While Gumbo had not made his motive known, the state media cast forth planks pointing to a literal return to ZANU PF. If it turns true, this will be three years after his expulsion for his association with former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.

Mr Gumbo has been spotted at several party and Government functions with the latest being the just- ended Zanu-PF Extraordinary Congress in Harare on Friday where he attended as a member of the war veterans association.

Speculation has thus been rife that Mr Gumbo, a renowned freedom fighter is contemplating rejoining the revolutionary party following the crumbling of Zimbabwe People First due to power struggles and divisions.
Zanu-PF Midlands provincial chairperson Engineer Daniel McKenzie Ncube confirmed that Mr Gumbo had verbally expressed his willingness to rejoin the revolutionary party but was still to formalise his interests.

Eng Ncube said Mr Gumbo had expressed a lot of optimism in the new dispensation.
“I personally spoke to Cde Gumbo and he expressed a lot of optimism in the new leadership. He verbally expressed his interests to come back to the party. However, he is still to express his willingness formally. If he does so as a province we are going to take it up and the party will decide,” said Eng Ncube.

Contacted for comment, Mr Gumbo was diplomatic about it but hinted that there was a possibility of him rejoining Zanu-PF.

“I have been attending State functions of late and on Friday I attended the Zanu-PF Extraordinary Congress. I did so as a war veteran and as an observer so people mustn’t read too much into it. It (rejoining Zanu-PF) would be a good thing, however, provided that certain things are clarified.

“I am not a young person itching for positions, I am past that stage. All this I’m not doing it on my own, there are certain people who are supporting us and making suggestions,” he said. – state media

Pregnant HIV-positive mothers who do not take precaution to prevent transmission of the virus to their unborn babies are liable for prosecution and face up to 20 years in prison under the country’s laws, a lawyer has noted.

Anyone living with the virus who has sexual intercourse with an HIV-negative partner using protection without disclosing their status may also be legally liable, even when transmission has not occurred, Mr Lizwe Jamela of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the just-ended International Conference of Aids and STIs in Africa (Icasa) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Mr Jamela, who heads ZLHR in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces said the country’s laws on deliberate transmission of HIV were too broad and should be
reviewed.

He said the broadness of the laws made almost everyone who is sexually active liable for prosecution, and thus called for the repealing of the legislation.

Under section 79 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23 deliberate transmission of HIV is a criminal offence which attracts a sentence of not more than 20 years.
“On the face of it the law talks about deliberate transmission of HIV but when you analyse it further you observe that almost everyone can face prosecution,” he said.

Section 79 (b) states that “Any person, realising that there is a real risk or possibility that he or she is infected with HIV; intentionally does anything or permits the doing of anything which he or she knows will infect, which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of infecting another person with HIV, shall be guilty of deliberate transmission of HIV, whether or not he or she is married to that other person, and shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years”.

Mr Jamela said, “Anyone can fall into that category. There is just too much conjecture in that law.
“If a pregnant woman who is HIV-positive fails to undergo the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme she is liable for prosecution.

“Anyone who is HIV positive who has intercourse with someone who is negative and uses protection can still be prosecuted under this law because that person would have done something which involves a real risk of possibility of infecting another person with HIV.

“The fact that one used protection can only be used as mitigation but not to absolve anyone.”
He added, “So under this law, the criminal offence is not only about deliberate transmission but even exposure to risk of transmission, which in my view is very wide and broad.”

Mr Jamela said the law should either be amended to deal specifically with cases of deliberate transmission or be totally repealed.

“We don’t need a law that criminalises HIV. Instead we should be reinforcing the human rights response to HIV intervention by increasing issues of education and advocacy.
“We could limit the law to genuine cases of deliberate transmission,” he said.

Mr Jamela further argued that it was also humanly impossible to prove in a court of law who would have infected who between complainant and defendant in cases of deliberate transmission of HIV.

“Judiciary can’t deal with who infected who. There is no technology to generate evidence to prove that. So in most cases the person who would report first becomes the complainant. But what if the complainant is the one who infected defendant, how do you prove that?

“For a criminal conviction to happen someone should be guilty beyond reasonable doubt, but we have people being convicted of deliberate infection when that threshold has not been passed,” he said.

Head of the HIV and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Owen Mugurungi described the enactment of the law as “a moment of madness”.

He said the law was counterproductive in the fight against stigma around HIV.
“It was a moment of madness. This is what happens when decisions are made based on emotions.
“The law attacks the basic rights of people living with HIV. It’s counter-productive to our interventions and defeats everything we are trying to do to fight the virus.

“That law causes people to go underground, it scares away people from getting tested because it stigmatises HIV,” he said. – state media

Prices of some basic commodities, including bread, sugar and mealie-meal, have gone up over the last month, marginally raising the cost of living for urban households.

 Figures from the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe show minor increases in the cost of the family food basket, driven largely by hikes in prices of bread, mealie-meal, sugar, tea leaves, milk, rice and laundry bars. These price movements, according to the consumer watchdog, are a result of fuel price fluctuations, multi-tier pricing and profiteering retailers.

The price of a standard loaf of bread went up yesterday from US$0,90 to US$1.

 According to the CCZ’s December 2017 Report, the monthly food basket for a family of six increased by roughly US$4,50.

Reads the report in part: “The cost of living as measured by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe’s has gone up. The low-income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six increased from the end-October figure of US$593,55 to US$598,16 by end of November 2017, showing an increase of US$4,61 or 0,72 percent.

“As CCZ, we assume the increase in prices could be attributed to various factors, these include fluctuation of fuel price, multi-tier pricing by retailers: some supermarkets have taken advantage of these situations by increasing the prices of basic commodities by small amounts such as 1c, 2c, 3c to 40c and consumers are not able to notice the change.”

The report continues: “The increase in prices could also be attributed to the festive season where retailers take advantage of consumers having much to spend. The use of mobile money has also been noted as attributing to an increase in basic commodities, especially at retail shops that do not have merchant codes and charge an extra percentage on goods.

“(Because of) avian flu that has struck Zimbabwe’s poultry market and also the banning of poultry from South Africa because of the same, there has been a shortage of eggs on the market and some increase in poultry meat. We also assume that this has been the cause of the increase in prices of beef products.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu said yesterday’s bread price hike was arbitrary.

 Mr Mutashu sai:, “It is true, the price of bread went up (yesterday morning). I have spoken to retail managers and they confirmed that but most of the stock that came in (yesterday) was at the old price.

“Bakers have increased the price of bread by about 10 percent, meaning a loaf that was selling at 90c is now US$1 and so on, because retailers put a mark-up of 10 percent.

“We have not been consulted on this and clearly, this is just an arbitrary move. From where we stand, we are also trying to know why they hiked the price.”

Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Tafadzwa Musarara added: “To us, it’s just outside economics. It could be politics at play or something like that. We don’t bake bread, but we are bakers’ biggest raw material supplier and need to acquit ourselves in that regard because flour prices have not gone up since 2008.

“The price of flour has remained at US$32 for 50kg, and if we have not increased our prices, what could have caused them to increase theirs? Wheat from Command Agriculture was being sold to millers at subsidised prices in order to manage the price of bread.”

National Bakers’ Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Ngoni Mazango could not be reached for comment.

At Zanu-PF’s Extraordinary Congress in Harare last Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa encouraged business to refrain from unjustified price reviews.

He said: “Meanwhile, I exhort all retailers and service providers to desist from wantonly increasing prices. I urge us to stop profiteering tendencies. Let us give our new economic era a chance. We can achieve this by working together and putting our nation first.” – state media

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says he will represent cross-sectional interests, standing for the rights and aspirations of all Zimbabweans.

His remarks follow an edgy period in domestic politics that saw the highly divisive G40 cabal channel factionalism, regionalism and tribalism; in addition to fuelling cronyism that drove alleged criminal activity by a few elites.

“I am a President of women and men; the young and the old; the able-bodied and the physically-challenged; the rich and the poor; the well and the sick. I am an emissary of all the veterans and heroes, dead or alive, who through their blood sketched the cause and mission which my Presidency must promote, must actualise and advance.

“I am a President for Ndebeles, Shonas, Zezurus, Ndaus, Karangas, Manyikas, Vendas, the Chewas, Sothos. I am also the President for the Tongas, Tswanas, Xhosas, Khoisans, Shangaans, Kalangas, Nambyans and other races, all who are celebrated in our national Constitution. The role you have given me, and the Office you have inserted me into can never be partitioned to  anyone.”

Political scientist Professor Charity Manyeruke said President Mnangagwa’s national outlook reflected political maturity and statesmanship.

“It is a very important message coming from a national leader. It shows that President Mnangagwa has a vision in terms of nation-building and he is already taking practical steps to unite the people,” said Prof Manyeruke.

“It shows that unity will be a key factor under his administration where he is seeking to pull Zimbabweans in one direction, working in unison to develop the country.

“The message shows that he is not discriminatory and he is prepared to unite the people under the banner of one Zimbabwe. His message also shows that he is anti-racist.

“It is derived from the unity shown by the people of Zimbabwe during the solidarity march which was organised by the war veterans where Zimbabweans of all races, creed and political affiliation came together as one for a common cause.”

University of Pretoria PhD scholar and political commentator Mr Alban Gambe added: “After a period of political polarisation, it was important for the President to deliver a message of unity.
“He did just that by pledging to represent all Zimbabweans and not just those who support his political party or those who come from his province.

“It is critical at this juncture, especially when we are due to hold elections in a few months’ time. Given the history of political intolerance in some areas, it was important that President Mnangagwa assured all the people of Zimbabwe that they are well represented through his administration.” state media

Serving and retired members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) were among the most notable winners at an extraordinary congress convened by Zanu PF in the capital yesterday as they emerged with influential party posts.

Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) top officer, major general Engelbert Rugeje landed the position of Zanu PF national political commissar while new Cabinet ministers, former Air Force of Zimbabwe commander Perrance Shiri and former ZNA chief of staff Subisiso Busi Moyo were roped in as committee members in the politburo.

