A Chitungwiza man whose burnt family house was renovated by Prophet Walter Magaya is reportedly locked inside the house by his brother.

Antony Tole, 50’s brother Kim Tole, 45 along with his wife Tendai Chiyangwa are up against Prophet Magaya demanding the former to join their church in a dispute for control of the house.

Antony, who had mental disorders before Magaya prayed for him, disclosed to H-Metro that Kim and Tendai are locking him inside the house to prohibit him from attending PHD ministries service and feeding him through a window.

“Ndasuwa kuchurch, ndirikuswera ndakavharirwa mumba, zvekudya ndinopihwa zvishoma nepawindow ndozarurirwa kuti ndiyende kutoilet only,” said Antony begging H-Metro to take him to Prophet Magaya.

“Prophet Magaya has been buying groceries and making sure that electricity is paid up so that I enjoy Yadah TV programmes at home.

“My young brother and his wife want me to join Johaane Masowe Yenguwotsvuku and they are locking me inside the house while the wife conducts prayers for their followers.

“Please take me to Prophet Magaya, I am starving and being denied freedom daily. They threatened my church members who were spending time with me saying this is not a PHD house,” said Antony.

Kim unlocked the door to allow Antony time for the interview confirming that he has chased PHD members saying the house does not belong to Prophet Magaya.

“It is true I chased two men who were staying with Antony because they wanted to take this house as Prophet Magaya’s house,” said Kim.

“I understand that you managed to talk to Antony well, haapenge uyu akarova Amai chete saka aitanda botso, what I want from Prophet Magaya is money so that I manage to visit my mother’s relatives and settle the case.

“Prophet Magaya played his part by cleaning all the dirt Antony had but has no right to continue fellowshipping with him because he bought furniture and built the house.

“I want to benefit with my wife and five children also by staying in the house since Antony is still to marry and does not want to hear anything about having a wife.

“Born in a family of four children, Antony and I are the only ones still alive and I have the right to use the house not to be forced to join PHD because of the help we received.

“Ndakavatandinisa varume vaviri vaigara naAntony vakatiza vachisiya hembe dzavo ndodzandirikuregerera kupinda mumba macho uye Antony haatibvumire kupinda achiti imba yechechi.

“As we speak we are failing to buy electricity tokens, we want to travel to Bindura, Masembura villages to sell clothes which are in this bag to earn a living. Titakureiwo munotisiya kunaFourth Street,” said Kim.

Prophet Magaya who prayed for Antony in 2013 and built and fully furnished a two bedroomed house for him told H-Metro that his fears are that Antony might be attacked once again if Kim continues to deny him time to pray.

“It is my prayer that Antony receives total deliverance and remains rooted in the word of God since he received light and is back to his senses after prayers,” said Prophet Magaya.

“Antony was living alone with a mental challenge that forced Kim to relocate to Marondera with his family only to return after hearing that I had delivered his brother and built a new house for him.

“I assigned two prayer warriors to make sure they conduct counseling sessions and prayers to make sure Antony receives total deliverance, madhimoni anenharo kanaabata pfungwa dzemunhu.

“These prayer warriors were chased and they are still to get their belongings after Kim stood up against them.

“My fears are that evil spirits will attack Antony again for the word of God says; if evil spirits leave a person they wander in dry places and return to see if Jesus still exists where they were accommodated, if they find him without Jesus the Bible says the end of that person will be worse than before.

“Kim is stealing Antony’s salvation, freedom to what God has given him and abusing him by keeping him locked so that he does not have time to fellowship and pray with me.

“I never forced Kim to join PHD but Antony decided to join us after he received deliverance and he came back to his senses, what is their motive to deny him freedom of worship,” said Prophet Magaya.

However, one of the neighbours told H-Metro that Kim is after accommodating his growing family and wants to turn the house into a shrine.

“The house has been turned into a shrine by Kim’s wife, vanhu varikuswera vachishandirwa nemukadzi wacho ndiko kurikubva pressure,” said the neighbour.

“Antony’s life changed and we thank Prophet Magaya with deliverance, Kim is after accommodating his growing children and wants to make sure Antony leaves the house one way or another.

“We are praying for Antony’s freedom, arikuswera akachengetwa mumba kunge huku nekuti mukoma wake haatendi,” added the neighbour.

War veterans have hit back at President Robert Mugabe for criticising them during the burial of Retired Brigadier-General James Murozvi, saying the veteran leader should stop dividing Zimbabweans by making reckless statements.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association secretary-general Victor Matemadanda yesterday said Mugabe and his wife, Grace, had no prerogative of insulting other people.

“We had gone to mourn our departed comrade and, you know, at a funeral we should speak words of comforting and consoling, not to start insulting each other,” Matemadanda said.

“We don’t know why we are being insulted by the President, his wife or people close to him whenever they have an opportunity. We don’t know if this is their agenda to insult war veterans at every opportunity that they get.”

Mugabe, at Murozvi’s burial at the National Heroes’ Acre on Wednesday, said war veterans were not special and should not involve themselves in Zanu PF politics.

Matemadanda said Mugabe should not continuously seek to divide people through insults.

He said a clique within Zanu PF always ululated when war veterans were attacked and the former freedom fighters were puzzled why Mugabe continuously insulted them.

“This is our home and we don’t have any other outside Zimbabwe,” Matematanda said.

“If we retaliate against him, we will be labelled ill-disciplined, but discipline is not one way, such that when seniors insult juniors, it’s fine, but if we respond, we are called ill-disciplined.

“Why should the President think he has the prerogative to insult others and when we respond they say it’s treasonous?”

The firebrand war veteran wondered what Mugabe would benefit from by constantly denigrating former freedom fighters while reminding the veteran ruler that respect was earned.

He said Zimbabwe was their home and they also have a role to play in Zanu PF, as they fought to bring that party into power during the independence war.

Matemadanda said it was also regrettable that Mugabe was dining with people who fought on the Rhodesian side against those who helped him be the country’s leader.

He said this in reference to a number of top Zanu PF officials who had links with the Rhodesian government. – Newsday

Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Ambrose Mutinhiri is fighting for his political life as violence mars his bid to remain Marondera West lawmaker, NewsDay has learnt.

Mutinhiri’s son, Tafara, who is at the centre of a brutal attack on a Zanu PF activist for the second time in two months, yesterday claimed there was a sinister plot “to kill my father.”

“These people are fighting my father. They have tried to assassinate him using bottles in the past and these are the same people now engaged in this political mudslinging. You can write whatever you have,” Tafara said yesterday.

The Provincial minister’s son is accused of having brutally attacked one Frank Rwarasika, a Zanu PF ward political commissar, at a meeting in Marondera West’s Mahusekwa council offices on April 3. The meeting had been called to discuss reported claims that Zanu PF procedures were being usurped by activists eyeing Mutinhiri’s seat. On March 28, the Zanu PF youth league provincial deputy secretary for education, identified as M Hapazari, wrote to provincial chairman Kevin Mutsvairo requesting that the latter visits Marondera West.

“I write to request you as youth chair for the province to visit Marondera West constituency on a familiarisation and fact-finding mission to ascertain whether party business and activities are being adhered to in accordance with the rules and regulations stipulated in our party constitution,” Hapazari wrote.

Hapazari, in his letter, fingered senior party officials as well as a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative as being behind the chaos.

“I have observed with great concern the abuse and disregard of party procedures by senior party officials in the constituency, namely Cde Foster Gwanzura, a former provincial member, Mark Chiriseri, and CIO Chakadini. He has also been moving around the constituency with bouncers. As a concerned party leader of Zanu PF, I therefore, request your urgent visit to acquaint yourself with the real situation currently taking place on the ground. Your quick response would be favourable to help set the direction the province is heading,” Hapazari said.

Gwanzura declined to comment, saying: “I am not a party spokesperson and do not speak to the media.”

It was at this meeting that insiders said was attended by Mutinhiri and his son as well as other provincial leaders that fistfights reigned supreme.

“Hapazari’s claims were found to be baseless, but a clear attempt to stop people from campaigning against Mutinhiri. Rwarasika was one of those who spoke before he was brutally attacked by Tafara and other thugs. Rwarasika was detained for almost 12 hours by the group of 10 including Tafara and only rescued by police details,” NewsDay heard.

Tafara, however, denied assaulting Rwarasika.

“These people are accusing me of things that I did not do. You can ask anyone who attended. True, I attended that meeting, but nothing of that sort happened,” he said.

Mutinhiri’s son has a pending political violence case which he confirmed.

“Yes, police have summoned me and said they are investigating,” Tafara said.

Contacted for comment, Mutinhiri answered his mobile phone but went quiet when asked before cutting the call.

The case was reported at Mahusekwa Police Station’s Law and Order section under RRB 3038728 and NewsDay has a copy of a medical affidavit and report showing Rwarasika sustained “moderately serious” injuries and was now complaining of headaches, but strangely the police report claimed “no injury.”

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has begun steps appearing to clear Professor Jonathan Moyo of corruption allegations.

Higher Education Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo who has been accused by the Anti Corruption Commission of abusing public funds has held onto his defence saying that the ZACC is improperly constituted. Moyo has since found a backer ironically in the Presidential aspirant.

Zacc might have been set up to tackle corruption, but the body admits in its report that its officers have engaged in corruption.

Speaking in parliament this week, Mnangagwa says his report for the past year shows that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc)’s employees are corrupt. Mnangagwa also says the organization’s bosses splurged US$5,5 million on luxury homes, top-of-the-range cars and executive furniture at a time when the commission was being accused of doing little to fight corruption. A fortnight ago, four top managers were suspended for alleged misappropriation of funds.

Mnangagwa said the body owes the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) $5 million after corrupt staff members converted company cars to their personal use.

Mnangagwa’s report reads in part:

“Zacc has been indebted to Zimra to the tune of $5 million in tax arrears mainly due to corrupt practices. The commission established that the largest chunk of these arrears had accrued from vehicles bought by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), which were converted to personal use as retention vehicles for individual staff members who did not qualify at all for such vehicles, which were supposed to be Zacc pool vehicles.

“The vehicles were reportedly registered using staff members’ personal names and sold in violation of standing policy, rules and procedures. The report however failed to name the corrupt individuals in question. The report also said four senior managers at Zacc had also acquired a Zacc property at Number 872 Betterment Close, Mount Pleasant, in the name of their own private company.”

Terrence Mawawa, Rusape | Three cheeky men have been arrested for planting Mbanje at the local Heroes Acre.

The three were convicted and sentenced after pleading guilty to charges of planting the drug at the shrine.

The three, Abdulla Zachariah(38), Tafirenyika Marima(42) and Taurai Nyamudzura (27), all of Magamba Extension, were arrested last week. The trio also appeared in court last week.
They appeared before Provincial Magistrate, Elizabeth Hanzi facing charges of planting the drug inside the shrine.

The court heard that the trio destroyed tombstones and planted mbanje at the sacred place.
“You went to Makoni District Heroes and despite the fact that you knew the place was sacred, you proceeded to destroy tombstones at the district shrine. You then planted mbanje at the place,” the court heard.

The three initially claimed they were framed by their neighbours and later pleaded guilty to charges of planting mbanje.

They were realising a lot of money from selling the prohibited drug,the court heard.
“While you knew it was an offence to plant the prohibited drug, you wilfully grew mbanje for the purpose of making profit,” the court heard.

Marima was sentenced to three years in jail while Zechariah was slapped with an 18-month jail sentence.

Nyamudzura was ordered to perform 270 hours of community service.

Sources in Rusape told ZimEye.com the three were well known suppliers of the drug in the town.

Terrence Mawawa, Mwenezi| A 59-year-old man engaged in several sexual acts with his 14-year-old stepdaughter daughter and infected her with the deadly genital herpes.
The man appeared before Magistrate Honest Musiiwa last week. He was convicted after pleading guilty.

The man who comes from Village 6 Baloyi, under Chief Chitanga, cannot be named to protect the minor’s social status.

Facts were that some time in December 2016, the man took advantage of his wife’s absence from home and proposed love to the minor. The minor accepted the proposal and the man had sex with the juvenile on several occasions with her consent.

The matter was discovered last month when the girl’s mother became suspicious and set a trap for the two.

She then found her husband and her daughter having sex in the main bedroom.
She filed a police report, leading to her husband’s arrest.

Prosecutor Willard Chasi told the court that a medical report revealed the girl had been infected with genital herpes.

In mitigation, the man said he was in love with the juvenile. He pleaded for clemency from the court since he was on medication.

” I am on medication so it would be difficult for me to get proper care in prison,” he said.
The court told him he would be granted the freedom to take his medication while in prison.
He was sentenced to four years in jail for the offence.

High Court judge Justice David Mangota is offering his estranged wife of nearly 30 years, an unspecified number of goats as final settlement in their ongoing divorce proceedings.

