By- Nine people died while 31 were injured in a tragic incident near Mvuma Friday morning.

The accident involved a Toyota Caravan kombi with 18 occupants and a mini-bus with 22 occupants that collided along the Harare-Masvingo Road.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred at around 0600 hours at the 192 km peg. The bodies of the nine victims have been taken to the Mvuma Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, while 20 injured passengers are currently admitted at the same hospital. The other 11 injured passengers are admitted at Gweru Hospital.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. More details will be released in due course.

In a statement, police spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said,

“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred today at around 0600 hours where nine people were killed whilst 31 others were injured when a Toyota Caravan kombi with 18 occupants and a minibus with 22 occupants collided at the 192 km peg along Harare-Masvingo Road.

“The bodies of the nine victims were taken to Mvuma Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while 20 injured passengers are admitted at the same hospital.

“The other 11 injured passengers are admitted at Gweru Hospital. “

News of the tragedy has left the local community in shock and disbelief. Many took to social media to express their condolences and offer their prayers to the victims and their families.

One Facebook user commented, “This is just heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

The government and relevant authorities must take urgent action to improve road safety measures, including improving the quality of roads, enforcing traffic laws and regulations, and conducting regular safety inspections of vehicles.
-iharare

By A Correspondent- Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Lieutenant-General David Sigauke, has said they will continue to train and recruit more women as they have proven to be dedicated, competent and determined to serve the country.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to international conventions that call for gender equality in all spheres of life and the commitment by the army to recruit more female trainees resonates well with the gender equality calls.

Speaking during a passout parade for ZNA recruit intake 36A/01/22 at Recruit Training Depot at Mbizo Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo yesterday, Lt-Gen Sigauke, who was the reviewing officer, commended female trainees for matching their male counterparts, saying it is an indication that women are breaking the barriers into previously male-dominated terrains.

A total of 1 975 military trainees comprising 1 639 males and 336 females graduated during the pass-out parade.

When the recruits started their training programme on July 29 last year, there were 2 000 of whom 339 were females while 1 661 were males.

A total of 24 recruits, comprising 22 males and two females failed to complete the course for one reason or another, while one female recruit passed on during the course of her training.

“Pursuant to the gender mainstreaming thrust, the passing out of 336 female graduands is a clear testimony that the Zimbabwe National Army continues to give equal opportunities to the girl child.

“You are aware that Zimbabwe is a signatory of international conventions that call for gender equality in all spheres of life,” said Lt-Gen Sigauke.

“In this regard, ZNA will continue to recruit and train the girl child as they have proven to be dedicated, competent, and determined to serve Zimbabwe.”

Lt-Gen Sigauke said the graduation was a milestone for the army and is in line with its constitutional mandate of defending the country’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty.

He said the passout parade is also a huge achievement to the graduands as it marked an end to the gruelling training.

“The rigorous training has transformed the graduands from civilian life into military professionals who volunteered and committed themselves to serve the people of Zimbabwe.

“The young men and women on parade were recruited from all the provinces and districts of our great nation which clearly defines the national character of the ZNA,” said Lt-Gen Sigauke.

“This inclusive approach resonates well with His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Dr ED Mnangagwa’s clarion call of leaving no one no place behind.

“I therefore deeply appreciate and remain ever grateful to the traditional leaders, parents, and stakeholders for always responding positively to our call for recruits to join the military.”

Lt-Gen Sigauke said the overwhelming response is a clear demonstration of the enduring symbiotic relationship that exists between the people of Zimbabwe and their defence forces, a relationship that dates back to the days of the bitter armed struggle that ushered in the black majority rule.

He said the training is designed to produce a patriotic general duty soldier earmarked for employment as rifle men or rifle women in Infantry Battalions charged with the responsibility of protecting Zimbabwe, its people, its national interest, its territorial integrity, and upholding the constitution.

“The code of conduct given to you should be the guiding beacon of your conduct throughout your career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” said Lt-Gen Sigauke.

He warned the recruits against indiscipline and said the army had zero tolerance to wayward behaviour within its rank and file, saying such elements would be ruthlessly dealt with.

“Be informed that there is no lenience to members who commit offences such as absence without official leave, theft, robbery, illegal panning, extortion, and drug and substance abuse, among others. Once involved in indiscipline cases, you will face the full wrath of the law as spelt out in the Defence Act and related statutory instruments,” said Lt-Gen Sigauke.

The graduates went on a 36-week training course that covered subjects such as weapons, map reading, field craft, minor tactics, foot and arms drills, range work, voice procedure, first aid, civil-military relations, military law, and conventional and low-intensity operations.