Rugeje, a veteran of the 1970s liberation war, is widely known for his abrasive political approach in his home province of Masvingo.

He replaces exiled former office bearer Saviour Kasukuwere, whose expulsion from Zanu PF was endorsed by congress.

This was perhaps at the behest of members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (Znlwva) who have repeatedly been clamouring for one of them to be appointed to the influential post.

Rugeje, Shiri and Moyo played influential roles in the military intervention that ousted former president, Robert Mugabe, last month.

Also making it into the politburo was former ZNA colonel, Munyaradzi Machacha who was named principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was adding this portfolio so that all party cadres are taught what he called the “correct party ideology”.

Analysts said the military cadres were probably being rewarded for their role in propelling Mnangagwa to the position of head of State and first secretary of Zanu PF.
To all intents and purposes, veterans of the liberation struggle that brought independence in 1980 are now calling the shots in Zanu PF.

Outspoken chairperson of the Znlwva, Christopher Mutsvangwa, who consistently battled against Mnangagwa’s bitter political enemies, was rewarded with the position of secretary for information, communication and technology.

He takes over from Jonathan Moyo who fled into exile at the height of Operation Restore Legacy.

Mnangagwa attracted wild acclamation from the delegates when he jokingly said he was giving the post to Moyo’s good friend.

Both gifted with oratory prowess, Moyo and Mutsvangwa freely entertained the public by engaging in extreme verbal exchanges through the press.
Znlwva secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, himself a former soldier, was appointed to the politburo.

He replaces previous presidential hopeful, Sydney Sekeramayi, who completely missed out.
Another former freedom fighter, Marble Chinomona scooped the influential post of secretary for women’s affairs.

She interestingly replaces former first lady, Grace Mugabe, who had fired her from the women’s league shortly before the military intervention.

The powerful presidium position of Zanu PF national chairperson was resuscitated and given to Oppah Muchinguri-Kashir, another veteran of the liberation war.

The generals, whose involvement in the country’s political affairs has also raised some
eyebrows, sat in the front row and those who gave solidarity messages lined to shake their hands afterwards. Daily News

The opposition MDC is heading for an implosion that could seriously expose the party amid intense jostling for power as well as growing opposition to the MDC Alliance.

With MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s health failing him, party insiders told the Daily News that MDC vice president Thokozani Khupe and her allies are convinced that he wants to hand over power to one of his deputies Nelson Chamisa.

This was after Tsvangirai controversially appointed Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as his other deputies in a move that Khupe who is a product of congress views as meant to spite her.

MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu confirmed that all was not well in the party saying “of course, as a massive political party, there are bound to be differences here and there but this doesn’t mean that the partyis imploding”.

While Gutu sought to downplay the differences emanating also from the party’s decision to form the MDC Alliance saying the MDC had “developed the art of resolving whatever differences that we might have amicably and in a comradely manner” Khupe and her allies, the sources say, are fervently pushing for an extra ordinary congress to block Tsvangirai from cherry-picking Chamisa as his successor.

“Khupe and her team are convinced that Tsvangirai wants to hand over power to Chamisa owing to his failing health so they want to put him under pressure to declare that he is no longer fit to lead the organisation, hence there is need for an extra-ordinary congress,” a standing committee member who requested anonymity said.

“They are also not happy with the MDC Alliance so they have been frustrating it in Matabeleland provinces by refusing them use of MDC offices.

“They feel that Chamisa is using the MDC Alliance platform where he has been representing Tsvangirai since he was airlifted to South Africa. Chamisa is presenting himself to the party structures as the ‘chosen one’.”

With Khupe’s faction allegedly boasting of a number of top MDC officials including MDC secretary general Douglas Mwonzora, national chairperson Lovemore Moyo, organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe and Gutu, sources say they are now targeting Chamisa’s sympathisers in the party structures for purging.

“It looks like they are panicking because Tsvangirai seems to be backing Chamisa and this became clear to them when he vetoed Khupe’s decision to suspend Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Solani Moyo on allegations of disrespecting her.

Last week Tsvangirai and Khupe clashed for the second time in three months over allegations that the latter had unconstitutionally suspended Moyo who is a Chamisa ally.

In August Khupe fell out with Tsvangirai after she accused the former prime minister of being “unapproachable and unilaterally” signing the MDC Alliance deal, which allegedly gave him excessive powers.

In a bid to avoid another acrimonious MDC split reminiscent of the 2005 and 2014 fallout which severely weakened the party, Tsvangirai immediately reached out to his disaffected deputy to resolve differences related to key strategies ahead of the eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.
However, barely three months after the two smoked the peace pipe a political time bomb is ticking once again in the MDC with Khupe at the centre of it once more after she suspended Moyo on allegations that he “menacingly” charged at her with intention of assaulting her at a recent voter registration outreach programme.

The suspension raised the ire of Tsvangirai who immediately wrote to Khupe advising her that she was out of order and that he was “disturbed” by her conduct.

In a December 7, 2017 letter to Khupe, Tsvangirai said he was concerned that Khupe had made half-hearted attempts to engage him on the matter through a letter requesting permission to suspend Moyo but went on to act without getting his views.

“I am disturbed that before I even considered your request and the issues surrounding the same you have gone ahead to suspend the party’s chairperson in a matter in which you are a complainant and gone public about the same,” reads part of the letter.

“It is not my intention at this stage to go into the merits of the case or the constitutionality of the actions taken to date without a proper investigation by a competent authority.

“However for the sake of the good of the party and the respect for principles of natural justice, I am now referring the matter to the Arbiter General of the party for a full investigation in which he shall advise me the correct and constitutional process to follow and in the meantime, Moyo shall continue to perform his duties as our chairperson,” Tsvangirai directed.

Tsvangirai also revealed that Moyo had also sought his intervention after he raised complaints against Khupe’s conduct.

He directed Mwonzora to compile the MDC Arbiter Generals’ terms of reference for the investigation “taking into account your original submissions to me and the submissions made to be by Moyo on the same”.

Tsvangirai said he would immediately commission the investigation as soon as Mwonzora furnishes him with a draft copy of the terms of reference.

The development raised fears that the MDC could be headed for another split owing to the serious differences within its leadership.

This was after Tsvangirai had signed into life the MDC Alliance together with various other opposition parties at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare, on August 5.
Among the signatories to the pact are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tendai Biti, the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, Transform Zimbabwe headed by Jacob Ngarivhume, Zanu Ndonga headed by Denford Masiyarira, and the Multi-Racial Christian Democrats led by Mathias
Guchutu.

Both Biti and Ncube are former secretaries-general of the main MDC formation led by Tsvangirai. Khupe, Bhebe and Moyo boycotted the launch of the MDC Alliance — instead holding their own meeting the following day in Bulawayo, and which gathering was cut short by violence by suspected party thugs.

The Matabeleland leadership, although not opposed to an opposition alliance per se, were not happy about the allocation of seats to other parties in the region — arguing that the MDC had been doing well in their provinces in previous elections without an alliance with other parties.

Matters were further complicated when Khupe and her colleagues in Bulawayo boycotted the second launch of the MDC Alliance which was later held in the second city — heightening fears of another damaging party split.

The MDC initially split in 2005 when Ncube walked out of the party, accusing Tsvangirai of taking unilateral decisions.

In 2014, the party split again, this time with Biti packing his bags after he also accused the popular Tsvangirai of allegedly having dictatorial tendencies. Daily News

Former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo and former Zanu PF youth leaders Kudzanayi Chipanga and Innocent Hamandishe’s accomplice Mathew Mleya who has been on the run has appeared in court facing criminal nuisance charges.

Mleya appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Victoria Mashamba who granted him $200 bail and remanded him to 8 January for trial.

The court heard that Mleya connived with Chombo, Chipanga and Hamandishe to wear Zanu PF party regalia embezzled with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s initials.

They allegedly posed for photographs in that regalia despite being expelled members of the party.

Chombo, Chipanga and Hamandishe appeared in court on Friday (yesterday) facing the same charge with Mleya and were ordered to abide by the bail conditions imposed on other cases they are facing.- state media

National Vendors Union leader Sten Zvorwadza has challenged his placement on remand in a case in which he is accused of undermining the authority of former president Robert Mugabe after he criticised him for removing vendors from the streets.

Zvorwadza’s lawyer Jeremiah Bamu said the State had failed to prove a basis for prosecuting his client under section 33(2) which criminalises undermining the authority of, or, insulting the president.

“It is submitted that insufficient facts have been alleged to enable the court to objectively find the existence of a reasonable suspicion of his/ her having committed, or being about to commit a criminal offence,” Bamu said.

“The facts alleged in the Form 242 do not disclose any offence. No allegation is made with regards to the falsity of the statement alleged.”

Bamu further said the statement made by Zvorwadza was actually backed by Zimbabweans during demonstrations that rocked the country for him to step down.

“…even if that allegation had been made, it could not have had been a sound allegation. It surely cannot be false that a 93 year old person is old. The statement could only have had been false if it alleged that a 93- year-old was “young”.- Daily News 

In spite of the softening rates on the parallel market, prices have shot through the roof in the past few weeks with most basic products now beyond the reach of many.

A snap survey by the Daily News revealed that prices of basic commodities have gone up by between two and 125 percent within a month, dampening the pomp and fanfare that is normally associated with the festive season.

Basic goods such as cooking oil, sugar, rice, meat, flour and milk products are fetching much more than they used to last month, presenting major headaches to the authorities.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised better prospects for the country’s economy since being sworn-in last month as Zimbabwe’s second executive president.

Within a month after assuming the reins of power on November 24, the 75-year-old ex-guerrilla leader has come face-to-face with rampant indiscipline and speculative behaviour buffeting the country’s economy.

The Daily News can report that some of the retailers are taking advantage of the seasonal demand associated with the festive season to hike prices and fatten their pockets.