Mangota has since applied to the court to have the divorce hearing conducted outside the public domain.

Mangota is divorcing Roselyne Grenny Mangota (nee Mdumo) over accusations and counter accusations of having divergent beliefs in the practice of cultural and mystical activities.

Mangota, in his summons for divorce, had been evasive about matrimonial property, saying the family had only livestock and personal movable belongings.

“The plaintiff’s claim against the defendant is for a decree of divorce and an order declaring that the plaintiff is the sole owner of cattle acquired during the marriage and the defendant is the sole owner of goats acquired during the marriage,” Mangota pleaded.

The judge, in his application filed with the High Court on March 31, seeks the court to bar members of public and the Press from attending his ongoing divorce proceedings. He is wary about salaries of judges and his private life getting into the public sphere.

Mangota, in his founding affidavit filed with the court, said: “In this application, I am seeking protection against publication of the legal proceedings in the above-mentioned divorce proceedings as well as this application.”

He added: “As I have indicated above, I am a judge of the High Court and it is my view that my and the respondent’s private lives should not be placed in the public domain. The maintenance and retention of my privacy is necessary to retain my stature in the eyes of the public whose matters I adjudicate.”

The application follows the parties’ failure to reach a divorce settlement at a pre-trail conference last month, automatically meaning the matter has to go to a full trial.

Mangota further intimated to the court that he was afraid that in the proceedings he would be forced to divulge his salary.

“As can be noted from the joint pre-trial conference minutes, the issue of maintenance forms part of the trial and it is evident that I will have to disclose my salary and, as a result, my salary would be awash in the Press. My salary as well as other judges’ (salaries) is a private issue which should not be publicised, but should remain a secret for the sake of the position a judge holds in society,” Mangota pleaded.

The application is likely to be heard when the High Court resumes after recess next month.

Mangota’s application follows Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Constantino Chiwenga’s similar application when he divorced his then wife Jocelyn. The application then was upheld and the divorce proceedings and settlement were barred from being published.

Mangota is being represented by Chihambakwe, Mutizwa and Partners in the proceedings while his wife has engaged the services of Beatrice Mtetwa. – Newsday

A DEMONSTRATION against outspoken Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene on allegations of denigrating Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed to take off in Mutare on Tuesday due to poor co-ordination.

Scores of Zanu PF supporters had been bussed from various districts in the province to demonstrate against Chimene and the party’s Manicaland chairman Samuel Undenge over poor governance of the province.

By late afternoon, some Zanu PF supporters were still at the Courtauld Theatre open space where they were pondering their next move.
Social media had been awash with messages, urging people to join the demonstration which, however, flopped.

A perceived Undenge rival in Chimanimani East, Brighton Muchuwa, who is the provincial secretary for economic affairs, was accused of bussing supporters to Mutare for the demonstration.

“Provincial war veterans chairman Gift Kwageda is behind the bussing of Zanu PF supporters to Mutare for the demonstration from Mutasa,” a source said.

Chimene, who last year accused Mnangagwa of leading a faction in Zanu PF which was trying to topple President Robert Mugabe, was not answering her phone yesterday.

But Kwageda denied bussing people for the demonstration.

“I don’t want to say much about this because this is not our organ. I heard about the issue of the demonstration, but there were distortions. We had our provincial meeting at Courtauld Theatre, that is where we hold our provincial meetings,’’ he said.

“There is nothing like that. I never transported people. It was just our provincial meeting.’’

Muchuwa said he never planned the demonstration.

“I investigated the matter and it was coming from the women’s league. There were women singing and denouncing each other at Queens Hall,” he said.

“We had a meeting with war veterans over their welfare such as paying their children school’s fees. It’s just a misconception by some people.’’ – Newsday

The situation at Air Zimbabwe, where pilots and other professionals are working without contracts, is clearly abnormal and it beggars belief why the mandarins at the national carrier and the government let such an unnatural situation fester.

A man from Umguza district has been sentenced to six years in prison for striking his friend with an axe on the forehead after he demanded his debt in public.

Ian Ngwenya (29) of Helensvale Farm in Umguza struck Mr Consult Muzamba after he demanded his $23 when they were in a local bar.

A court heard that Ngwenya got angry and accused Mr Muzamba of embarrassing him in public by asking for his money.

Mr Muzamba sustained a deep cut and was rushed to a hospital.

Ngwenya appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza facing a charge of attempted murder.

He pleaded not guilty.

“I didn`t want to strike him, it was a mistake. I lost my temper your Worship,” said Ngwenya.

Mr Mabeza sentenced him to six years in prison but suspended two years for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime.

“You will serve an effective four years in prison. If you are owing someone money you have to come up with a plan and pay the complainant`s money rather than striking him with an axe.

“You have to respect others,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Jeremiah Mutsindikwa said on April 8 at around 5PM, Ngwenya struck Mr Muzamba with an axe on the forehead. – State Media

Tsholotsho flood victims will be relocated to their new stands by Independence Day next week, the Government has said.

The construction of toilets at the new sites, which has been holding the relocation, is expected to be complete before April 18.

The villagers were displaced from their homes by floods which hit the southern parts of the country more than two months ago.

National chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), who is also the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere visited the Tshino area on Wednesday together with Tsholotsho North MP Professor Jonathan Moyo, who is also the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development and the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Patrick Zhuwao.

Minister Kasukuwere said the Government was aware of the plight of the flood victims in Tsholotsho and other areas around the country.

“Our plan is to move the flood victims from the transit camp to their new stands in the coming week. A toilet will be constructed at each stand and the families will move with their tents so that they assist in the construction of their homes.

“We’re treating this situation with all the urgency it deserves. We know the plight of the flood victims, especially those at the transit camp at Sipepa Hospital. It’s not healthy for our people to stay at a transit camp. Their social lives have been seriously affected,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

He commended the youth ministry for mobilising youths to assist in the construction of toilets adding that all the building material required will be made available.

“We’re grateful for the initiative taken by the ministry of youth. The assistance from the youths will go a long way not only in accelerating progress but in training them. We’re also happy with the assistance that we’re receiving to restore the lives of people and our infrastructure that was destroyed by the floods.

“We received $1 million from China, mackerel fish worth $1,2 million from Namibia, $20 000 from CBZ Bank to reconstruct one of the destroyed schools, tents, clothing, water purifiers and food from non-governmental organisations and well wishers,” he said.

Minister Kasukuwere said the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education needed assistance in building a clinic and a school in the area as well as extending the existing schools to cater for all the pupils.

Prof Moyo commended the national CPU for its involvement in the relocation process, saying it has made a difference in clearing stands and accelerating progress.

“The living conditions at the transit camp have disrupted the dynamics of family life. We have 10 families accommodated in one tent and this has caused serious problems. We’re therefore addressing a problem that is developing regarding the need for the cohesion of families.

“It’s now all systems go. The movement of the families to the new stands will make them participate in the construction of their homes,” said Prof Moyo.

Chief Mathuphula commended the ministers for their enthusiasm and called for well wishers to continue supporting the flood victims.

A total of 300 stands were pegged at Tshino and Sawudweni areas in Ward Six of Tsholotsho North constituency to accommodate 859 flood victims sheltered at a transit camp at Sipepa Hospital in Tsholotsho.

In the past week, the stands were being cleared with assistance from youths mobilised by the National Youth Service. – State Media

The body of regent Chief Dakamela from Nkayi in Matabeleland North Province who died two weeks ago in the United Kingdom was expected in the country last night ahead of her burial in Matobo tomorrow.

Born Hleziphi Dakamela, the regent chief died in her sleep at the age of 73 at her daughter’s home where she had gone to visit.

Nkayi District Administrator Ms Matildah Mlotshwa said regent Chief Dakamela will be buried at Matopo Mission’s graveyard where her late husband was buried.

“Chief Dakamela of Nkayi who passed away last fortnight will be buried on Saturday at her late husband’s home in Matobo, Matabeleland South province at the mission,” said Ms Mlotshwa.

The Regent Chief was born in 1944 in Mbada village in Nkayi.

She trained and worked as a teacher in Dakamela until her time of retirement in 2004, the same year she became a regent chief, taking over from her brother Khura Dakamela who died in 2002.

Following his death, he was supposed to be succeeded by his son, but at that time he was a minor resulting in his sister being chosen as the regent chief.

The regent chief, who was widowed, is survived by three children.

She was found dead by her grandchildren two weeks ago in the UK as they prepared to go to school.

Ms Mlotshwa said the district lost a leader who contributed to the upholding of the district’s culture and traditions.-  State Media

Three men who were armed with guns and tasers pounced at a farmhouse in Colleen Bawn and got away with more than $1 000 and two cellphones after firing a warning shot, police confirmed yesterday.

The suspects, who are on the run, broke into the house located at Burntkraal Farm on Wednesday at around 8PM and threatened occupants by firing a shot into the roof before temporarily paralysing them using tasers.

A source at the farm who preferred anonymity said family members who were in the house surrendered all the cash they had at home and in their tuck-shop, as well as their cell phones.

The source said it is suspected that the armed robbers are the ones who also broke into a house at Mapheza Mine last week, threatened mine employees by firing a shot into the roof before getting away with gold and cash worth more than $3 000.

“It is suspected that the gang is behind other robberies in the same area. They use the same modus operandi. We suspect it is one gang which is terrorising the community,” said the source.

The source said when the robbers pounced at the house at Burntkraal Farm, the owner, Mr James Matshe, was sleeping in the bedroom while his wife and son were counting money in the sitting room.

“The trio asked about Matshe’s whereabouts, pretending to be his business associates. His suspicious wife told them to leave immediately. One of them drew a pistol from his back and threatened them, demanding cash,” he said.

One of the armed robbers, said the source, fired a gun shot into the roof demanding money.

“They quickly produced over $700 that they had hidden and handed it over to the robbers. The other two robbers produced tasers and electrocuted the woman and her son, demanding more money. They also took away the woman’s cell phone.

“Fearing for her family’s lives, the woman then went to the tuckshop and collected more than $300 and handed it over. When they returned to the house from the tuck-shop they found Matshe, who had been awakened by the gun shot, now in the sitting room,” said the source.

“They electrocuted him too as they searched his pockets and only found his cellphone which they took away. They disappeared into the dark after the armed robbery and haven’t been arrested yet.”

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident.

He said no arrests have been made so far and investigations are underway.

“Three unidentified men broke into a home in Colleen Bawn and robbed family members of more than $1 000 and two cellphones. They also used some tasers to electrocute the family members.

“The robbers are at large and we are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to assist the police,” said Insp Ndebele.

He warned members of the public against keeping cash at their homes or business premises as this attracts robbers.

“We urge members of the public to bank their money and avoid keeping valuables with them. We also warn people not to resist armed robbers’ instructions to avoid being killed or injured,” Insp Ndebele said. – State Media

No sooner has Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the NPA four-year strategic plan under the theme “Combating Crime and Corruption” in Harare yesterday, than reports emerge of mass resignations in the body.

The state media reports that National Prosecution Authority is facing manpower crisis following the resignation of 24 law officers over the past two years without replacement, a development likely to paralyse operations of the authority.

Acting Prosecutor-General Advocate Ray Goba said as it stood, two law officers were serving notice while four others were discharged from the service, bringing the total number to 30 and all without replacement.

Adv Goba made the revelation while addressing a gathering at the launch of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Four-year Strategic Planning in Harare yesterday.

Adv Goba blamed the massive resignations on poor working conditions.

He urged Government to urgently intervene and curb the flight of professional staff.

“We are informed by the Treasury that the situation is likely to remain the same until a new structure is approved,” said Adv Goba.

“I would like to implore Government to address the situation urgently to prevent a complete breakdown in staff morale and paralysis of operations as this will have the unintended consequence of facilitating criminal activity with impunity.”

The NPA became operational in 2015 following the enactment of the NPA Act.

It has 261 permanent staff, 213 are seconded staff of a total current complement of 461 personnel across the country.

Of the total, 378 are in prosecution while 96 are in administrative posts.

The seconded members are drawn from other Government ministries, offices and agencies including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Prisons and Correctional Services and Defence.

Adv Goba said he was grateful for the assistance offered as without that help, operations of the NPA would at this juncture be severely curtailed.

He assured the public that the seconded staff members were Zimbabwean patriots carefully chosen to provide skills in areas the NPA was deficient.

“This is a temporary arrangement and they have been providing tremendously valuable service,” he said adding, “These seconded officers happen in fact to be among the most disciplined employees in the organisation.”

Adv Goba, however, said the NPA has developed an establishment structure that is under consideration by the Civil Service Commission and Treasury.

He said once the structure is approved, their immediate task would be to align the structure to the strategic plan and to cascade the strategy down to every level of the organisation.- State Media

Harare City Council has rescinded its decision to sell a Newlands commercial stand to mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni after Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said the decision bordered on abuse of office and self-aggrandisement.

