By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change President Nelson Chamisa has implored Zimbabweans to join the winning team.

President Chamisa’s party rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change on Monday.

The party’s aspiring candidates for local government and house of assembly by-elections have successfully filed nominations across the country.

“EVERYBODY & EVERYTHING TURNING YELLOW. AN OVERWHELMING ENDORSEMENT & A FANTASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOU ZIMBABWE, THE CITIZENS. NOW BUILDING THE TEAM & SHARING THE DREAM.

JOIN NOW! THE FUTURE IS YELLOW. ZIMBABWE IS YELLOW & RICH. THE JOURNEY BEGINS.

We’re #1. THANK YOU ZIMBABWE. HELLO YELLOW! #CCC,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By-Two teenagers allegedly gruesomely stabbed and killed their drinking mate following a drunken misunderstanding in Lower Gweru, police have said.

The duo, Tadiwanashe Mhlanga and Philimon Dube, allegedly brutally knifed Tafadzwa Sibanda to death at Insukamini Business Centre after he stopped them from assaulting a bar lady.

Police have since arrested Mhlanga, but Dube is on the run.

Sibanda, 24, was knifed after he restrained the duo from beating the lady bar tender for trying to close up for the day when they still wanted service.

Midlands police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened close to midnight, and law enforcement agents had launched a manhunt for Dube.

“It is alleged that Sibanda was drinking beer with the two suspects, Mhlanga and Dube, both aged 18 years of Ndayo Village under Chief Bunina.

“The three had a misunderstanding after Sibanda stopped the two suspects from insulting the bar lady who wanted to close the bar,” he said. 

–New Ziana

By- Chinese miner has invaded Inyorka ranch in Matobo, prompting the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) working with the provincial mining office and police to issue them with an eviction order.

According to EMA, the Chinese mining company operating under the trade name – Edsabri (Private) Limited – was issued with tickets and orders twice but the group continued mining illegally and they did not have an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report.
Environmentalists, communities and activities have always expressed concern that mining operations usually overseen by the Chinese are not environmentally conscious or friendly, as they leave more harm than good.
Inyorka ranch is owned by Philip Mpofu who is battling to have the Chinese move out of his property, as they are causing harm to the environment.
In an interview with CITE, EMA Matabeleland South Provincial Manager, Davy Ndlovu, confirmed officers had been sent to the ground to issue a docket with the intention to arrest the Chinese miners.
“The first time we found them doing alluvial mining on a river bed, we removed them and issued a ticket. They then moved to the next site where they bought a mine illegally to continue their operations. We also gave them a ticket and an order. The next move is to go with the police and arrest them,” he said.
Ndlovu said the two tickets issued against the Chinese group were worth ZWL$520 000 but the miners continued to defy orders.
“The first ticket fine was for ZWL$500 000 and the second one was for ZWL$20 000 where they were doing prospecting. Now we will open a docket and have them arrested because we understand they are back again. When you tell someone to stop mining you expect them to stop but they have not, meaning they are disrespecting our procedures. They must stop their illegal activities and they don’t even have an EIA,” he said.
The environmentalist said EMA was concerned by the damage to the environment, as the Chinese miners had no mitigation plans.
“The problem we have is when you go there, some don’t even speak the local language, they look at you. Our concern is we don’t want this degradation, they should stop until and have proper documentation. In this case, we need an EIA report and they don’t have it. Without an EIA they are illegal,” Ndlovu said.
“Since we have issued them with orders and tickets, now we are opening a docket for them. We have information that they are still there so our officers are on their way going there to issue them with a docket.”
Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Matabeleland South Provincial Mining Director Khumbulani Mlangeni confirmed the local office had engaged the police to deal with the Chinese group.
“Yes, we wrote a letter to the police to that effect. When we received the complaint we went to the ground and we established they are not supposed to be mining anywhere. They (the Chinese) claim to have applied for a special grant and they were mining within a river bed, which is banned nationally,” he said when contacted for a comment.
“So we wrote a letter to the police at the time we received the complaint last year. I’m not sure if police have acted yet but this morning Mr Mpofu said there are still people there.” Cite.org.zw

By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

A Correspondent- Controversial challan preacher Passion Java said that the newly formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) would soon crumble.

The comical preacher posted an image of bananas on social media and captioned it “Chaora Chinhu chacho CCC ” (It has decayed).

The picture had fresh and decaying bananas, with each having a tag of a year representing the state of the CCC from its formation (January 2022) to its collapse (December 2022).

Java is striving to get into Zanu PF structures.

Late last year, he posted pictures with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has laboured to defend its members who brutalised civilians over beer at Mbalabala Shopping Centre on Christmas eve. 

 Below is the ZNA statement on the matter:

RESPONSE TO NEWSHAWKS STORY TITLED SOLDIERS REPORTEDLY ASSAULT VILLAGERS AFTER EXCHANGING TAUNTS OVER ALCOHOL

Reference is made to the NewsHawks story titled ‘Soldiers Reportedly Assduit Villagers after Exchanging Taunts over Alcohol,’ published on 28 December 2021. The article was also published in other online publications. In the story, it is alleged that imbibers and soldiers exchanged taunts over beer at Mbalabala Shopping Centre on Christmas eve, resulting in the soldiers mobilising the police to attack residents randomly. The ZNA would like to put it on record that its members were never involved in the incident in question as they were never at that place. The business centre in question is strictly out of bounds to all our members.

The area is in a gold mining region where illegal gold mining activities are rampant. Investigations have revealed that the incident involved artisanal miners (Makorokoza) who were fighting amongst themselves. ZRP Esigodini reacted and dispersed the rowdy artisanal miners. The Army encourages Journalists to always check with the police to verify information and incidents before rushing to publish unverified stories.

ALPHIOS MAKOTORE 

Colonel

Director Army Public Relations

By – A well-known Chiredzi sex worker, Paida Manika has been stabbed to death by her boyfriend.

Obvious Yaya Toruvanda (22), who is believed to be a thief, stabbed Manika to death early this week.