A two kilogram packet of plain flour, which was trading at $1,70 a few weeks ago, is now selling for $1,99 – an increase of about 17 percent.

The same quantity of self raising flour, which used to retail at between $1,89 and $1,99 is now going for between $2, 07 and $2,29 in various retail outlets, translating to increases of nine and 15 percent respectively.

A 2kg packet of ordinary rice that was going for $2,85 by the end of October has gone up by 15 percent to fetch $3,29 while superior quality rice such as basmati and jasmine jumped from around $4 up to as much as $9 over the same period, signifying an increase of a whopping 125 percent.

The price of sugar has gone up marginally from $1, 95 to $1, 99 for a 2kg packet, while a 2 litre bottle of cooking oil is trading at between $4,35 and $4,90.

One litre low fat and full cream milk products that were priced at $1,19 are now going for $1, 49, while another brand that used to go for $1, 19 is now fetching $1, 35.

Meat prices have also rocketed, with commercial beef which cost $4,50/kg at the end of October now selling at between $7,50/kg and $9/kg.

The price of super fillet has risen to as much as $16/kg.

In addition to being in short supply due to the outbreak of avian flu, chicken prices have spiked from $3,50/kg to $7/kg.

The price of table eggs also surged from $5 per crate to $6, 40 per crate over the comparative period.

The margins are even worse for imported luxuries such as chocolates, lotions and sanitary wear products.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president, Denford Mutashu, said while the price hikes were largely a result of the prevailing foreign currency shortages, indiscipline has also set in the market resulting in profiteering.

Due to the scarcity of foreign currency, local companies are being forced to access expensive money on the parallel market with the additional cost being passed onto the consumer.

“Labour has not gone up, but the cost of production is going up. As we approach the festive season, our call is that players should desist from price increases based on profiteering,” said Mutashu.

Mutashu said CZR has noted instances whereby some registered and unregistered retailers are refusing to accept payments effected through mobile money.

He said: “Some claim not to have swipe facilities, while others are putting a cap on the amount of bond coins that could be used to effect payment. The rest has to be of higher denominations.”

The price increases are certain to add more fuel to the inflation fires.

This will put pressure on disposable incomes with workers likely to demand pay increases consistent with the breadline going into the New Year to compensate for the eroded salaries and wages.

According to the latest consumer price index data, inflation spiked the highest this year in October.

Inflation levels in many salient sub-indices remained stagnant during mid-2017, compelling government to introduce an additional $300 million worth of bond notes under a stand-by liquidity support facility in September — with the aim of stimulating foreign exchange liquidity.

Core inflation was 2, 24 percent in October, compared to the 0, 78 percent year-on-year reading the previous month.

Official inflation figures are now being questioned by independent economists with Steve Hanke, an economics professor at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, saying Zimbabwe’s real inflation rate as measured by purchasing power parity and taking into account its de facto exchange rate, was 313 percent a year and 112 percent on a monthly basis.

Hanke, who has written a book about the country’s 2008 crisis, dismissed official statistics that put year-on-year inflation at just 0.78 percent in September as a “truly fantastical piece of artwork”.

“Zimbabwe, welcome back to the record books! You have once again entered the inglorious world of hyperinflation. It is a world of economic chaos, wrenching poverty and death,” he said.

“Its purveyors should be incarcerated and the keys should be thrown away,” he concluded, taking a swipe at the then government of 93-year-old Robert Mugabe who was forced to resign last month.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president, Sifelani Jabangwe, told the Daily News this week that local manufacturers have not hiked prices that much.

He said the country’s largest industrial representative group was of the view that prices of imported goods were the ones that have significantly gone up with locally manufactured products remaining with a 20 percent increase margin from comparative prices last year.

“For the imported goods, it’s mainly driven by the shortage of currency. However, with locally produced good, you should look at it differently.

“Meat, on the other hand, is a different story. We are also trying to understand if the price has been affected by the new regulations for farmers. It could also be the issue whereby some farmers are now asking for half cash payment and half electronic payment, which could be driving up prices,” said Jabangwe.

Economic analysts are predicting doom and gloom for the consumer unless the authorities adopt stern measures to curb overpricing.

There are fears that Zimbabwe could easily slip into another hyperinflationary era reminiscent of the 2007/09 period when soaring inflation obliterated the Zimbabwe’s dollar along with its pensions and savings.

To escape hyperinflation which had topped out at 500 billion percent, the country was forced to adopted the United States dollar in 2009, along with Britain’s pound and the South African rand.

But the relative financial stability of the last eight years has unravelled in the last few months as acute foreign exchange shortages have led to sharp price increases.

Meanwhile money in banks is losing value fast.

University of Zimbabwe economics professor, Tony Hawkins, said blamed the foreign currency shortages for the price increases.

“Most of the goods manufactured in Zimbabwe have an imported component… If you look at money supply on the parallel market, it gives you a better picture of what we are going through,” he said.

Economist, Elliot Lumbe, parallel market cash traders must be eliminated if prices were to go down.

“Let’s get rid of money traders who include big guys in government because they are the ones that access large sums of cash in both United States dollars and bond notes,” he said.

“For goods that are produced locally, there is lack of discipline along the entire chain – from manufacturers down to retailers. Prices are pegged differently, depending on the mode of payment. For example, bond notes have their own commodity value and the US dollar has its own commodity value,” said Lumbe, referring to the existing three-tier pricing system.- Daily News

Three knife wielding robbers allegedly attacked a Beitbridge based forex dealer and stole $3 350 before dumping him in a bush.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday.

She said three suspects Sindiso Moyo (29), Gerald Labison (29) and Enault Ndebele (26) all from Insiza District have since been arrested.

“I can confirm that we recorded a robbery incident in Beitbridge at Engen Garage on Tuesday around 2PM. In this incident, a Beitbridge cash dealer was approached by Sindiso Moyo who wanted to exchange R30 000 for $4 000. Moyo connived with two other men and stole $3 350 and a cell phone from the cash dealer at knife point,” she said.

Ass Insp Mangena said the robbers left the cash dealer stranded about 100 metres from Lutumba tollgate and he reported the matter to police manning the tollage. She said the robbers were intercepted by police manning a roadblock in Bubi area resulting in their arrest and recovery of the stolen money.

A source said the forex dealer, Mr Liberty Masuku was attending to Moyo, one of the suspects, when a vehicle stopped close to them under the pretext of looking for passengers.

He said Moyo offered the driver $20 so they could do their cash transaction inside the vehicle. The source said the driver drove off and picked up the second suspect along the way leading to the robbery.

Meanwhile, Ass Insp Mangena said a couple was robbed when the man stopped the car following a tyre puncture.

“The second incident occurred on Wednesday at around 1AM at a railway crossing along Beitbridge- Masvingo Road. Itayi Taderera from Harare was travelling along that road with his wife in a Toyota Corolla when their vehicle had a tyre puncture about 100 metres from a railway crossing.

“While Mr Taderera was changing the tyre he was approached by two unidentified men who hurled stones at him and demanded money. They stole $1 200 and R500 cash, two cell phones and clothes valued at $1 970 and fled,” she said.

Ass Insp Mangena appealed to members of the public who may have information on the whereabouts of the two unidentified men to approach any nearest police station.

She urged members of the public to report cases early.

“We urge people to report cases early so that police can act swiftly and make arrests. We also urge people to be on the look out for criminals especailly at night along highways such as the Masvingo- Beitbridge road,” she said.

Ray Nkosi | A Chipinge family is searching for two year old Chris Bere who went missing last Monday while in the care of his grandmother.

The family is concerned about Chris’s whereabouts further complicated by little cooperation from ZRP Chipinge.

According to family sources who have narrated the family ordeal to ZimEye.com, “So far it looks like Monday morning the child was left sleeping in a room while the grandparents and workers were working on a nearby field. The grandother walked back to check on him but before getting home met one of the farm workers who is said to have been coming from buying tobacco for himself. She asked him if the baby was awake, if he heard heard any cry, and he replied no, and that the child is asleep.”

After which the grandmother checked on her grandson again and found him gone, raising alarm and a search party got into motion.

The relative contiues to explain the unfolding events: “People from neighbouring villages helped but found nothing. A report was made to the Police, Chipinge Hospital and Social Welfare and still no trace. The police it is said did not come the day of the report and never brought tracer dogs which would have more likely traced the child’s movement from his bedroom to wherever he went or was taken.”

Ignoring the urgency of the matter Chipinge Police stood by what they say is their policy to wait 48 hours before accepting a missing person report. At the time of writing almost five days later no arrests have been made and noone has been taken in for questioning.

The family has resorted to posting appeal posters in the city centre and residential areas of Chipinge. They have also appealed for information on social media, radio, television as well as a local newspaper.

An MDC-T Harare City councillor has proposed that Robert Mugabe Road in the capital be renamed after President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Contributing to a debate on the naming of streets in new suburbs, Glen Norah councillor, Wellington Chikombo said since former president Mugabe had a street and an international airport named after him, it would be “fair if the street was to be named after President ED Mnangagwa”.

“Your worship, I think we need to be careful when it comes to naming streets or buildings after some people. We need to avoid over burdening one person by piling names on him.

“We have Robert Mugabe street named after him, we have Robert Mugabe International Airport and now informally though, we have the so called Robert Mugabe square. We risk confusing ourselves and our people. I was proposing that we could change the street and name after the new president ED Mnangagwa,” he said.

Chikombo did not find supporters to his initiative with mayor Bernard Manyenyeni saying the matter should be ventilated at committee levels and by-laws need to be changed to allow eminent personalities in society to be appreciated.

“I request that this matter be dealt with at committee level and that we get clarity on people who should be honoured,” Manyenyeni said.

Zanu PF calls the civic centre opposite the Rainbow Hotel as Robert Mugabe Square while the opposition call it Freedom Square and Manyenyeni said none of the two names were legitimate.