Clr Manyenyeni and Minister Kasukuwere last year clashed over the decision, with the mayor claiming that the minister hurriedly withdrew privileges for councillors to buy commercial or industrial stands to “fix” him.

He said the allowances, perks and privileges of councillors were provided for by a policy from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

According to the minutes of the 1861st Ordinary Council Minutes, the then deputy mayor Clr Christopher Mbanga reported that council was in receipt of Minister Kasukuwere’s letter regarding the rescission of the council resolution made by the Finance and Development Committee.

Harare City Council wanted to sell the Newlands commercial stand to Clr Manyenyeni for $106 000.

Acting chamber secretary Mr Charles Kandemiri read the contents of the letter and council resolved: “That council notes the ministerial directive dated November 29, 2016 on its resolution regarding the sale of Stand 19554 Harare Township, to His Worship, the Mayor for a sum of $106 000.

“That, in view of resolution above and in terms of Section 314(1) of the Urban Councils Act, the resolution recorded under item 10 of the 1858th ordinary Council Minutes regarding the proposed sale of Stand 19554 Harare Township to His Worship, the Mayor be and is thereby rescinded.”

Recently, Government withdrew all privileges for councillors to purchase commercial or industrial stands.

It cited rampant abuse of the facility by some councillors who were allocating themselves several stands and profiteering in the process.

In a circular written to all urban local authorities Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Permanent Secretary Engineer George Mlilo said such stands should be allocated on the basis of waiting list or by public tender.

“Following various abuses and misinterpretations of Circular No 1 of 2016 dated 17 February 2016, the minister has, in terms of Section 112 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), set new perks for councillors which come into effect immediately,” he said.

“As a result, circular 1 of 2016 and circular 12 dated November 4 are hereby repealed and replaced.” – State Media

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has with immediate effect ordered retailers and wholesalers to limit the cash-back facility to a maximum of $20 as it tightens cash flow supervision to promote the use of plastic money, curb money laundering and tax evasion.

Handlers of large amounts of cash like retailers and wholesalers will now be required to deposit huge amounts of money in banks within 24 hours of receipt while keeping records of all their business transactions.

The Central Bank also outlawed the three tier pricing system where different prices are quoted for cash, RTGS and point of sale customers.

In a statement yesterday, the apex bank said it had set up a policy framework that seeks to instil discipline in the retail and wholesale sectors in line with the Bank Use Promotion Act [Chapter 24:24].

“Any cash-back facility made available by retailers and wholesalers shall not exceed an amount of $20.00,” read the statement.

“Retailers and wholesalers shall be enjoined, in compliance with the provisions of the Bank Use Promotion Act [Chapter 24:24], to bank the cash generated from their businesses and maintain records of all transactions (including purchases, sales, discounts and banking).”

To protect retailers and wholesalers from failing to restock, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said suppliers should not demand cash from them.

“In line with the need to promote financial transparency, banking and the use of plastic money, manufacturers and suppliers of goods, including fuel, should not demand cash for any goods supplied to retailers and wholesalers. In that regard, any dispensation and matching arrangements previously granted to certain sectors are hereby revoked,” read the RBZ statement.

It said the policy is guided by the operating environment of retails and wholesales that constitute the largest circulators of cash transactions.

The bank also reiterated its commitment to promote convenience for the public while dealing with money laundering and tax evasion.

“In drawing up the framework, the Reserve Bank has been guided by the realities of the prevailing trading patterns, whereby retailers and wholesalers are an integral stakeholder in the overall circulation of currency in light of their interface and linkages with manufacturers (suppliers) and the general public (consumers) through the distribution of various commodities,” read the statement.  The central bank said it was important for retailers and wholesalers to follow the regulations guiding their operations, to ensure the smooth circulation of currency in the economy and ease of transacting.

The RBZ said to ensure the policy is followed, it will increase access to Point of Sale (POS) machines.

The bank said the three tier pricing system will not be tolerated.

“Retailers and wholesalers shall sell any particular product for the same price irrespective of the mode of payment and desist from multiple pricing of goods on account of mode of payment (cash, Real Times Gross Settlement (RTGS) and Point of Sale or a combination of any two or more of them).”

“For the avoidance of doubt, retailers and wholesalers shall not charge any premium for the sale and purchase of their wares on the basis of mode of payment. Similarly any cash or quantity discount shall, in accordance with best practice, be granted in the normal course of business and not on the basis of the multiple pricing system.”

The country is experiencing serious cash shortages which have seen people queuing for hours to withdraw as little as $50 daily- when cash is available- at banks.

To address the cash crunch, the RBZ has promoted the use of plastic money.

Last year, the central bank also introduced bond notes as a means of dealing with externalisation of the US$.

The measures provided temporary relief before the queues resurfaced.- State Media

Preliminary investigations into the death of 13 hippos in Binga’s Mlibizi area suggest that the deaths could have been due to anthrax.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) said DNA tests are being done to confirm the findings.

“At least 13 hippos have died in Binga since 27 March 2017 and preliminary findings have shown that there were traces of bacteria that causes anthrax in the samples that were analysed. DNA tests are being done to confirm the findings,” said Zimparks spokesperson Mr Simukai Nyasha.

“We have put in place appropriate measures to suppress the spread of the disease and this includes making sure that the carcasses will not be opened up and monitoring the remains until the situation normalises. This also includes stopping people from consuming the meat as we encourage those in the affected area to quickly seek medical assistance if they suspect any symptoms of anthrax.”

He said Zimparks and its partners who include the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Management Agency, Campfire as well as the Binga Rural District Council had strengthened awareness campaigns in the entire Binga District.

“A team involving the traditional leadership including Chief Saba, Binga RDC and others are already educating communities on the dangers of consuming meat from the dead hippos and also on general wildlife conservation issues,” Mr Nyasha said.

The first carcass was discovered on March 27 in the Kavira Forest and the number has risen to 13.

Over the past three years, hundreds of elephants have died due to suspected cyanide poisoning allegedly administered by poachers in Hwange National Park and the Zambezi Valley.

Some illegal hunters have been arrested and charged with poaching and possessing cyanide.- State Media

Staff Reporter| National People’s Party leader, Joice Mujuru has been advised to get a boyfriend.

Mujuru was told there is nothing wrong with being seen with a boyfriend since her husband, Solomon has passed away. Women politicians lamented the sexualisation of women in the media, boldly stepping forward to declare that they are sexual beings with feelings too.

MDC MP Priscilla Misihairabwi says she told Mujuru to liven up to life and not worry about what people may say or do. These revelations were made during the LIVEBLAST program hosted by Grace Kwinjeh Thursday night featuring the subject: Woman President Of Zimbabwe Part 3. BELOW IS THE FULL VIDEO:

It was always Nozipho Kula’s dream to be married by the age of 40.

Nozipho’s father, Sydwel Kula, said his family was embarrassed by what had happened.

“I invited the whole village to witness the lobola ceremony as my daughter said there would be many cows, expensive brandy and other gifts. Only three thin cows arrived and instead of brandy we got Oros and a bucket of umqombothi,” he said.

When contacted for comment, Sihle denied lying to Nozipho.

“I have always been a gay man but when she offered me that huge amount of money I couldn’t resist. I’m going on holiday to Mozambique with my boyfriend of five years,” he said.

“I don’t owe Nozipho anything. She’s a bully who made me poke her more than three times a day.”

Warrant Officer Khwezi Njemla said Nozipho should go to the Small Claims Court.

-Daily Sun

The international community wants President Robert Mugabe’s successor to bring prolonged stability to Zimbabwe, renowned author and academic Stephen Chan has said.

The country is mired in a deepening economic crisis characterised by policy inconsistency and worsening poverty. The problems have been exacerbated by factional fights in Zanu PF between a group associated with Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the G40 camp which has coalesced around First Lady Grace Mugabe.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Southern African Political Economy Series dialogue meeting in Harare last week, Chan — a professor of international relations at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies — said stability is the most important requirement by both China and the West.

“The West is so anxious for stability here and so are the Chinese,” Chan said.

“If you ask the Chinese what is the one big thing that should happen in Zimbabwe, they will say they need stability. Anyone who brings stability, whether it is Mnangagwa or someone else, and has the support to ensure that there is stability going forward, that person will be welcomed by both the West and the East.”

On the succession matrix in Zanu PF, Chan said a senior figure in Zanu PF was likely to take over from Mugabe.

“It has got to be somebody who can command the loyalty of the majority in Zanu PF and be able to give sufficient political favours to those who do not like the candidate,” Chan said. “It cannot be a junior person who does not have a trading position.”

He said Mnangagwa appears to be the most viable candidate to succeed Mugabe because of the failure by G40 to find a candidate to contest him. Chan added that this was the reason why the British have spent so much time thinking of Mnangagwa as the potential successor.

“This is why the poor British ambassador (to Zimbabwe Catriona Laing) was accused of favouring Mnangagwa. She wasn’t (supporting Mnangagwa), it was just that she had no other name to report to Whitehall,” Chan said.

The renowned author and academic said should Mugabe retire or be incapacitated “tomorrow” Mnangagwa was likely to take over in the interim. However, said it was difficult to determine who will lead over the long term.

On the prospect of Grace taking over from Mugabe, Chan said there is concern over her lack of leadership experience.

“What we worry about is her lack of experience in terms of running governmental office,” Chan said. “She has never held a ministerial portfolio. What she does not know is that you just cannot command something; the country does not jump to command it has to be run in a very scientific way. (United States President) Donald Trump is learning the hard way in America. If she is elected, she has to learn fast. She may not be fast enough to master the difficulties of running the country.”

On the mooted coalition by opposition parties to contest against Zanu PF in next year’s harmonised election, Chan said their ability to campaign together would determine whether they would appeal to the electorate. He said Britain’s exit from the European Union would result in reduced aid for Zimbabwe as the country provided a significant chunk to the aid money provided by Europe. – Independent

Police officers have joined scores of illegal gold diggers hacking away at the verdant hills in remote Matabeleland South, glimpsing an opportunity to shore up their meagre salaries, but inflicting an intractable problem of environmental degradation.

Speaking in the Senate last week, MDC Senator for Matabeleland South, Sithembile Mlotshwa, called on government to combat rampant illegal gold mining that has sucked in cops.

She said her territory has been plagued by illegal mining, as police officers continue to cut down trees, tear up hillsides, and poison rivers with mercury in their search for gold.
She said there was a gold rush in Bubi.

Mercury — a toxic liquid metal used to separate gold from grit — has become a growing cause for concern, with the substance polluting water sources and entering the food chain through fish in polluted rivers.

Mlotshwa called for long-term solutions based on having more people on the ground, graver punishments and a focus on those hiring the miners and supplying equipment. She inquired if there was a law to stem the scourge.

Home Affairs deputy minister Obedingwa Mguni said the law is there in the Standing Orders of the commissioner-general of police that cops should not be involved in pirating taxes or gold mining.

“On that, we need to work together as a forum and the community if we see such people doing that and inform the commissioner-general of police so that the person may be guided or disciplined in line with the law.

“If we say these people are in charge of implementing the law and they are the ones found breaking the law, it does not work out well.

“Even the residents can help us so that those who are involved in such activities, we take measures against them so that the law is upheld,” Mguni said.

Mlotshwa said: “Honourable minister, looking at what you have just said, I see that the police are being allowed by you to be involved in such activities. If you do not allow that, the police would not be involved in such activities…Even if you see them doing such activities, you will not arrest them. What are you going to do?”

Mguni said police have arrested some cops in Bubi who have since been discharged from the service.

“If we find a police officer involved in such activities, we discharge them from service,” he said. “We do not allow them to be involved in corrupt activities. If an officer disobeys the law, we will reprimand them. We have laws to correct such anomalies.”

It is estimated that there are between 300 000 and 400 000 artisanal miners in Zimbabwe, most of them unskilled, under-equipped, with little appreciation of the environment and using rudimentary methods and processes to extract minerals.

Official estimates show makorokoza produce around 25 percent of approximately 1 500 kg of gold produced in Zimbabwe per month and sell it to local dealers at cut rates below the market.

Government is pushing for amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act regulating the small-scale miners by urging them to formalise their operations, apply for official mining concessions with environmental permits and pay taxes. daily news

The celebration of Easter is based on several misunderstandings.
The New Testament gives no grounds for Christian fellowship and worship on Easter.
Objections that are commonly made against Easter have merit.They show the domination of the Western culture and the enforcement of the same unto us covered in religion.

The first issue is the word ‘Easter’ itself.
(Of course, this objection is valid because the word for this Christian spring festival in other languages has no connection with the word ‘Easter’.) We should remember that the resurrection of Jesus was celebrated in the spring for centuries in Christendom before the word ‘Easter’ was adopted as a label for this festival in the English language. The fact that this was done for a long time does not make it right.
Nonetheless, the word ‘Easter’ is derived from the name of a Germanic goddess of spring, Eastre.
The English monk, Venerable Bede, who lived in the 8th Century, popularised this view. So Easter becomes a worship of a Western ancestor.

