have the authority to issue any orders to shut down the internet.

This makes the orders he issued last week illegal.

MISA Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights challenged the internet and social media blockade at the high court following last week’s orders by government.

Government had ordered internet service providers to block social media on 15 January 2019. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and other social media apps were blocked whilst the rest of the internet was working.

Zimbabweans relied on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) such as Psiphon to access social media.

The government made effort to also block some VPN services but this did not affect all of them.

Given the blocking of WhatsApp, Zimbabweans resorted to using alternative apps, like Telegram, that were not blocked, to message each other.

Correspondent|A PHOTO of President Emmerson Mnangagwa seemingly performing rituals has gone viral on social media after it was posted on Twitter by former Cabinet Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo.

However, the Deputy Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi claims that the picture was photo-shopped by the former G40 kingpin Moyo.

Mutodi said: “Professor Jonathan Moyo has tweeted a photoshopped image of President ED Mnangagwa purportedly performing a ritual.

“I have no doubt that only fools & rumour mongering idiots will believe that to be true.”

ZimEye brings the latest on the court case against Emmerson Mnangagwa in the High Court.

LIVE-ROLL:

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

1559 – BREAKING: The judge has ruled that Minister of State does not have the authority to issue any directives. This means that the directives to shutdown the Internet are now reversed. The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the Interception of Communications Act today.

1543 –  State seeks postponement of the matter to Wednesday; basis to seek further instructions from 3rd Respondent who is the President.

 – COURT IN SESSION – 

By Own Correspondent|

The High Court is expected to issue a ruling on the legality of the Government’s directive to mobile network operators to shut down all internet operations in the country.

The directive, which saw the shutting down of social media platforms including whatsapp, facebook, twitter and YouTube was effected during last week’s violent demonstrations over fuel price increases.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) sued the government over the internet shutdown and all social media platforms arguing that the move was unconstitutional.

ZLHR executive director Ms Roselyn Hanzi deposed an affidavit contesting the Government’s decision.

“The directive will unnecessarily cost some people significant amounts of money in loss of business and income.

“The drastic measure has also put human lives at risk as telemedicine and financial services such as Diaspora remittances which rely on internet-based communication and banking services have also been affected,” said Ms Hanzi.

The directive, it is argued, infringes on the people’s freedom of expression and freedom of the media as enshrined under Section 61 of the Constitution.

By Own Correspondent| The High Court is expected to issue a ruling on the legality of the Government’s directive to mobile network operators to shut down all internet operations in the country.

The directive, which saw the shutting down of social media platforms including whatsapp, facebook, twitter and YouTube was effected during last week’s violent demonstrations over fuel price increases.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) sued the government over the internet shutdown and all social media platforms arguing that the move was unconstitutional.

ZLHR executive director Ms Roselyn Hanzi deposed an affidavit contesting the Government’s decision.

“The directive will unnecessarily cost some people significant amounts of money in loss of business and income.

“The drastic measure has also put human lives at risk as telemedicine and financial services such as Diaspora remittances which rely on internet-based communication and banking services have also been affected,” said Ms Hanzi.

The directive, it is argued, infringes on the people’s freedom of expression and freedom of the media as enshrined under Section 61 of the Constitution.

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly on his way back home after holding a meeting on Monday morning with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan in the capital of Astana.

Mnangagwa, who cut short his trip to Eurasia after reports of an imminent impeachment against him filtered through over the weekend said his first priority was to get the country stable, calm and working again.

The Herald quotes Mnangagwa as saying:

We have decided that we should not continue to cry as a result of the imposition of sanctions, which up to today have not been removed, especially by the Americans…

In a short message posted on Twitter on Sunday evening, Mnangagwa said:

In light of the economic situation, I will be returning home after a highly productive week of bilateral trade and investment meetings. We will be ably represented in Davos by Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube. The first priority is to get Zimbabwe calm, stable and working again.

By Own Correspondent| Statements by the police and army that deserters were responsible for the violence that erupted in the country last week have been described as ridiculous

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba told journalists that deserters were responsible for the mayhem that characterised the past few days as people protested against a fuel price hike.

The Minister for State security, Owen Ncube, blamed the MDC and civil society for the orgy of violence.

UK-based Kent University law lecturer Alex Magaisa said that the government’s explanation is absurd.

Said Magaisa:

Their default setting is to blame the MDC and NGOs. Security minister simply followed this tired script. It was implausible, absurd and laughable. So they came up with another theory — our uniforms were stolen, deserters and retired officers kept uniforms. It’s amateurish and worse.

Their theory does not explain how thousands of them ended up with military and police trucks plus guns and ammunition. Did the criminals steal these too? Did retired officers take them home when they left? It’s completely absurd but that’s what makes them a laughing stock.

12 people were allegedly killed during the riots after armed police and army moved into the suburbs to restore order. The security services have however strenuously denied allegations that they were responsible for the deaths.-DailyNews

Former first lady Grace Mugabe’s sons Robert Jr and Russell Gorereza appear to be smitten by the same girl so much that they have actually dated and cohabited with her at different times. United Kingdom-based model Tapiwa Sithole confirmed that she has actually cohabited with the brothers although she was coy about revealing the status of her relationships with the brothers. Speaking to the local tabloid, H-Metro, Tapiwa denied that she was throwing herself at the brothers and went on to state that in fact, Russell and Robert Jr where the ones who were smitten with her. Said Tapiwa,

How can people say that I’m throwing myself at these boys when they are the ones after me? A week ago, I was at Russell’s apartment, I spent days with him after he called after he called me saying that he was neglected on his birthday. How could I be forcing myself on him when he was actually taking me to places, spending money on me and taking me to Pretoria?

…I don’t why people are making noise about me and me and Russell now when we stayed together before. In 2017, I flew back to Zimbabwe and stayed with Russell at his apartment for a week.

Speaking on her relationship with the younger brother, Tapiwa said,

I attended the Luxury Lifestyle awards in Dubai and Robert contacted me. He drove his car and came to pick me up and went with me to his apartment, so how am I throwing myself at them?

I can neither confirm nor deny anything about my relationships because I am a private person and assumptions tend to help those curious about me.

H Metro

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this Wednesday auction 200 bales of clothes, shoes and other items in Graniteside, Harare.

According to a notice issued by KM Auctions (Private) Limited, the assets will be auctioned to the highest bidder on January 23 2019.

Read the notice:

Duly instructed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Lost and Found, we shall sell by public auction the following assets to the highest bidder on January 23, 2019, at our premises No. 20 Edison Crescent Graniteside at 10 am.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) is also set to sell a number of items through auction at Nyamapanda border post on Tuesday. Zimra notified Empire Auctions to sell the items on its behalf. The items include two motorbikes and a Toyota Wish as well as cooking oil, flour, shoes and vests.

Correspondent|OPPOSITION party NPP leader Joice Mujuru has rubbished the claims by the Zimbabwean army and police spokespersons that civilians stole the army and police uniforms to commit acts of violence during the #ShutdownZimbabwe demonstrations last week which saw several being killed and injured.

“Saying Civilians stole armed forces Uniforms, guns, cars and weapons zvakangofana nekuti mbudzi yabira shumba nyama iyo iripo” Mujuru wrote on her Facebook account.

This follows the joint police and army presser in which both alleged that their uniforms were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots.

The police and army did not say how these uniforms where stolen or who they suspect of the theft however they gave an ultimatum to citizens to return the stolen uniforms or suffer being flushed out.

Charity Charamba, spokeswoman for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, said some of the army uniforms worn by criminals were stolen “during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu.

“Three days of violent and deadly protests erupted last week after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a 150% increase in fuel prices, which he said was meant to ease the impact of months of fuel shortages.

On Wednesday security forces shot five people dead and wounded another 25 as they battled demonstrators in Harare.

Human rights organizations blamed the police and the army for the violence.

Asked Saturday if the “rogue elements” had also stolen guns and army vehicles, Charamba declined to answer, telling reporters she would “answer your questions in due course.”

By Own Correspondent| Justice Mayor Wadyajena has confirmed that his party is treading turbulent times following plans by party stalwarts to impeach the current leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a tweet issued Monday, Wadyajena who is Gokwe Nembudziya legislator and a known Mnangagwa loyalist confirmed the impeachment plot revealing that it had failed to gather the momentum and numbers.

Said Wadyajena:

“They threatened to kill me and harm my family. I stand by @edmnangagwa and wish they knew ours isn’t just a political relationship. However they try, we’ll NEVER QUIT nor be intimidated. The plot is foiled, they lack numbers for impeachment and the devil isn’t @ProfJNMoyo but amongst us!”

President Mnangagwa on Sunday cut short his visit to Europe where he was expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Mnangagwa who left the country shorly after announcing fuel price increases which triggered nationwide protests, chose to rush back home leaving Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and several other government officials to represent Zimbabwe at the global economic summit.

In Mnangagwa’s absence, more than a dozen people were murdered by the army and police following violent protests which r9cked most major towns and cities.

By Own Correspondent|Solomon Nyaruwa, a Marondera man who was shot by the police died in the cells where he had been dumped without any medical attention.

His family was barred by the police from holding a funeral for him.

Nyaruwa, a 37-year-old informal trader,  was shot after he was caught up in a group of protestors on his way to collect a debt in the town. He was shot and police took him to Marondera police cells where they detained him in a cell unattended. Later the police station was stormed by protestors and the police fled, leaving him detained. Nyaruwa’s body was later discovered there.

Said his relative who spoke on condition of anonymity:

Solomon was found dead in the cells some four hours later after he had been shot and was later taken to Marondera hospital mortuary.

According to those who saw him in his last hours, his death was very painful as no one could assist him.

However, when we gathered to mourn him at his home in Yellow City, armed police and army officers came and told us not hold his funeral wake.

We have since approached lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZHLR) on how best we can deal with Solomon’s death and they are assisting us.