The subjects, said Lt-Gen Sigauke, were meant to foster key attributes of loyalty, patriotism, and sacrifice which are indispensable in building a formidable army that is renowned for its acclaimed reputation within the region and beyond.

Lt-Gen Sigauke said the graduands must never lose sight of the fact that the country has a long and rich history that needs to be passed on from one generation to another.

“On this note, you are therefore required to have a full understanding of your role in defence of our country’s national interest from both internal and external threats,” he said.

The passout parade was also attended by ZNA Bulawayo District commander Colonel Ossie Olie Mhandu, Rtd Commander Lt Colonel Munyaradzi Marimbindi, various infantry battalions commanders, senior army commanders from the army headquarters, Chief Ndondo from Mbembesi, Chief Pashu and Chief Saba, both from Binga.

By A Correspondent- Almost six million voters are now registered on the voters roll and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is confident in delivering an election that will reflect the will of the people.

ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and senior ZEC staff yesterday appeared before the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security and the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

“Anyone is free to register to vote or is at liberty to change their polling station until two days after proclamation of the date of the election by the President.

“After the proclamation of that date we will officially close voter registration for this year’s elections,” Justice Chigumba said.

“To date nearly six million voters have been registered but we can’t give actual figures as we’re still cleaning up the voters roll.”

The actual figures of registered voters eligible to vote in this year’s harmonised elections will be finalised two days after the proclamation of the elections date by the President when the roll is closed for those elections.

While there was a mobile voter registration blitz last month to make it easier for more people to register, Justice Chigumba pointed out that registration is a continuous process and since the roll is still open for this year’s election the public could still register for this year’s elections at their district and provincial offices across the country.

“The commission is making strides to ensure that elections will be conducted peacefully in an environment that ensures that the will of the electorate is realised,” said Justice Chigumba. “It is satisfied that its preparations are well on course and is ready to discharge its mandate in accordance with the law.” The country is set to go to the polls on a date yet to be announced but between July 26 and August 26 with President Mnangagwa expected to announce the actual date soon.

Responding to questions from the legislators on the cost of cost of accessing the voters roll which they said was prohibitive, Justice Chigumba said it was Parliament responsibility to deal with the matter if they thought the cost was exorbitant. She could not answer questions regarding the availability of the voters roll in electronic form saying the matter was currently before the courts. “ZEC has been sued over the voters roll by an MP and the High Court has made an order with regards to this issue and the matter has been taken up on appeal and the matter is sub judice, so what I can say or cannot say is limited because of the Court rules which prohibits me from commenting directly to the issue of the voters roll. I don’t want to be in contempt of court,” she said.

Justice Chigumba said the commission had no reason to deny stakeholders access to the voters roll.

“As a commission there is absolutely no reason why we would not want voters to have access to the voters roll,” Justice Chigumba said.

She added that availability of the voters roll in electronic form was also being affected by provisions of the Data Protection Act which provides for protection of personal information.

“There is a new piece of legislation which is called the Data Protection Act that has not been aligned with the Electoral Act, which has placed additional responsibility on the commission to protect the data of our voters,” Justice Chigumba said.

“We have made recommendations through the line ministry (Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs) how the Electoral Act can be aligned with the Data Protection Act so that we balance the need of voters to have ready access to the voters roll and requirements of the of the Data Protection Act to safeguard the data of our voters.”

By A Correspondent- Legal think-tank Veritas has described the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) as “disappointing” after they failed to finalise outstanding Bills in the National Assembly last week.

There are 11 outstanding Bills before the National Assembly, which include the Electoral Amendment Bill, Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, Prisons and Correctional Service Bill, Children’s Amendment Bill and the Medical Services Amendment Bill, among others.

“In the National Assembly, no progress was made on any of the Bills on its fairly long list of waiting Bills,” Veritas said in its latest Bill Watch publication.

“Some of these Bills have been carried over from the last session of Parliament.  This coming week, it is to be hoped, it will be possible to return to those Bills, especially the Electoral Amendment Bill, despite the looming Easter weekend’s public holidays and Independence Day on Tuesday April 18.”

Senate, however, finalised two Bills, which are the Judicial Laws Amendment Bill and the Child Justice Bill, both of which were passed without amendments.

The Bills now await Presidential assent to become law.

The legal think-tank said the two major businesses that were in the National Assembly could slow down progress on outstanding Bills.

“On Wednesday March 29, the Speaker (of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda), back in the chair from his latest visit to Moscow (Russia), announced that the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) had requested and granted an extension of the period of 26 business days allowed by Standing Order 33 in which to consider and report on the constitutionality of the Bill,” Veritas said.

“The Bill received its first reading on February 16 and was immediately referred to the PLC. The extension means that the PLC has up to an extra 26 business days to complete its report. The new deadline is Thursday April 26. The second reading debate cannot start until the Portfolio Committee Report is available.