To make it credible, the coloniser had to package it in a Christian value to make sure that it would gain acceptance in all Christian worlds. The King James Version translators certainly did not have the word ‘Easter’. They actually translated the Greek pascha, or Passover, in Acts 12:4. Passover should not be mistaken for Easter. Easter is clearly an ancestral worship of a German goddess which was transported to us. It should be known that Christians are not celebrating Jesus, but are unwittingly worshipping an ancient pagan deity when they participate in such activities as Easter sunrise services.
If you attempt to celebrate your own ancestors, you are viewed as a Satanist yet in our churches the ancestors of Europe are given to us packaged as Christianity.
No matter how many times the word Easter is used, it remains a pagan worship used by the Western world to stupefy and soil our trust in God.

Another explanation is that Easter derives from an old German root, ostern, for dawn or east, which is the time and place of the rising sun. This makes more sense as a reason a day commemorating Jesus’ resurrection would have begun to be called ‘Easter’. Jesus is thought to have risen around dawn or sunrise on resurrection Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2).
Easter is actually a word used for worshiping the sun; all the Christians have been fooled to worship the goddess of the Sun.

We have many words in the English language connected with ancient gods.
For example, our word ‘cereal’ comes from the name of the ancient goddess of agriculture, Ceres. The word ‘cloth’ comes from Clotho, the spinster goddess who was said to spin the thread of life.
The word ‘hymn’ is thought to come from the god of marriage, Hymen, and in ancient times meant any song offered in praise or honour of a god or gods. But when we use ‘hymn’ in church services, we mean a song sung in praise of the one true God.
In connection with the word ‘Easter’, the concept of an Easter sunrise service is also labelled as pagan by the serious Bible scholars. Ezekiel 8:14-17, describes individuals with their faces toward the east, worshipping the sun. This practice in Ezekiel, is spoken of as idolatry and an abomination in God’s sight. Easter is a replica of this vain worship in ancient Israel which has been imported in our present life.

However, in Ezekiel, the individuals were forsaking the worship of the true God, as is evidenced by them turning their backs on the temple of the Lord (verse 16).
They were purposely worshipping the sun.
When Christians attend an Easter sunrise service they worship the sun disguised as worshiping Christ. The dawn or rising of the sun has great symbolic value in that it reminds them that Jesus is the dawn of our salvation, and that he had risen on a Sunday morning along with the sun, so to capture the allegiance of the Christians they worship both the sun and the Lord.
It becomes clear that in an independent era, we still are engrossed in the cultures of the former colonisers.
Did pagans worship the sun, though?
Yes, of course. Pagans worshipped many things, including stars, the moon, many animal specie and even the earth itself.
Devout Christians see this, and sometimes confuse ancient forms with modern substance. Yet, what is often overlooked is the fact that many of the practices God commanded for ancient Israel had previously existed in paganism.

Temples, priests, priestly vestments, incense, animal sacrifices, harvest time as the lynchpin of festivals – these and other forms used in pagan worship systems found their counterpart in Israel’s worship system given by God.
The reality is the devil imitates God and people follow the imitation. We should explain one other major objection to Easter. What seems particularly offensive to some people is the use of coloured eggs at Easter. A related objection has to do with references to rabbits, which are known for their prodigious reproductive capacities.There was never an egg on the resurrection. Of course, it is quite evident that pagans used eggs in rituals and ceremonies dedicated to their gods, and in fertility rites.

But let’s first ask why eggs might have been used in religious activities. They are certainly a symbol of new life and thus would have been a ready metaphor of fertility. Since nature comes alive in the springtime, we shouldn’t be surprised that eggs may have been associated with festivities at this time. It certainly is also true that many of the pagan fertility rites were associated with abominable practices such as temple prostitution and other revelry.
No wonder condoms are found in churches on these celebrations. Fertility is something God himself commanded.
He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). Children are a blessing from the Lord. So is an abundance of livestock and fish. The ancients were not wrong in understanding the key role of fertility in life, nor in knowing that sex and reproduction are gifts from God. What they erred in was worshipping the created rather than the Creator, and then worshipping in ways that were abominable to God – such as in fertility revelry, which included temple prostitution.
But is there something inherently evil about eggs or rabbits?
In fact, eggs are hardly thought of in a religious way at all in modern times.
The egg-rolling festivity is merely a secular time of fun for children, and not Christians.
We put chocolate bunny rabbits in Easter baskets, but they have no Christian religious association.

True, the Bible nowhere tells us to celebrate Easter. But, as mentioned earlier, when Israel added Hanukkah and Purim to its religious calendar – events that celebrated God’s saving acts in Jewish history – these were acceptable to God. Jesus attended temple worship during Hanukkah, then called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22).
The Jews added the synagogue and its traditions, and nowhere is this said to be displeasing to God.In John 7:37 it is widely recognised that Jesus made reference to the Jewish water-drawing ceremony, which pictured the salvation they looked for.
Jesus did not condemn this ceremony but used it as a convenient vehicle for explaining that he was the one who would bring true salvation. These were not taken after gods or goddesses.

How can you honour God by naming his day after what is abominable.
The church also has no freedom to add to its calendar festivals that celebrate God’s redemptive acts through Jesus while taking abominable names.

“Fake Imaginary Creatures by a manipulative crook seeking human attention”

“An individual should know that the most fascinating creature on earth is none but themselves”

A 15 year old boy drowned on Tuesday in the Manyame river and a mermaid has been blamed for it.

Three men were in 2014 killed in Chinhoyi’s Hunyani river which stretches to President Robert Mugabe’s home area, a development local community leaders claim is due to angry mermaids which are attacking and abducting men who encroach the river. In addition to these incidents, certain black Zimbabwean workers five years ago refused to perform work on two dams desperately

needed by local communities in Mutare and Gokwe  complaining that ‘Mermaid creatures’ were stopping them from switching on the pumps. Following their refusal, a group of workers of white race origin were assigned by the then Minister of Water Resources to the site. They came back saying that they do not want to do the job. Are Mermaids real, and are they not part of a highly sophisticated political plot to possess and control a community through fear and terror?

Minister Sipepa Nkomo told ZimEye following the publication of the mermaid claims in the state owned Herald:

“I saw the story in the Herald and I did not actually say the words that they said about me. All I reported was what I am getting from my staff,” he said.

In this expose, Bulawayo preacher Steven Blomefield explains his experience with so called “mermaids”.

“In 1989 I dealt with a woman at Biri dam who felt compelled to dive into the dam, allegedly by a mermaid called ‘Masvikasei’. After the evil spirit was removed she was able to collect water from the dam. However, it shows that this problem affects both men and women, and that this problem has been happening for decades.” [SEE Blomefield’s full commentary]

This article is the second in a series which explores the truth about Mermaids

ZimEye religion correspondent Edson Gwende argues:

There is no such a thing. No such creature exists. These are mere Human beings playing witchcraft and then claiming to be coming to us as “Mermaid” creatures. How come these creatures have never been caught on camera? The purpose of all this is to create uncertainty and fear; Once there is fear, then a cunningly devised religion can using that fear be formed and SOMEONE somewhere receives the worship of mankind. That someone is not God, but is certainly the devil himself!

The Devil loves attention; especially the attention that can be obtained from human beings who are in reality God creatures. Once the devil obtains that attention, he from it receives raw fascination, because God almighty has forever turned his face against him, so if he can get attention from human beings, then he has accomplished his mission of getting not only the attention a God creature(human being), but also the fear and subsequent worship from them. He obtains all this by creating uncertainty in the hearts of mankind.

Mermaid theory just like Ghost mythology, mythology which was created to steal the attention of mankind and through that attention and fear, demons can perchance obtain life and short live to be on planet earth.

To begin with, human beings are the only legal bosses who are also Lords over planet earth, and that is why Jesus had to become a human being, because there was no other way He would have achieved something in man’s world. He would have been an illegal entrant had it been otherwise. Human beings are really great creatures God himself even delights to listen to.

To be a human being is such a privilege and it takes a little bit of learning to perceive that.

When he created world, God set these laws in motion and as reflected in Genesis 1:27 and many other scriptural passages, which prove that man is really a God creature with ultimate authority over this planet next only to God Himself.

If you want to live a life of strength, read the Bible and pray for God to open your eyes. Through the Bible you will realise that the most fascinating creature on earth is actually none but you!

Staff Reporter | The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has out rightly refused to reconnect water supplies to Gwanda town as the town enters its 6th day without a drop of water today.

The water authority installed bulk prepaid water meters to the local authority’s main water reservoirs at the beginning of this month with only ten days water supply which was exhausted last week before demanding for prepayment from the council for water.

Since the temporary credit was used up, ZINWA has been demanding council to purchase at least $170 000 worth of water half of which will be automatically be deducted from the payment towards a ten million dollar debt council owes to ZINWA.

The local authority has been unable to raise the amount demanded by the water authority leaving the town dry for six days to today.

Meanwhile, the Gwanda Residents Association has written to council demanding for an urgent tripartite meeting involving the residents, council and ZINWA. The residents have threatened to go on a massive demonstration demanding ZINWA to exit the dual administration of the water supply in the town.

Meanwhile health authorities in the town have warned of a possible cholera outbreak in the town as residents are forced to use the bushes to relieve themselves.

Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi | In a callous act that has stunned the local community, three brothers here took turns to rape their 15-year-old relative.

The girl had been left in the custody of the trio since her grandmother had gone to Mberengwa. The three, Isaac Hove(18), Wilfred Hove (22) and Tichafara Hove (32), appeared before senior Chiredzi Magistrate, Judith Zuyu, facing rape charges last Friday.

On an unknown date in June 2016, the minor’ s grandmother went to Mberengwa and left the girl in the custody of the trio. On the same night the girl went to her bedroom to sleep.

In the middle of the night Isaac entered the girl’s bedroom, produced a knife and threatened to kill the girl if she screamed. He undressed her, took a condom and raped her.
The minor cried for help to no avail.Wilfred also dragged the minor, pushed her to the ground, took a condom and raped her.

Tichafa later entered the same room , produced a condom and forcibly inserted his manhood into the juvenile’s private parts. The girl told her grandmother what had happened but she accused her of lying.Her grandmother ignored her complaints and she also threatened her.

The brothers then abused the girl several times until she told her father who advised the minor to inform her teachers at Chisase Secondary School. The teachers reported the matter to the police, leading to the trio’ s arrest.

The three were remanded out of custody and they will appear in court at a date yet to be set.

Terrence Mawawa, Chivhu | At a time the government is struggling to pay civil servants, it has emerged that village heads hand picked by the First Lady Grace Mugabe, are receiving full salaries – thereby creating a huge bill the treasury is struggling to fund.

According to a confidential government document leaked to reporters in Chivhu last week, the government is struggling to pay civil servants because traditional leaders are secretly getting cash ahead of regular workers. Ironically all the village heads who are receiving cash ahead of government workers are from Mrs Mugabe’s home area, Chikomba District.

Senior civil servants here also disclosed they could not do anything to rectify the matter because of political implications.

“We have been instructed to channel at least $20 000 per month towards the payment of village heads in Chikomba District alone. The village heads are being paid cash at a time the country is grappling with economic woes. We are just getting orders from individuals who work in the First Lady’s office,” said a government official who declined to be named.

Government sources said the powerful First Lady was working with some officials at Chikomba District Administrator’ s office.

Although sources close to the First Lady claimed she was using her own money to pay the village heads, government sources maintained the money was coming from the already dry state coffers.

The scam was unearthed by a team of government auditors who were also threatened with dismissal by the First Lady.

Mrs Mugabe is using state cash to pay village heads as she positions herself to replace her ailing 93-year-old husband, President Robert Mugabe. There are claims the dreaded First Lady is clandestinely paying traditional leaders- using state cash- across the country.

Chaos reigned supreme in Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial structures over the fight to have national political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, fired, with the ruling party’s Midlands executive joining the fray.

Kasukuwere, regarded a leading figure in a ruling party faction known as G40, has been under the cosh over allegations he has been setting up parallel party structures in preparation for unseating President Robert Mugabe. But his lieutenants seem to be fighting back, especially in his home province.

Mashonaland Central provincial spokesperson, Fredrick Nhaka, all but confirmed the chaos.

“They tried to hold a joint meeting of all structures, not a PEC (provincial executive committee), but failed to raise a quorum. However, they went ahead with the meeting attended by largely youths.

“They were 57 of them out of 120 members at 40 from each wing. For us, it is a continuation of the G40 agenda to usurp the party and, in particular, the presidency. They are now operating like the opposition,” Nhaka said.