By Own Correspondent| Acting Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi has revealed that his office is not keen to prosecute soldiers and police officers who reportedly killed civilians during the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests.

Hodzi denied claims that soldiers and police officers killed civilians during last weeks’ violent protests.

At least 12 people were reportedly killed.

Hodzi revealed that his office is not anxious to prosecute members of the security forces who allegedly shot and killed protestors.

Instead, he is keen on prosecuting those who killed a police officer in Bulawayo.

In a telephone interview with a local publication, Hodzi said:

No one was killed by the police or any security member, but we have a case of a police officer who was killed by organisers of these protests. We have police stations that were destroyed; we have vehicles that were burnt.

… I am saying no one was killed by a police officer or a security agent. Let it be known that it is bad for people to kill a police officer on duty. As a law officer, we will not tolerate that.

Hodzi’s denial comes after Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President, George Charamba, told State media that the brutal crackdown on protestors was a harbinger of things to come. Charamba revealed that the government will make amendments to the constitution in order to curtail the people’s rights to demonstrate.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent| A police officer who was stoned by protestors during the violent fuel protests, Constable Alexio Maune (32), who was based at Entumbane Police Station was buried on Saturday at his rural home in Matsikidze Village, Chief Shumba in Masvingo.

Maune died last Tuesday on admission to the United Bulawayo Hospitals after being stoned by violent protestors.

Speaking during Maune’s burial, Masvingo war veterans provincial chair Tendeukai Chinooneka, who represented the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira, equated the MDC Alliance and its allies to Selous Scouts.

Said Chinooneka:

What the MDC-Alliance and its partners are doing shows that we still have Selous Scouts amongst us 38 years after independence. The violent culture of the MDC-Alliance is very worrying. Their behaviour is very unAfrican. Why use violence against innocent people in an attempt to ascend to power? The whole world now knows them for what they really are.-StateMedia

By Talent Gondo|Sports and Recreation minister Kirsty Coventry has said she is deeply saddened by the violence which rocked the nation imploring government to take action against the pepetrators of violence.

The youths minister said Zimbabwe needs peace so that the nation can move forward.

Said Coventry:

“What has happened in Zimbabwe has saddened me immensely. I am sorry to everyone that has been affected by the recent events. Violence is never the answer and needs to be investigated and actions taken. We need peace so no one suffers and we can rebuild our nation together.”

What has happened in Zimbabwe has saddened me immensely. I am sorry to everyone that has been affected by the recent events. Violence is never the answer and needs to be investigated and actions taken. We need peace so no one else suffers and we can rebuild our nation together.

— Kirsty Coventry (@KirstyCoventry) January 18, 2019

MPILO Central Hospital in Bulawayo attended to 13 life threatening conditions of people who were injured during violent protests in the city from Monday to Wednesday last week.

Violent protestors looted shops, destroyed property and set vehicles on fire.

The violence resulted in most workers failing to report for duty with Bulawayo hospitals among the worst affected.

In an interview, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said the situation at the hospital was desperate resulting in the institution using its ambulances to fetch medical practitioners from home.

“We attended to 13 life threatening injuries. Some of them had broken arms while others were shot in the abdomen. It was quite a traumatising experience that I don’t wish to recount. These were not the only victims that we attended to, there were just too many,” he said.

Dr Ngwenya said some doctors among other health workers started reporting for duty on Friday easing pressure at the hospital.

“We had to fetch doctors/surgeons from home using an ambulance as most of them were afraid to travel using their cars to come to work. We are glad that the situation is now normalising because if it continued like that we were going to experience serious challenges. For other health workers we had to rely on a vehicle from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to transport them for duty,” he said.

Dr Ngwenya urged city residents to be peaceful during demonstrations of any kind.

At United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), the hospital’s chief executive officer, Mrs Nonhlanhla Ndlovu, said the hospital managed to continue attending to patients mainly due to employees living in the eastern suburbs.

She said hospital services returned to normal as more employees started reporting for duty on Friday.

“However, members of the public especially those who were participating in the violent protests should know that health workers should be treated as an essential service. They should not be prevented from doing their work. Those who managed to report for duty were even attending to some of those who were injured during the protests,” Mrs Ndlovu said. 

By Own Correspondent| At the foot of a mountain in Kuwadzana Phase 3, Harare lies a plot reportedly owned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The mountain has come to be called by the locals as “Gomo raMnangagwa” loosely translated to Mnangagwa’s mountain. The mountain will forever invoke nightmares to the hundreds of local residents who were last week frogmarched up the mountain by the soldiers during the recent countrywide protests.

They were beaten mercilessly in that mountain before being forced to roll down for a distance of close to 200 metres back to the foot of the mountain.

One of the victims, 35-year-old John (not his real name), says last week’s events on that mountain resembled a horror movie. He sat in the corner of a big room at the Counselling Services Unit in Harare on Friday as he recounted his ordeal to The Standard crew who had visited the place that was teeming with victims of military and police brutality.

They had come to this makeshift clinic seeking medical attention after being tortured by the security forces. His left hand rests on his knee, his chin buried in the palm and like a dejected child, a story of anguish is printed all over John’s face.
John’s right hand is severely burnt and blistered. He also has a deep burn on his right ankle. His buttocks are heavily swollen and he sits shifting uncomfortably as he tells his story.

John said residents were rounded up by soldiers who were armed with guns and sjamboks and forced to put out burning tyres using their bare hands. The burning tyres had earlier been thrown onto the streets as road barricades by protesters.

“We tried to resist, but they beat us up using motorbike chains until we submitted,” John said with tears tricking down his cheeks.

“I can’t explain the pain. Imagine burning rubber sticking on our hands? I no longer have skin on my palm,” he said showing his bandaged hand.

“Here on my ankle, they took hotwire from the burning tyres and tortured me before beating me up with rubber sjamboks. I can’t sit or sleep on my right side.”

John said he had locked himself up in his house when he heard soldiers were out assaulting people.

“They came and forced the door open and forced all of us out with whips. They took us to a barricaded road and ordered us to remove the barricades after putting out the fire from burning tyres,” he said.

The room at the makeshift clinic where John was had approximately 38 other people among them juveniles as young as 12 who were also seeking treatment.

Zimbabweans last Monday took to the streets protesting against the decision by Mnangagwa to hike fuel prices by about 150%.

The protests were violent in some areas like Chitungwiza, Epworth, Highfield, Mabvuku and Tafara where hundreds of people blocked roads to stop kombis from taking people to work. As emerged at the courts where Zanu PF youth leaders are facing counts of inciting violence, arson and looting, all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation took part in the protests.

There were also many reports of some security forces who tacitly encouraged people to go on the streets while beating up and chasing away teachers who had turned up for work.

Many reports of the military assaulting protesters during the day and others who conducted night raids dragging people out of their homes and assaulting them were recorded. Most of the victims of army beatings whom we visited suffered serious injuries.

In Kuwadzana, scores of men and boys spent nights sleeping in maize fields as soldiers were on the prowl in the area during the night. Those who failed to flee in time were caught and ordered to lie down before being kicked and beaten with steel rods.

Next to John, a 53-year-old man was writhing in pain — his body was lacerated all over. He sat in a wheelchair and had a bandaged head and his hand was in a sling.

“I live in Kuwadzana Phase 3. We had locked ourselves in the house when the soldiers came, broke windows and fired teargas into the house. We ran out and they started beating us up before ordering us to go into the nearby mountain called Gomo raMnangagwa,” the man recounted.

“We went up and about 200 metres up the mountain we were met by another group of soldiers who ordered us to go back where we were coming from.

We did not know what to do with the conflicting orders, both being barked at us by armed soldiers. We were then ordered to lie down, they beat us using logs, motorbike chains and whips.”

He added: “After beating us, they ordered us to roll down the mountain, shoving us down with their booted feet. Back at the foot of the mountain, they beat us again and ordered us to go back to our houses and sleep.”

Another victim, Tom (not his real name), who said he had come from Hopley Farm settlement on Harare South, had a deep wound in his leg and he said he had dogs set on him by police and soldiers.

“I was coming from the shops to buy sugar. I had a packet of sugar in my hand when I met a group of soldiers. There were also other groups of people on the same path and we were all forced to lie down. But before I could go down, they set the dog on me and I was attacked. I sustained deep cuts here,” said Tom while showing his scars. He was walking with the aid of crutches.

“After realising I had been badly injured, they ordered me to leave. The others were ordered to lie on the ground and they were beaten thoroughly.”

Another woman we found at the “clinic” said she had been burnt around her waist using a steel rod.

“They came to me and asked me where my husband was. I told them he had gone to work and that seemed to anger them. They dragged me out of the house and forced me to roll in raw sewage before beating me up.

“Before they left, they told me to tell my husband that he was responsible for her bashing. When I thought it was over, they dragged me to the road which had been barricaded with huge rocks. They forced me to lift the rocks off the road and in the meantime one of them pulled a hot metal out of a fire and burnt me around the waist,” she said, showing a deep blister around her waist.

Another woman, a mother of a two-month-old baby also from Hopley, said she was forced to throw her child onto the bed before she was dragged outside her house. She left the baby crying and was forced to roll in sewage before being beaten.

“This whole side, they beat me with an iron rod. I can’t lift any object and can’t sleep on this right side. They forced me to leave this very young baby and made me to roll in raw sewage before beating me while my baby was crying in the house,” she said with tears rolling down her face.

Twelve-year-old Sam (not his real name) sustained a deep cut above the eye. He said he was beaten by the soldiers when he cried while they were beating his parents.

“My mother pleaded with them saying I was a mere school-going child, but they did not listen and went on to beat me up,” Sam said.

Thirty-seven-year-old Getrude (not her real name) was also beaten with a hot iron rod plucked from a fire on the road.