Also on March 29, amendments proposed to this Bill by the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs were detailed in Votes and Proceedings of the House. This suggests that the portfolio committee is now ready to report on the public hearings, opening the way for the second reading stage to proceed next week.”

MPs, on the other hand, have accused Treasury of failing to pay their accommodation allowances, which resulted in them being locked out of hotels when they travel to Harare on Parliament business.

-newsdayzimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has revealed that the country will impose stiffer penalties for human traffickers who he accused of robbing the nation of human capital in the name of recruiting professionals.

Speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Trafficking in Persons National Plan of Action (2023-2028) in Harare yesterday, Chiwenga acknowledged inconsistencies in the health sector that have caused massive brain drain, which has attracted human traffickers to take advantage of health personnel seeking greener pastures.

“I was saying to the Home Affairs minister (Kazembe Kazembe) that we must also address the blatant white collar crime by people masquerading as recruiting professionals from Zimbabwe. If one deliberately recruits and makes the country suffer, that’s a crime against humanity. The people are dying in hospitals because there are no nurses and doctors. That must be taken seriously,” Chiwenga said.

“Zimbabwe frowns at this heinous crime which is also a grave violation of human rights. This crime strips an individual of all their dignity, their self-worth and their confidence. We will act to address this to make sure that there is watertight protection of our people. Gone are the days of slavery. Being subjugated as a people ended when we attained our independence in 1980.”

He said the 70-year jail sentence given to one of the perpetrators of human trafficking was an example of what would befall other would-be offenders.

“We will be adding more years because this crime must be brought to an end,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said between 2016 and 2021, more than 100 trafficked victims had been repatriated back home.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe

He said six convictions were made, while some cases are still pending at the courts.

“In 2022, a total 69 cases involving 139 victims were recorded and investigated. Seven accused persons (all Zimbabweans) were arrested. Four were arrested for Oman trafficking and three for domestic cases,” Kazembe said.

United Nations resident coordinator Edward Kallon said:

“Creating a common national and regional positive narrative accompanied by real economic, social and political opportunities and coordinated bilateral and regional labour migration frameworks can deter human trafficking.”

-newsday

By A Correspondent- There was drama at Mutoko Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday morning after Magistrate Rumbidzai Mhandu was humiliated by her interpreter’s wife who accused her of having an affair with her husband.

Mhandu was about to wed a couple when her interpreter, Simon Chuma’s wife stormed into her office shouting at the magistrate thereby causing a scene.

Court business went to a standstill after Chuma’s wife made an outburst that forced the wedding couple to demand another magistrate for a marriage officer.

When Bulawayo24.com arrived at the court, people were being driven to the car park of the court to avoid further embarrassment to the magistrate and the interpreter.

Chuma’s wife claimed that her husband was now staying with Mhandu and the car that Chuma uses to carry her to and from work is hers.

“This husband snatcher is being carried in my car by my husband and he has since left our matrimonial home to stay with her, this kind of behaviour is not good for a magistrate,” she fumed.

Contacted for comment Judicial Services Commission (JSC) spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu said he was not aware of the incident but promised to investigate the matter.

Allegations are that Mhandu is married and her husband stays in South Africa.

By A Correspondent- Gold panners are reportedly preying on vulnerable young girls in Nkayi District in Matabeleland North by using their financial muscle to quench their sexual appetite on the adolescents thereby exposing them to the risk of contracting HIV and Aids.

Nkayi is surrounded by gold-rich districts such as Kwekwe and Bubi and Gold panners use proceeds from gold panning to lure young women into sex.

The National Aids Council (Nac) said adolescents and young women who have no financial independence are vulnerable largely because they fail to negotiate for safer sex when in relationships with the panners.

Gold panners are known for living a flashy lifestyle.

In an interview during a recent media tour in Nkayi, Nac the district Aids coordinator Mr Mongiwabesuthu Ngwenya said there is a challenge in the community where most girls are sexually active in their teens.

“We have a challenge of early sexual derby of our boys and girls and young women and this is one of the key drivers of HIV and Aids in Nkayi district. The girls are brought up in a society where there are some child-headed families, poverty and there is no money to take them to school,” he said.

“Mr Ngwenya said some of the girls tend to have sex at an early age and get pregnant.

“We also have the issue of immigration of gold panners who are coming from other districts. In Nkayi we don’t have much gold in the district, but we have neighbouring districts like Kwekwe and Bubi so when those gold panners want to spend their money they come to our district and in the process interact with our adolescent and young women,” he said.