The Mirror understood that the two had differences after Paida decided to end the relationship.
The incident happened during the wee hours of Tuesday, and she was confirmed dead at 4am.

She was stabbed on her leg and sources said that she died from excessive breeding.

Paidamoyo made headlines in 2016 when her mother who was also a sex worker found her in the act, collapsed and died.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe could not confirm the report but The Mirror visited Paida place and had an in interview with her brother-in-law.
The Mirror also confirmed that Toruvanda fled after stabbing her girlfriend and was arrested at 4pm yesterday after being found hiding in a bush near Croco Motors.
“We were sleeping at around 3 am when somebody came alerted us that Paida was stabbed. We rushed to her house and found her lying in a pool of blood with blood oozing from her right leg,” said her brother in law Arthur Mbodzera.
They took her to Chiredzi Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Masvingo Mirror

By- Jah Prayzah has announced that he would no longer submit any entries for Zimbabwean music and arts merit awards.

The multiple award-winners manager, Keen Mushapaidze, said this last Friday, shortly after the announcement of the ZIMA 2020 nominees where they were not placed on the list.

‘‘Jah Prayzah does not submit for awards consideration is the phrase. But all the same, well done to all the nominees and we wish each and everyone the best.
“Hard work should be supported all the time, Thank you Zima,” posted the manager.
Many of his followers have been questioning whether they undermined the local music and merit awards, which the manager dismissed.
“We still insist that Jah Prayzah does not submit entries for the awards because releasing the music for the market should be enough for us. It’s now a matter of policy that we don’t submit entries and we have told event organisers the same thing that we have passed that stage.
“We now think releasing our stuff for the masses is enough and if people (award organisers) like our stuff, they know what to do with it,” he said.
Asked whether this has been their modus operandi over the years, Mushapaidze explained:
“There was a time we used to submit entries but we have stopped doing that in the past few years.
“We have realised that our brand is now big and it was up to the people who organise such events to do their part, without asking us to submit our stuff, because they have it on every platform.
“Like I said earlier on, it’s now a matter of policy where we want to stick to what can make our brand big. We are no longer focusing on the Zimbabwean market alone because we have cast our nets wider.”
He, however, said their decision does not mean they were undermining the local music and arts merit awards.
“We will never undermine Zimbabwean awards because we are still singing for the Zimbabweans, who took us where we are today.
“We have only stopped submitting entries as a matter of policy since we believe in our brand and vision. To those who have other ideas, it’s unfortunate that we won’t change our mind because that is what we have decided to do,” he said.
The Uzumba-bred chanter has won almost everything on home soil and bagged regional and international awards.

-H Metro

By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change President Nelson Chamisa has implored Zimbabweans to join the winning team.

President Chamisa’s party rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change on Monday.

The party’s aspiring candidates for local government and house of assembly by-elections have successfully filed nominations across the country.

“EVERYBODY & EVERYTHING TURNING YELLOW. AN OVERWHELMING ENDORSEMENT & A FANTASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOU ZIMBABWE, THE CITIZENS. NOW BUILDING THE TEAM & SHARING THE DREAM.

JOIN NOW! THE FUTURE IS YELLOW. ZIMBABWE IS YELLOW & RICH. THE JOURNEY BEGINS.

We’re #1. THANK YOU ZIMBABWE. HELLO YELLOW! #CCC,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

HRDs Alert

Tafadzwa Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and Chitungwiza Municipality Acting Town Clerk Evangelista Machona risk imprisonment after they wilfully defied a High Court order which stayed all demolitions against informal traders’ structures in Harare and Chitungwiza.

In an application for a contempt of court order filed at Harare High Court on Friday 21 January 2022, Alice Kuvheya, the Director of Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST and the residents association argued that Muguti and Machona should serve a three-month jail term for contempt of court for brazenly defying a High Court order prohibiting demolitions in the two cities.

Kuvheya and CHITREST, who are represented by Rudo Bere of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that they obtained a court order granted by Justice Edith Mushore on the 10 June 2021, who ordered that all unprocedural demolitions of homes, durawalls and informal traders’ structures should be stayed as they were not in compliance with the
law in particular Section 32 of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act and Section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act.

Muguti, Machona, Chitungwiza Municipality and City of Harare, Kuvheya and CHITREST argued, completely disregarded the High Court order and unilaterally commenced demolitions of informal traders’ structures in Harare and Chitungwiza. Kuvheya and CHITREST said Muguti also made utterances in which he openly denigrated the High Court order and also foretold that demolitions would continue in defiance of the lawful court order.

The applicants want the High Court to declare Muguti, Machona, Chitungwiza Municipality and City of Harare to be in contempt of court. They also want the High Court to order Muguti and Machona to serve alternate three months in jail for contempt of court until such
a time they would have purged their contempt and comply Justice Mushore’s court order granted in June 2021.

Aggrieved residents of Arlington Estates in Harare have given a 48-hour ultimatum to Tafadzwa Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, demanding that he should assure them that he is not going to proceed with demolishing their residential properties.

In an article published in the state-run The Herald newspaper on Tuesday 25 January 2022, titled “Arlington, Retreat properties face demolition, warns Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution was extensively quoted stating
that all houses and developments built in an area around Robert Mugabe International Airport including Arlington Estate and Retreat suburb face demolition.

Muguti said the developments in the areas were within a so-called red zone which affects the operations of the airport and should therefore be demolished and were also done in violation of the Civil Aviation Act and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe Act. He further indicated that government was going to approach the courts to obtain a demolition order authorising it to conduct the exercise.

But in a letter written to Muguti on Tuesday 25 January 2022, Arlington Estates Homeowners Association, represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights challenged Muguti’s claims and indicated that the development of properties in Arlington Estate by residents was done in accordance with the law and all the
necessary approvals and inspections were done and approved by the Local Planning Authority which is the City of Harare and the residents obtained Title Deeds for their properties.

The Arlington residents said their houses are private properties protected from compulsory deprivation through demolition or otherwise and hence no person may be compulsorily deprived of their property as the planned demolitions constitute a violation of property rights guaranteed in Section 71 of the Constitution.