Council wants to name streets in new suburbs but the current by-laws prevent the use of people still alive with the exception of heads of states.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the Environmental committee Herbert Gomba said a number of Harare residents were failing to register to vote as some areas have nameless streets.

Council has also approved the closure of Zimbali Gardens — a popular joint which was being used to host weddings, parties and conferences.- Newsday

Ray Nkosi | MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai’s EU Representative, Elliot Pfebve, has been on an engagement tour within the European Union to talk about next years watershed elections.

Pfebve who recently addressed the EU Parliament in Strasbourg told ZimEye.com : “I explained the current situation in Zimbabwe and how the international community can help. Current situation is both fragile and fluid. The Zimbabweans, the regional bodies and international community has a small window of opportunity to do the right thing; support Zimbabwe to return to rule of law, leverage to ensure electoral reforms are implemented toward a free and fair elections. The respect of human rights must be a priority as we hold the new administration to account on their promises to address politics of polarisation.”

The UK based politician went further to explain, ” We are also cognisant that the departure of Mugabe is no silver bullet to return to normalcy as the Zimbabwean crisis is beyond an individual but rather a system. While it is possible for the administration to show a new political paradigm shift, it is highly unlikely that an event of internal factionalism can liberate the masses of itself.” Warned Pfebve that Zanu PF factional politics were not likely to bring about the envisaged change.

Harare Metropolitan Province minister Miriam Chikukwa was booed during the Zanu PF congress in Harare yesterday with party members demanding her ouster. Chikukwa was saved from further embarrassment by party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo.
Members demanded that she be fired alongside other G40 members after she was invited to welcome guests as the host province.
The booing forced Moyo to intervene to control the situation.

“Harare province, you are the host. You will not help the situation if you behave in the manner you are doing,” Moyo shouted.

“You don’t behave like that in front of the President. You will embarrass yourself in front of the President.”

After Chikukwa’s address, acting secretary for administration Obert Mpofu said: “I am directed by the President. He said he does not entertain rowdiness. If you have frustrations, settle them at the province, this is a national congress.”- Newsday

A six year old girl is battling for her life at Mutare Provincial Hospital after her grandmother scorched her private parts and most of her lower body with hot roasted roundnuts as punishment. The 70-year-old granny, Julia Chishawaire of Mafararikwa Village under Chief Marange, was allegedly punishing the infant for being intimate with her five minor cousins.

Chishawaire did not show remorse over what she had done when she was arraigned before the courts on Wednesday, stating that the minor deserved it since she had to be disciplined for her wayward behaviour. She said what she did was not an act of cruelty, but that was how mischievous children were disciplined long back.

She appeared before senior Mutare magistrate Mr Innocent Bepura and pleaded guilty to the charges of physical abuse as outlined in Section 3 (1) (a) of the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 5:16. She was remanded out of custody to December 21 since the State is awaiting a medical record as the infant is admitted at Mutare Provincial Hospital. Prosecuting, Mr Fletcher Karombe said on December 9, Chishawaire accused the complainant of being intimate with her cousins.

“The accused decided to punish the infant using traditional methods, thereby pouring hot roasted roundnuts into her dress through the shoulders. When the infant fell down, Chishawaire dragged her by the feet and poured the remaining roundnuts between her legs,” said Mr Karombe. Asked on why she acted in the evil manner that she did, she responded: “It has been long since she started playing such dirty games with her cousins. I stay with seven grandchildren, all of whom are below 10 years of age. Since last year, this particular grandchild has been offering herself to her five cousins each time I leave them alone at home and indulging in the (dirty) games.

“I do not want her to be a sex worker when she grows up, that is the reason why I opted to use the traditional way to discipline her. That is what our parents used to do to us when we played such dirty games. I took hot roundnuts and put them in her dress so that she knows how painful it is to be sexually active at such a tender age,” said the old woman.

She claimed that she did not know that her actions were unlawful, but admitted that she was aware that her actions would cause bodily harm to the child. Manica Post

Former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development permanent Secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga was yesterday arrested for corruption.

He was picked up by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and is now in custody at Rhodesville Police Station in Harare.

ZACC spokesperson Ms Phylis Chikundura confirmed Prof Gudyanga’s arrest.

“We have arrested Gudyanga,” she said. “He is detained at Rhodesville Police Station and is appearing in court tomorrow.”

Our Harare Bureau is reliably informed that Prof Gudyanga was arrested for suspected cases of corruption he committed when he was permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

Prof Gudyanga who at the time chaired the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), never convened a meeting of the board, but claimed $28 000 in board sitting allowances. He was the only board member and allegedly never consulted the acting general-manager Richard Chingodza and the corporation’s secretary Nomsa Moyo, whom he was supposed to hold meetings with, according to the Company Act.

He is on record telling the Harare magistrates’ court during the trial of MMCZ bosses that he paid himself board fees when there was no board to talk of at the parastatal.

Prof Gudyanga told the court in March this year while testifying against the MMCZ bosses: “It is not just sitting, but decision making. No, it was not sitting fees, but boarding fees because we did not sit as a board. The board is not all about sitting, but consultation and decision making. It took most of my time.”

Prof Gudyanga received $875 monthly as board fees and $460 sitting fees for “sitting” 21 times, totalling $28 910.- state media

By Dorrothy Moyo| Supporters of Malawian necromancer, Shepherd Bushiri yesterday leaped in celebration following indications that President Emmerson Mnangagwa could in the next 3 days appoint Bushiri’s church follower, Kembo Mohadi Vice President.

Bushiri in a declaration last year, claims to have accurately prophesied that Mohadi would soon “be given a crown.”

With a Vice Presidency set for Mohadi soon, many yesterday rushed to conclude that the preacher truly used divine powers to determine the future. But but beginning of 2016, it was now full public knowledge – Mohadi was already fully published as a Vice President likely from the year 2009. Reports in the public domain prove that Mohadi was outed for the VP post as far back as 2009.

Mnangagwa announced that all politburo members are retained, save for two who have lost their portfolios, and these are Sydney Sekeramayi and Kembo Mohadi. Mohadi is a war veteran from the ZIPRA side, while Sekeramayi is a liberation fighter from the ZANLA.

VIDEO LOADING – refresh to watch –

By Dorrothy Moyo| Barely 3 weeks after being warned by Chimurenga singer Thomas Mapfumo, President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday called on Zanu-PF members to stop singing praise songs for him.

Mnangagwa said if people when ever they wish to sing him, they should rather only do the national anthem or other liberation songs.

Last month, Mapfumo speaking from his US base, warned that any praise singing of politicians will result in the leaders turning into equating themselves with the Creator.

“Kind request to all our musicians: Let us avoid music that idolizes our national leaders. Ndozvakazoita kuti VaMugabe vazvione semusiki,,” said Mapfumo.

“Kind request to all our musicians: Let us avoid music that idolizes our national leaders. Ndozvakazoita kuti VaMugabe vazvione semusiki”

Speaking at the ZANU PF congress yesterday, Mnangagwa said: “The role you have given me and the office you have inserted me into, can never be partitioned to anyone. The praise song I desire, if you were to sing one, is that of our national anthem and those from the liberation struggle, not for myself, no! If you sing the national anthem, if you sing those national songs then me and you are together.”

He also said that he is neither a Lacoste, or a Karanga President but one of the whole country. He said, “in light of the above, regionalism, factionalism and titles such as ‘G40’ and ‘Lacoste’ must be condemned and migrate from the body of our party forthwith.”

Police here have arrested a man who allegedly struck his son with an axe, while accusing him of being disrespectful. According to police provincial spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula, Lucas Sithole (50) of Clipsham Farm under Chief Charumbira, handed himself to the police after striking his son twice with the axe on the head. Insp Mazula urged families to resolve their differences amicably.

“We encourage people to seek intermediates if they have any differences while avoiding to deal with issues under the influence of alcohol,” she said.

 
In the case, Sithole, who was drunk, had a misunderstanding with his son, Johannes (23), accusing him of being disrespectful. He reportedly went outside the house before arming himself with an axe, which he used to strike Johannes on the head.

Sithole tried to hit Johannes again while he was unconscious, but was stopped by his wife, before he ran away from the homestead. He handed himself to the police at Chesvingo and was arrested for attempted murder.

Johannes was taken to Masvingo General Hospital, before being transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare because of his serious condition.-state media

Self styled former Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Mandi Chimene, is alleged to have forcibly taken elephant meat valued at $1 800 early this year from Cecil Kop Nature Reserve. Police have confirmed receipt of a report under RRB No. 3396970 of 12/12/2017 made by the member-in-charge of Cecil Kop Nature Reserve, Mr Michael Peter Hitschmann. Mr Hitschmann is also a member of the Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe Committee which manages the Cecil Kop Nature Reserve.

The only two elephants that were housed at Cecil Kop Nature Reserve were gunned down after they trampled a police officer who was on border patrol duties on July 18, 2017. In his self-recorded statement to the police, Mr Hitschmann said: “On July 24, 2017, two adult elephants were shot dead at Cecil Kop after causing the death of Constable Dambe who was attached to the Support Unit on July 18, 2017.  “The carcasses of these elephants were then processed to remove the meat for sale, with all proceeds expected to go to the coffers of Cecil Kop Nature Reserve as these elephants were their property.

“I was advised by Dominic Mubvanyika (Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’s officer-in-charge) that Mandi Chimene was demanding a full pick-up load of elephant meat at no charge for her own use and that she had instructed him to collect it immediately from Cecil Kop and deliver it to her. He did so at around 4.30pm on the same day,” said Mr Hitschmann.

He added: “Having had a lot of problems caused by her threatening attitude and false utterances from July 18 onwards, we felt that we had no choice but to comply with this demand.

Mr Hitschmann said Chimene had no right to demand any meat from Cecil Kop Nature Reserve and in so doing she prejudiced the organisation, Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe, of $1 800 being the value of the meat that she took.