“Because of their economic challenges, they find themselves falling prey to those moneyed gold panners who spend on them and they engage in sexual activities with them.”

Mr Ngwenya said financial challenges are also driving young women to have older sexual partners leading to inter-generational HIV infections.

He said the district has come up with several interventions to try to close down HIV and Aids-related drivers.

“As Nkayi District we have seen that HIV infection is high among adolescents and young women between the ages of 10 and 24 because of their vulnerability. The interventions that we are doing are targeted at adolescent girls and young women,” said Mr Ngwenya.

“One of them is Sister to Sister where we teach them about HIV and the prevention methods that we have so that they are able to protect themselves from HIV infection.”

Mr Ngwenya said while the Sister to Sister programme focuses on girls, Nac has a Brother to Brother project as young men are also at risk of contracting the disease.

He said they also educate their groups about how sexual gender-based violence can contribute to HIV.

“We also teach them about gender-based violence and how they can report the issues if they find themselves in that predicament. We also teach them financial literacy and encourage them to embark on sustainable projects,” said Mr Ngwenya.

“We do this because research proves that women who are not economically empowered may fail to negotiate for safe sex.”

Nac engages community mentors in the implementation of the programmes including Sister to Sister.

One of the mentors, Ms Otilia Mloyi (36) from Jongela Village in Nkayi said she works with young women to educate them on how their sexual behaviours can put them to risk.

“Since I started this programme, I have improved even the way I budget. I now run a grocery shop and I have also managed to buy a business stand in my home area through the proceeds from the incentives I get from Nac,” she said.

“I also bought two cows for my business. We teach young women that they also need to find projects that can make them economically viable as opposed to relying on men because at the moment we have some girls who are dating with the hope of getting money from boyfriends.”

Meanwhile, Nac has said sex work fuelled by truck drivers and timber loggers, could be one of the HIV and Aids key drivers in Lupane District.

Matabeleland North is a transit route for truck drivers, some of them transporting goods across the Sadc region.

They make several stops in various parts of Lupane and Nac contends that their presence attracts sex workers.

Nac Lupane acting district Aids co-ordinator Mr Kelvin Tshuma said sex workers target truck drivers and timber loggers in the district.

“Our HIV key driver is that we are a district that is located along the highway, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway. So, we have a lot of sex work that goes on along the highway,” he said.

“We have HIV hotspots, for example, Kernmaur where trucks tend to park there during the night and this is where sex work takes place. Other places are Cross Jotsholo and Gwayi.”

Mr Tshuma said sex workers also target timber loggers in the district since Lupane is rich in timber.

He said spousal separation could be the other reason that fuels HIV infections as couples live separately.

The province is, however, recording a decline in HIV and Aids-related cases.

The HIV prevalence rate stands at 10,8 percent, according to the 2021 HIV estimates. The incident rate is at 0,2 percent. In the last 10 years, Matabeleland North was around over 20 percent.

Mr Tshuma said a decline in HIV cases can be attributed to coordinated efforts that Nac and its partners are implementing.

He said the Nac helps market Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PEP) to reduce the risk of new infections.

PrEP pill is given to individuals who are at risk of HIV and they take it up before indulging in sexual activities while PEP is given to someone who would have engaged in sex and risk contracting the virus.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s candidates selection process was marred by violence, reports of imposition of candidates and other malpractices.

In Beitbridge West and at a number of other wards in the districts, the nominations were reportedly abandoned altogether.

Several Parliament and Senate hopefuls accused the presiding officers of conducting the exercise at secluded venues not known to other candidates in the border town.

In Beitbridge, candidates nominated in the disputed process were Peter Pirato for ward 1, Tadzei Rice and Sibanda Portia ward 2, and in ward 3, incumbent Takavingei Mahachi was unopposed.

In ward 6, sitting councillor Agnes Tore gave way to a newcomer after settling for a proportional nomination for the municipality.

In several centres, the selection process started late as members and presiding officers were not clear on the procedures.

In Glen Norah, Harare, members aligned to aspiring candidate and former mayor Herbert Gomba reportedly assaulted another aspirant Womberai Nhende.

The CCC and police confirmed the violence.

“We have had some incidents where the proceedings were disrupted by intruders. The proceedings were open to our members only, but Zanu-PF infiltrated the processes,” CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba said in an interview.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the skirmishes.

“We have heard of some disturbances and alleged clashes, but as police, we have not received any official complaint. No one has come forward to report the cases,” Nyathi said.

An independent selection panel led by human rights defender Rashid Mahiya is overseeing the nominations.

Some sitting MPs and Senattors, however, withdrew from the race at the last minute.

Mutasa Central legislator Trevor Saruwaka is one of the MPs who opted out.