The residents’ letter was also delivered to City of Harare, Local Government Minister and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

The residents advised Muguti that there is a pending court order against him, the City of Harare and other local authorities issued under HC2857/21 which prohibits him from carrying out any demolitions unless he follows due process and complies with the principles of natural justice as provided for in terms of the Administrative Justice Act.

They accused Muguti of acting in blatant disregard of the existing court order to which human rights lawyers in a separate matter have since applied to the High Court seeking an order for the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution
to be declared to be in contempt of court.

The residents said failure to receive an undertaking stopping the planned demolitions of housing properties from Muguti, they will approach the High Court for redress.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Monday wrote a letter to Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti, over utterances he reportedly made as quoted in The Herald.

Muguti was quoted as saying that all houses and developments around the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport area, including Arlington Estate and Retreat suburb face demolition. 

Writing on behalf of Arlington Estates residents, the human rights lawyers demanded that Muguti should in 48 hours give a written undertaking that he is not going to proceed with demolishing residential properties.

ZLHR’s Tinashe Chinox warned Muguti that if he fails to do as requested by the residents, they will approach the High Court for redress.

The letter to Muguti was also copied to the Harare City Council, the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).

In the letter, the human rights lawyer said the development of properties in Arlington Estate was done in accordance with the law, all the necessary approvals and inspections were done and approved by the Local Planning Authority and the residents obtained Title Deeds to their properties.

He said the intended demolitions constitute a violation of property rights as provided for in Section 71 of the Constitution.

Posted Selmor Mtukudzi:

Mwari vakuitirei zvakanaka hama dzangu.

Tinotenda

THANK YOU – WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE

There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy, love and support Zimbabwe and the world extended to our family during this period of the loss of our father Zex Manatsa who passed away on the 20th of January 2022 and laid to rest on Sunday the 23rd.

Seeing people from all walks of life coming to mourn our father, proved that our father was indeed a people’s person. For the rest of our lives, we will never forget the love and support our family witnessed during the dark hour we lost our father, our legend, our hero.From the very bottom of our hearts, we would like to send out our heartfelt

Thank You to:The Government of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe – NACZZIMURA, Nyaradzo Funeral Group, ZAOGA Church, Dr Eh Guti & SADOP ministry, Glad Tidings Church, UFI Church, New Life Covenant Church And any other church we might have omitted or whose name we don’t remember. NatBake Promoters: Mahwindo, Chipaz, Y2K Entertainment Promotions and othersAll the musicians and friends in the music industry who were present at the funeral uncluding Tanga Wekwa Sando, Bob Nyabinde, Alick Macheso, Isaac Chirwa, Sulu Chimbetu, Pastor and Amai Charamba, Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Dereck Mpofu, Gwenya-Gitare Mono, Pastor Haisa, Mokoomba, Hope Masike, Ammi Jamanda, Albert Nyathi, Carlton Mparutsa, Josh Meck, Mdara Svosve, Mehluli Moyo, Murehwa Para, Vusa Moyo, Tinashe Pasi, Moodah, Tendai Chimombe, Prudence Katomeni, Reginald Chapfunga, Macdee, Madam Boss, The Comic Pastor and Associates, Chirikure Chirikure, Sam Dondo, Agga NyaBinde, Bhutisi Kuzhangaira Admirre, Albert Nyabinde, Alexio Kawara & Shades of Black and many others who were present..the list is endless.

City Of Harare Warren Hills Executive Cemetery Staff, Parirenyatwa Ward D2 and B12 Staff who took good care of VaManatsa. Dr Mberi and Dr Dahwa who took care of mdhara till the last day. Zimbabwe Republic Police, Manatsa Family, Katehwe Family, Kazingizi Family, Murapa Family, Murape Family, Mtukudzi Family, Chakasikwa Family, Gandawa Family, Mtunzi Family, Chafausipo Family, Mapuranga Family, Musanjeya Family, Mahlekete Family, Mtemererwa Family, Watama family,Nyakuhwa family,Sekuru Stanley Kasukuwere,Joseph Mubaiwa,Hon Simba Mudarikwa, All the Media Houses in Zimbabwe and all over the world,All the Radio Stations in Zimbabwe and all over the world. The entertainment journalists in Zimbabwe and the world over, All the friends of our father,All the music venues in Zimbabwe where VaManatsa performed, The DJ’s who played his music,The awards he was awarded during his career.

To Mr Philip Mataranyika and your team at Nyaradzo Funeral Services, thank you for going way beyond what our policy covered. You made sure that our father got the hero’s send off that he deserved. To our mother Stellah Manatsa: We thank you so much for taking care of our father. May you stay strong during this period we are all grieving.

Thank you to our lovely wives (varoora vaVaManatsa) for being there for our father and mother during the sickness and during the funeral.

Very special Thank you to All the fans in Zimbabwe and the world over who supported Zex Manatsa throughout his career. Without your support, non of the music would have made sense. May you continue to enjoy the beautiful music he has left us and may it bring happiness in all our lives.

A big thank you to ALL those whose names or organizations we have missed out! You are greatly appreciated.

Once again, Thank you so so much to EVERYONE. We are looking forward to working with everyone as we carry on from where our father left off.

We can never fit into his shoes but we will do our very best to keep his legacy alive with the support of everyone around us.To our father Zex Manatsa –

Thank you so much for the beautiful music and the beautiful memories. You were a loving husband to our mother, a super dad to us your children, an amazing atezvara to our wives and great sekuru to our kids. RIP – VaManatsa.

Sincerely Green, Aaron, Tendai, Freedom, Shingirai and Zex Taku Manatsa

By A Correspondent- The Gokwe chieftainship row has been removed from the High Court urgent roll after Justice Amy Tsunga said it was not an urgent matter.

One of the complainants, Martin Masuka had approached the High Court seeking the removal of Mafioni Rikonda as Chief Masuka.

Masuka argued that he was the heir apparent according to the royal lineage.