“We have given them final warnings, but we know, for them there is no turning back. They tried to hold an inter-district meeting in Mbire, but were stopped by the police. However, they defied police orders at Mushumbi Pools.”

Contacted for comment, Kasukuwere’s brother and under-fire Mashonaland Central provincial chairman, Dickson Mafios, said he was in a meeting, with Zanu PF slogans being chanted audibly in the background.

Insiders told NewsDay yesterday that a number of provinces, which were yet to deliberate on the motion, were likely to meet in the coming days.

“There has been communication from the top ordering provincial executive committees to meet and endorse the petition,” a source said.
Midlands Zanu PF provincial spokesperson, Cornelius Mupereri, confirmed that the provincial executive would be meeting.

“It is true, I have just been advised by the chairperson (Daniel Mackenzie-Ncube) that there will be a provincial executive meeting tomorrow (today) to discuss issues affecting the province. I am not certain about the agenda as yet,” he said.

“The issue of the petition is only a small fraction of the business that the provincial leadership might discuss. There are bigger issues we would be seized with, but I am not saying we will not attend to such things.”

Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Ephraim Chengeta, denied his executive would be meeting.

“I am at the National Heroes’ Acre and I have not been told of any such meeting, not for now,” he said.

In Matabeleland South, chairperson, Rapelang Choene, dismissed claims his executive would sit to consider the anti-Kasukuwere petition.

The reports of a fresh impetus in the campaign against a beleaguered Kasukuwere come as Mafios insisted he was still in charge of Mashonaland Central.- Newsday

Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) pilots and many other professionals are working without contracts amid reports of low morale at the national carrier, Parliament has heard.

A Bulawayo bus driver who raped and impregnated his step daughter (13) before trying to assist her terminate the pregnancy appeared in court yesterday.

The 37-year-old man from Cowdray Park suburb who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze facing rape charges. He was remanded in custody to April 28 for trial.

Prosecuting, Ms Caroline Matanga said between January and March this year, the man took advantage of his wife’s absence and raped his step daughter on three different occasions.

The court heard that sometime in January on an unknown date at around 8AM, the complainant was left home with her younger brothers by their mother who had gone to buy farm produce for resale.

The accused person who was sleeping in his bedroom allegedly called the girl on the pretext that he wanted to send her somewhere.

“When the complainant went to the accused person’s bedroom, the man – who was wearing a pair of jogger shorts – locked the door and pushed the girl to the bed,” said Ms Matanga.

The girl tried to resist but the accused person allegedly overpowered her and went on to rape her. After raping the girl, the accused person allegedly ordered her to leave his room. He also threatened to assault her if she reported the matter to anyone.

In February this year, the complainant’s mother left her daughter in the custody of the accused person to attend a funeral service in the rural areas.

The court heard that later in the evening, the man invited the complainant to come and sleep with her siblings on the floor in the bedroom.

During the night, the accused person allegedly woke up from his bed and raped his step daughter while the other children were fast asleep.

During the month of March while his wife was at her vending stall, the accused person also allegedly invited the complainant to his bedroom. He allegedly forced the girl to lie on the bed and when she tried to scream, he threatened to assault the complainant before raping her.

On realising that she was pregnant, the complainant allegedly informed her step father who promised to buy her abortion pills.

The complainant’s mother became suspicious after her daughter told her that she had missed her monthly period. On quizzing the complainant, she revealed that she had been raped by her step father.

A report was made to the police leading to the accused person’s arrest. – State Media

The High Court has ordered a Bulawayo woman whose late mother owed Mater Dei Hospital more than $34 000 in unpaid medical bills, to pay the money or face 60 days civil imprisonment.

The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese follows summons for civil imprisonment filed by Mater Dei Hospital which sought to execute a judgment ruled in its favour to recover the money.

The debt emanates from medical services and drugs supplied to the late Ms Reginah Ncube by Mater Dei Hospital between November 8 in 2014 and March 4 in 2015.
Ms Ncube was admitted to the Roman Catholic-run hospital during that period for an undisclosed ailment before she later succumbed to the disease.

Justice Makonese said the deceased’s daughter, Ms Kathleen Van Ginkel of Malindela suburb who bound herself as surety, is obliged to either pay $34 008,80 or face civil imprisonment of up to 60 days in jail.

In papers filed at the Bulawayo High Court, Ms Van Ginkel has been cited as the defendant under case number HC 43/17.

The judge ordered Ms Van Ginkel to pay the hospital $2 000 by April 30 this year after which she should pay not less than $300 per month until she clears the debt.

“It is ordered that the defendant (Ms Van Ginkel) shall pay plaintiff (Mater Dei Hospital) the sum of $2 000 which shall be recovered from Clarion Insurance Company by April 30, 2017. Civil imprisonment is hereby granted against the defendant for 60 days on condition she pays $2 000 and a monthly payment of not less than $300 from April 30, 2017 until the whole amount of $34 008, 80 is paid in full,” ruled Justice Makonese.

“The defendant is called upon to pay the plaintiff the sum of $34 008,80 with interest at the prescribed rate from 8 July 2016 to the date of full and final payment. You are required to pay the money by virtue of a judgment obtained against yourself in Bulawayo on 14 September 2016 under which you were ordered to pay the sum of $34 008,80 with costs on an attorney-client scale,” reads part of the summons.

“If you (defendant) fail to pay the sum specified above ($34 008,80), you must appear before the High Court at Bulawayo … to explain why you have not paid it and to show cause why an order of your imprisonment should not be made on account of your failure to pay.”

Ms Van Ginkel was in September last year ordered by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Francis Bere to pay the money together with interest and legal costs incurred by the hospital.

Mater Dei Hospital had through its lawyers, Coghlan and Welsh Legal Practitioners, approached the High Court seeking an order compelling Ms Van Ginkel to pay her late mother’s medical bill.

According to the court papers, between November 2014 and March 2015, Mater Dei Hospital rendered hospital services and supplied pharmaceutical drugs and medication to the late Ms Ncube. In terms of the agreement entered between the hospital and the defendant, Ms Van Ginkel bound herself as the surety for the medical bill.

The money was due upon Ms Ncube’s discharge from hospital. – State Media

An old lady hunched over a heap of scruffily folded blankets, leaning closer to the opening of a tent rested on the sandy soils at Sipepa Transit Camp in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province.

The tent opening let in day light, which she used to absorbedly crochet a blue, pink and white doily.

She firmly held the crochet hook with wrinkles boring her hands — resembling the many struggles she has been through her long life.

Gogo Zodwa Sibanda now lives in a dusty old tent with 29 other people after her home was swept away by devastating floods that hit parts of Tsholotsho about two months ago.

She and other villagers from Mahlosi, Mahlaba, Thamuhla, Mbamba, Mele, Lutshome, Maphili and Mbanyana have had to call the dark, overcrowded tent home.

A couple of blue mosquito nets dangle from the roof of the tent in which Gogo Sibanda has to sleep – on the uncushioned ground covered by thick black plastic. There is little or no ventilation. Each person has a spot just enough to rest their back at night.

“Some villagers have been moved to smaller tents where they live as families but we’re yet to get ours. They keep promising that they’ll give us our own tents but we’re still waiting,” said Gogo Sibanda who would not lift her eyes from the doily she was crocheting.

The tents she referred to are barely big enough for one person but house families of up to nine, which have nowhere else to call home. They have no option but to pack themselves in the shelter like sardines. Privacy remains a dream. A figment of their imagination. The tents are so close to each other such that there is hardly any walking space in-between them.

Although clean running water is easily accessible at the transit camp, the few pit latrines available are almost full posing a serious health risk to the camp dwellers whose patience is wearing thin.

“We now want to go back to our homes because we had planted some crops there. We want to harvest our sorghum; it wasn’t all washed away by the floods. We’re not saying we don’t want to be relocated to the new stands, we’ll go but not before we go back to our homes to harvest our sorghum. We’re not worried about more rains. The rainy season is over. Even if it rains, it won’t be as heavy as it was when we got displaced. And if it rains heavily, we now know when it’s time to evacuate and move to higher ground,” said Gogo Sibanda.

She acknowledges that flooding is a perennial problem in Tsholotsho but says she will only be ready to move after her sorghum is harvested.

“The transit camp is habitable but we want to go back to our homes and harvest our sorghum. Our hard work can’t go to waste just like that. We also have cows and goats that need to be taken care of. I’m worried because there’s no progress at the new stands. There’re no boreholes or reliable sources of water, there’s no school or health facility. It’s a difficult situation. Even if we go to the new stands, they’re in the middle of nowhere.  What will we drink? We can’t leave our boreholes to go and drink water from ponds,” said Gogo Sibanda as she adds white bits of thread to her crochet work.

Some villagers have been secretly leaving the camp to visit their homes and tend their crops and livestock. Whatever is left of them.

Family members take turns with some men said to have started rebuilding their homes. They shuffle back and forth their houses and the camp where they are guaranteed regular meals.

“We don’t have challenges with food and water here right now. In fact, we have food in surplus but we just want to go back home. We’re tired of living in this place,” said Gogo Sibanda.

Tsholotsho villagers have for years resisted moving from the flood-prone area which has often been hit by floods but after the tropical storm that caused floods that displaced them two months ago, they are ready to make the switch. But only if they are provided with water and adequate infrastructure at what would be their new home.

“People no longer visit us here. They’ve forgotten about us. Just after the floods, there used to be so much activity around here but now people barely visit us. We’re worried they’ve forgotten about us. We now feel abandoned and have no one to care for us. No one is updating us about the relocation that’s why we’re now thinking of going back home and harvest our crops. But we really want the new stands as long as they provide us with water and infrastructure,” said Mr Cosmo Ncube, another camp dweller. “Although we haven’t been shown the new stands, we really want them,” he continued.

One is greeted by so much awkwardness and restlessness upon arrival at Sipepa Transit Camp but somehow, the spirits of children have not been crushed by the uncertainty they stare in the face every day.

It is the beauty of innocence. While their parents and guardians worry about moving back home, money, food and good health – all they think about is the next game to play.

They are covered in dust from head to toe with their bright eyes beaming with hope. They walk around barefoot, dressed in ragged clothes but because they are children, their little voices never go quiet.

“I’m just grateful that we were moved from our flooded homes in good time. It’s extremely uncomfortable here; you know how it is when you’re overcrowded. They say they’ll build us a kitchen, toilet and a room to sleep but we haven’t been told when this will happen,” said MaNkala, who owned a shop and lost her wares to the floods.

She said authorities responsible for their welfare promised that they would not be resident at the camp for longer than three months. Two months down the line, however, they wait to see whether or not Government can meet the deadline. “My shop was destroyed by the floods and I lost everything. I really just can’t wait to leave this place and start rebuilding my life,” said MaNkala.

While agitation and disquiet permeate the camp, Sipepa Township Shops, a stone’s throw away from Sipepa Rural Hospital where the transit camp is located reverberates with so much life.

On a Monday afternoon, “Swag Turn Up” by Jamaican dancehall artist Busy Signal played loudly from big, black speakers set on the veranda of one shop as school children from the nearby Sipepa Primary School passed outside for a quick listen.

At around 1pm, some men had started trickling in to drink the seemingly popular 1,5 litre Chibuku Super. Next on the playlist was Gobisiqolo by Bhizer featuring Busiswa, SC Gorna and Bhepepe.

It later emerged that the township shops provide distressed villagers the much needed relief from the indeterminate, depressing life they have had to contend with over the past two months.

Although the rains have ceased, some parts of Tsholotsho remain inaccessible by road. Roads to Mahlaba and Mbanyana are water-logged making it impossible for vehicles to drive through.

The swift response by the Air Force of Zimbabwe in evacuating the villagers saved lives in Tsholotsho, but the Government remains with a mammoth task of relocating the flood victims to safer areas as a permanent solution to minimise the impact of floods.

Tsholotsho North MP Professor Jonathan Moyo recently said the flood victims might stay at the camp for six months as the Government needs time to mobilise resources to build new homes, a clinic and a school for them in Sawudeni and Tshino villages.

While they wait for this intervention, the flood victims, most of them women and children, need functioning health care, sanitation and hygiene, safe water, and healthy food supply to counter other disasters such as disease outbreaks, increase in defaulter rate for those living with HIV and Aids, re-infection and new infections.

A total of 234 Tsholotsho households have so far agreed to relocate to Sawudeni Village where 94 stands have already been pegged to accommodate them.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere recently said as a long term solution, the Government was working on modalities to relocate the victims to high ground to avert future disasters.

“The Government has resolved that, as a long term plan, we must move our people to higher ground in an area that has been identified by the local authority. We’ve agreed with the local chief and we’re now mobilising the Government departments, council and other stakeholders including the community so that we build permanent structures. Some of those who were affected by the floods are old people and they need to go back to their normal lives. We’ll bring on board the Civil Protection Unit and some of our partners,” said Minister Kasukuwere.- State Media

By Staff Reporter | Zimbabwe’s militant Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora, has announced that he wants a complete overhaul of textbooks countrywide.