“Behold, the new is coming. Time to pave way for others to complete the race,” Saruwaka said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

Matabeleland South senator Bekithemba Mpofu said: “Best of luck to all candidates that are seeking to represent us. My journey in the Senate ends here for now. I will continue to support the winning candidates to ensure that we realise a new Zimbabwe.”

-NewsdayZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has frozen the assets of four officials who were caught on camera confessing that they are involved in gold smuggling, money laundering, bribery and other corrupt activities.

In a memo seen by The Herald, the FIU directs that the assets of Cleopas Chidodo, David Chirozvi, Mehlululi Dube and Fredrick Kunaka be frozen.

The four individuals were featured in a documentary by Al Jazeera titled “Gold Mafia” and were filmed by undercover journalists who posed as investors revealing how they facilitate gold smuggling and money laundering.

Reads the FIU memo:

You are being directed to immediately identify and freeze all assets of the following individuals; Cleopas Chidodo, David Chirozvi, Mehlululi Dube and Fredrick Kunaka.

May you also freeze all assets of legal persons and arrangements associated with them. Kindly treat this request as urgent.

Chidodo is the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Head of Security. He appeared in Episode 2 of the documentary explaining how he assists gold smugglers avoid detection at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Chirozvi is the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Aurex Jewellery Head of Finance.

Kunaka is the General Manager of Fidelity Printers and Refiners. He told the undercover reporters that he received a kickback of US$30 000 a month from the “Gold Mafia”.

Dube, who is associated with Golden Beryl Private Limited, was allegedly being paid US$3 000 per month by the gold smuggling syndicate

By A Correspondent- A dispute over food turned nasty when a man from Sunninghill suburb in Bulawayo ran berserk and allegedly bashed his wife after she told him that there was nothing to eat in the house.

This was heard when Thokozani Sibanda appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Nomagugu Maphosa facing a charge of physical abuse.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 20 April.

Allegations against Sibanda are that on lo March and at around 6am, his wife Anchite Gopito informed him that there was no food in the house.

This angered Sibanda who turned violent and started assaulting his wife with slaps and kicks on the head.

Gopito then reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of her husband.

She was referred to hospital for medical attention and a medical report was produced in court as evidence.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The government has said a mapping exercise in South Africa has revealed that Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders (ZEPs) have low interest in returning to the country, reported News24.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, said the government will offer counselling for returnees after the expiry of their permits in South Africa.

In a speech presented at a government counselling and psychological workshop in Bulawayo, the second-largest city in the country, Masanga said:

Sharpening our counselling skills is a way in which these committees (receiving the returnees) can be capacitated.

This training will empower the frontline officers to be equipped with skills to handle the returnees upon and post-arrival.

This comes as Zimbabwe was ranked as the fourth unhappiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for 2023.

The ZEP permits were meant to expire in December last year but a six-month extension was granted to 30 June 2023.

An estimated 180 000 Zimbabweans are in South Africa on ZEPs and by December last year, fewer than 10% had applied for the available mainstream visas.

By A Correspondent- South African musician Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, is set to perform at Mutare Motoring Club this Friday.

Chipaz Promotions Director Partson Chimbodza confirmed Makhadzi’s maiden show in Mutare to Chipinge Times.

Makhadzi, whose stage name means an aunt, that is one’s father’s sister, in the Tshivenda language, will be supported by Killer T, Andy Muridzo, and Lionell Matanda, popularly known as Caff, and others artists. Said Chimbodza:

So far, everything is in place. We also have some local artists who have expressed interest in performing alongside Makhadzi.

I did not decide to bring her to Mutare, but rather it was the Mutare people who demanded that I bring Makhadzi.

We can do more. If Mutare fans request another international artist bigger than Makhadzi we will do that.

Makhadzi has been to Zimbabwe before. Last year she performed at the inaugural JamAfro Festival at Alex Sports Club in Harare, and five months later, she performed at Odyssey Lodge in Kadoma.

By A Correspondent- Thirty-one land and space barons have been arrested since the Government launched an operation to clamp down on land barons.

This was revealed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa while addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday. She said:

Pertaining to the prosecution of land and space barons, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that there has been progress on new cases of land barons arrested under criminal abuse of duty and fraud, with a cumulative 31 arrests.

These are high-profile cases being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department in Harare, while low-profile cases are being dealt with at police stations countrywide.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received a total of 426 cases, and so far 10 convictions have been secured since the operation commenced.

The Government has been accused of promoting a “catch and release” culture whereby suspected criminals are arrested for show and then released to enjoy their ill-gotten riches.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has distanced itself from the leakage of voters’ data.

Voters in various districts have begun receiving messages praising the government’s work and signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The texts were personalised to include the name of the recipients’ district — and signed “President ED Mnangagwa”.