In the joint urgent chamber application filed at the High Court by Masuka, Rikonda, Nemaringa and Gwenjera houses, they argued that Rikonda’s appointment as chief was illegal.

They wanted his appointment reversed, arguing that it contravened section 283(c) (Amendment No 20 of 2013) of the Constitution, which stipulates that an Act of Parliament must provide for the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders.

But Justice Tsanga ruled that the matter was not urgent.

“Whereupon after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that the matter is not urgent and is removed from urgent roll for pursuance on ordinary roll,” Tsanga ruled.

Rikonda had been cited as the first respondent, while Local Government minister July Moyo and President Emmerson Mnangagwa were second and third respondents, respectively.

Masuka submitted that Rikonda was not eligible for appointment as Chief Masuka according to the “prevailing traditional practices and traditions”‘ of the Masuka clan as he is not from the permissible senior generation of ‘fathers’ of the Rikonda house.”

Court papers stated that the tradition of the Masuka clan demands that the eldest surviving person from the royal family should take up the chieftainship.

“The advent of the second republic ushered in an enhanced commitment to the re-establishment of our substantive chiefdom in Gokwe South.

“The Council of Chiefs was subsequently ordered to determine which house in the Masuka tribe was due to be installed, in continuation from where the chieftainship was terminated to “headman”.

“Subsequently, a determination was made that it is the Rikonda house which is the second applicant in this case.

“Communication was done to us, to the effect that Rikonda house is the royal house from which the substantive chief of the Masuka people is to be installed and a directive was issued to the second applicant, Rikonda family to resolve the question of who must be installed and nominate one person for appointment as chief of the Masuka people, Gokwe South,” read the court papers.

The applicants also want a meeting for the provincial assembly of chiefs convened urgently to review

By A Correspondent- Tendai Biti and 5 other MDC Alliance who were recalled by the rival MDC-T have won their court challenge barely hours before the Nomination Court for by-elections to elect their replacements. High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi ruled that their recall was illegal.

The reinstatement followed another judgment by Justice Martin Mafusire last year, who ruled that Rukanda was not a legitimate member of the PDP. Rukanda then appealed against Justice Mafusire’s judgment.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced that there are no vacancies in the Nkulumane, Mbizo, Kambuzuma, Mutasa South, Pumula and Harare East National Assembly Constituencies constituencies following the court outcome.

Biti, the MP for Harare East; William Madzimure of Kambuzuma; Chikwinya of Mbizvo; Kucaca Ivumile Phulu of Nkulumane; Sichelesile Mahlangu of Pumula and Regai Tsunga of Mutasa South were expelled last month based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme ruling said MDC Alliance was not a single party but a coalition of 7 parties, and that each party in the coalition, including the PDP, could recall MPs elected on the Alliance ticket.

Commenting on the development, Alex Tawanda Magaisa, a former Chief in the office of a former Prime Minister, the late Morgan Tsvangirai, said the court outcome could be a strategy by the ruling ZANU PF to cause problems in the newly formed Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa.

The UK-based law expert said the development doesn’t do CCC any favours at all. Magaisa said:

It is that the 6 MPs will remain in parliament as the PDP element of the old MDC Alliance. Yet, CCC has just launched as a new entity.

He added that it will be awkward for CCC to have members that are also still identified as MDC Alliance or PDP formed by Tendai Biti.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government to move with speed and open schools as the country’s education sector risked collapse.

Schools closed in December last year following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

They were scheduled to open on January 10, but opening was postponed indefinitely as government wants more time to assess the situation.

“We know our teachers are poorly paid and are now earning less than US$100 per month when the cost of living is skyrocketing.

“There is need to restore teachers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 level of at least US$540 and above that. We need to improve teachers’ status and conditions of service,” Chamisa said.

“Schools must be opened to allow children from underprivileged communities to access education.

“Those in private schools opened online classes and they are learning, while those in rural Zimbabwe and peri-urban settings have been disadvantaged.

“There is need to ensure schools are opened, while COVID-19 precautionary measures are put in place. Our people cannot be in pris- on forever, we need to ensure that life goes on in safe environments,” Chamisa told NewsDay.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) in a joint statement yesterday said teachers could no longer afford to send their children to school.

“Some schools are now demanding up to $160 000 in fees when a teacher is earning $20 000.

“How do you reconcile that?” PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe asked.

Majongwe said the government should regularise civil servants’ negotiating platforms in order to do away with the Apex Council, which he claimed was captured.

“The current negotiating process has since been overtaken by events, considering the provisions of section 65 of the Constitution.

“The government must create a legal chamber as provided for by the law where unions are allowed to engage government through a properly constituted framework rather than the current nefarious begging platform which doesn’t benefit teachers,” he said.

He said as the government pre- pared to open schools, it should put in place mechanisms to protect teachers and students from contracting COVID-19.

Last week, acting President Con- stantino Chiwenga further de- ferred the opening of schools in or- der to put preventive public health measures in place before the com- mencement of the school calendar.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Information Communication Technology minister Jenfan Muswere yesterday said government was targeting to install computer equipment at 8 800 schools as it intensifies efforts to promote e-learning during the COVID-19 era.

Muswere said this at Epworth Primary School during the handover of laptops donated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted the education sector in the country, and resultantly, the government was promoting e-learning and providing ICT equipment and internet connectivity to learners.

“Our vision is to see all learners having access to, and knowledge of ICTs to not only facilitate learning in the classroom, but virtually from any place and at anytime. The ICT labs we have commissioned today are, therefore, a gateway for Epworth to the world and they are also a route marker as Zimbabwe forges its way towards attaining an upper-middle economy by the year 2030,” Muswere said.

“Government is targeting to install computer facilities at 8 800 schools, and has responded by coming up with digital solutions such as e-learning, a solution pivoted on the ability of our school-going learners to access ICT equipment and internet connectivity,” he said.

Muswere said the creation of a digital economy could only be achieved by the provision of universal access to ICTs for all citizens regardless of their location.