“Her actions, he said, constituted criminal abuse of office as Cecil Kop Nature Reserve officials were not in a position to challenge her demand. He also accused Chimene of inciting youths to invade the nature reserve and allocate themselves stands during her Heroes’ Day address at the Manicaland Provincial Heroes Shrine on August 14.

“During the course of her speech and while addressing Zanu-PF youth members that were in attendance, the accused alleged that there was a lot of ‘wasted land’ available in Cecil Kop Nature Reserve and that she would make it her business to ensure that all the deserving youths would be allocated housing stands within that area.

“This statement was false, inflammatory and she made this statement being fully aware that she had no authority or right to make such an offer since the land is legally leased for 99 years as a nature reserve and is not available for housing. The accused person’s false and inflammatory statement constituted an abuse of her authority and, furthermore, was made with the intention of causing disruption of the lawful activities of the Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe in managing Cecil Kop Nature Reserve,” said Mr Hitschmann.

Ms Chimene’s whereabouts are unknown since her return from an official trip in China last month. Efforts to reach her and get her side of the story were in vain as her phone is no longer reachable. Manica post

Ndaba Nhuku | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hit squad have disowned their own member, Gathry Chiredzero, as a sacrificial lamb.

Don’t believe the security guys. Don’t trust the heavily infiltrated media. Mnangagwa has members in all media houses and they are all paid to lie and not investigate cases such as this one.

The accused, Gathry Chiredzero, is a genuine Zimbabwe security guy who rose through the ranks to be one of the most trusted and closest to Mnangagwa. We all must be asking ourselves serious questions and not just letting our fellow brothers die in prison because of corruption. This guy is being sacrificed by his team members because they didn’t fulfill the task they were given. Question is what was the task?

When the coup was staged, bust teams were sent out to arrest G40 members. Gathry Chiredzero was amongst one of such teams sent to arrest one of the G40, possibly Chombo. The team was bribed with an irresistible $100 000 which they accepted and stopped arresting the guy. Gathry Chiredzero only got $15 000 out of the bribe money and the rest was taken by other members of the team.

However, the unfortunate G40 guy was arrested by a subsequent team that was sent to arrest him. The G40 guy spilt the beans explaining how and why he was not arrested by the first team, he bribed them with $100 000 which they accepted. This is when hell visited Gathry Chiredzero who was betrayed by his own team. The team turned against him and fabricated the story to hide the truth from Mnangagwa and others. This they could only succeed by saying Gathry Chiredzero who was named by the G40 as fake, arrest him for fake charges and murder him in prison. That way, the story ends.

The question remains, why is the media not investigating the guy’s history? Why has noone taken it upon himself to ask the real questions? For instance how did he get close to the president? Since when was he last seen with all VIP security guys? Don’t security guys know each other such that Ndaba Nhuku can spend the whole day working with them without them knowing that this is a stranger who is not one of them? If that is the case then this guy would have long killed Mnangagwa because our security guys are idiots, naive and stupid as our media guys are.

Please release this guy or arrest the entire team for accepting a bribe and not doing their job. The team members know themselves and must come out clean. This incident shows how vulnerable Mnangagwa is because of corrupt security guys around him. His security guys can simply be bribed by anyone. If a security crack team could not execute a task for a mere $100000, how much more can they take for just one million dollars? Mnangagwa must personally take an interest in this case of he wants to be secure and safe.

South Africa Speaker of Parliament, Baleka Mbete has defended the military intervention in Zimbabwe which forced former President Robert Mugabe out of power, saying it was necessary as the ex-first lady, Grace Mugabe had captured the State.

In an interview with SABC News 404, Mbete said ordinarily, the military should not intervene in civilian politics, when everything was going well at political level.

“But when at a political level when one member of the first family (Grace) thinks she has the right to just determine who should be thrown out, (and) a whole Vice-President is removed,” she said in reference to President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was unceremoniously fired by Mugabe at the instigation of Grace.

“I think for a right thinking person, anybody that has the possibility to intervene, to create the space for politics to continue, I think has the responsibility and they took it. And they did it. But I think we have learnt that its possible for the military not to always intervening in a manner that result in lots of blood spilling,” she said.SOUTH AFRICAN Speaker of Parliament, Baleka Mbete has defended the military intervention in Zimbabwe which forced former President Robert Mugabe out of power, saying it was necessary as the ex-first lady, Grace Mugabe had captured the State. Staff Reporter

In an interview with SABC News 404, Mbete said ordinarily, the military should not intervene in civilian politics, when everything was going well at political level.

“But when at a political level when one member of the first family (Grace) thinks she has the right to just determine who should be thrown out, (and) a whole Vice-President is removed,” she said in reference to President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was unceremoniously fired by Mugabe at the instigation of Grace.

“I think for a right thinking person, anybody that has the possibility to intervene, to create the space for politics to continue, I think has the responsibility and they took it. And they did it. But I think we have learnt that its possible for the military not to always intervening in a manner that result in lots of blood spilling,” she said.

Terrence Mawawa | A senior Zanu PF Official has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reign in on the architects of the G-40 Cabal.

Speaking on behalf of the Zanu PF Women’ s League at the party’ s extraordinary congress in Harare today, Marble Chinomona described the former First Lady Grace Mugabe as a shameless and pompous woman who sowed seeds of hatred and factionalism in
the ruling party.

She added Grace Mugabe, Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere were the brains behind the G-40 Cabal and they should be prosecuted for acts of misconduct.

“Grace Mugabe, Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere must be prosecuted for gross acts of misconduct.

We cannot remain quiet while Jonathan Moyo and Kasukuwere continue to denigrate the party,” said Chinomona.

“We salute the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for her humility. I think she has learnt from Grace Mugabe’s mistakes,” said Chinomona.

She also described Grace Mugabe as a heartless and callous woman who ruined her husband Robert Mugabe’s illustrious liberation war contributions.

By Paul Nyathi | War Vets leader Christopher Mutsvangwa has been appointed Zanu PF Secretary for Science And Technology replacing his erstwhile enemy Professor Jonathan Moyo.

The annoucement was made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa has also officially named Water, Climate and Natural Resources Minister Oppah Muchinguri as the ruling party National Chairperson.

Mnangagwa made the announcement at the closure of the special ZANU PF congress held in Harare on Friday.

Contrary to speculations that dominated social media in the better part of the day that Muchinguri was due to be appointed Vice President, Mnangagwa said he was postponing the announcement of his two Vice Presidents for a few more days.

Raising further speculations that Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga is being lined up for Vice President, Mnangagwa said that his announcement of Vice Presidents will require major adjustments in some key institutions.

Former President Robert Mugabe’s self confirmed most loyal son, Obert Mpofu, has been appointed as the party Secretary for Administration taking over from troubled Ignatious Chombo.

Terrence Mawawa | In yet another tongue slip up, Zanu PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa made an embarrassing blunder when he read out former President Robert Mugabe’ s name as the party’ s 2018 Presidential Candidate.

As he read out the Central Committee resolutions, Chinamasa erroneously said Mugabe was the party’ s sole Presidential Candidate for the 2018 elections.

Fidgeting uneasily, Chinamasa had a moment of total mental relapse as he struggled to atone for his glaring blunder.

“The Central Committee has recommended that Cde RG Mugabe is the party’ s sole Presidential Candidate for the 2018 elections… Oh sorry I cannot hear you,” said Chinamasa.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa could be seen grinning at Chinamasa as he tried to correct himself.

Chinamasa is the second Zanu PF Officials in as many weeks to mention Mugabe’s name.

Political observers believe many Zanu PF Officials have fervent admiration for the nonagenarian despite his ignominious resignation last month.

A man (36) from Matobo District died on the spot after he was allegedly stabbed by a neighbour who accused him of having an affair with his wife.

Pedzisai Mpofu of Mahusumani Village, Bhazha area under Chief Masuku, was allegedly stabbed once in the back and once on the neck by Steven Tshuma (32) of the same area after he accused him of cheating with his wife.

The incident occurred at around 5PM on Monday at Bhazha Business Centre. Mpofu’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the murder and said investigations were underway.

“I can confirm we received a report of a man who was stabbed and died on the spot. The now deceased was accused of cheating with the rival’s wife. He sustained a deep cut on his back and another on the neck. He died on the spot,” she said.

Asst Insp Mangena said the suspect was arrested and will appear in court soon.

She appealed to members of the public to desist from violence, urging them to resolve disputes amicably.

“When bothered by such matters or any other disputes, we advise the public to engage third parties such as chiefs, police, church elders or even family rather than to resort to violence. Violence results in unnecessary injuries and deaths which land one in jail,” said Asst Insp Mangena.

“We continue to embark on crime awareness campaigns throughout the province, with the hope of bettering and empowering communities. It’s high time people took heed of these messages and apply them in their daily lives.”

A patron who preferred not to be named said Tshuma came to the business centre and confronted Mpofu.

“He got into the bar where Mpofu was drinking beer and pretended to want to pay a debt to the bar tender. Standing next to Mpofu at the counter, Tshuma quickly turned to him and started interrogating him, accusing him of sleeping with his wife.

“He said he had got word of their ‘thing’ and had monitored them to prove that. A misunderstanding arose with Tshuma drawing an okapi knife from his trouser pocket which he used to stab Mpofu once in the back. Mpofu ran for dear life, heading out of the bar, but Tshuma caught up with him and this time aimed for the neck. Mpofu fell to the ground, bled profusely and died before he could be rushed to hospital,” he said.

The source said a police officer who was on duty at Bhazha police base, saw the now deceased running away from Mpofu bleeding and tried to intervene.

“He ran after the two in a bid to stop the fight but after a chase of more than 150 metres, Tshuma stabbed Mpofu for the second time and fled from the scene. The police officer however managed to chase after the suspect and arrested him,” he said. Chronicle

Three South African rights groups have joined forces with the Democratic Alliance (DA) to set aside the diplomatic immunity granted to former Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe to shield her from being tried for allegedly assaulting a South African model at a Sandton hotel four months ago.