One of the messages reads:

Kwaziwai. Iyi ndiyo WhatsApp nhamba yangu yeSeke 0719******, ichengetedzei mufoni menyu nekuzivisa vamwe vagari vemaSeke. Ndichange ndichikuzivisai paWhatsApp STATUS yangu, zvirikuitwa nehurumende kuvaka nyika yedu nemuno maSeke. Ndatenda, ndini wenyu President ED Mnangagwa.

ZEC’s deputy chairman Rodney Simukai Kiwa told AFP that she was “shocked” by learning of the SMSs. He said:

We have not given anything to anyone. We do not even know what to say.

Team Pachedu on Tuesday said they will take legal action after voters’ phone numbers were apparently leaked presumably by ZEC. Said Team Pachedu:

The messages being sent are not to ZANU-PF members, but to constituency voters including those in the opposition who never supplied their personal details to ZANU-PF.

(We) are looking forward to taking legal action against ZEC.

Zimbabwe is set to hold general elections later this year but no date has been set yet for the polls.

By- Five teenagers have perished after their vehicle collided with a haulage truck a few kilometres from Chinhoyi.

The deceased were coming from a beer binge when the sad development happened Sunday evening.

They were all under the age of 20, had spent the better part of their day watching a Division One match featuring Banket United.
The accident, which occurred near Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) fields, saw four dying on the scene while the other is said to have died at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.
A close source said, one of the victims was hit by another car while trying to escape from the fire.
“The five were Taurai (17), Mac Jones, 17, Nigel, Tino and Professor. Three of these guys were burnt in the car while the other one was hit by a passing car as he was trying to escape from the wreckage.
“The sad part is that, all were under the age of 20. The fifth one who was admitted at the hospital died today (yesterday).”
Added the source: “Umwe akabuda ndiye akazotaura kuti manga munani ava ku hospital achibva aenda pa comma.
“Ndiye azofa this morning. The shell of the Honda Fit
“The incident occurred on Sunday night around 10 pm but vana mai vacho vakazoudzwa kuma 1 am.
“The deceased had spent their day watching Banket United in Division One on Sunday.
“They were heavily drunk and, after the game, they went to the Chinhoyi shops.
“They drank from 8pm and Mac was the one driving his mother’s car, which was supposed to get number plates.
“His mother then called him to come home early, so that he processes the third number plates early on Monday.
“So they left Chinhoyi around 9.”
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident on Monday.
He said a DAF XF Truck with one passenger on board was involved in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit at the 108km peg along the Harare-Chirundu Road, and the Honda Fit vehicle caught fire burning three victims beyond recognition. H Metro

By-The opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has been unanimously nominated as the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Chamisa is the founding leader of the party and his allies have described him as the party’s “best foot” to challenge ZANU PF leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for the second time after narrowly losing the race in 2018.

The opposition party started its candidates’ selection process today, whereby candidates are selected based on consensus by the electorate.

By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police have increased the number of patrols in Harare and other cities throughout the country.

ZRP said it did this to curb the violation of traffic rules and regulations and curb criminal activities during the Easter Holiday.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police would be out in full force to combat criminal activities, especially those that affect the economic and social well-being of the country. He said:
As the nation commemorates the Easter Holiday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified its operations against all forms of road traffic breaches and criminal activities, especially those that affect the economic and social well-being of the country, such as drug and substance abuse, murder, robbery and rape.
Records have shown that speeding, human error, misjudgment, overloading, and defective motor vehicles contribute to accidents.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, therefore, urges drivers to be considerate on the roads and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
Reckless driving conduct especially overtaking in situations that are not safe, should be avoided.
Motorists are implored to stay within vehicles’ loading capacity when carrying goods and passengers.
Above all, operators of passenger public service vehicles are advised to adhere to the dictates of their route permits and timetables and avoid being dragged into dangerous and reckless road races for passengers.
Asst Comm Nyathi also urged members of the public to avoid boarding Mshikashika or unregistered vehicles and instead, use public transport. He said:
Police would be checking for various traffic violations, stolen motor vehicles, smuggling of minerals, criminal movements, cattle rustlers and drug traffickers on all major highways and roads in the country.
Police will impound all defective or un-roadworthy vehicles in order to safeguard lives.
Members of the public are urged to avoid boarding Mshikashika or unregistered vehicles as they risk being mugged.
Stakeholders such as the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Vehicle Examination Department will be working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that the holidays are accident- free through awareness campaigns and blitz on errant motorists.
Let us all remember that road safety is a collective responsibility. Criminal elements often take advantage of holidays to intensify their criminal enterprises such as committing unlawful entry, theft and robbery.
This year, Good Friday falls on 7 April, Easter Sunday, is on 09 April, and Easter Monday (a continuation of the Easter celebration, for some Christian denominations), is on 10 April 2023.