“Access is, however, not enough if we do not develop ICT skills,” he said.-newsday

By A Correspondent- One SA movement leader Mmusi Maimane has weighed in on the challenges of immigration in SA‚ laying the blame at the government’s feet and slamming the Zimbabwean ruling party.

Immigration continues to be a big debate in the country‚ with EFF leader Julius Malema this week visiting local businesses to assess the employment ratio of locals and foreign nationals.

It follows the Patriotic Alliance visiting shops in Eldorado Park‚ allegedly run by “illegal foreigners”‚ that allegedly sell expired goods.

Taking to social media this week‚ Maimane claimed the government was to blame for the “immigration challenges” faced in SA by refusing to act against “tyranny” on its doorstep.

“The immigration challenges that we are facing are because the SA government enabled a brutal and corrupt regime to terrorise its citizens for 42 years. While there is tyranny in our neighbourhood‚ we will not be able to deal with the challenges of immigration‚” he said.

He said Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF “are the root cause of this crisis and they have cost not only SA but all the countries in Sadc”.

“From the Gukurahundhi massacres to this very date‚ the effect of the Mugabe‚ Mnangagwa eras has been a mass exodus.”

He said unless free and fair elections in Zimbabwe are a reality‚ SA will always be dealing with symptoms of the crisis and not the cause.

“Unless we talk about the respect for human rights and political rights in Zimbabwe‚ we are playing games and performing politics. Panado does not cure cancer.”

He also took aim at Eswatini and King Mswati III‚ calling him an “unwelcome king who is suppressing his people’s wish for real democracy”.

“He is a man using violence against the youth and political voices. People have been killed. He is spending the nation’s resources on luxury goods while people starve and die‚” Maimane claimed

By A Correspondent- Chief Samuel Neuso of Sanyati has ordered a Chinese national accused of marrying a minor to pay four cattle, three sheep and an unspecified amount of money as a fine for the offence.

The Chinese national only identified as Yan, an engineer at Rongxin/Mambo Mine about 75km from Kadoma in Mashonaland West province, was summoned to appear before the chief’s court on Sunday to answer to the charge.

The cash part of the fine was paid at Chief Neuso’s court yesterday.

Yan pleaded guilty to violating traditional values when he married a 15-year-old minor on November 26, 2021.

Chief Neuso also found the Chinese’s in-laws guilty of the offence.

The forced marriage came to light after being exposed by NewsDay in December last year.

Sources claim that the minor is now pregnant.

“It has been resolved that the pregnant minor must go back to her parents and return to Yan when she turns 16,” revealed the source.

The minor (name withheld) was doing Form 3 when she was married off to Yan after he paid US$2 000 in bride price.

Yan was accompanied by his go-between, Clement Chimbunde, during the weekend traditional court hearing.

Sources in Sanyati said most poor families in the area were marrying off their underage daughters to Chinese miners.

Recently, Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises minister Sithembiso Nyoni said all Chinese nationals who marry minors should be arrested and deported.-newsday

EVERYBODY & EVERYTHING TURNING YELLOW. OVERWHELMING ENDORSEMENT & FANTASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOU ZIMBABWE, THE CITIZENS. NOW BUILDING THE TEAM & SHARING THE DREAM. JOIN NOW! THE FUTURE IS YELLOW. ZIMBABWE IS YELLOW & RICH. THE JOURNEY BEGINS. We’re #1. THANK YOU ZIMBABWE. #CCC pic.twitter.com/SuMnG3ARqJ

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 26, 2022

By A Correspondent- A pedestrian died on the spot along Seke Road on Monday after being hit by an unidentified vehicle that was headed towards Chitungwiza.

The pedestrian was trying to cross the road. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating the matter amid reports that the motorist did not stop after hitting the pedestrian.

We present the police statementbelow:

The ZRP is appealing for anyone with information in connection with a hit and run RTA which occurred along Seke Road near CP Chemicals Company on 24/01/22 at about 2055 hours, where an unknown motorist who was driving an unidentified vehicle, towards Chitungwiza, hit a pedestrian who was trying to cross the road.

The victim died on the spot and the motorist did not stop after the accident.

Investigations are underway.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has finally released the broadcast equipment they seized from prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s Harare home in 2020.

Police arrested Chin’ono in July 2020 on charges of incitement to commit public violence through posting tweets denouncing alleged looting and corruption by well-connected political elites and their cronies.

Chin’ono confirmed via his Facebook page that the CID Law and Order department released his equipment on Tuesday afternoon. He wrote:

The regime has finally released my Panasonic P2 broadcast camera, Avid video edit suite, Laptop and cell phones.

The equipment was seized on 20 July 2020 after I was arrested and jailed for exposing State corruption and the looting of public funds!

I got the equipment 30 minutes ago from the CID Law and Order department!

Chin’ono, through his lawyers Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners wrote several times to the ZRP, asking for his equipment to be released.

The lawyers wrote to the police on 1 October 2020 and 16 December 2020 requesting the release of Chin’ono’s equipment.

After High Court Judge Justice Siyabona Musithu acquitted Chin’ono on charges of incitement to commit public violence, the lawyers wrote to the police yet again.

The letter, dated  8 December 2021, was addressed to Detective Chief Inspector Morga Chafa, the Officer in Charge Law & Order Section, ZRP, Harare Central.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-T led Douglas Mwonzora has announced its decision to hunt down and recall all MPS who joined the Citizens Coalition for Change from parliament.

On Tuesday, MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube told VOA that they would recall all the MDC-Alliance MPS from parliament because they had defected.

” The law is unambiguous on who should be recalled from parliament and who should not, and there is no debate about that. If an MP joins another party which is not the one that took him to parliament, they automatically cease to be a member of the former,”

Nelson Chamisa on Monday rebranded the former MDC-Alliance party and named it CCC.

A Harare man has been arrested for stealing a vehicle worth US$3 500 during a test drive.

Tatenda Chinyemba(23) appeared before Mbare magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini, who rolled over the case to today.