The High Court in Pretoria granted leave to Freedom Under Law (FUL), the Commission for Gender Equality and the Women’s Legal Centre Trust (WLC) to intervene in the DA’s application as friends of the court and to make legal submissions.

The DA’s application will be heard next year with a separate application by model Gabriella Engels and AfriForum to set aside International Relations and Co-operation minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane’s August decision to recognise Grace’s diplomatic immunity.

Engels laid a charge of assault against Mugabe after she burst into a Sandton hotel room and allegedly used an electric cord with a plug at the end to hit her on the head on August 13.

Engels maintained diplomatic immunity legislation excluded granting it to heads of State who behaved in a criminal manner and caused death or injury to South African citizens, and that granting it to Grace was invalid.

The DA said Nkoana-Mashabane’s decision constituted an irrational abuse of statutory power and should be set aside as unconstitutional.

Nkoana-Mashabane, in court papers, said Grace, as the wife of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, had “spousal immunity” under international law.

Not granting immunity to her would have had serious implications for international relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe and would have caused chaos and collapsed the Southern African Development Community summit which Pretoria was hosting, she said.

The South African minister said she had considered Engels’ interest but had to recognise Mugabe’s spousal immunity.

FUL said the decision that spouses of heads of State had the same immunity as their partners offended SA’s Bill of Rights, including the right to dignity, equality and to be free from all forms of violence.

WLC said Grace’s immunity had grave implications for the jurisprudence on violence against women and the State’s obligations in respect thereof.- Newsday

Farirai Madhumbe | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special advisor Christopher Mustvangwa and the Chiefs Council President Fortune Charumbira have reiterated statements that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and war vets will deliver victory for Mnangagwa in the 2018 elections.

Addressing over 7000 delegates to the on going ZANU PF special congress in Harare, Charumbira congratulated the ruling party for removing former President Robert Mugabe claiming that it was long overdue.

Charumbira who until recent incidents was a die hard Mugabe faithful said that the chiefs are happy to have Mnangagwa now leading the party.

Charumbira took a swipe at the former First Lady Grace Mugabe for the fall of her husband Mugabe.

He showered praises at Mnangagwa for appreciating the importance of the chiefs by calling at the chiefs when he was elevated to presidency.

The Chiefs Council leader also showered praises at the ZDF for executing the smart coup on Mugabe claiming that the chiefs had already made plans to visit the Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga to express their gratitude on the swift action by the army.

Just a couple of months ago, Charumbira sent the same praises to Mugabe assuring him that the chiefs would never accept anyone else to lead the country while Mugabe lives.

Charumbira got a huge back lash from opposition parties and activists for expressing partisan political alliance as chiefs against the provisions of the constitution.

Meanwhile, addressing the same gathering war veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa speaking on behalf of the liberation fighters said that his organisation will join hands with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to make sure that Mnangagwa and ZANU PF win the elections whatever it took.

Former president Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law Simba Chikore’s plan to establish a private airline on the ashes of struggling flag carrier Air Zimbabwe is likely to suffer a stillbirth after the new government raised the red flag over the proposed transaction, it has been established.

Last month, the Zimbabwe Independent reported that the project to establish a new airline, Zimbabwe Airways (pictured), whose relationship with Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) is opaque, was moving towards finality amid revelations Transport minister Joram Gumbo and Chikore, who was then AirZim chief operating officer, were to be caught in a massive conflict of interest storm.

Information gathered shows that Zimbabwe Airways is owned by a local firm, Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company (ZALC). The company was formed by an identified group of Zimbabwean investors, among them lawyers and businesspersons with interests in the aviation industry. Some of the ZALC shareholders are said to be based in the diaspora.

An enquiry with the Deeds Office in Harare indicated ZALC was registered under file number 3015/12. The file was, however, missing from the office, meaning the directors could not be immediately ascertained. But information obtained shows that Zim Airways had acquired four long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft from Malaysia Airlines as it prepares to fly.

Aviation sources told the Independent this week that Simba, who had left for Singapore after Mugabe resigned following the military intervention which brought his 37-year reign to a dramatic end, made an unexpected return to Zimbabwe last week. He took his Zimbabwe Airways foreign partners to AirZim offices before flying to Victoria Falls. His visit came a month after he threw in the towel as AirZim COO.

It is understood that power brokers within President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration now want the Zimbabwe Airways deal to be scrutinised with the ultimate objective of blocking it.

“The deal is now being scrutinised and once that is completed, the President will be advised to block it. Already, a process is underway to resuscitate AirZim. The airline wants to lease new equipment and increase its frequency on lucrative domestic and international routes,” an aviation source said.

According to Gumbo, the government is on the verge of acquiring 15 planes as it plans to bring back AirZim to life.
Early this year, AirZim rolled out an ambitious plan to overhaul the company that will see Treasury expunging the airline’s legacy debts, estimated at US$330 million, by way of liquidation before acquiring new planes from Asia and rebranding to Zimbabwe Airways.

After failing to court new investors due to the company’s weak balance sheet, government is now seeking partnerships with international airlines instead of engaging a strategic partner to turn around AirZim.

At Independence in 1980, the airline had 18 planes in its fleet, but today it is operating at less than a third of its all-time peak.

Late last year, government engaged five international carriers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Singapore, Turkey and Malaysia to partner the troubled AirZim with hopes of turning around the fortunes of the ailing and debt-ridden flag carrier.

In 2013, cabinet approved a proposal by the AirZim board to raise US$15 million through 180-day commercial paper.- The Independent

Terrence Mawawa | In a shocking and gruesome murder incident, a mentally challenged man axed a two- year- old child, roasted and ate the baby’s flesh.

The incident has left the Buhera Community in a state of shock.

Onwell Ndega Mutemera of Mutemera Village under Chief Nyashanu in Buhera axed the girl to death and ate her arm.

Mutemera appeared before Buhera Resident Magistrate, Dennis Mangosi facing murder charges last week.

The court heard that Mutemera advanced towards the girl, Monica Sengerai who was playing with her sister Febie Sengerai.

He then struck the girl with an axe on the chin, took her right arm, roasted it and ate it.He committed the crime on December 5.

Mutemera was arrested on the same day he committed the crime.

“The deceased’ s sister managed to identify Mutemera who was wearing a blood stained shirt after committing the crime,” the court heard.

The matter was postponed to Friday December 15 pending the examination of Mutemera’ s mental health.

Zimbabwe will seek re-engagement with other countries, especially the West, on an equal footing as the new dispensation ratchets up trade and economic diplomacy, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Addressing ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe in the capital, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Major General Dr Sibusiso Moyo (Retired) said Government would seek new frontiers of cooperation beyond friendly countries in Eastern Europe, South Asia and Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“I have already begun serious and focused dialogue with key constituent countries of the West amongst them, our erstwhile coloniser, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and others with the objective of normalising our relations,” said Dr Moyo.

“We seek an honest, respectful and forthright dialogue that will let go the past and explore and pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities. We must respect one another and not lecture one another.”

Dr Moyo hailed countries like China, Russia, India, Iran, Cuba, Malaysia, Pakistan and Brazil that always stood by Zimbabwe in the face of vilification by its detractors.

“We greatly value the strong bonds of friendship and the political and economic support we have continued to receive from our dependable allies, who have stood resolutely with us during our greatest times of need,” he said.

“We shall endeavour to deepen and consolidate these vital relations.”

Dr Moyo said the new Government was determined to make the country an attractive destination of foreign direct investment through a deliberate economic bias in implementation of its foreign policy.

“The economic diplomacy we seek to pursue will ride on the success and accomplishments of the past, re-alignments in other areas and a complete departure from frustrations and failures of the past,” he said.

Dr Moyo said he intended to facilitate economic development and industrial revival, while milestones achieved in the agricultural sector should be consolidated.

“Command Agriculture will achieve the unlocking of the tremendous wealth that lies in our soil,” he said.

Dr Moyo reiterated that the Government would continue to partner foreign investors in the win-win exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth. “We believe the recent adjustments to the indigenisation and economic empowerment law levels the field and removes any lingering impediments from the past,” he said. “Only in the diamond and platinum sectors will 51/49 percent rule apply.”

On the manufacturing sector, Dr Moyo said urgent refurbishment and re-capitalisation was needed and invited foreign investors to grab the opportunity to do business in the country.

Tourism and services sectors were also open to foreign investment, he said.

“All these economic activities should, as a must, create jobs, jobs and more jobs for our people, so that they share and enjoy the fruits of the country’s economy and prosper,” he said.

“No longer will we be satisfied with being a country of potential, that potential must be urgently exploited to improve the welfare of our people at the soonest.”

Dr Moyo allayed fears on property rights, saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa had already assured the international community that his Government would respect such rights for ease of doing business.

“We value your participation in the country’s economy and as the President has reassured you, we shall ensure the sanctity and security of your investment and shall honour to the letter all agreements we enter into with you, including BIPPAS,” he said.

“The right of property shall be respected. We look forward to your invaluable support for our debt clearance plan and in particular the 2015 Lima process. We are confident that with your goodwill, we can revive the process.”

Dr Moyo urged the diplomats to work together with Zimbabwe to build and not to destroy friendships and relations.

He said he was ready to embark on a diplomatic offensive for bilateral engagements with other countries any time soon. “For burning bilateral issues specific to your countries and national interests, I am available for urgent meetings,” he said. “I am envisaging a diplomatic in-loco tour of all our geo-political regions.”

Dr Moyo requested the diplomats to begin making the requisite preparations with their capitals, in liaison with his officials.

He apprised the ambassadors that the 2018 harmonised elections were around the corner and urged them not to become “referees and players” in the plebiscite.

Dr Moyo implored the ambassadors to remain steadfast in their roles of impartial observers, as pronounced by President Mnangagwa during his inauguration.