He said he does not want to see any more textbooks written by foreigners.

From now on all textbooks should be re-written from scratch by local Zimbabweans, everything else thrown into the dust bin, and Zimbabwe start to have its own Child of The Soil textbooks.

ZANU PF is full of “brainy” politicians – it was at first: “Ivhu kuvanhu,” today it is Ivhu kuvana!” (at first the Dust to the people, now it is the Dust to the Children) during the period when the United Nations’ number 4 most powerful, prosperous food economy worldwide- Zimbabwe was reduced to a beggarly desert where people die daily.

ZANU PF through it’s Education Minister has offloaded another brilliant negative – to “burn down” every foreign authored textbook and start writing our own books.  Although the state media says this is a mere change of textbook printing, the same government media reveals that it is in fact a complete overhaul of the education system this time in the area of text book authoring.

Zimbabwe’s militant Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora has announced that he wants a complete overhaul of textbooks countrywide. He said he does not want to see any more textbooks written by foreigners. From now on all textbooks will be re-written from scratch by local Zimbabweans, everything else thrown into the bin, and Zimbabwe start to have its own Child of The Soil textbooks.

The state media reports that Dokora is determined to see his plan carried out in the same way he last year banned voluntary club Scripture Union (although this was later reversed), and overhauled the entire education curriculum so that it accommodates the Islamic religion he says was Zimbabwe’s first religion at independence.

The state’s full text says: Dokora has suggested that there be an overhaul of text books within the education sector. Dr Dokora whose ministry is currently implementing the newly adopted curriculum at primary and secondary school level says the import bill for text books written by foreign authors is unnecessarily high and the education sector should start using locally authored text books.

He added that under the current system, examination questions have become so predictable. He said such a situation has killed creativity on the part of teachers and students. Dr Dokora made the indication at Kutama College during an Arts Teachers Association of Zimbabwe third annual conference.

Meanwhile, arts teachers attending the conference raised concern over the sidelining of arts by school authorities and noted that most schools and authorities are failing to allocate resources for arts education. The conference was held under the theme ‘The New Curriculum- Arts Education Today and The Future’.

A family from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo has turned to the courts in South Africa demanding the exhumation of their son’s body after his ex-girlfriend allegedly facilitated his burial in their absence amid suspicions that he may have been poisoned.

Njabulo Siziba (40) who was based in Estcourt, South Africa, died in the neighbouring country after a short illness on April 1 and his ex-girlfriend, a South African and her family buried him last Saturday despite his family’s disapproval.

Njabulo’s family has since hired a lawyer to take the matter to South African courts for their relative’s body to be exhumed.

Their lawyer Mr Sipho Ngubane confirmed the matter yesterday but declined to give more details.

“I’m assisting a family from Zimbabwe in a case where their relative, Njabulo Siziba, died mysteriously and was buried by a family unknown to them. I can’t give more details at the moment,” said Mr Ngubane.

Njabulo’s father Mr David Siziba said his son fell sick after visiting his ex-girlfriend, the mother of one of his four children Ms Nobuhle Luvolwethu Siyaya to see his child a few weeks ago.

He said when he returned home he suddenly fell sick and died.

Mr Siziba said his family suspects that his son was poisoned.

He said following his death, Ms Siyaya rushed from her home in Richards Bay to Estcourt and kicked out a woman who was now living with his son, only identified as Nompilo.

She reportedly registered Njabulo under five life insurance companies where she was the beneficiary in all of them.

“She kicked out the woman who was staying with Njabulo at the time of his death and immediately took over the funeral arrangements. When we arrived from Zimbabwe two days after Njabulo’s death she had already organised the burial order, death certificate and place of burial,” said Mr Siziba.

“It’s fortunate that we were escorted by the police to the area. The woman had organised violent men who immediately threatened to attack us if we tried to stop the burial. She told us that we could only join the burial but not collect the body. She claimed that Njabulo told him he wanted to be buried in Eshowe when he dies. She also said all his property belonged to her.”

He said they left to get a court order to stop the burial, but she proceeded to bury his son in the absence of his relatives.

Ms Siyaya refused to comment on the issue yesterday. – State Media

A-31-YEAR-OLD man from Nkayi had an axe stuck more than five centimetres into his skull, endured more than 160km of bumpy roads to hospital where it was surgically removed about 14hrs later and still lived to tell the tale.

The axe was delicately balanced on brain matter and doctors allegedly told the patient the odds of his survival were one in a million. – State Media

Norton legislator Mr Temba Mliswa yesterday traded insults with MDC-T legislators, insinuating they lacked respect for national heroes after they failed to attend the burial of Brigadier-General James Jotham Murozvi at the National Heroes Acre before the House sat.

Mr Mliswa raised the ire of MDC-T legislators when he moved a point of order during debate on the plight of former workers of Shabani Mashaba Mines.

“I am from the Heroes Acre and the MPs are not respecting the heroes of our country,” Mr Mliswa said, before quoting the preamble of the Constitution, which extols the virtues of the gallant sons and daughters of the country that sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.

“We have committed ourselves to the Constitution, but we are not respecting the sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives,” he said. “Joshua Nkomo (the late Vice President) is there and Josiah Tongogara (late Zanla Forces commander) is there, so this must transcend our personal differences and issues and we should behave like Zimbabweans.”

MDC-T legislator for Bulawayo East Ms Tabitha Khumalo began trading insults with Mr Mliswa over the matter.

Mr Mliswa said the lack of respect for national heroes contributed to the opposition party’s successive losses in elections.

Highfield East representative Mr Erick Murai (MDC-T) argued that people had different ways of mourning.

“We are all black and share the same culture and we mourn in different ways, therefore, we should respect each other,” Mr Murai said.

Acting Speaker Mr Rueben Marumahoko had to order Sergeant at Arms Mr Nicholas Marufu to warn Mr Mliswa and Ms Khumalo of their conduct. – State Media

By Staff Reporter | The National People’s Party led by Joice Mujuru continues to fall apart with more reports of violence in the Bulawayo structures.

Sources told ZimEye that, “Anele Ntulik and Tk (security team) assaults Hiram Moyo as they delievered an illegal suspension letter. Moyo had to send both guys scurrying for cover as he defended himself. Situation was so tense, Ntuliki had to report a false case of assault alleging his teeth had fallen off.”

The sources say Moyo is currently locked up at Central Police station.

Meanwhile, Mujuru has suspended the Bulawayo leadership that was supporting Cuthbert Ncube in the just ended primary elections.

PC Bulayani, Vice PC Mhlanga and Vice President S Nkomo are said to be brains behind the suspensions.

The suspensions come after Bulawayo provincial congress to elect leadership has been suspended since 25th of May with no explanation.

Since then, the suspended people have been vocal in asking leadership to accord people of Matabeleland a chance to vote but to no avail.

The Zanu PF Mashonaland Central executive has begun procedures to drag before a disciplinary hearing members who participated in demonstrations to force the ouster of political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere and his brother, Dickson Mafios, the provincial chairman.

Mashonaland Central secretary for administration Wonder Mashange yesterday said the province had set in motion processes to discipline executive members, among them deputy provincial chairperson, Kazembe Kazembe, for flouting party procedures, among an array of allegations of misconduct.

He said the decision was reached at the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC) meeting held in Bindura on Monday. The meeting was reportedly attended by 82 out of the 120 members, who form the PEC. Thirty-five youth executives were also in attendance, according to the register seen by NewsDay.

The meeting came after Kazembe and seven other executive members — Remigious Matangira, George Makunde, Glovas Dzapasi, Christopher Chitindi, Jonah Ngwenya, Alfred Mafunga and one Nyamadzawo — held their own meeting last Tuesday to allegedly plot Kasukuwere and Mafios’ ouster.

Mashange said the Monday meeting resolved to institute disciplinary proceedings against the eight for holding an illegal meeting.

“Their meeting was unconstitutional. Zanu PF procedure is very clear. A PEC meeting is called for by the chairperson, even if there are allegations against him. This was not the case with their meeting,” he said.

“They handpicked members to attend the meeting, beefing up their numbers to have a quorum with people who are not in the provincial executive.”

Mashange alleged many of the demonstrators were from other provinces, mostly Harare.

He claimed the eight PEC members defied President Robert Mugabe who had ordered, through Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo, that the demonstration and meeting be stopped.

Mashange said MPs also claimed they participated in the demonstration after receiving threats. Kazembe could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Harare youths have also reportedly written to Chombo claiming they were forced to attend the meeting in return for money and residential stands in Budiriro. Newsday

Terrence Mawawa, Mwenezi | Opposition MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, faces a possible revolt in his party for attempting to impose party candidates ahead of next year’s elections.
Party members are unhappy with the release of a template containing rules and regulations on primary elections.

Angry party members have said the template is a ploy by Tsvangirai and members of the National Standing Committee to field their preferred candidates at the expense party cadres at grassroots level.

The template effectively bars junior party officials from participating in the primary elections.
Provincial MDC members said they would vehemently oppose Tsvangirai’s bid to subvert the will of the people.

“We are a democratic party and we will not tolerate dictatorship. How can they say senior officials will go unchallenged? These guys are behaving like Zanu PF leaders,” said a provincial member.

Some party members threatened to vote for Zanu PF in protest against the imposition of candidates.

“There are some individuals who have been sponsoring Tsvangirai so he wants to reward them for bailing him out,” said a member of the Masvingo Urban Constituency District Executive Committee.

Tsvangirai has also been accused of falsely preaching democracy while trampling on the very tenets of people driven leadership.

“There will be voter apathy if they stick to the provisions of the template,” warned another party official.

MDC national spokesperson, Obert Gutu dismissed claims that the template had been released.

“No template has been released as yet.All our structures will be notified accordingly in due course,” said Gutu.

President Robert Mugabe has reportedly ordered Harare City Council to ditch French company, Veolia Africa, initially shortlisted to refurbish the city’s water treatment plant, on allegations that the firm has a questionable global reputation.

Instead, the Office of the President and Cabinet recommended that the city engages Chinese firm, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), for the same project.

According to minutes of the council’s environment committee meeting held on March 27, 2017, the decision to dump the French company followed an adverse report made by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Paris, Rudo Chitiga.

“A letter was received from the Office of the President and Cabinet through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing wherein Zimbabwe’s ambassador to France, Rudo Chitiga, had alerted government on negative sentiments the world over about Veolia Africa’s capacity and inefficiency in managing water in Paris, resulting in the company’s contract being withdrawn for inefficiency and overcharging,” part of the minutes, which are set to be tabled before a full council to be held soon, read.

The minutes state that council had done its due diligence on the company and had entered into a memorandum of understanding for a possible contract that would have seen Harare revamping its water distribution system.

“Following discussions, it was resolved to recommend that council notes the letter from the Office of the President and Cabinet on the status of Veolia Africa. That council rescind its decision of the environment management committee dated June 13, 2016,” the minutes read.

Harare currently relies on antiquated, pre-independence water infrastructure to distribute water to its population of three million people.

This has caused many areas to go for years without water, with some for over 12 years.

Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, CMEC is into the international engineering contracting business, while Veolia is a transnational civil engineering giant based in France.

Veolia has activities in four main areas, namely water management, waste management, public transport and energy services.

It is quoted on the Euronext Paris and the New York Stock Exchange.- Newsday

Throwing spikes at moving vehicles is illegal and police officers manning roadblocks found engaging in such practices will be dealt with accordingly, Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said yesterday.

According to the police, spikes should only be placed in front of vehicles when police officers suspect the driver might not stop at a roadblock.

The sentiments also come after legal experts and transport operators recently said the use of spikes by police to enforce compliance was uncivilised, as there were other modern and effective methods of traffic control and management.

In an interview yesterday, Snr Asst Comm Charamba said it was wrong to throw spikes on vehicles and urged members of the public to report such incidences.

“Spikes are not thrown at moving vehicles,” she said. “Our officers are trained to place spikes in front of vehicles where they have suspicions that the driver may fail to stop and anyone who throws a spike, that is wrong. You are supposed to place a spike.

“Some of the spikes are already there at                                  roadblocks, on the far left side of the road and they will be permanently laid down on any particular road where the police officers will have set up roadblocks.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said there were two types of spikes; those that were laid down at roadblocks and others that were placed under vehicles if there was any suspicion that drivers might want to evade a road block.

She said the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Obedingwa Mguni was correct when he recently said that no police officer was allowed to throw any spikes at moving vehicles.

“When somebody throws spikes we have a clear way of reporting any misconduct,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba. “We have got our National Complaints desk where you can phone on (04) 703631 and report such officers, that is if that happens.