The prosecution alleged that on December 11, 2021, Chinyemba approached Adiel Hapanyengwi pretending as if he wanted to buy a Honda Fit vehicle which was on sale.
He was given the vehicle by the complainant so that he could test drive. The accused took the vehicle, drove off and did not return.
After two hours, the complainant called the accused on his mobile phone, but he did not respond to calls. The matter was then reported to police in Braeside.
The vehicle was recovered on January 16, 2022 at Mutavatava shops in Murewa, where Chinyemba’s driver, Silus Usika, was found using it as a pirate taxi.
Chinyemba was arrested in Shamva two days later. Tatenda Furaijo appeared for the State.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The MDC-T led Douglas Mwonzora said it would recall Citizens Coalition for Change MPs and its suspended deputy president Thokozani Khupe from parliament.

This was announced by the party spokesperson Witness Dube, on Tuesday.

Dube said that by following or joining the newly formed CCC political movement, all the MDC-Alliance members ceased to belong to the party that took them to parliament.

Nelson Chamisa on Monday rebranded the former MDC-Alliance party and named it CCC.
Mwonzora also suspended Khupe last week, who immediately announced that she had formed a splinter MDC-T.

By- A 55-year-old man from Avoca Farm in Bindura who drowned last Wednesday while crossing the flooded Mazowe River was found four days later without his neck, head and private parts.

Muzondiwa Jekemu reportedly crossed from Avoca to Matemba area to drink beer with his friends at around 6pm.

A witness, Mr Chapasura Mapepa, said Jekemu returned later that night but upon arrival at the river he found the canoe he had used before missing. He was also carrying a goat’s head that he had been given by friends.
“He met people who were panning for gold by the river and inquired about the canoe. He insisted that he was going home regardless and took off his overalls and gumboots,” said Mr Mapepa.

“He tied the goat’s head to his trouser and swam. The gold panners who were watching said he managed to cross to the river bank but dropped the goat head in the water.
“He returned into the water to get his meat and we saw him being swept away. The following day his family started looking for him and a search started.”
He was found on Sunday seven kilometres away from where he drowned.

“The search party could not reach where his body was and we travelled for 20 kilometres around the river to retrieve the body. I was among the people who retrieved the body and his neck, head and private parts were missing,” said Mapepa.
“One of his thighs was severed and we suspected that he was attacked by a crocodile. We are waiting for police investigations and burial.”
Mashonaland Central police was not available for comment.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- The Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T has announced that it would recall all Nelson Chamisa members of parliament from parliament if they show allegiance to the newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Chamisa on Monday rebranded his MDC-Alliance party and named it CCC.

He did this by dumping his traditional MDC brand and all its colours following a leadership struggle between him and Mwonzora.

Witness Dube, Mwonzora’s party spokesperson, told VOA that they were targeting all Chamisa MPs who got to parliament under the MDC-Alliance banner.

By- A three-member gang of robbers armed with an AK47 rifle and knives attacked a Chivhu family and robbed it of R36 500, US$970 and two mobile phones recently.

It is alleged that on January 16, the suspects pounced on a house in Buckenhill, Chivhu, tied five occupants with shoelaces and threatened them with death while demanding for cash.

Reports are that the suspects, after immobilising the occupants, went on to ransack the entire house and stole the R36 500 and US$970 together with two cell phones.

While the incident was unfolding, reports are that two juveniles sneaked out through the back door, alerted some neighbours who then called the police.
It is alleged that the police swiftly responded to the report and intercepted the suspects who were about to get away using one of the family’s Nissan Caravan vehicle.
National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The suspects fled, leaving the stolen vehicle at the gate. Police investigations led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Pickstone Mine, Chegutu and the recovery of the AK47 rifle with a magazine of 20 rounds which was buried in a bushy area in Chivhu.

“Investigations are underway,” he said.
The suspect who was arrested has been identified as Ashley Moses Dube.

By- Daring copper cable thieves recently cut electricity cables to State House in Bulawayo as the city witnesses a surge in vandalism cases.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the development this week.
“I can confirm that we are receiving an increase in the number of reports of copper cable theft.
“We are appealing to members of the public to assist police with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects,” Ncube said.
“Theft of cables are affecting all operations in the city. “Some have affected police stations, including the State House.
“On January 20, we received a report of theft of 225m x 35mm copper cables in the Donnington area, and another one of 1 400m x25mm of overhead copper cable conductors in Sauerstown and Hillside on Sunday.”
Ncube said other areas affected were Njube and Pumula.
“We receive such reports on a daily basis,” Ncube said.
Zesa spokesperson George Manyaya recently said that the power utility required over US$6 million to replace stolen equipment.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage secretary Aaron Nhepera last year told Parliament that a Copper Control Amendment Bill would be crafted to impose a mandatory 10-year jail term for vandalism of cables. Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri| The leader of the Citizens Coalition For Change, President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the capacity to win the 2023 Presidential Election.

President Chamisa made the remarks at a media briefing in Harare on Monday.

President Chamisa’s political party has rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change.

He said:
“Because we are building a new, we are also in the process of building a A TEAM, a team that cannot be defeated. 2023 is already a done deal, that’s why they are jumping from pillar to post, they know that the game is on, and the A TEAM is ready.

We need to restore the dignity of our people, which is restored by having an organized institution, away from the clutter & confusion that you’ve seen. Mr ED thank you, you’ve helped us clean our basket. All the bad apples you’ve taken, enjoy the meal.”

“We’ll not repeat the mistakes of what we did, where after winning, you abuse us. Mnangagwa didn’t win, but was saved by the courts. He has suffered from illegitimacy, that’s why he can’t solve problems in this country. ED has squandered every chance,” added President Chamisa.

By- A 55-year-old man from Avoca Farm in Bindura who drowned last Wednesday while crossing the flooded Mazowe River was found four days later without his neck, head and private parts.

Muzondiwa Jekemu reportedly crossed from Avoca to Matemba area to drink beer with his friends at around 6pm.