“They dragged me from my house and took me to where the tyres were burning and asked me who had set the fire. I told them I had no idea and they beat me up and took out from the fire a red-hot iron rod which they used to beat me,” she said.

Afterwards they ordered her to smear soot into the gaping wound.

Child victims whom we met at the “clinic” had ages ranging between 12 and 15. Most of them appeared traumatised by the ordeal and said they were afraid to go back home.

By Paul Nyathi|Retailers in most parts of the country have increased three fold the price of the country’s staple meal, maize meal.

Zimbabweans were shocked on Saturday to wake up to a 10kg pack of maize meal going up from $6 to $15 in some shops with a 20kg pack going up from $15 up to $42.

Besides the huge price increase, most shops did not have the product in stock raising fears of a major shortage of the staple diet.

Retailers are gradually pushing up prices of most basic commodities following a steep fuel price increase announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa two weeks ago.

Zanu PF rebels have initiated a process to recall President Emmerson Mnangagwa from the presidency, ZimLive has reported.

At least 35 Zanu PF MPs met at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday night, where war veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa laid out the plan, sources have said.

The rebels are said to be considering a wildcard candidate to take over. Legally, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi, the other Vice President, would assume the presidency on an acting basis until Zanu PF nominates a replacement, who could be a new name.

The rebels are supported by Zanu PF heavyweights who were sidelined by Mnangagwa from his Cabinet, among them former Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF chair Oppah Muchinguri and Obert Mpofu, the former Home Affairs Minister.

The plotters, sources said, were fanning out this weekend to the provinces to mobilise parliamentary and party support for Mnangagwa’s ouster.

The panic in Zanu PF has been occasioned by a fear that the party could be “run out of town” by a popular uprising. This follows Monday’s widespread protests over a 150 percent increase in the price of fuel decreed by Mnangagwa. The protesters exhibited a militancy never before seen.

For Mutsvangwa and others, who have traditionally been Mnangagwa loyalists, there is a second added danger that the military faction in Zanu PF could seize control of the party and banish them.

“The calculation by the rebels is pre-emptive. Mnangagwa is quite clearly mortally wounded and the two Zanu PF factions know they will follow him to his political grave if they don’t act. So, what you might have, if they succeed, is a mercy killing where Mnangagwa is put out of his misery for a new leader that they hope can haul Zanu PF back from the impending precipice,” a high-level source familiar with the plan said.

“The key grievance is how he has led the party and the country since the coup in November 2017. Things have become worse, not better. Many comrades are disgruntled that he has elected to surround himself with people from his village, side-lining those who secured him the presidency.

“They want to first present him with the numbers (of disaffected MPs), symbolically, and urge him to resign. If he doesn’t, they will take it a step further and attempt to impeach him – but that may need the support of the MDC to go through because Mnangagwa has his own loyalists who would whittle down the Zanu PF majority.”

ZimLive understands the rebels miscalculated by including former Harare East MP Terence Mukupe and Gokwe Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena – two Mnangagwa loyalists who were snubbed for Cabinet posts – in their plot. Mukupe and Wadyajena had since pressed the panic button, alerting Mnangagwa to the palace coup.

Mukupe took to Twitter on Saturday, firing a series of tweets in which he said the next 72 hours would be crucial to the future of Zanu PF.

“I’m worried with what’s going on. The citizens are blind to what’s really going on. The next 72hrs are going to be crucial regarding the path we are going to take as a nation. Chokwadi chichabuda (the truth will come out). President Mnangagwa is not the issue. Viva Zimbabwe,” Mukupe said, while also posting a video of a popular Zanu PF liberation war song.

Chiwenga, and a faction of the military, have also been growingly concerned with Mnangagwa’s leadership, ZimLive was briefed. He told Mnangagwa to announce the 150 percent fuel price increase before leaving on his five-nation trip because he was tired of making pronouncements which were later contradicted by Mnangagwa or some of the President’s loyalists, a source said.

“What you’ve seen is Chiwenga becoming less vocal about what’s happening. He has become quite despondent with a running narrative of Mnangagwa as the good guy and himself as the irrational one who makes all the radical decisions,” the official said.

The rebels know they will need a lot more than the 35 MPs to oust Mnangagwa. Although sources told ZimLive the plot was “viable”, the military – which plays a significant role in Zanu PF politics – could yet weigh in on the side of either the Mnangagwa or Chiwenga factions.

Mnangagwa remains in Eastern Europe where he is begging for a bailout to kick-start Zimbabwe’s failing economy. He is expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week but the longer he stays out, his opponents will feel more emboldened to push through their daring plan.

“It will certainly become clearer after the weekend, what shape the rebellion takes,” our source said. “There are so many dynamics at play, but what cannot be denied is that Mnangagwa’s presidency has hit the buffers. He came in with a lot of goodwill, some of which he bought by dumping his friends. Now, that goodwill is gone and those friends he cast away on his way up are ready to twist the knife on him.

“The opposition is knocking at the gates and the Zanu PF home is in turmoil. It’s a boiling pot. You have to say anything is possible.”

In March 2018, Mnangagwa told of a plot to impeach him. He was speaking at the conclusion of Zanu PF’s primary elections.

“Some of those who have won these primary elections have two minds. They have gone to join the Zanu PF wagon using various tricks, money included, to be elected with a possible view that once in Parliament, they will band together and move a motion of impeachment,” he said.

“There are two things I would want you to know. First, you must realise that the Constitution provides the basis of impeachment and such basis must be fulfilled before impeachment proceedings begin.

“Second, our Constitution provides a tool, an instrument to chuck out from Parliament any member who we think is not Zanu PF anymore.”

Mukupe promised to give us a comment but had not done so by the time of publication. Mutsvangwa’s phone rang unanswered, and a message left for him had not been returned.

Source: Zambian Observer

BEFORE the family of Kelvin Tinashe Choto knew he had been killed, social media in Zimbabwe was circulating a photo of his battered body lying on the reception counter of a local police station.

Angry protesters had left him there.

The 22-year-old was shot in the head, one of at least a dozen people killed in the past week in a violent crackdown by security forces on protests against a dramatic increase in fuel prices.

Dozens of Zimbabweans have been shot. Others say they have been hunted down in their homes at night, with soldiers and masked men in plainclothes dragging them away, severely beating them and leaving them for dead.

Some are activists and labour leaders. Others, like Choto, have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. A captain of a small soccer club in Chitungwiza, a satellite city south-east of the capital, Harare, he had been planning to travel to neighbouring South Africa next week to look for better-paying teams.

Teammates chanted the team’s war cry, handed the family his jersey and carried his coffin.

“He was our future,” said his father, Julius Choto, as the family buried him on Saturday.

“He was disciplined, respectable and non-violent. All he cared for was his football. He was a very good footballer.”

His son had been watching the protests from a soccer field “some metres away from the action,” on Tuesday when he was gunned down.

“Maybe they thought he was an (opposition) activist since he was wearing a red Manchester United jersey,” his father said.

The family only discovered his body the following morning at a local mortuary.

“I have been robbed,” his father said, crying. “He was my only son and his future was bright. I have been robbed by the state.”

Such accounts have undermined the faith of many Zimbabweans in the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was cheered when he took over after the ouster of longtime, repressive leader Robert Mugabe in late 2017. Since then, the country’s already staggering economy has weakened even more.

Growing frustration over rising inflation, a severe currency crisis and fuel lines that stretch for kilometres finally snapped after Mnangagwa announced a week ago that fuel prices would more than double, making petrol in Zimbabwe the most expensive in the world.

Civic leaders called for Zimbabweans to stay at home for three days in protest. Other people took to the streets. Some looted, in desperation or anger. The military was called in, and with Mnangagwa leaving on an extended overseas trip, the hard-line former military commander and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga was left in charge. A crackdown began.

In what critics have called an attempt to cover up abuses, the government in the past few days has imposed an internet shutdown across the country, ordering internet service providers and telecommunications firms to block popular social media apps.

“The internet was a tool that was used to coordinate the violence,” presidential spokesman George Charamba claimed on state television on Saturday night, referring to protesters.

The internet shutdowns have given security forces cover to commit violations “away from the glare of the international community,” said Dewa Mavhinga, southern Africa director for Human Rights Watch.

The reports of abuses come as Mnangagwa prepares to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to appeal for foreign investment in a country he repeatedly says is “open for business.”

But the violent crackdown sends a different message. At one hospital in Harare alone, the waiting room and corridors were packed with victims.

“They came at the middle of the night, kicking doors and throwing tear gas to force us out. Once they had rounded all up men in the area, they assaulted us using motorbike chains,” one man said of security forces going from house to house.

Another man with burned hands said he and others had been forced to put out burning tires with their bare hands. They all spoke condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Albert Taurai, in hospital with a broken spine, said he had ventured out to look for bread when he saw a group of plainclothes, armed men approaching.
They struck him and others with iron bars on the back, thighs and ankles “so that we would not be able to run away,” he said. The masked men told them: “Zimbabwe will never be shut down.”

“I am 46 years old,” Taurai said. “I have seen both Mugabe and Mnangagwa. This just is worse than Mugabe.”

Zimbabwe’s government has defended the response by security forces, and police spokeswoman Charity Charamba on Saturday expressed “grave concern” that people were committing crimes while wearing police or military uniforms. Some of the uniforms had been seized by “rogue elements” during the protests, she alleged.

Otherwise, “adequate security” was in place to ensure that people in Zimbabwe go about their lives, army spokesman Overson Mugwisi said. They did not take questions.

The government blames the unrest on the opposition and calls it “terrorism.”

The main opposition MDC party, which had contested Mnangagwa’s narrow election win last year in court, “is hoping to influence the international community’s view of Zimbabwe. They are hoping a government of national unity will arise from this. It will not happen,” the deputy information minister, Energy Mutodi, said.

The leader of that opposition, Nelson Chamisa, attended the funeral of Choto on Saturday.