By-A Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere has convicted and fined CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere of undermining the authority of the police.

The Magistrate also ordered Mahere to pay a US$500 fine or spend three months in jail.

This happened Wednesday when the opposition was nominating its candidates for this year’s elections.

Mahere was facing charges of publishing falsehoods emanating from her tweet where she said that a police officer had beaten to death a child with a baton in Harare.

She was found guilty after a full trial.
In finding Mahere guilty, Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere said Mahere undermined the authority of the police through her tweet.
Mr Manwere said it was not in dispute that the baby did not die, and she failed to verify that fact before tweeting.
The court noted that Mahere materially lied when she tweeted that the baby was hit to death by police with a baton.
Mr Manwere said Mahere’s conduct was reckless and detrimental to the State as it intended to undermine the police force and eroded public confidence in the law enforcement agents.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Comedian Bee Wezhira recently surprised her fans by revealing that she had tied the knot in a secret ceremony.

The announcement was made after she shared some gorgeous pictures of herself dressed in a stunning white wedding gown.

When H-Metro reached out to her for more information about her new husband, Bee Wezhira remained tight-lipped and only stated that she would share the details on her own terms.

She even declined to reveal the date or location of her wedding, choosing to keep that information to herself for now.

“You know how social media is. I am not ready to post (pictures) my husband. I am not going to tell you the wedding venue or date, but it was two weeks ago,” she said.

Bee Wezhira, renowned for her remarkably realistic skits, acknowledged that some social media users might find it hard to believe that she is now married. However, she reassured them that once she releases more photographs of the event, their doubts will be put to rest.

“I know some people will not believe that this is true, but once they see the pictures, they will. For now, I have only posted my pictures, and more will come,” she said.

Who Is Bee Wezhira’s Husband?

It appears that Bee Wezhira’s attempt at keeping her marriage a secret has been thwarted by her husband and his associates.

Bee Wezhira’s husband, Sean Deelroy Gweta, is a cleric who is currently based in South Africa. He took to his social media accounts to inquire how one can update their Facebook relationship status to “married.” This post caught the attention of fans who were quick to uncover the couple’s recent wedding.

Adding to the unwanted attention, Sean’s friends shared a post of Sean and Bee together, congratulating the newlyweds on their nuptials.

Bee Wezhira’s husband, Sean Delroy Gweta is the founding leader of Jiam Ministries, a religious organization that focuses on spiritual healing and empowerment.

He is renowned for performing miracles, particularly related to fertility issues. Sean is also known to be friends with Zimdancehall musicians Crystal Dangerzone and Jah Child

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has advised members of the public to ignore a fake advert circulating on social media saying the army is not recruiting at the moment.

The army warned that criminals are using social media to scam people by falsely claiming that recruitment exercises are being held. A fake advert which says the army is recruiting is currently circulating on WhatsApp.

In a statement Director Army Public Relations Colonel Alphios Makotore said the members of the public should be wary of such elements insisting the advert was of the year 2021. Col Makotore said the army uses credible platforms to engage the public on recruitment exercises. He said:

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) would like to inform members of the public to be on the lookout for a fake ZNA recruitment advert circulating on social platforms.

The fake advert is an old copy of the ZNA recruitment advert flighted in 2021 which some mischief makers are circulating to mislead and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

It is against this background that the ZNA would like to categorically reiterate that the ZNA has not flighted any recruitment advert for 2023. In the same vein, the ZNA does not use social media for the purpose of recruitment.

Col Makotore emphasized that the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) doesn’t involve any third parties or charge fees during the recruitment process. He said they had reported the incident to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the offenders to justice.

He also advised the public to be cautious and report any suspicious individuals pretending to be army recruitment agents adding that anyone caught associating with fake adverts will be prosecuted. The public can contact the Military Police hotline numbers (0712 842 318, 0772 258 410) or report to the nearest ZRP or military camp. 

By A Correspondent- Change champion Bushu has died.

The sad news was revealed by CCC organising secretary Amos Chibaya on Facebook.

Said Chibaya:

“Rest in peace Change Champion Bushu..”

More details follow…

By- The Zanu PF government has responded to the Al Jazeera corruption documentary series.

Monica Mutsvangwa, the Information minister, told reporters Tuesday that her Government would investigate anyone mentioned in the expose’.