A witness, Mr Chapasura Mapepa, said Jekemu returned later that night but upon arrival at the river he found the canoe he had used before missing. He was also carrying a goat’s head that he had been given by friends.
“He met people who were panning for gold by the river and inquired about the canoe. He insisted that he was going home regardless and took off his overalls and gumboots,” said Mr Mapepa.

“He tied the goat’s head to his trouser and swam. The gold panners who were watching said he managed to cross to the river bank but dropped the goat head in the water.
“He returned into the water to get his meat and we saw him being swept away. The following day his family started looking for him and a search started.”
He was found on Sunday seven kilometres away from where he drowned.

“The search party could not reach where his body was and we travelled for 20 kilometres around the river to retrieve the body. I was among the people who retrieved the body and his neck, head and private parts were missing,” said Mapepa.
“One of his thighs was severed and we suspected that he was attacked by a crocodile. We are waiting for police investigations and burial.”
Mashonaland Central police was not available for comment.

By-The District Development Fund (DDF) in Mashonaland Central has said that Karanda Bridge was not collapsing.

DDF provincial coordinator Ms Molly Shonhiwa said the bridge was intact, adding that people were passing to access Karanda Hospital as usual.

The Bridge, which is on Ruya River provides a shorter route to the hospital by 44 kilometres compared to the other two routes of Mt-Darwin-Mudzengerere-Karanda which is 60 kilometres and Mt Darwin-Nhoro-Karanda which is 62 kilometres.

On Tuesday, social media was awash with pictures of a similar bridge collapsing, but DDF said the images could have been taken in Matabeleland South.

By A Correspondent- Six armed robbers Monday pounced on KFC premises in Msasa, Harare, and went away with US$50 000, ZAR 30 000 and ZWL$19 000.

Posting on their Twitter page, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said that they were investigating the matter.

The police also said the suspects reportedly attacked a security guard who was manning the premises and seized his cellphone before breaking into the offices.

“The ZRP is investigating a case of robbery which occurred on 24/01/22 at about 0001 hours in Msasa, Harare, where six unknown suspects who were armed with an unidentified pistol while covering their faces with balaclava masks, attacked a security guard who was manning KFC premises and took away his Itel cellphone before ransacking the offices.
The suspects broke into an office where they blasted a cash safe and stole cash amounting to US$50 000, ZAR 30 000 and ZWL$19 000. Investigations are currently in progress,” posted ZRP.

By- MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora has announced its intention to recall suspended vice president Thokozani Khupe.

 Khupe last week said that the troubled opposition had split.

Mwonzora suspended Khupe and said she had several allegations, subject to an investigation.

Mwonzora’s spokesperson Lloyd Damba on Monday confirmed to NewsDay the plans to recall Khupe from Parliament where she is a proportional representation MP. Said Damba:

There is nothing in the MDC-T called an official proclamation of a split.

That alone as she is accusing Mwonzora of having flouted the constitution, she herself has done the same by announcing an official proclamation of a split when there is no such clause in the MDC-T constitution.

Khupe is in Parliament because of the MDC Alliance brand. We are going to recall her, and she is going to court. We are going to smoke the enemy out.

However, Khupe’s spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu insisted that Mwonzora does not have the authority to recall his boss. He said:

Douglas Mwonzora dismissed himself from MDC-T after writing to Zec on the 3rd of January informing it that he has formed a new party called MDC Alliance.

It, therefore, follows that Mwonzora doesn’t have any legal authority to recall anyone from Parliament.

We implore Parliament and State institutions to exercise impartiality in discharging their duties by making sure that one faction cannot recall legislators who belong to another faction.

-NewsDay

By- Zanu PF councillor for Ward 10, Tapiwa Ndawana (45) of Shurugwi has been struck with an axe after being caught red-handed with ‘someone’s wife’.

Ndawana who was arrested last year and spent two months in remand for allegedly selling 100 bags of social welfare maize meant for villagers, sustained deep cuts in the head, arm and leg.

He also faced another case of fraud, according to Mirror reports.
The incident happened at Dandavari Village at around 1am on Saturday. Ndawana is from Ndawana Village under Chief Banga.
The Mirror attended the court case in which one of Ndawana’s attackers was remanded in custody to January 30, 2022 for the assault charge.
Budwell Pisirai (19) appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Percy Mukumba on Wednesday facing assault charges. He pleaded not guilty blamed his colleagues Oliver Nhema, Nicol Tom and Innocent Gombingo who are still at large for the attack.
It is the State case that on Saturday at 1am Ndawana was sleeping with Farai Mutero who is said to be his girlfriend in the latter’s bedroom.
Oliver Nhema and his colleagues arrived and declared that Mutero was a wife of one of them. Pisirai allegedly broke a window and gained entry into the bedroom where Mutero and Ndawana were cuddled on the bed.
He used a log and an axe to attack the complainant causing serious injuries to him. Accused was remanded in custody to 30 January 2022.

– Masvingo Mirror

By- A Seke music teacher was on Wednesday attacked by villagers after he was caught in a compromising position with a married woman in his bedroom.

Shakespeare Chimbetete, a music teacher at Murape Primary School, was attacked and had his house doors and windowpanes destroyed .
The mob accused him of bedding a married woman, Chipo Dhliwayo (21) in his bedroom at Chakahwata Village.
Sources say Dhliwayo’s minor child was heard crying in the house, attracting her sister-in-law Kudzai Chipazura who caught the two in a compromising position.
Dhliwayo had been hired to weed Chimbetete’s field for payment. Chimbetete denied the allegations.
Dhliwayo, who is married to Norman Chipazura (36) said: “I am a victim of circumstances considering that my husband has been failing to feed the family,” said Dhliwayo.
“I have been working for this teacher for some time and receiving six dollars per day.
“On the day in question, Sir Chimbetete invited me to his bedroom to select potato seeds for planting, before I start weeding his field, as agreed.
“Tete Kudzai vakabva vapinda mumba imomo vakasvikopopotera Sir kuti murikurara nemuroora wangu.
“Ndakuwonai mavekupfeka uye dikita nderei?
“Sensing danger, I ran away and sought refuge at one of my friends’ home in a nearby village.
“Chimbetete never proposed love to me and we never had sex as alleged.
“He sometimes conducts extra lessons at the house although on the day in question no child came for lessons.
“My husband learnt that I was hiding at my friend’s house and came to make peace with me.