“Some international observers may be invited at the discretion of the Government of the day,” he said. “As with the previous elections, the Government has always guaranteed a peaceful environment, before, during and after elections.”

Dr Moyo said Zimbabwe adopted zero tolerance to violence as it approaches the 2018 elections.-state media

Is this Mnangagwa regalia necessary and does this fashion ASSIST/ or DESTROY The President ? PICTURES CLICK HERE https://t.co/TwumR4qNgY

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 15, 2017

Staff Reporter| Masvingo Minister Josiah Hungwe has denied declaring that he is going to use the army to campaign for ZANU PF in the upcoming 2018 elections.

ZANU PF UK Chairman Nick Mangwana writes early Friday morning that Hungwe has denied ever making the statement.

“After dinner I politely asked Baba JD Hungwe the reports on soldiers campaigning for Zanu PF.

“I said I had been advised that Zanu PF was going to win on its performance and vision between now and elections. He denied ever saying that and expressed genuine shock.”

The humiliated former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo allegedly received a Norton stand measuring 3 712 valued at $310 150 from Eddies Pfugari Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd as a bribe.

The asset was dished out to him in order to remove people he had illegally allocated stands at Whitecliff Farm.

Chombo is currently on bail for other charges which go back to 1997.

Chombo appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

The former ZANU PF warlord was remanded to January 8 next year, under the same bail conditions he was granted on other corruption charges he is facing.

The court heard that sometime in 1997 Eddies Pfugari Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd purchased White Cliff farm from Fredrick John William Smith. However, sometime in 2000, Chombo who was the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, allegedly allocated stands to illegal settlers within Eddies Pfugari Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd’s property. He invited Eddies Pfugari Property Developers to his office and assured them that he would remove the illegal settlers using his ministerial powers but demanded a piece of land as bribe.

Chombo is accused of contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act alternatively bribery. The complainant is Eddies Pfugari Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd represented by its managing director Mr Edward Nyanyiwa. – state media

Parliament should craft a law that punishes people who undermine the interests of Zimbabwe through calling for illegal sanctions, traditional leaders have said. Chiefs Council President Chief Fortune Charumbira said the law should also disqualify culprits from seeking political or public office as part of measures to protect its interests and that of citizens and nip in the bud what MDC Alliance members led by Mr Tendai Biti did in the United States this week.

Messrs Biti, Nelson Chamisa and activists Dewa Mavhinga and Peter Godwin made sensational presentations before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday where they took turns to besmirch Zimbabwe. They urged the US government to maintain its ruinous sanctions regime.

“Zimbabwe should seriously consider the need for a law that punishes Zimbabweans who undermine the country’s political, economic and social interests as what we read in the media as attributed to Mr Biti,” said Chief Charumbira.

“Such people should be disqualified from contesting for political office because they would have expressly shown that their ultimate mission is to seek political office through undermining the interests of Zimbabwe.”

He said Mr Biti and his delegation had demonstrated that they were preoccupied with their selfish interests ahead of the welfare of the suffering Zimbabweans.

“They are driven by individual aggrandisement in order to get power which they want to attain at all costs even at the expense of the people. We have suffered enough. In Shona we say Nyika Vanhu, who do they want to rule in future when people would have died through these ruinous sanctions,” he said.

Another Chiefs Council member, Chief Musarurwa echoed the same sentiments saying there was need to give the new administration led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa a chance.

“If they had any grievances they should have engaged the new administration and not to go to a foreign land. Of what help is that to the cause of the people? Who they are purporting to be representing,” said Chief Musarurwa.

Zimbabweans from all walks of life, including the Government, expressed outrage at the MDC Alliance rumblings. On Wednesday, Government urged the MDC-Alliance not to give selfish political ambitions flight at the expense of the welfare of Zimbabweans who have invested their hope in President Mnangagwa to revive the economy and uplift people’s lives.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Major-General (Rtd) Dr Sibusiso Moyo said it was “staggering” that opposition politicians expect President Mnangagwa and his new administration to undo wrongs committed in 37 years in two weeks. Minister Moyo said disagreements must be resolved internally.

“Any internal disagreements should be resolved by our engaging with one another. There is no need to invite outside referees whose own fate has no relationship to ours. Let us advance our political goals without inviting punitive measures by strangers on our fellow citizen,” said Minister Moyo.-state media

Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa’s budget speech sets a good precedence in terms of policy thrust of reform and economic resuscitation with clear government austerities, international community engagement and clarity on the contentious Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, but the targets are unrealistic, Old Mutual has said.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa presents his 2018 National Budget proposals in Parliament“We must draw caution on the aggressive revenue forecast of $5,7 billion in 2018 against tax revenue collections of $3,85 billion in 2017.

“This is somewhat aggressive given a gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast of 4,5 percent and donor fatigue in a number of sectors within the Zimbabwean economy,” the country’s largest insurance firm said.

This comes as Zimbabwe is unlikely to get significant multilateral funding in the short term given its international debt arrears and high country risk profile arising from the high level of domestic debt.

“There are international debt arrears that need to be cleared in addition to a number of socio-political and economic reforms that need to be embedded before noteworthy funding can be availed.

“We must bear in mind that 2018 is an election year with budgetary expectations that need to be met ahead of some of the highlighted infrastructure projects,” Old Mutual added.

Although Chinamasa was optimistic on the country’s future economic prospects, the budget speech was not clear on how and where the revenue will be generated.

In terms of tax revenue, a forecast of $5 billion is projected for 2018, 30 percent ahead of the 2017 tax revenue collections.

“Industry growth is premised on ease of doing business reforms and export growth which we believe are not short term problems hence a more conservative tax revenue figure in the short term would have been more amenable.

“Encouraging, however, is that while government hopes to fund $1 billion of the $1,7 capital expenditure budget, the balance of $0,7 billion is being sort from foreign investors under the auspices of a new Indigenisation Act, tax break incentives and new investor friendly policy thrust which may be a quick win,” Old Mutual said.

Chinamasa, however, said there was need for a paradigm shift for the country to achieve sustainable economic growth.

“Our quest for reversing economic decline and eradicating unemployment and poverty can only become reality if we walk the talk with regard to adoption of a paradigm shift in the way we do business and manage our economy, public enterprises and finances,” he said in his budget statement.

“As we focus on recovery of our economy, we must shed misbehaviours and acts of indiscipline which have characterised the past, while we address and reduce the high country risk perception among existing and prospective investors,” he added. DailyNews

By Sithuli Ndaba | A man from Homestead area of Esigodini is in intensive care unit at United Bulawayo Hospitals after he was axed and left for dead by amakorokoza who were illegally mining and digging a service road to the farm he worked at.

Thomas Mpofu was attacked by a group of seven illegal miners as he and a co-worker tried to stop the makorokozas from digging up a road on Thursday night. Mpofu was axed several times on the right side of the head and he lost his right eye on the scene. He only got to hospital hours after being injured, with police and ambulance services nowhere to be seen. He was taken to Esigodini Hospital by his employer with the assistance of a police officer from Bulawayo and BCC rangers who work in the area nearby.

Mpofu’s seven attackers, who fled from the scene, include Onesimo Ndlovu, Mdudusi Sibanda, Mlaleli Khumalo, Bekithemba Bhebhe, Phakamani Ncube, one only known as Super and another one only known as Nduna. Of these, Phakamani Ncube and Mlaleli Khumalo were arrested while the other five are still at large. Mlaleli Khumalo, an ex-soldier in the Zimbabwe national army is the leader of the group that was illegally mining in the farm.

The condition of Thomas Mpofu was compromised by the refusal of Esigodini police to render their services to the injured Mpofu, citing lack of resources. Because of this, it was difficult to access ambulance from nearby Esigodini Hospital since a police report was needed. He was on the same night transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals. His condition is serious in intensive care and the authorities were planning on transferring him to Harare for a specialized operation.

However, Nkondlo Mthethwa, who manages the family farm at which Mpofu was attacked, said the police left them at the mercy of criminals after he made several reports which they never attended to. He said the same police refused to assist them after the attack resulting in him seeking assistance from police in Bulawayo. Mthethwa said one Inspector Chigumbura at Esigodini police could not give reasons to their failure to act on the matter and shifted the blame on his subordinates, with one female officer Zhou being in charge of the station.

Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna, who is uncle to Thomas Mpofu, bemoaned the lackey service by the police, saying he had to travel all the way from Harare where he was meeting the service chiefs to come and take the injured to hospital.

“I am incredibly upset that I had to come all the way from Harare to see an enforcement officer at police then have to go to the army base to get things done. I mustn’t be dealing with this when we have law enforcement agencies in place. It is tiresome, I am incredibly upset and disappointed by this”, said Chief Ndiweni.

The visibly upset Chief Ndiweni told this reporter that the major contributory factors to the poor service were corruption and under resourcing, which he pegged at the scale of 80% to 20% respectively, saying the law enforcement agencies were not serious in dealing with the matter that has affected Esigodini for a long time now, with some officers were working in cahoots with the illegal miners.

“The problem we have here does not start today. Historically, reports have been made about this problem in Esigodini. Had the police been serious about this they would have solved it many years ago. This is purely an enforcement matter and the police must be resourced to deal with it. Also the corruption within the force has to be dealt with, otherwise instead of losing only business and service, we are losing lives to it”, the Chief said.

The chief called on the law enforcement agents not to accept and promote illegality especially in the mining industry, saying the police have invested interests in the business of illegal mining and that has to stop. He said there is no way they can curb the crimes that associate with this business as they are the ones in some instances run the illegal mines or provide downstream services such as stamping and equipment hire.

Esigodini police had not responded to this reporter at the time of going to print. The officer in charge   was said to be out of office.

Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi | A Zanu PF MP aligned to the G-40 faction was assaulted by Team Lacoste youths during a party meeting here last weekend.

Chiredzi West MP Darlington Chiwa was confronted by Team Lacoste youths who pushed and shoved him violently.The incident happened at Batanai Primary School.