The government should compensate the victims of this week’s crackdown, Chamisa said. He said Mnangagwa’s government has turned out to be much like Mugabe’s.

“This is a sick government,” he said, holding Choto’s seven-month-old daughter in his arms. “Because no serious government will deploy the military and ammunition on ordinary citizens.” — AP

Cover Photo: Kelvin Tinashe Choto’s soccer teammates carry his coffin. The 22-year-old was shot in the head during a violent security crackdown.

Besides reports that about 200 people, most of them innocent citizens, have been killed by security forces in a week government has warned that the forces remain “firmly on the ground” following threats of another round of citizen stay away.

Speaking to The Herald yesterday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said after last week’s violence that resulted in loss of life and destruction of property, Government was ready to firmly deal with people who break the law.

“As the Ministry of Home Affairs, we want to reassure the public that we will not hesitate to enforce the law today, tomorrow or in the next 100 years. We want to make sure that every Zimbabwean enjoys the peace and freedom we have in the country because Zimbabwe belongs to all Zimbabweans,” Minister Mathema said.

He said Zimbabweans should not be hindered in their daily activities by malcontents seeking to cause chaos in the country.

“Every Zimbabwean has a right to enjoy the freedom that is prevailing in the country without any fear, so as Government we want to reassure Zimbabweans that the security agents will be there to ensure security of persons and property. They should feel free to carry out their activities,” Minister Mathema said.

He said Government was working to improve people’s livelihoods but that its efforts were being hampered by the effects of illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West at the instigation of the MDC-Alliance.

“We have had challenges that are a result of the sanctions that were called for by the MDC-Alliance and Government is doing its best to improve the lives of its citizens despite these challenges,” Minister Mathema said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Zanu-PF extraordinary provincial coordinating committee meeting held in Mutare yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the law would take its course in the event of violence.

She warned those behind the unrest that law enforcement agents would take stern measures and those found on the wrong side of the law would be punished.

“It is important for people to know what is happening especially during these trying times,” she said.

“People should know that the disturbances that occurred a few days ago were not demonstrations but it was people who are pushing for regime change in the country. The Government and our security forces are on the ground and people should feel free to go to work and to school as security forces are providing everyone with safety.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government was aware of the economic hardships that people were facing and urged everyone to exercise their rights within the confines of the Constitution.

Minister Mutsvangwa

“We want to inform people that those who destroyed property worth more than $300 million across the country were hooligans. That must not be allowed in this country and those who were arrested will be heavily punished,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“Our Constitution allows us to demonstrate peacefully but that is not what we witnessed. We saw people destroying clinics, houses and attacking police at their stations. It shows that there was a third force behind it,” she said.

“Our President created democratic space but it does not mean we have to take the law into our own hands. What I would like to assure you is that our security forces are on the ground and we want to see our children back in school and people going to work. We need production for our nation to develop and that can only be achieved if people go to work,” she said.

Police have since arrested over 700 people countrywide for their alleged involvement in the violence with the law enforcement agents saying the net is closing in on those involved in the vandalism that occurred last week.

Police have also established security checkpoints to search people who might be attempting to move their loot to rural areas. There were also reports that some of those who went on a looting spree were dumping goods wherever they could for fear of being caught.

State Media

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of abrogating on his duties and resorting to violence in the face of demands by people that he fulfils his constitutional mandate.

Speaking at the funeral of one of the victims of the security force’s heavy-handed response to last week’s protests, Chamisa said if Mnangagwa ignored the people’s economic plight he would continue to be under pressure and things would not get any better for the Zanu PF leader.

“If you check, the constitution demands the President to serve the country, not to beat the people when they demand him to serve them,” Chamisa told mourners at the burial of Tinashe Choto in Chitungwiza.

“He has failed on his duties. Government has no right to take away the life of the people, but to protect them. Tinashe died not because he was sick, but because government is sick.”

Choto was shot in the head on Monday when violence broke out in Chitungwiza and all over the country during the stayaway called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and backed by civil movements, including Tajamuka and #ThisFlag Movement.

He was coming from the nearby Makoni shopping centre where he had gone for soccer betting when he was caught in the cross fire. A bullet ripped off part of his head when he moved from a mango tree where he had taken refuge.

The 22-year-old, who was the captain of Chitungwiza City Football Club, is survived by a wife and a seven-month-old baby.

Chamisa, who said he attended the funeral as a private citizen, said Mnangagwa had no justification to use the military no matter the gravity of protests.

He said it was government’s responsibility to respect the sanctity of life as provided in the constitution under the Bill of Rights, not vice versa. Chamisa blasted the government for failing to send even a low-ranking official to console the family and offer burial assistance.

“I want to write a letter to Mnangagwa, asking him why he is killing his people. We want to take the matter up with Sadc, the UN and all organs and tell them that the people are under siege from their own government,” Chamisa said.

He blasted the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation for biased reporting; warning such “type of reckless reporting” was causing divisions in the country and had the potential of causing a Rwanda-type genocide.

Latest reports indicate that at least 200 people have reportedly been killed by the military and other state agents since violence broke out during last week’s protests. Government has blamed the MDC for the violence.

Source: The Standard

Paul Nyathi|Azerbaijan media reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa left that country with a few lessons on how to efficiantly run a nation.

According to the media, the Zimbabwean President developed a strong interest in the experience of Azerbaijan in the proper organization of governance, the conduct of independent policies based on national interests and also in the country’s experience in economic and social reforms, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev told the media in that country while commenting on the visit of the Zimbabwean President to the country.

The MP noted that Azerbaijan’s effective management in the mining industry, ensuring transparency of revenues from the non-oil sector, well-considered investment in other sectors of the economy, development of the non-oil sector, transport infrastructure and agriculture, achievement of 100 percent literacy and success in other areas are recognized as an interesting experience.

Rzayev added that the Zimbabwean president had chosen Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan for his overseas tour.

“These countries have been chosen to exchange experience, explore new opportunities for economic and trade cooperation, and make investments, given the fact that they have the highest rates in the CIS,” he said.

He underlined that Azerbaijan will chair the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2022, in which Zimbabwe is also actively involved.

Rzayev added that the number of countries willing to cooperate with Azerbaijan, which is reliable, worthy and responsible participant in international relations, is growing.

Mnangagwa completed his working visit to the country and immediately dashed back to Zimbabwe.

A guard of honor was lined up for him at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport decorated with the national flags of the two countries.

Mnangagwa was seen off by Azerbaijani first Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, Deputy Foreign Minister Ramiz Hasanov and other officials.

Source AzerNews

Correspondent|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa went to Chitungwiza to comfort the family of Kelvin Choto who was shot to death in the head during last week’s violent protests in Chitungwiza.

The 22-year-old Choto, who was the captain of Chitungwiza City Football Club, is survived by a wife and a seven-month-old baby.

Said Chamisa: “A 22-year old footballer, Kelvin Choto was shot dead during the stay-away. (He) had a young wife and a 7 months old daughter. Kelvin was not active in politics. Killings and violence are barbaric ways of resolving national challenges!”

Choto was shot in the head on Monday when violence broke out in Chitungwiza and all over the country during the stayaway called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and backed by civil movements, including Tajamuka and #ThisFlag Movement.

He was coming from the nearby Makoni shopping centre where he had gone for soccer betting when he was caught in the cross fire. A bullet ripped off part of his head when he moved from a mango tree where he had taken refuge.

Chamisa, who said he attended the funeral as a private citizen, said Mnangagwa had no justification to use the military no matter the gravity of protests.

He said it was government’s responsibility to respect the sanctity of life as provided in the constitution under the Bill of Rights, not vice versa. Chamisa blasted the government for failing to send even a low-ranking official to console the family and offer burial assistance.

“I want to write a letter to Mnangagwa, asking him why he is killing his people. We want to take the matter up with Sadc, the UN and all organs and tell them that the people are under siege from their own government,” Chamisa said.

He blasted the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation for biased reporting; warning such “type of reckless reporting” was causing divisions in the country and had the potential of causing a Rwanda-type genocide.

At least 12 people have reportedly been killed by the military and other state agents since violence broke out during last week’s protests. Government has blamed the MDC for the violence. 

20 January 2019

On the Ransom Arrest of the Mahiya Family
Mrs. Hilda Mahiya (63), the mother to Mr. Rashid Mahiya, Chairperson of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and Executive Director of Heal Zimbabwe Trust, was also badly tortured by the police and the soldiers on Friday 18 January 2019.  The police also tortured Pastor. Douglas (Jnr) Mahiya.  Both are accused of hiding the whereabouts of Mr. Rashid Mahiya whom the state accuses of masterminding the protests that rocked the nation following fuel increases. Shutdown Violations Updates in Brief

On the Abduction of Obert Masaraure
Mr. Obert Masaraure, President of ARTUZ who was abducted on Friday 18 January 2019 around 1am, was later dumped at Harare Central Police Station.  He was badly tortured.  He has since been remanded in custody to the 25th of January 2019.  Reports are that he has since been transferred to Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

On the Attacks Against Civil Society
In a statement released on 18 January 2019, the Forum condemned the attacks on civil society. Part of the statement reads, “It is regrettable that the government, instead of addressing the deepening economic crisis that has triggered the social unrest, it has resorted to blame shifting and unjustified attacks on civil society leaders whom it accuses of the chaos. Reports have been received of surveillance of civil society premises, homes of civil society members, attacks in the media and threats of de-registration by government. The Forum asserts that the work of civil society particularly, human rights defenders is legitimate and must be protected.” Read full statement here.

For more details on the rights and protections for human rights defenders, see the UN declaration on human rights defenders here. Zimbabwe has an obligation to ensure the protection of human rights defenders.