“You can also report to the nearest police station. You ask to see the Officer-in-Charge, the Officer Commanding District or the Officer Commanding Province. But no spikes are thrown at moving vehicles at all costs.”

Deputy Minister Mguni said Government would invoke Section 38 of the Criminal Law to punish the offending officers.

Reads the law: “Any person who — (a) throws or propels or prepares to throw or propel any missile, article or thing at any person, motor vehicle, boat, aircraft or building with the intention or realising that there is a real risk or possibility of causing damage or injury; or (b) without lawful excuse, the proof whereof lies on him or her, overturns or attempts to overturn any motor vehicle, boat or aircraft. . . shall be guilty of obstructing or endangering the free movement of persons or traffic and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years or both.”

He said members of the public who witness the “dangerous practice” should take video or picture evidence, so that the cops could be punished in the courts.- State Media

The establishment of a permanent High Court here is in line with the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) mandate to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of justice to the people, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.

Addressing journalists after touring the construction site of the upper court yesterday, Chief Justice Malaba — who was accompanied by JSC secretary Justice Rita Makarau — said the setting up of the court would make justice accessible to the community.

“We always talk in the Judiciary about bringing access to justice to the people,” he said.

“This is a demonstration of the fulfilment of that principle; not just on the part of the Judiciary, but on the part of Government as a whole.

“This is a remarkable development, not only in respect of the fulfilment of a broader programme, but in respect of the satisfaction of the aspirations of our people.

“In this regard, we are talking about the wishes of the people of Mutare and Manicaland as a whole. Bringing a High Court like this decentralises services and ensures also efficiency in the delivery of services.”

Chief Justice Malaba said people from Manicaland were incurring huge costs to seek justice at the High Court in Harare.

“They had been placed in a situation where they have to decide whether its worthy to pursue a matter . . . and at the end of the day, a litigant will give up not because he or she has no faith in the strength of his or her case, but because he or she is discouraged by the costs of having to travel all the way to Harare to get justice,” he said.

“Therefore, we are bringing justice to the door step of the people. Having taken tour of the building I am greatly impressed by the standard of work that is going on in this building.

“To me, the structure itself and the work being undertaken can only attest to a very high standard and to a qualitative building befitting to the kind of service that is going to be delivered from this building.”

Chief Justice Malaba said construction work was expected to be completed by June.

After touring the site, he held a conference with stakeholders in the legal fraternity at the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, where he implored them to ensure efficient service delivery.

“Let’s focus on qualitative deliverance,” said Chief Justice Malaba. “The efficiency in delivering justice does not mean delay. If a case is delayed, judgment is delayed and that is an injustice; simple and straightforward.”

Justice Makarau said the new High Court would be paperless, as it would concentrate on e-filing.

“We are going to start this here in Mutare and it will be our pilot project,” she said.

“I would want to urge the Mutare community to actually make use of this new court.

“Legal practitioners who have matters that are in Harare we ask you to identify them now so that once this court is operational you transfer all those cases to Mutare. We don’t want you to keep on going back to Harare.”

“I have said by Third Term, which begins around September or October, this High Court should be opened.” – State Media

Police here yesterday stopped residents from demonstrating against the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (zinwa), whom they accuse of triggering month-long water shortages dogging the town.

The Combined Residents Association (CRA) had notified the police of their intention to march to the local zinwa offices to hand over a petition calling on the parastatal to hand over the administration of water to the town council.

Police turned them down, citing security reasons for fear of a repeat of violent demonstrations that left key infrastructure destroyed in July last year.

Beitbridge residents, most of whom survive on cross border-related projects, ran riot last year after Government removed some basic commodities from the open general import licence (OGIL).

People now need to apply for permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for them to import specified basic commodities from South Africa.

There was heavy police presence in all the crime hot spots area of the town to prevent incidents of violence yesterday.

“The behaviour by zinwa is deplorable,” he said.

“They have failed to run our water and hence we have a petition signed by over 2 500 residents, who no longer have faith in the parastatal.

“They installed bulk water meters in the town against residents’ and town council’s will.

“In addition, their water charges of $0,92 per cubic metre is unreasonable. To make matters worse, our water administration is being handled by someone who is in Bulawayo.

“We feel it will be better to have the issue of water being handled by the town council, which is readily accessible whenever we have grievances.”

Chairperson of the Beitbridge Residents Association (BRA), Ms Rumbedzani Ribombo said it was absurd that zinwa was charging $7 000 for the town’s supply of water.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was yet to get information on the intended demonstration.- State Media

Palestine has hailed Zimbabwe for its unwavering and continued support of its cause in the wake of continued aggression by Israel in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution recognising it as an independent state.

The UNSC urged respect for the rights of Palestinians in the establishment of just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Taghrid Senour said the good bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Palestine had strengthened the Palestinians and ensured they remain optimistic that they will be free from Israeli occupation.

Mrs Senour said this during a meeting he had with Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga to whom she had paid a courtesy call at the ruling party’s headquarters.

“There are many things that unite us,” she said.

“We are happy with the support that we have been getting from friendly countries like Zimbabwe through President Mugabe. With your support we know that the freedom of Palestine will eventually be realised.”

Mrs Senour said they were keen to strengthen relations with the Zanu-PF Youth League. She rapped Israel, saying it had continued to occupy Palestine in areas like West Bank.

In an interview soon after their meeting, Chipanga said Zanu-PF youths will soon pay a reciprocal visit as a way of strengthening their relationship.

“We are quite excited by the visit of Her Excellence the Ambassador,” he s aid.

“We share the same challenges, mainly that of meddling by Western imperialists. Palestine’s sovereignty is under attack from imperialists, so we discussed ways to deal with that.

“We will soon welcome a delegation of youths from Palestine and that will be followed by a reciprocal visit by members of our Youth League. We want to strengthen our already existing bilateral relations.”

Chipanga said they agreed to revive the International Anti-Imperialism Youth Organisation in their attempt to forge alliance to fight the scourge from Western powers. The other area they discussed, said Cde Chipanga, was how to strengthen cooperation in areas like agriculture, especially horticulture.

Two weeks ago, Mrs Senour held a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

During the meeting, Adv Mudenda rapped the international community like the United Nations Human Rights Commission and International Red Cross for not doing enough to address the Palestinian question.

He urged the Arab world to speak with one voice in dealing with the Palestine question in the wake of occupation by Israel.- State Media

An education inspector who allegedly killed his estranged wife who was a lecturer at the Midlands State University (MSU) in an alleged infidelity row has been indicted to appear for trial at the High Court on May 15.

Fred Nyamhanga Shavi (68), of Southdowns Suburb in Gweru, appeared before Gweru Magistrate Judith Taruvinga and was indicted on one count of incitement to murder and another count of murder for trial at the Gweru High Court Circuit.

The second term of the Gweru High Court circuit is expected to run from May 15 to May 26.

Shavi, a Midlands provincial education inspector under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, was not asked to plead.

He allegedly incited two people to kill Prosper Maburo for allegedly being in a relationship with his estranged wife Netsai Ncube (48) who was a lecturer at the MSU Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Wildlife Management. Shavi subsequently murdered her.

Prosecutor, Mr Lloyd Mavhiza said on February 22 last year, Shavi approached Mthokozisi Dube and Gift Lunga at Insukamini, Lower Gweru and asked them to kill Maburo for him.

Shavi allegedly complained to Dube and Lunga that Maburo was having an extra marital affair with his wife.

“Shavi promised to pay the duo $600 each and a vehicle if they would be successful in killing Maburo. Dube and Lunga reported Shavi to Gweru Rural Police. A trap was set resulting in his arrest,” said Mr Mavhiza.

On count two, on February 27 last year before he could be arrested for plotting to kill Maburo, Shavi allegedly had a misunderstanding with Ncube since he was suspecting that she was cheating on him.

Mr Mavhiza said Shavi struck Ncube three times on the head using an iron hoe and she fell to the floor while they were home at number 33 Wentworth Road, Southdowns in Gweru.

“The accused then fled to Sanyati area leaving behind the now deceased in a pool of blood. The accused later phoned his relative Xmas Mutero who rushed to the scene and found Ncube in a pool of blood. Ncube was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead,” he said.- State Media

A-56-YEAR-OLD man died on the spot after he was hit by a vehicle while sitting by the road side in Gwanda outside his home along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road on Sunday evening.

Milton Sibanda of Simbene village, under Chief Mabhena was hit by a Mazda Bongo which was being driven by Moses Nyengera (60) of West Nicholson at around 7PM at the 85 KM peg along the highway.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said Nyengera was assisting police with investigations.

“A motorist hit a 56-year-old man who was sitting at a road side outside his home. The driver of the Mazda Bongo was allegedly speeding and lost control of the vehicle as he approached the 85 KM peg. He swerved to the left and failed to stop, hitting the man,” he said.

Sibanda sustained serious head injuries and died on the spot.

“This is yet another accident that seems to have been caused by human error. We continue to warn motorists to observe safety regulations.

“We warn motorists to always concentrate fully when driving to avoid unnecessary accidents that may result in loss of lives,” said Insp Ndebele.

The accident comes at a time when police have appealed to motorists to observe road rules and regulations, especially during the Easter and Independence holidays to curb accidents.- State Media

MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday denied claims by National People’s Party (NPP) leader, Joice Mujuru that the two parties had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a grand coalition.

This came hardly a week after Mujuru told party supporters in Masvingo that she had signed an MoU with Tsvangirai, which would see the latter emerge as leader of the proposed grand coalition to challenge President Robert Mugabe in next year’s presidential race.

But, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, in a statement yesterday, said although his boss had opened up “fruitful negotiations with several political parties” over the past few months, he was yet to seal a concrete pact with any of the parties involved in the coalition talks.

“I wish to state that president Tsvangirai has not signed an agreement or a memorandum of understanding with anyone, even though he is currently engaged in fruitful discussions with several political parties, including the NPP,” Tamborinyoka said.

“Once the process of alliance talks and engagements is complete, president Tsvangirai will update party organs and the people of Zimbabwe on the outcome. We are alive to the fact that both these coalition talks and the next election are not about Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai or any other political leader for that matter.

“The next election is about the people of Zimbabwe post-Mugabe and their opportunity to lay the ground for an inclusive society well-poised for economic growth, stability, democracy and massive transformation of our governance culture.”

Tamborinyoka said any coalition was likely to go beyond just political parties and was also about forming strategic alliances.

“As president Tsvangirai, two weeks ago, told the national council, these alliances are likely to go beyond political parties to include key and strategic networks that we cannot divulge for now,” he said.

“Put simply, the next election is about the people and not the leaders, which is why president Tsvangirai is encouraging everyone, particularly the youth, to register to vote so that they can determine their own future and not outsource that precious future to anyone.”

Mujuru, whose party has been rocked by mass defections and resignations of top officials over the past few weeks, is on record confirming that her deal with Tsvangirai was already done.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding with Tsvangirai, which has a roadmap that we agreed on, which outlines the strategy,” she said in Masvingo last Thursday and NewsDay has an audio recording of the speech.

“We also tabled our differences and resolved them.”

Contacted for comment yesterday, Mujuru’s spokesperson, Gift Nyandoro appeared to have been caught flat-footed and was at pains to explain the contradictory statements by the two leaders.

Nyandoro blamed what he termed Mujuru’s unnamed detractors for fomenting “deliberate mischief” to “cause confusion and disharmony between MDC-T and NPP’s leadership and party supporters”.

“We have not signed any MoU with Morgan Tsvangirai and his party… She did not make such pronouncements, she did not endorse Tsvangirai as the leader of the coalition,” he said.

“These are deliberate mischiefs to cause confusion between MDC-T and NPP’s leadership and party supporters.”

The contradictions are likely to come as good news to Zanu PF, whose leader, Mugabe last Friday mocked the opposition parties’ “grand coalition”, satirically saying it would result in a “grand defeat”. – Newsday

Ray Nkosi | Defiant Sarah Mahoka and Sandi Moyo have challenged the First Lady Grace Mugabe to prove that they are thieves.

This comes after revelations that Zanu-PF will press criminal charges against the former Women’s League deputy secretary Eunice Sandi Moyo and secretary for finance Sarah Mahoka if they fail to remit the$100 000-plus which they allegedly extorted in Zanu-PF’s and Mugabe’s names, a senior official told journalists.

However, Moyo has come out to defend herself writing on her twitter account, and denying a Professor Jonathan Moyo link, ” I never received $20 000 from @ProfJNMoyo or ZIMDEF. If there is anyone who thinks otherwise please provide evidence.  If you are making such serious allegations about someone it is always important that you provide evidence to support your claim.”

Professor Jonathan Moyo is also accused of setting up Sandi Moyo’s twitter acount, a charge she denies.

She goes further to say, “If there is any prophet who gave me $100 000, may he pliz come forward. Why not name him/her.”