Party sources said the rowdy youths were bussed from Chikombedzi and Mwenezi.

“The youths charged at Chiwa and dragged him out of a classroom at Batanai Primary School as he was about to address the meeting.

They pushed and shoved him violently,” said a party source.

However Chiwa denied he was assaulted by the youths. He said the youths uttered unprintable words and threatened to assault him.

“The issue is not in any way linked to factional battles. There are some people who are targeting my constituency and they know I am very popular here.

So they are causing havoc here.I will not be deterred by their threats,” said Chiwa.

By Paul Nyathi |Struggling Zimbabwean human rights watchdog grouping Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition has elected a new leadership tasked with the difficult duty to rejuvenate the once powerful non governmental organisation.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust Director Rashid Mahiya was elected unopposed to take over the running of the coalition at a highly emotional Annual General Meeting held in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Mahiya takes over the reigns from Sally Dura of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe who has been at the helm of the organisation for the last two years.

Sakhile Sifelani-Ngoma, the executive director of Women in Politics Support Unit was also elected unopposed to be Mahiya’s deputy.

In an election which ZimEye.com sources at the meeting described as “a sham of an event,” Evernice Munando of Female Students Network was also elected unopposed as Treasurer of the Coalition in absentia.

In the only position which was decided by a ballot, Tabani Moyo from the Media Institute of Southern Africa won against Apostle Anglistone Sibanda of Shalom Trust by 36 votes to 8 to land the coalition spokesperson position.

Coalition members who spoke to ZimEye.com on condition of anonymity said that the election which was meant to give the much needed revival of the coalition failed to meet its expectations as the coalition secretariate disqualified some organisations that have been with the coalition for the last four years there by ruling out their members from voting and being voted into the eleven member board.

According to the members, the coalition failed to promote regional balance as no organisation from the Western Region were included in the board.

Matabeleland region organisations had the largest number of organisations who were disqualified from the electoral process.

“The election was a very sad event,” said a member who attended the general meeting.

“Two members from Matabeleland with a high potential to lead the coalition were unconvincingly disqualified at the minute from the election which totally ruled out Matabeleland from being represented,” said the member.

“The way Matabeleland organisations were treated at the AGM may just see those organisations pull out of the coalition with no surprise” said the member.

Mahiya could not immediately be reached for a comment on the matter.

Ray Nkosi | President Emmerson Mnangagwa says he has the list of all those who have externalised money and will name and shame them should they not return it by March next year.

Mnangagwa was addressing the Zanu PF Central Committee.

The state media reports that Mnangagwa has extended the lifespan of the Central Committee members for the next five years so that they can stop jostling for positions ahead of the 2018 general elections.

Mnangagwa made the call at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare while addressing the 107^th ordinary session of the party’s Central Committee for the first time as President and First Secretary of the party.

He said recent events in the party where procedures were not followed should not be allowed to take place again.

Mnangagwa also urged people not to take vengeance against people whom they allege to have been part of the G40 cabal but instead implored Zimbabweans to build the economy, to create jobs and also to improve on service delivery.

The Central Committee meeting is being held on the eve of the extra ordinary congress which is starting and ending tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s meeting is not an elective one but is being held to confirm the elevation of  Mnangagwa to the post of President and First Secretary of the Zanu PF and also as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2018 general elections.

The meeting will also confirm the expulsion of some members of the G40 cabal.

National People’s Party (NPP) leader Joice Mujuru is under pressure to abandon some of her closest allies accused of fomenting discord in the party.

The NPP has been hit by serious defections of members, who accuse Mujuru of being misled by the party’s national chairperson Dzikamai Mavhaire and her spokesperson, Gift Nyandoro.

Nyandoro doubles up as the NPP’s secretary-general.

A national executive member of the NPP told the Daily News yesterday that eight provincial executives have since met and resolved to petition Mujuru to do away with Nyandoro and Mavhaire because their actions were weakening the party.

“We handed our petition to the vice president (John Shumba) Mvundura, registering our displeasure at the way the party is being run. We made it clear in our petition that we want Nyandoro out,” said the NPP provincial executive member.

Over 100 members of NPP met in Harare on Tuesday, where they said they need serious engagement with Mujuru.

The members went on to present her with a 19-page petition, detailing their grievances.

Among some of the issues they want addressed include “the unconstitutional suspension and expulsions of certain members from the party; unwarranted dismissals and the imposition of unelected leadership; the existence in high offices of a vindictive cabal bent on destroying the party and the urgent need to genuinely include youths in the running of the party.”

“It is with the gravest concern that we note the subversion of the will of the people within the party, which people we aspire to serve. As a democratic entity, it is our sincere hope and great expectation that we should start practicing democracy within the party by respecting the voice and will of members.

“Now, dismissing members while replacements are already on standby simply smacks of conspiracy right at the top echelons of power within the party and should therefore be found a cause for concern and dealt with accordingly and with the urgency it deserves,” the party members said in the petition.

Nyandoro was not taking calls and did not respond to a text message sent to him seeking his comment.

Mavhaire’s phone was not reachable.

The party’s national youth chair Lloyd Masiya told the Daily News on the sidelines of the meeting on Tuesday that they will seek to engage Mujuru further on their concerns, and will take the necessary steps based on her reaction.

“What we are going to do is that we are first going to deal with what led us to be where we are today. The president has opened the door to discuss the issues. We are telling the people that have gathered today that let’s enter the door that has been opened and be able to see that we progressively move together.

“As we engage with the president, we wait for her and act based on her response.”- Daily News

The United States has set minimum conditions — predicated on far-reaching reforms —  that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration must meet if it wants improved diplomatic relations and access to international assistance and cooperation, the Daily News can report.

After sweeping to power last month with the aid of the military, Mnangagwa had made known his intention to mend broken fences with the international community, unlike his predecessor Robert Mugabe who had burnt bridges with Britain and her allies in the West.

Mnangagwa said whatever misunderstandings may have subsisted in the past, these should make way to a new beginning, adding that “in this global world, no nation is, can, or need be an island, one unto itself”.

But on Tuesday, Washington pronounced itself clearly in the wake of the change in guard at Munhumutapa Building — the seat of power in Zimbabwe.

In remarks indicative of Washington’s skepticism of how relations would improve, given that Mnangagwa is a close ally of Mugabe, and been accused of atrocities dating back to the 1980s, Washington said troops deployed under Operation Restore Legacy must return to their barracks and State institutions should be demilitarised.

US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Stephanie Sullivan said re-engagement with Mnangagwa’s administration will be based on demonstrated behaviour, not rhetorical intentions.

“Our policy of re-engagement will focus on constitutional democracy, free and fair elections, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and an improved trade and investment climate, among other issues.

“The country has a strong civil society and experienced political opposition, and their voices must count in charting a path forward.

“We must judge the new administration on its current and future actions. Along the way, there will be many actions that we will need to assess, as we look to reengage. We will need to see free and fair elections. The military needs to return to its barracks and State institutions should be demilitarised,” said Sullivan.

This comes as an MDC Alliance delegation led by former Finance minister Tendai Biti delivered a moving testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health policy in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Biti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, was accompanied by Welshman Ncube, MDC president; Nelson Chamisa, MDC-T vice president and Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe.

Author and Zimbabwean journalist, Peter Godwin, was also part of the panel.

Sullivan said perpetrators of abuses against civilians should be held accountable regardless of party affiliation, calling on government to “engage in hard economic reforms, including addressing budget deficits, reforming the Indigenization Act, and reducing corruption”.

“We will want to see improved protection of fundamental freedoms, a freer media, and a truth and reconciliation process. The people of Zimbabwe deserve these reforms, and many more.”

She said Washington welcomed Mnangagwa’s statement of intent to carry out economic reforms during his inauguration speech, “and we are assessing the budget that was released last week.”

“We believe critical political reforms deserve equal attention and cannot wait. In particular, elections must be free, fair, credible, and inclusive allowing Zimbabweans to choose their own leaders. Everyone in Zimbabwe should enjoy the rights to peaceful assembly without undue interference and to voice their opinions — and their vote — without fear,” she said.

Biti’s delegation had been invited to Washington by the State Department to appraise the Americans on the situation in Zimbabwe.

Chris Mutsvangwa, special advisor to Mnangagwa declined to comment, referring questions to Foreign minister Sibusiso Moyo.

Moyo was not immediately reachable for comment.

Biti’s delegation has upset some members of the ruling Zanu PF party, who suggested that they should have been included in the panel.

Zanu PF activist, Frenk Guni, was quoted saying, “We know that they are here to urge the government to maintain targeted sanctions imposed by the West on members of our party.

“It’s very unfair for these people to come here to present one side of what is happening in Zimbabwe. The ruling party should have been invited to attend the meeting.”

The US imposed targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle for alleged human rights violations and electoral fraud.

Todd Moss, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs and a senior fellow at the Centre for Global Development wrote this week that the long-term survival of any new Zimbabwean government will depend on resolving the country’s cash crisis and reviving the economy.

“But Zanu-PF has shown a remarkable ability to resist reform, even under the most trying of circumstances. Just as Mugabe inexplicably clung on to the bitter end, the looting machine he is leaving behind may keep on running, regardless of the cost,” he opined.

The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, passed with bipartisan support in 2001, sets out strict conditions for US re-engagement, including the lifting of targeted sanctions and debt relief.

Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander, General Constantino Chiwenga are still listed among the roughly 200 individuals and entities sanctioned by the US Treasury Department.

To have their assets unfrozen and their ban on doing business with Americans lifted, they will need to convince US officials that they are no longer undermining democracy and the rule of law.

The US also has significant influence over the terms of any future debt restructuring or new loans. For the last two years, Washington has resisted British attempts to arrange a financial bailout for Mugabe.

“Before it agrees to a debt relief package, the US should insist on elections that are credible, free, and fair,” wrote Moss. – Daily News