Possible Stay Away
On Saturday and Sunday 2019, messages continued circulating calling for a continuation of the stay away from 21 to 25 January 2019.  The labour movement has not released a statement validating this call.  However, the Forum received reports of continuing state violence on citizens in Epworth, Chitungwiza and Budiriro.  The latest report was received on Sunday that around 1pm, soldiers fired bullets at a combi in Budiriro targetting the driver.  The combi was involved in an accident.  It is not yet clear by the time of the report the state of the passengers in the combi. The Forum also received reports of roadblocks being mounted by soldiers in areas like Norton.  The Forum urges all Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution as the situation is still tense and unpredictable.

Statements from the Human Rights Community

Members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum have spoken strongly against state perpetrated violence in response to the fuel riots.  On 18 January 2019, the Forum issued a statement which revealed that over at least 12 people were killed during the shutdown, dozens more left nursing wounds of gunshots while over 400 were locked up in dragnet arrests.  Read the full statement here

From CCJP
On 17 January 2019, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference release the Pastoral Letter on the current events in Zimbabwe.  The letter, titled ‘Rebuild Hope, Trust, Confidence and Stability in Zimbabwe’ raises concern regarding the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe, the government’s heavy-handedness towards dissent.  “To get our economy working again,” the Bishops say,  “Zimbabwe needs strong institutions for without the necessary reforms we become irrelevant and spectators in the life of the modern world.”  Read the full statement here.

From ZimRights
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) together with the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) have called for an end to human rights violations and urged the President Emmerson Munangagwa to return to Zimbabwe to initiate national dialogue.  See full statement here

From ZADHR
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) have released details regarding the people who suffered violence during the shutdown.  In a statement released on 16 January 2019, the doctors said that they had attended to 172 cases of which 68 cases were gunshot wounds.  The doctors reported that  17 individuals underwent emergency surgery as they had life threatening conditions. Read the full statement here.

From MISA Zimbabwe
MISA Zimbabwe challenging the communications and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights ’ urgent court application date, use of the Interception of Communications Act to wholly suspend has been set . The application will be heard on Monday 21 January 2019 at 14.30 before Justice Owen Tagu.  Read the statement from MISA here.

Response from the International Community
A number of international organisations have since reacted to the human rights violations in Zimbabwe.  The United Nations has called for a probe into state violence in Zimbabwe.  See report here

The European Union has also spoken strongly against the use of live ammunition on protestors.  See full statement here

The images below show the teenagers tortured by security services in Kuwadzana on Saturday evening:

A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president’s spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.

Police say three people died during protests over fuel price hikes in Harare’s capital and second city Bulawayo that turned violent. But human rights groups say evidence suggests at least a dozen people were killed while scores were treated for gunshot wounds.

“(The) government will not stand by while such narrow interests play out so violently. The response so far is just a foretaste of things to come,” said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba.

Charamba told the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper the government would review some provisions of the constitution adopted in 2013, which he said were being abused by proponents of democracy.

Lawyers and activists say hundreds of Zimbabweans were detained last week accused of public order offences, including at least four lawmakers from the opposition MDC party and Evan Mawarire, a pastor who rose to prominence as a critic of former leader Robert Mugabe critic and led a national shutdown in 2016.

Local rights groups say security forces, accused of night raids at homes of suspected protesters, are now trying to track down people who have gone into hiding.

A partial internet blackout was still in force on Sunday, two days after mobile networks sent messages to customers saying they had been ordered to keep social media sites shut until further notice.

When he was elected in July, Mnangagwa promised a clean break with the 37-year rule of Mugabe, who used the security forces to quell civilian protests before being forced out in a sane facto coup in November 2017.

But the MDC says former Mugabe ally Mnangagwa is now overseeing a reversion to authoritarian rule by using the same tactic.

Charamba, who is on an official trip with Mnangagwa to Azerbaijan, said the MDC leadership and affiliate organisations would be “held fully accountable for the violence and the looting.” The MDC denies fomenting unrest.

U.N. rights officials denounced last week’s crackdown, while an independent inquiry found that the army used excessive force when it stepped in to stop post-election violence last August, during which six people were shot dead.

Zimbabweans, who have seen their purchasing power eroded by soaring inflation, also say Mnangagwa has not delivered on pre-election pledges to kick-start economic growth after Mugabe’s exit.

— Reuters

BUSINESSES that were broken into, looted and sometimes burnt down during the recent nationwide protests might not be able to rebuild, restock and reopen, business leaders have said.

Last week Zimbabwe witnessed widespread protests against a steep hike in the price of fuel and general economic decay which turned violent when security forces used excessive force in a bid to quell the protests.

On Monday citizens took to the streets to express their anger at government’s poor handling of the deteriorating economy.

The cost of living has shot up beyond the reach of many as prices of fuel and basic commodities continue to rise.

Businesses which spoke to The Standard yesterday said they were already struggling to restock and the current situation was making things worse. They feared massive job losses.

“We are yet to assess the full impact, but the situation is not healthy for any business. The message is that the incapacitation of workers should not lead to destruction of property and looting,” Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CIZ) Matabeleland chapter president, Joseph Gunda said.

“Businesses are already struggling to restock (following the recent looting) and this current difficult situation makes things worse and businesses may never be able to recover. Stayaways should be conducted in a peaceful way. The country will certainly need to rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed,” he said.

Association for Business in Zimbabwe chief executive Victor Nyoni said there would be loss of employment.

“We are in a situation now that supermarkets will not be able to restock. Also those businesses that have been affected do not have insurance cover because of the economic environment in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“As a result, there is no way that they are going to restock and those people that are employed in those shops are now out of employment,” he said.

Nyoni said the country was likely to experience more economic woes due to the destruction of property and looting.

“In fact, targeting private businesses — the people who keep this economy ticking — is a huge mistake. We implore government to find a way now to help those businesses to take off again but the situation is dire.”

Nyoni said some businesses would be left in debt as they had purchased the goods they were trading on credit.

“Infrastructure has been destroyed. What that then means is that you also need money to rebuild the shop, but already businesses were operating below capacity and to imagine that there can even be funding to do such things is unthinkable,” he said.

CIZ president Sifelani Jabagwe said the situation was worrying.

He urged protesters to demonstrate responsibly, adding that the destruction of infrastructure and property would further cripple the economy.

“We have not put a value to it, but we believe that the impact is actually significant. Companies have not been operating and it’s quite damaging for the economy,”he said.

Jabangwe said Zimbabwe needed to attract foreign investors, but it would be difficult to do that due to the current instability in the country.

“We need, one way or the other, to attract new investment into the country, but when we do this (destruction of property), will we be able to do it? With violence we shut out investment because we portray our country as unstable — a place where citizens go about destroying property,” he said.

In Bulawayo, several business including Choppies supermarkets, shopping malls and other small shops, were looted and some burnt down.

Standard

By A Correspondent| The notorious spiritist preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa drew a stinker Sunday when he cancelled his church service (as a result of the military attacks) and still asked for offerings to be made online.

The man did not even criticise the ongoing attacks by the military and police on civilians.

Makandiwa’s bulk sms message is below.

@prmakandiwa cancels church service and demands offering money via online pic.twitter.com/o9I8e3RvEB

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 20, 2019

VIDEO LOADING BELOW.

Police and the army last night sought to clear themselves and throw blame on alleged impersonators following reports that at least 12 people were killed by soldiers and the police during last week’s nationwide protests against economic hardships.

The military and the police were heavily deployed during the mass stayaway and were seen publicly firing live ammunition, beating up and harassing many civilians in broad daylight. There were also many reports of night raids and beatings by the combined forces mostly in high-density suburbs in cities and towns across the country.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba together with her Zimbabwe Defence Forces counterpart, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, last night called a press conference where they disowned military and police members who have been exposed as having been ring leaders of looting and violence during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) organised national stayaway.

Mugwisi and Charamba refused to take questions from curious journalists who wanted to seek clarity on the denials which came days after the exposure of military involvement in the violent protests. They did not say why they did not want to answer questions.

“We shall respond to your questions next time. We are very sorry we will not take questions today,” Charamba said.

The two claimed criminals had stolen army and police regalia during the disturbances in Chegutu and Epworth and used the same to commit crimes elsewhere.

“Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Charamba said.

A serving top military official, one Lieutenant Morrosi Carnage of Inkomo Mounted Regiment and a police officer, Ignatius Zuze were unmasked as leaders of the violent protests which led to the death of civilians and looting of shops in Epworth. Known Zanu PF youth leaders were also arrested for allegedly inciting the protests, arson and looting.

Commenting on the statement from the police and army, Jealousy Mawarire, the spokesperson of the opposition National Patriotic Front said: “The claim that there are non-security people committing atrocities while clad in police and military garb is very unconvincing and even if true, speaks of failure by the security sector to, not only run their institution, but also look after their tools of trade.

He added: “Surely, we can’t have an army or police force failing to account for their uniforms, weapons and officers, whether retired, dead or resurrected. The real issue is that there are divisions in the army, police and the state along the faulty lines within a disintegrating Zanu PF. The centre is no longer holding and another coup is loading.” 

In the past few days police have swooped on opposition and civic leaders arresting several legislators and leaders of civil society some of whom have been charged with treason.

Meanwhile, there have been unverified claims of sharp divisions within Zanu PF and government with sources saying the divisions would play out more openly in the near-future.

On Saturday, Zanu PF Harare provincial member and former Finance deputy minister, Terrance Mukupe made curious statements to the effect that all was not well in the ruling party.

He said Mnangagwa would soon return to put an end to the current crisis but claimed the president was not the target of the unrest which he said was part of a bigger scheme and rift in the party.

“I am worried with what’s going on… The citizens are blind to what’s really going on. The next 72 hours are going to be crucial regarding the path we are going to take as a nation. The truth will come out. President Mnangagwa is not the issue, Viva Zimbabwe,” Mukupe tweeted.

The United Nations has raised concern over the manner security forces handled the stay away. The world body through its human rights office based in Geneva said it was concerned that the security forces were using live ammunition against unarmed citizens and also suggested that criminals could have hijacked the ZCTU strike and embarked on looting and acts of violence.

The UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasan said government should end the crackdown and excessive use of force by security forces.

“The bottom line is that the use of live ammunition by security forces was excessive. This is not the way to react to expression of economic grievances by the population. There was some use of violence by the protestors as well, fires were set, shops and business were looted, as always, it is difficult to determine who did this. Was it opportunists taking advantage of the chaos to do that? Was it the demonstrators themselves, it is very difficult to understand that,” said Shamdasan.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for restraint by the Zimbabwe authorities.

“We are worried with the deterioration of the situation caused by the potential use of excessive violence in confronting the demonstrations in Zimbabwe,” Guterres told a news conference in New York on Friday.

The group of eminent former statesmen and respected leaders known as the Council of Elders also raised their voice over the behaviour of the military and the police in Zimbabwe saying government should engage its people and not use force.

“The Elders express deep concern at the worsening social and economic situation in Zimbabwe and urge peaceful resolution of the crisis through inclusive dialogue,” the Elders tweeted on Friday.

On the same day the European Union had also condemned the violent crackdown by the Zimbabwe military.

The Standard

Meeting with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.

During the talks, the participants discussed matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.

Following the consultations, an exchange of documents signed during the official visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries.

The signed documents included an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe on extradition and an intergovernmental agreement on mutual protection of intellectual activity results and intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation.

The signed documents also concern cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation (money laundering) of criminally obtained proceeds and the financing of terrorism, the project for developing the Darwendale platinum group metal deposit and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.

* * *

Beginning of talks with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,

I am pleased to see you here in Moscow.

This is your first visit to our country. Zimbabwe is an important partner to Russia in Africa. We are very pleased to see you.

Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying. For our part, we are ready to do our best to make sure that cooperation between our countries is beneficial for our nations and that it makes a significant and weighty contribution to implementing the plans and programmes that you have formulated for yourself and to achieving the goals that you have set for your country.

Welcome, Mr President.

President of the Republic of Zimbabwe  Emmerson Mnangagwa: Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr President.

On my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, we are extremely happy to be invited to visit the Russian Federation. And it is my first occasion to be here, and I feel greatly honoured by Your Excellency to allow me to visit you in this time of development and the challenges facing my country that I wish to discuss with Your Excellency.

There are two areas of significant importance for me to address, the historical and the political signs that there is a very long history of cooperation between Zimbabwe and your great country, from the time of armed struggle, when most of my officers and military trained here in the past, and you supported us materially in our liberation struggle. That political history transcended until we got our independence and has continued, but today, Your Excellency, I would wish that we now attend to deepening economic cooperation between our countries, and our country is developing – it is a third-world country – so that you, as a senior brother, can hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe.

Your Excellency, when we last met in Johannesburg at the BRICS summit, we did not have much opportunity to exchange views on our respective relations, but I believe this is an opportunity that is given to me to articulate the challenges that my country is facing. Zimbabwe has been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West for nearly two decades, and we are now doing our best to reengage after the new disposition has come into effect; and during our days of isolation, you stood by us.

Your Excellency, I have come with many issues I would want to discuss with Your Excellency, in particular, in the area of economic cooperation, because the area of political relations is solid and is very historical.

And I have a team of my officers here that I believe will be able to articulate the issues that I have brought for us to share.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

Belarus has told President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe to go back home and first build a strategy and concrete plan for the development of cooperation in the future.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the negotiations with Mnangagwa on Thursday.

President Lukashenko remarked that Belarus is not a gigantic country and cannot build cooperation with all African countries on a comprehensive basis. “Therefore, we are trying to find those with whom we could build strategic partnership,” he said.

“We maintain very efficient cooperation with the countries of Northern Africa, first of all, with our friendly partner Egypt, Algeria, other countries. We have been cooperating with Sudan in Central Africa for many years. We would like to establish very close cooperation with the countries of Southern Africa. We have visited many countries in Africa and we see great opportunities in Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

He remarked that the sides know each other’s capabilities very well, but there are certain difficulties in the development of relations. “Only those who do not try to overcome these difficulties will fail. If we set a goal to overcome these difficulties in the relations between our states, we will definitely implement projects which we can see today,” the Belarusian leader said.

He emphasized that Zimbabwe is facing difficult times right now, just like Belarus did more than 20 years ago. The head of state remarked that every country which is trying to carry out reforms, improve and build its own economy and society goes through such complicated stages.

“We are concerned about Zimbabwe and would like you to overcome all internal political and economic difficulties as soon as possible. And you must remember that we will do our best for you,” the President of Belarus assured.

Alexander Lukashenko said that he will pay a visit to Zimbabwe with great pleasure. But he deemed it necessary to agree on and implement four or five concrete projects there before that. “Projects for the entire nation of Zimbabwe,” he said.

The President of Belarus welcomed his Zimbabwean counterpart in Minsk. Alexander Lukashenko met with Emmerson Mnangagwa five years ago when he was the first vice President. The head of state congratulated him on his success at the elections and expressed hope that he will fulfill the promises given to the Zimbabwean people.

Mnangagwa, in turn, said that Belarus and Zimbabwe maintain very close and good relations.

“Since my last visit to the Republic of Belarus nearly four years ago we have maintained close ties. And I am very happy that we have such open and direct contacts,” Mnangagwa stressed. “Our countries maintain very close and good relations. My administration and the people of Zimbabwe view the Republic of Belarus as a brotherly country.”

He remarked that Zimbabwe is facing difficult times. For more than two decades the country has been struggling with various economic sanctions, the country has virtually been isolated.

The President of Zimbabwe thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and for the support of his country in this difficult times.

During the talks in the extended format the Belarusian head of state said that Belarus wants to gradually advance to the strategic level of cooperation with Zimbabwe and sees a big potential for the development of bilateral relations.

“Zimbabwe is Belarus’ important partner in the region of Southern Africa, and we want to gradually advance to the highest strategic level of cooperation. The relations between the countries are increasingly vibrant right now. However, there is still a big untapped potential for interaction. We will need to step up efforts, especially in trade and economy, in the coming years,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the visit of Emmerson Mnangagwa will give an impetus to the development of bilateral relations. “You have described the country’s development path very profoundly. You told the global community that Zimbabwe is open for business. We suppose that this approach will have a positive influence on the implementation of the Belarusian-Zimbabwean joint projects,” the Belarusian leader believes. “I am informed that your priority is to turn Zimbabwe into a leading country in terms of economic growth in Africa within a short period of time.”

The President is convinced that Zimbabwe has all tools for the rapid economic growth and resolution of pending issues concerning the wellbeing of people. “Belarusians are ready to help you. And you know that we can do it,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

Belarus is interested in the delivery of freight vehicles and buses, other equipment for the mining industry, tractors, foodstuffs to the Zimbabwean market. The Belarusian side is ready to discuss the prospects of Belarus’ participation in joint projects in agriculture, construction, energy sector, geological survey, mining. In 2018 several multi-million-dollar agreements were concluded to export Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwe with the financial assistance of the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. It is expected that the deliveries will start after the harmonization of all procedures in accordance with these agreements.

According to the Belarusian President, projects to build meat and dairy factories, vegetable growing and processing facilities can make a significant contribution to strengthening of bilateral relations. The sides also outlined the prospects of cooperation in the transport sector. This pertains to the development of Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure and setting up a transport and logistics center there.

“Unique landscape and natural, mineral and recreational resources of Zimbabwe also offer broad opportunities for our cooperation. Therefore, Belarusian companies can take part in the erection of hydroenergy facilities, turn-key construction of solar power stations, geological survey and mining of natural resources,” the Belarusian head of state said.

He mentioned active development of humanitarian cooperation. The sides concluded agreements on student exchange, higher education opportunities for Zimbabwean people in Belarus. Besides, leading healthcare organizations of Belarus can provide high-quality medical aid to Zimbabwean citizens. “Our achievements in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, transplantology, medical rehabilitation are well known abroad,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

The head of state believes that the formation of the Belarusian-Zimbabwean intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation could stimulate the fulfillment of plans. He noted that direct contacts and good communication between ministries, organizations and companies are needed to facilitate the implementation of investment and joint projects. “We should pay maximum attention to the proposals of both sides. This is the only way to fulfill our plans,” the head of state believes.

Alexander Lukashenko added that business circles, associations of businessmen, chambers of commerce and industry of the two states should also become important elements in the development of new joint projects.

“Belarus is open for dialogue on all topics of interest. We are prepared to the comprehensive discussion of our interaction, the ways to increase bilateral trade and expand mutually beneficial partnership. I want to emphasize that there are no closed topics in cooperation with Zimbabwe for Belarus,” the President concluded.

After the talks the sides signed a number of bilateral documents.

At the meeting with mass media representatives Alexander Lukashenko said: “I believe today’s meeting was a productive one. We had a lot of topics to discuss in detail. Certain agreements were reached. The most important thing is that we’ve agreed that by the time of my visit to Zimbabwe we will prepare a number of concrete contracts, which the two countries will have to implement as early as this year. We intend to secure considerable progress soon not only in bilateral trade but also in cooperation in the spheres of private business, manufacturing sector and agriculture, the extraction of natural resources, and education.”

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the main avenues of developing Belarus-Zimbabwe relations were discussed as well as prospects of advancing them to new heights. “Belarus views Zimbabwe as an important partner in the South Africa region. Relations between the two countries can be described as friendly and mutually beneficial,” noted the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Zimbabwe intend to move on and secure more up-to-date and versatile economic relations instead of simple trade. With this in mind the sides discussed prospects of implementing investment projects and joint projects in Zimbabwe in the spheres of agriculture, civil engineering, transport infrastructure, power engineering, geological exploration, and the extraction of natural resources.