Meanwhile Mahoka tells the local Daily Newspaper that had she received such a huge amount of money from Prophet Walter Magaya, it would have been known. She challenges her accusers to prove themselves, ” I am not aware what money they are talking about. My hands are clean, I never took money from (Walter) Magaya. Kana newewo unofunga kuti pane munhu angatore mari yakawanda kudaro kumunhu anenge Magaya zvongorova (Even you, do you think that it is possible that anyone can take so much money from someone like Magaya and the issue just disappears from the public domain)?”

Staff Reporter |Outspoken female activist Linda Masarira has won a court victory.

Below is a statement by the Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights;

High Court Judge Justice Edith Mushore has paved the way for her to commence proceedings to challenge her conviction and sentence for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest in 2016 after granting her application for condonation to allow her to appeal against Mbare Magistrate Stanford Mambanje’s decision.

After Magistrate Mambanje convicted and sentenced Masarira in March 2017 to serve community service at Marlborough Clinic in Harare, the Clerk of Court at Mbare Magistrates Court refused to accept her appeal documents because she had not secured $150 to pay for security costs.

The time to appeal against Magistrate Mambanje’s ruling lapsed while Masarira had not yet secured money to pay for the security costs. This compelled Masarira’s lawyer Obey Shava of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights to file an application for condonation and extension of time within which to note an appeal.

In the application, Shava challenged the conduct of the Clerk of Court at Mbare Magistrates Court and asked the High Court to declare such conduct unconstitutional.

Shava argued that the Constitution provides for the right of access to courts and the right of appeal if one is not happy with the decision of the inferior courts, hence those rights should not be taken away because someone is poor and unable to pay exorbitant security costs.

A patient at Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo has been dragged to court for allegedly killing an inmate following a dispute over tobacco.

Bulisani Sibanda was yesterday not asked to plead to the murder charge and was remanded in custody to April 24 when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya.

The court heard that on October 22 2015, Sibanda and the now-deceased Chrispen Ncube were at Ingutsheni Hospital in Khumalo Ward, where they were kept in locked doors.

Ncube allegedly told the sister who was on duty that Sibanda had smuggled some tobacco in a match box into the room.

This allegedly angered Sibanda who later assaulted Ncube with clinched fists at the same time kicking him.

Ncube bled through the mouth, nose and ears.

Nurses at the institution then rushed to the room and found Ncube lying down and bleeding.

He was taken to the treatment room, where he was attended to by a doctor.

Ncube was later taken to the United Bulawayo Hospital, where he died on November 26 2015.

Sibanda was immediately transferred to Mlondolozi Mentally-Challenged Prison where he is now kept. – Newsday

The use of spikes by police to enforce compliance is illegal with no space in a civilised society, as there are other modern and effective methods of traffic control and management, legal experts and transport operators have said.

This comes as Government has said it is ready to invoke the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter IV, Section 38 to charge police officers who throw spikes at moving vehicles, who face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $3 000.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Obedingwa Mguni, said members of the public who witness the “dangerous practice” should take video or picture evidence, so that the cops can be punished in the courts.

Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) member Ziyambi Ziyambi said the use of spikes was in violation of both the Constitution and Section 38 of Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act).

Ziyambi said Section 52 and 53 provided for right to personal security and protection from cruel and inhuman treatment, while Section 38 of Criminal Law criminalise the obsctruction or endangering free movement of persons or traffic.

Section 38 of the Criminal Law reads as follows: “Any person who — (a)throws or propels or prepares to throw or propel any missile, article or thing at any person, motor vehicle, boat, aircraft or building with the intention or realising that there is a real risk or possibility of causing damage or injury; or (b) without lawful excuse, the proof whereof lies on him or her, overturns or attempts to overturn any motor vehicle, boat or aircraft. . . shall be guilty of obstructing or endangering the free movement of persons or traffic and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years or both.”

“When you throw a spike, you are clearly causing bodily harm or injury,” said Ziyambi, who is Zvimba West MP (Zanu-PF).

“Is that not cruel or inhuman treatment. I do not see where the practice or carrying the spikes is supported by any law.”

Ziyambi said police should use modern technology to deal with errant commuter omnibus drivers like scanners or tollgates.

Another PLC member,  Fortune Chasi, said there was need to strike a balance between the desire to enforce the law and protect the public.

“The police can and should not throw the spikes without regard to the law and safety of human life and property,” he said. “It is not fair to just blame the police.”

Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Zimbabwe Professor Lovemore Madhuku said it was unlawful for police to take the law into their own hands.

A 16-year-old HIV positive boy from Gweru jumped to his death from a 30-metre high Gweru City Council water reservoir after his mother had reprimanded him for having sex with his girlfriend.

Acting Midlands province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the death of Jimmy Tichaona Chivende of Mkoba 13 Suburb, Gweru, on Saturday night.

The body of the boy, who was in Form Four at a local school, was discovered on Sunday morning.

“Police in Gweru are investigating a case of sudden death by suicide where a 16-year-old male died after throwing himself off a 30m high water reservoir tank. The incident occurred on April 8 at about 11.30PM. Circumstances are that the deceased was rebuked for allegedly indulging in sexual activity by his mother Constance Chivende at about 7PM on the same date,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said at around 11PM, the juvenile left home and went to Mkoba 14 water tanks.  He climbed on top of the tank and took the fatal jump.

“He died on the spot. The body was discovered by a passer-by who reported to the police,” she said.

According to an application for post-mortem waiver in the hands of The Chronicle, the boy suffered a broken right hand, multiple head injuries and bled from the nose and mouth as a result of the fall.

The application indicates that he was taking anti-retroviral drugs.

Mrs Chivende (43), his mother, in her affidavit said she suspected no foul play.

“I’m the mother of the deceased who committed suicide after he left home saying he wanted to visit the toilet. I was then advised about the incident after he was seen by passers-by as he was lying on the ground dead. However, I don’t suspect any foul play surrounding the death of my son since I had reproached him for sexual activities and I suspect this didn’t go down well with him leading to him committing suicide,” she said.

Neighbours told The Chronicle that on the day in question the teenager brought his girlfriend and allegedly had sexual intercourse with her in their house.

“A neighbour saw him taking in the girl. When his mother returned from work, she was told about the matter before she admonished him,” said a neighbour on condition of anonymity.

Midlands provincial magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa waived post-mortem and Jimmy is expected to be buried soon.- State Media

President Mugabe has singled out two ministers for being pro-active and working hard to reduce the impact of a tropical storm, which affected several parts of the country about two months ago.

The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces said while the country’s agricultural programmes benefited from the rains, they also left a trail of destruction in some parts of the country.

Addressing the 105th Ordinary Session of the Zanu-PF Central Committee in Harare on Friday, President Mugabe hailed Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri for warning people about the dangers of the floods and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Priscah Mupfumira for spearheading mobilisation of resources to help affected communities.

He said the party was expected to pay particular attention to reports from provinces that were most affected by the tropical storm.

“Our Minister of Environment and her group were wonderful performers, alerting people and working together with Ministry of Labour for assistance,” said President Mugabe.

“They distinguished themselves very much. We were quick as Government in moving to places that were affected in order to assuage the challenges that were faced by families that are still displaced from unfortunate events where a number of people died.”

President Mugabe said the rains brought both fortunes and misfortune.

He said the country was expected to record high yields, thanks to the rains, though the country had at the same time suffered when bridges were swept away and other infrastructure such as water facilities were destroyed.

Some villagers were marooned, for instance in Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland South.

“I am glad that our security service rendered its service, going with helicopters to try and uplift the people from points of danger, we thank them,” said President Mugabe.

“We thank God for the heavy rains. Small rivers that had gone dry were full, our dams that had also gone dry in some places or too low are now spilling.

“So, there is lots of water, water, water everywhere now. So, it’s another phase of our Command Agriculture. I do hope that we will do the same during the dry season as we did during the wet season.”

The Government recently extended invitations to humanitarian organisations and the international community to help in the rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure and provision of humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

It is estimated that refurbishment of destroyed infrastructure and humanitarian assistance will chew hundreds of millions of dollars.

The United Nations office in Zimbabwe and some non-governmental organisations have already indicated their willingness to join hands with Government in helping affected communities.- State Media

ECOSURE subscribers yesterday accused Econet of short-changing them saying the company was failing to give them their money upon bereavement as agreed.

Speaking in Bulawayo during a meeting with burial societies that subscribe to EcoSure, subscribers said they were being unfairly treated by Econet despite paying their monthly subscriptions on time.

They said it was not fair that after making contributions timeously, the company fails to meet its side of the bargain.

“Here we are being unfairly treated. We pay on time but when we are bereaved and we want our money their (EcoSure) agents tell us there is no money. We are being taken for a ride, they must rectify this situation as soon as possible,” fumed one subscriber identified as Mr Moyo.

Another client who identified herself as Miss Noreen Khabo said EcoSure funeral policy should have good relations with clients or stop implementing a policy that benefits them alone at the expense of contributors.

“They (EcoSure) now come with policies without even consulting us. They now say if one pays after the grace period of the 10th of the following month the payments are deemed null. But when we joined during its introduction they did not tell us that,” said Miss Khabo.

Mr Tinashe Temera said EcoSure was giving them a tough time as the policies that they implement only favour them because people would be paying and the customers would be denied service as agreed.

Another participant, a Mr Mathonsi, said the quality of service being given by EcoSure had damaged the trust between them and the service provider.

In response, head of sales EcoCash and EcoSure, Mr Learnmore Masunda, said the problems around benefits to bereaved members were a result of a cash crisis in the country which was not unique to Econet.

He pledged that the firm would work things out to make sure that their customers do not feel short changed.

“We are in a cash crisis as a country. This is not an Econet problem only but our problem. People are failing to cash-out their money at our agents but we will try by all means that the bereaved members of that burial society can get the money and I can assure you that if it means calling those agents in Gwanda I can do that so that the affected members get the money to bury their loved ones,” said Mr Masunda.- State Media

A woman from Bulawayo who betrayed the trust bestowed on her by a friend and withdrew $800 from two accounts before squandering the money in violation of a trust agreement, has been given up to Wednesday next week to pay back the money.

Yesterday it emerged that Chernee Attwell (27) of Morningside suburb in Bulawayo who spent the money while her friend, Mr Theunnissen Rene Robin, was on holiday outside the country was never a bank teller at MBCA as earlier erroneously reported.

Attwell, who is being represented by lawyers from Mashayamombe and Company, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya yesterday facing two counts of theft of trust property. When Attwell initially appeared in court on Monday without legal representation she pleaded guilty to the charge before altering her plea to not guilty on Thursday last week acting on her lawyer’s instruction.

When she appeared before the court yesterday Attwell reverted to her initial plea of guilty and the magistrate gave her up to April 19 to pay back the money.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said between October 28 and November 2 last year, the complainant, Mr Theunnissen Rene Robin was given permission by Mr Alexander Chitike and Mr Elliot Tinage, the owners of the two accounts, to withdraw money on their behalf.

Mr Robin then went on holiday and gave Attwell the two bank cards to withdraw the money on his behalf. She withdrew $400 from each of the two bank accounts and converted the money to her own use.

“The accused withdrew a total of $800 from the two bank accounts and she converted the money to her personal use,” said Mr Dlodlo.

The court heard that when Mr Robin returned from holiday, Attwell failed to hand over the money and the matter was reported to the police leading to her arrest.- State Media

A 47-year-old villager from Silobela has been fined $200 for dumping his brother’s body in a kitchen hut at his neighbour’s homestead demanding three beasts as compensation for his death.

Remigio Sibanda of Village 16 under Chief Ntabeni, Silobela, appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Mrs Vimbai Mtukwa facing one count of extortion.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $200.

Sibanda faces 60 days imprisonment if he defaults on the fine.

“What you did was unlawful and society cannot be allowed to take the law into its own hands. You are fined $200 or 60 days in prison. In addition 30 days imprisonment is suspended on condition the accused person restitutes the complainant the one beast she surrendered,” said Mrs Mtukwa.

In his defence, Sibanda told the court that he was just representing his family.

Prosecuting, Ms Mary Chipanga said on March 16 Mlungisi Sibanda died after being assaulted by a group of people following a misunderstanding.

“On March 22 at around 6AM, the accused person acting in common purpose with his father Mexen Sibanda, who is still at large exerted illegitimate pressure on Julia Mbangwe. The accused person and his father went with the corpse of Mlungisi to Mbangwe’s homestead claiming that her sons had caused the death of Mlungisi and as such demanded three cattle from the complainant before the burial of the deceased,” said Ms Chipanga.

The court heard that Ms Mbangwe gave them only one beast instead of the three they had demanded.

She said that the accused person then left the deceased’s body in the complainant’s kitchen and went away.

“This forced the complainant to flee from her homestead and she went to stay at her neighbour’s homestead before a report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused person,” said Ms Chipanga.- State Media