“Government takes the allegation raised in the documentary seriously and has directed relevant organs to institute investigations into the issues raised therein. Any person found to have engaged in acts of corruption, fraud or any form of crime, will face the full wrath of the law.
“Government takes this opportunity to re-affirm its commitment to upholding local and international laws, including laws relating to financial transactions, the trade of gold and other precious minerals,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa added that: “Boastful behaviour and name-dropping by some personalities featured in the documentary, seeking personal gain and glory, should never be taken as an enunciation of Government Policy.”
She said the Government remains seized with the matter and the nation will be kept appraised of any new developments.

-Herald

By-A Mutoko magistrate has slapped the Zebra Kiss bus driver who caused an accident along Mutoko road with a two-year jail term after finding him guilty of reckless driving.

Mike Makwara (49) was facing reckless driving charges when he appeared at Mutoko magistrate court.
In its ruling the court banned Makwara from driving heavy vehicles and public service vehicles for life.
It also suspended him from driving commuter omnibuses before cancelling his driver’s licence.
The court heard that on the January 12, 2023 and along Harare Nyamapanda Road, Makwara was driving a passenger service vehicle, namely a Zhongtong bus registration mark and number AGB 2142 belonging to Tashllyt Investments commonly known as Zebra Kiss bus due west towards Mutoko.
It is the State’s case that at around 3:20 pm and at the 165 kilometre peg along the said road, another passenger service vehicle namely a Zhongtong bus registration mark and number AGB 2901 belonging to Rimbi Travel and Tours was also travelling due west towards Mutoko, when the passenger service vehicle belonging to Rimbi Travel and Tours showed the intention to overtake.
It was alleged that the bus which was driven by the accused person started obstructing it by occupying the middle and right lane competing for passengers.
As a result of continuous obstruction, the Rimbi Travel and Tours failed to make an overtaking manoeuvre and got involved in an accident with another vehicle, namely, a Shackman Tipper truck, registration mark and number, ABS 7956.
The court heard that Makwara’s driving conduct was unlawful. Herald

By -A Old Tafara man allegedly stabbed his wife to death in the early hours of Saturday morning after accusing her of having an extramarital affair.

At around midnight, Ernest Musanza confronted his wife, Melody Musanza, 30, about a man he had spotted her with earlier in the day.
The two reportedly had a heated argument, and Melody stabbed Ernest with a knife.
Ernest grabbed the knife from her and repeatedly stabbed her on the neck and chest resulting in her death.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said Ernest was battling for his life under police guard at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
“Police arrested a man reported to have stabbed his wife to death following a domestic dispute,” said Insp Chakanza.
“On Friday afternoon, the accused person saw his wife walking around Tafara township with a man he suspected to be her boyfriend.
“He never confronted them and decided to ask her later at home. At around 11.30pm, the accused asked his wife what was going on between her and the man he spotted her with in the afternoon.
“A misunderstanding then ensued and tempers flared at around 1.30am resulting in the now deceased stabbing her husband in the rib cage with an okapi knife.
“The husband stabbed his wife several times with the same knife on the left side of her neck and in the chest,” said Insp Chakanza.
Melody managed to crawl out of the bedroom, leaving Ernest lying on the bed bleeding profusely.
Their 18-year-old maid was awakened by the commotion and saw Melody crawling out of the bedroom when she went to check.
The maid rushed to inform the neighbours, but when they returned, they found Melody’s lifeless body on the bed side, suggesting that she had crawled back into the bedroom.

By A Correspondent- Police will today meet media stakeholders in Harare to discuss the safety of journalists ahead of this year’s harmonised elections.

The elections are expected in July of August.

The meeting was jointly organised by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa), and Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (Maz) in conjuction with police.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the meeting.

“We will meet with the media on April 4 to talk about the safety of journalists,” Nyathi said.

“We have arranged with ZUJ, Misa, Maz and journalists and editors from several media houses, and we agreed that we end with Harare because it is the biggest city. We have been doing these workshops cross the country to talk about how journalists and police can work together now that we are going for elections.

This is being done so that whenever there is a gathering, police and media can understand each other; we are all serving the same public.  Police are there to maintain law and order while journalists are there to inform us. So we need to understand each other,” Nyathi said.

He said police officers were also undergoing training in public order and security.

“We hope by the end of April 2023, we will have completed the training.  I can assure the country that we have enough police officers to deploy at polling stations. 

Once the election dates are announced by the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has put in place motions in terms of voting processes, we will also deploy police officers to ensure that peace is maintained in these polling stations.

“We are happy that government is mobilising resources to ensure that the police are able to perform their duties. We are ready for the elections, and we urge the public to report cases of violence without being intimidated. We are going to arrest anyone who engages in any form of violence irrespective of their political stature.”

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has already announced that an elections committee has been set up to co-ordinate the deployment of law enforcements agents.