Alexander Lukashenko stated: “We are ready to work together in the areas of education and healthcare. We believe that increasing and diversifying Belarusian export to Zimbabwe should meet common interests. It should facilitate the economic development of the country among other things.”

Alexander Lukashenko also counts on expanding Belarus-Zimbabwe relations in the area of the private sector, with long-term mutually beneficial contacts established. The head of state believes it is necessary to establish and maintain steady business ties between the chambers of commerce and industry and the associations of business circles.

Alexander Lukashenko described the potential for Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation as huge. “Certainly, Zimbabwe is living through a complicated period now. It has to deal with things. This is why I wished decisive actions to overcome problems to the President and to the delegation. I wished patience and courage to the industrious Zimbabwean nation. All countries and nations have had to deal with hardships and trials,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko also said he hopes that Zimbabwe will be able to accomplish the necessary changes within a short period of time. “You are on the right track. Friends are very important on this track as the president said. You can rest assured that Belarus is your reliable friend and helper,” he said.

Source: President Of The Republic Of Belarus Website

By Own Correspondent| Opposition political party leaders and those at the fore front of social movements have reportedly gone into hiding amid revelations that state security agents are hunting them down over the violence during #ShutdownZimbabwe.

Promise Mkwananzi of the social movement, #Tajamuka/ Sesjikile which was part of the organisers of the protests, said on Friday that he was in hiding.

This follows the arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire of the ‘This Flag Movement’ who was arrested last week and is being charged for treason.

ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure was also arrested and charged with treason. Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Peter Mutasa has not been accounted for since Tuesday with fears that he was abducted the Itai Dzamara-style.

Speaking to the Standard, Mkwananzi said that the brutal crackdown on activists will not dampen their spirits.

He said:

I have gone into hiding, but we are still strategising the next move. We want to advise President Emmerson Mnangagwa that he must do something to ameliorate the people’s economic misery within the next coming month.

He must attend to the economic issues and remove bond notes or else the people will continue to show their unhappiness. We want to make it clear that they can arrest, kill or even rape, but the crisis in this country will definitely push everyone to act.

Yes, we have been pushed into hiding because they want to kill us. Some have been arrested but here is a deal for Mnangagwa, let him release all those arrested and improve the country’s economy.

We shall not rest. We are giving them just a month and if nothing happens, this time, even the military will be on our side. The bond note must go. The 2% tax must fall and the fuel price hike should be reversed. We want the availability of fuel to be guaranteed at affordable prices.

State security agents are reportedly moving from house to house, arresting suspected protest leaders in a move reminiscent of the Mugabe era.

By Own Correspondent|Econet has revealed that it will credit subscribers who bought daily data during the period when government switched off the nation from the internet.

Subscribrs who had purchased daily data bundles on the 15th and 16th of January 2019 will be reimbursed their daily data bundles following the internet blackout which to date remains in place for social media platforms including facebook, whatsapp and twitter.

Said Econet in a statement:

Dear Valued Customer, you will be credited back your daily data bundles bought between 15th & 16th Jan 2019.Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted. Thank you.

By Own Correspondent| Energy and Power Development minister Joram Gumbo said that his ministry is not to blame for the fuel shortages that are currently being experienced in the country.

Gumbo suggested that the Ministry of Finance was to blame for the fuel crisis arguing that it was failing to pay international players for the fuel that has already been delivered into the country.

In an interview with The Standard on Saturday, Gumbo said petrol and diesel are in abundance at the Msasa and Mabvuku depots, but has to be paid for.

Said Gumbo:

RBZ governor (John) Mangudya has always been telling you that he needs so much money to buy fuel. I have always maintained my position that fuel is available in the country but it can only be accessed upon production of foreign currency.

My role as minister of energy is to make sure that I talk about a facility, that is why you find I say I have spoken to Trafigura, I have spoken to Independent Petroleum Group (IPG) to make facilities that bring in fuel in the country, but those companies bring in the fuel in the country and when they do that it’s on bond.

Zimbabwe has been facing acute fuel shortages for several months now. President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently announced that fuel prices were to increase by over 150 per cent. The move led to nationwide protests resulting in the deaths of at least twelve people as soldiers and police allegedly fired live ammunition against unarmed civilians.

Acting Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi alleges that some senior officials are trying to interfere with State witnesses involved in the case of suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe who appeared in court yesterday.

Guvamombe, who was hauled before the court on charges of criminal abuse of office, has since been granted $3 000 bail coupled with stringent conditions after appearing before Harare magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi.

He was arrested on Friday on allegations of offering industrial attachment to two former Cabinet Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira at the Harare Magistrates’ Court in full knowledge that the duo were facing charges of corruption before the same courts. The ex-ministers are studying law at the University of Zimbabwe.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Hodzi said a police report has since been made.

“As far as the chief magistrate is concerned, we have gathered that there are some influential people that have been attempting to interfere in his case.

“There are witnesses who were being forced to change their statements. We want to assure the public that this case will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”

The acting PG said he was not in a position to name the culprits for fear of jeopardising ongoing investigations.

“Investigations are continuing and we don’t want to jeopardise the process. I can assure the people that we are on top of the situation and we will not be intimidated.”

The PG’s Office, Mr Hodzi added, has made headway in unravelling some of the criminal networks involved in grand corruption.

“We now have an idea of what we are dealing with and we have made some breakthroughs. In the fullness of time, everything will be revealed. These cartels include members of the judiciary, the media and NPA officials.”

Mr Hodzi said his office is also looking into allegations by top Harare lawyer Advocate Slyvester Hashiti of corruption in the judiciary.

“Mr Hashiti made serious allegations pertaining to corruption of the judiciary. I have asked him to come forward with the information and we will do all we can to act on any matter that is brought forward,” he said.

Yesterday, Mr Mutevedzi granted Guvamombe bail after he ruled that the State, which was represented by Messrs Michael Reza and Zivanai Macharaga, failed to submit compelling reasons to deny bail. The State unsuccessfully claimed that Guvamombe was likely to interfere with witnesses once released.

-State Media

Paul Nyathi|At the turn of the century when the economy began crumbling and urban transportation was inevitably becoming expensive due to high fuel and maintenance costs, then President Robert Mugabe attempted introducing what was to be cheaper transport through the struggling Zimbabwe United Passenger Company ZUPCO.

The move saw the introduction of the cheaper mini buses, nicknamed Gushungo Buses by citizens, operated at a huge loss by ZUPCO against prevailing economic factors. The result was an imminent collapse of not only the mini buses but a begin of the fall of the once big government operated public transport company.

Face by the sad predicament of trying to win the confidence of the battling urban citizens, government has announced that it will from Monday introduce the same buses through ZUPCO.

According to government, the buses will charge $1 per trip between residential suburbs and the Central Business District in Harare a trip which private commuter omnibus operators are charging $3 inline with the recent high fuel price increase introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Those from Chitungwiza and Norton will be charged $1.50 and $2 per trip respectively, against the current charges of $4 and $5.

ZUPCO has been urgently tasked to manage a fleet of buses that will cover all suburbs in Harare, and will also extend to other towns and cities.

Briefing journalists in Harare on Saturday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the new system will enable passengers to use various forms of payment including cash and plastic money.

“Over the past few weeks, transport fares had risen beyond the affordability of the commuting public,” she said.
“They were paying as much as $5 for suburbs within Harare. In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme’s thrust to modernise the entire national transport system in the country, starting from Monday 21 January 2019 at 5 am, Government, through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), is launching an urban mass transport system to complement the existing commuting system.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said the move was part of Government’s long term plan to modernise the entire mass public transport system.

“The modernisation of the mass public transport system will ensure low-cost, efficient and professional service to the commuting public as well as reduce the country’s fuel costs and decongest the Central Business Districts as buses carry more people compared to smaller forms of transportation.
“Government is working on further plans to modernise our whole national transport system at rates affordable to the ordinary persons,” she said.
“Government assures the public that more buses will be procured and other provinces will be included in the mass bus transport project.”
Measures had already been put in place to provide adequate security to protect passengers and the buses in view of recent disturbances, she said.

Speaking at the same press conference, Transport and Infrastructure Development deputy Minister Fortune Chasi said authorities had made interventions to ensure that there were enough buses to meet demand.

“There are sufficient buses to ensure that the public can travel to work and to schools on Monday,” he said.

Minister Mutsvangwa also revealed that the fuel supply was normalising with the commodity now available at most service stations after distribution was affected by last week’s riots.

“With regards to the fuel issue, Government would like to inform the public that the situation is slowly normalising,” she said.
“Government has put in place a facility that will ensure that adequate fuel is available to the motoring public.
“The only minor challenge is logistical. Fuel trucks were disrupted by the violent disturbances of last week, hence, could not ferry fuel to service stations. “To expedite fuel delivery, Government has allowed fuel trucks to move even during the night making deliveries.”

She implored Zimbabweans to freely conduct their day-to-day activities without hindrance as the security situation has normalised.

“We are pleased to note that the security situation has normalised and all peace loving Zimbabweans are freely conducting their day-to-day activities without hindrance.
“To our diplomatic community, tourists, investors and all our other guests in the country, Government would like to assure you that the peace that Zimbabwe is known for is prevailing throughout the country.”

Source: State Media

By Own Correspondent| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President Obert Masaraure, who was abducted from his home by security agents was on Saturday charged with “Subverting a constitutionally elected government” and denied bail by a Harare magistrate.

Masaraure was remanded in custody to 25 January 2019.

The ARTUZ leader, was abducted by the military at his home in Harare on Friday night and handed over to the police only to reappear on Saturday charged with treason.

Masaraure becomes the second individual to be charged with treason this week after prominent activist, Evan Mawarire was also charged with treason and remanded in custody.

Mawarire is set to appear in court on 31 January.

By Own Correspondent|In a joint press statement released Saturday evening, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Defence Forces said that military and police uniforms were stolen by civilians appealing to those who had commited this act to return them.

In their statement, the security wings said these uniforms were being used to commit criminal activities.

Read part of the statement:

“Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu.

A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth, Harare on 14 January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies.

We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services.

We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police.”

The police & army did not say how these uniforms where stolen or who they suspect of the theft. They also did not entertain any questions from journalists at the press conference.

The army and police have been accused this week of ochestrating a campaign of betings and toture especially in high density surbubs following the violent 14 January 2019 protests.

Paul Nyathi|Government started paying civil servants the disputed cushioning allowances last week, ZimEye.com can reveal.

The allowances which the workers rejected as too low, ranges from 22,5 percent to 5 percent for the lowest-paid and highest-paid workers, respectively.

Government paid the allowances while negotiations with the workers representatives are still on going and no agreement sealed on the adjustments as yet.

According to State Media, Government will convene the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) this week to deliberate on the salary adjustments with the Government reiterating its undertaking to adjust salaries on April 1.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza is set to meet employer representatives and trade unions.

Said Dr Nzenza: “The President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) offered cushioning allowances, having taken note of the economic hardships impacting people due to the fuel price increase and the general cost of living.
“It is a once-off payment and not negotiable, and it covers the period from January to March. The money has already been released by Treasury.

“It is given on a sliding scale, with the lowest-paid worker receiving 22,7 percent, while the highest-paid workers get 5 percent.
“But come April 1, we will review all civil servants’ salaries, but more importantly, we have ongoing negotiations through the NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council), which we are hopeful that they will be concluded in the shortest time possible.”

“On the private sector side, we have resuscitated the TNF and we plan to meet next week (this week).
“Already, the TNF Bill has gone through Cabinet and I will be tabling it in Parliament soon.
“I am very keen to enter into dialogue to hear the views and input from the employers and the trade unions.
“That is so because as Government, we do not have a solution but the solution can be developed out of dialogue with all parties.
“That way we intend to come up with a binding social contract.
“The meeting was supposed to be held last Monday but had to be postponed owing to the disturbances that took place in Harare.
“I have since directed my permanent secretary to resend the invitations to the employer organisations as well as the trade unions, including the ZCTU and the ZFTU.
“I will be announcing the outcome of the meeting upon conclusion,” said Minister Nzenza.

“On the legislative side, we want to ensure productivity becomes one of the areas under which bargaining is based.
“In the main, there is intention for dialogue with both workers and employers to emphasise on non-monetary benefits because these are the ones that bring tangible change to workers livelihoods and they are not susceptible to the vagaries of inflation.
“We want to make sure that through negotiations, workers get decent housing and the issues of transport are addressed.”
He added that continuing to raise salaries, particularly in the current circumstances, was futile as it was not sustainable.
“It is our intention to reactivate work towards conclusion of a social contract because we believe this is the only sustainable solution to our problems.
‘‘The issue of prices going up and workers demanding more money has become the case of a dog chasing its tail, and is not sustainable.

“We want to engage and come up with measures where all constituencies forgo their privileges for the common good so that we afford the economy some modicum of stability and, in that way, ensure that we have macro-economic fundamentals being addressed . . .
“This can only be done when we develop a shared national vision and that vision can only come through dialogue through the TNF,” he said.
Government and civil servants are still negotiating on the proposed salary increase.
Government last week tabled a $300 million package, but public-service workers are demanding a $1 733 salary, inclusive of allowances, for the least-paid worker.

Source: State Media

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe government on Monday 18 January 2019 deported two South African journalists amid reports of violence by security forces on civilians.

The two are E-TV journalists Aldrin Sampear and Linge Ndabambi.

In a statement, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (Maz) said:

The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe is appalled at the decision by the government of Zimbabwe to deport two South African journalists on the morning of the 18th of January 2019. The deportation of the foreign journalists comes on the backdrop of the second directive by government to completely shut down the Internet in response to widespread citizens’ demonstrations, violent protests and a heavy-handed State response that has plunged the country into crisis.

The government is accused of unleashing the security forces on Zimbabweans following violent protests on 14 January 2019. It blocked access to the internet twice this week, for 30 hours, then for 15 hours on separate occassions. Access to the social media apps remains blocked.-DailyNews

By Own Correspondent|Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services,  Monica Mutsvangwa has revealed that Government will be introducing ZUPCO buses to complement the existing commuting system starting Monday.

Mutsvangwa said this shile addressing the media Saturday evening.

She said the buses will be introduced starting Monday 21 January at 5AM and will ply Harare, Chitungwiza and Norton routes.

Said Mutsvangwa:

In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme’s thrust to modernise the entire national transport system in the country, starting from Monday 21 January 2019 at 5.am, the government through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO),  launching an Urban Mass Transportation System to complement existing commuting system.

All suburbs within Harare will be $1 per trip, Chitungwiza to Harare will be $1.50 and Norton to City will be $2 per trip. These affordable rates will apply to other towns and cities.

By Own Correspondent| Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson has advised the Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration that blocking the internet and cracking down on civil society organisations does not address the economic challenges which triggered the violent stay away last Monday.

Robinson said Mnangagwa had failed to address the economic challenges bedevilling the Southern African nation hence had failed to restore calm and protect ordinary citizens’ rights and their livelihoods.

Said Robinson:

“The Government of Zimbabwe has conspicuously failed to address economic problems in a way that protects the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, including provision of fuel, food and medical supplies.

Closing down the internet and cracking down on civil society is not the way to restore calm; rather, President Mnangagwa needs to demonstrate inclusive and responsive leadership to try to repair social fractures.”

Lakhdar Brahimi, Elder, Algerian and UN diplomat and former member of his country’s liberation movement, said Zimbabweans have endured seeing the promises of the liberation struggle being betrayed.

He said Zimbabweans deserve better than what they now endure under the Zanu-PF regime.

Said Brahimi:

“The people of Zimbabwe have endured terrible suffering for decades, from colonial oppression to seeing the promises of the liberation struggle betrayed. They deserve better than the injustice and rampant corruption they now endure. The international community, including SADC leaders, must also stand by them and offer meaningful support for a true democratic transition.”

Paul Nyathi|Russian president claims Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa won a landslide victory in June 30, 2018 elections – the first post-Mugabe elections.

The Russian leader made the remarks as he welcomed the visiting Zimbabwean president and his entourage at the Kremlin on Tuesday.

In his words: “Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying.
The records from the elections as delivered by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, ZEC, chairperson, Priscilla Chigumba and later affirmed by the Constitutional Court do not support the claims Putin put in.”

A landslide victory means an overwhelming electoral triumph which is far from how Mnangagwa secured his first term fater taking over from Mugabe following a November 2017 military-backed takeover.

With 50.8% of votes – Mnangagwa actually escaped a run-off vote with his main challenger, Nelson Chamisa – who according to ZEC polled 44.3% of votes.

Inserted By Paul Nyathi|Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in Moscow on an official visit.

January 15, 2019  17:50 The Kremlin, Moscow

Meeting with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.

During the talks, the participants discussed matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.

Following the consultations, an exchange of documents signed during the official visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries.

The signed documents included an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe on extradition and an intergovernmental agreement on mutual protection of intellectual activity results and intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation.

The signed documents also concern cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation (money laundering) of criminally obtained proceeds and the financing of terrorism, the project for developing the Darwendale platinum group metal deposit and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.

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Beginning of talks with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,

I am pleased to see you here in Moscow.

This is your first visit to our country. Zimbabwe is an important partner to Russia in Africa. We are very pleased to see you.

Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying. For our part, we are ready to do our best to make sure that cooperation between our countries is beneficial for our nations and that it makes a significant and weighty contribution to implementing the plans and programmes that you have formulated for yourself and to achieving the goals that you have set for your country.

Welcome, Mr President.

President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa: Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr President.

On my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, we are extremely happy to be invited to visit the Russian Federation. And it is my first occasion to be here, and I feel greatly honoured by Your Excellency to allow me to visit you in this time of development and the challenges facing my country that I wish to discuss with Your Excellency.

There are two areas of significant importance for me to address, the historical and the political signs that there is a very long history of cooperation between Zimbabwe and your great country, from the time of armed struggle, when most of my officers and military trained here in the past, and you supported us materially in our liberation struggle. That political history transcended until we got our independence and has continued, but today, Your Excellency, I would wish that we now attend to deepening economic cooperation between our countries, and our country is developing – it is a third-world country – so that you, as a senior brother, can hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe.

Your Excellency, when we last met in Johannesburg at the BRICS summit, we did not have much opportunity to exchange views on our respective relations, but I believe this is an opportunity that is given to me to articulate the challenges that my country is facing. Zimbabwe has been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West for nearly two decades, and we are now doing our best to reengage after the new disposition has come into effect; and during our days of isolation, you stood by us.

Your Excellency, I have come with many issues I would want to discuss with Your Excellency, in particular, in the area of economic cooperation, because the area of political relations is solid and is very historical.

And I have a team of my officers here that I believe will be able to articulate the issues that I have brought for us to share.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

• 

Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa took to visiting the victims who were injured during the #ShutdownZimbabwe violent skirmishes which ravaged the country.

This follows after after he accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga of being responsible for the looting, shooting and terrorism which occured during #ShutdownZimbabwe and the aftermath thereof.

Chamisa and the MDC Alliance alleged that the state carefully organised ZANU PF youths, who would infiltrate the mass stayaways and loot a few shops for their personal benefit.

Despite increases fear among citizens of military terror in surbubs since the Monday violent scenes that made headlines all over the world, government has insisted that the country is peaceful and open to tourists intending to visit any time now.

With the army terror threatening to scare tourists away from Zimbabwe, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe remained a safe destination.

“To our diplomatic community, tourists, investors and all other tourists in the country, government would like to assure you that the peace that Zimbabwe is known for is prevailing throughout the country,” said Mutsvangwa while addressing journalists this evening.