“I explained everything to him and he asked me to return home, dismissing aunt Kudzai’s claims.
“Murume akanditi dai ari iye akandiwanikidza angadai andiramba saka hama dzake ndidzo dziri kundishungurudza.
“My reason for escaping from the scene and home was to avoid my husband since he is a violent person.
“I look after my husband’s two children from his first marriage and I have one child with him,” said Dhliwayo.
Chimbetete told H-Metro his house was stoned.
“I am a teacher at Murape Primary School and I teach music and some children come for music lessons at my house,” said Chimbetete.
“There was no way I would bed that woman considering that some children come any time for music lessons.
“I separated with my wife last year and I stay alone.
“Some of the villagers thronged my house threatening to kill me, that is why I escaped and they broke into my house and stole US$315.
“Ndakakumbira Dhliwayo kuti andibatsire kusarudza maseeds emapotatoes tete vake vachibva vasvika tiri mumba.
“I never bedded Dhliwayo as alleged and I intend to lodge a police report against the people who broke into my house.
“I have been hiring Dhliwayo for part-time jobs at my house for some time and paying her dues.
“My fear is that the issue might be exaggerated, but the truth is that I never did anything wrong and her husband accepted his wife back,” said Chimbetete.

• H Metro

By- MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora has announced its intention to recall suspended vice president Thokozani Khupe.

 Khupe last week said that the troubled opposition had split.

Mwonzora suspended Khupe and said she had several allegations, subject to an investigation.

Mwonzora’s spokesperson Lloyd Damba on Monday confirmed to NewsDay the plans to recall Khupe from Parliament where she is a proportional representation MP. Said Damba:

There is nothing in the MDC-T called an official proclamation of a split.

That alone as she is accusing Mwonzora of having flouted the constitution, she herself has done the same by announcing an official proclamation of a split when there is no such clause in the MDC-T constitution.

Khupe is in Parliament because of the MDC Alliance brand. We are going to recall her, and she is going to court. We are going to smoke the enemy out.

However, Khupe’s spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu insisted that Mwonzora does not have the authority to recall his boss. He said:

Douglas Mwonzora dismissed himself from MDC-T after writing to Zec on the 3rd of January informing it that he has formed a new party called MDC Alliance.

It, therefore, follows that Mwonzora doesn’t have any legal authority to recall anyone from Parliament.

We implore Parliament and State institutions to exercise impartiality in discharging their duties by making sure that one faction cannot recall legislators who belong to another faction.

-NewsDay

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) leader, President Nelson Chamisa has declared that citizens know the face of change and hope in the country.

On Monday President Chamisa unveiled the name of his new party in the capital Harare.

“The citizens know who is the face & voice of hope. Those in Zanu know it, that’s why even after stripping us naked, they still come to us & we say go to those you’ve given borrowed robs. They don’t even believe in those robes. They still want us, even naked.

Said President Chamisa:
“We can’t be purchased. We’re convinced that our conviction to bring change to Zimbabwe is unshakeable & indomitable. Zimbabwean citizens know who their leaders are. They know who champions the struggle for better wages, students & women struggles.”

He added :
“We are not just having a new name. We are having a new entity and new organisation & a new people. We’ve left the vices and transgressions of yesteryear. We represent hope, happiness, joy, freedom, ideas, solutions. Hope is our new name.”

Also watch video below:

Tinashe Sambiri| The leader of the Citizens Coalition For Change, President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the capacity to win the 2023 Presidential Election.

President Chamisa made the remarks at a media briefing in Harare on Monday.

President Chamisa’s political party has rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change.

He said:
“Because we are building a new, we are also in the process of building a A TEAM, a team that cannot be defeated. 2023 is already a done deal, that’s why they are jumping from pillar to post, they know that the game is on, and the A TEAM is ready.

We need to restore the dignity of our people, which is restored by having an organized institution, away from the clutter & confusion that you’ve seen. Mr ED thank you, you’ve helped us clean our basket. All the bad apples you’ve taken, enjoy the meal.”

“We’ll not repeat the mistakes of what we did, where after winning, you abuse us. Mnangagwa didn’t win, but was saved by the courts. He has suffered from illegitimacy, that’s why he can’t solve problems in this country. ED has squandered every chance,” added President Chamisa.

POLL- Which is your party of CHOICE? #Zimbabwe

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 25, 2022

By A Correspondent- Five people die every day on average because of road accidents in Zimbabwe, says a review on road safety in the country.

But, the report says, this can be reversed.

Launching the Road Safety Performance Review report for Zimbabwe, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Vera Songwe, said the cost of road crashes is heavy on the African economies, especially at this time when the continent is struggling to relaunch its economy amidst the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

“Anything that takes away from Africa’s GDP growth becomes important because we need every bit of it to be able to move forward better. The request by the Zimbabwe authority to review their road transport and safety is encouraging given the dire road safety situation in the country but also the economic context that is very difficult,” Songwe said

The ECA executive secretary also noted that there is an increase in the importation of second-hand vehicles in Zimbabwe and other African countries.

“As a continent we need to take off importation of vehicles that are not up to standard that end up costing lives and are detrimental to economic development,” she said.

The review, conducted in partnership with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety and the Zimbabwe government, is aimed at reducing the number of road accident deaths and injuries in the country.

It found that road traffic crash deaths in Zimbabwe rose by about 34% between 2011 and 2019. Fatalities rose from 1 836 in 2016 to an average of 2 000 deaths per year – over five deaths per day – from 2017 to 2019.

Songwe commended Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety for commissioning the report in collaboration with ECA and ensuring its successful completion.

She also lauded the government of Zimbabwe for seeing the need to conduct the road safety performance review, which shows the Government’s commitment to prioritizing road safety as a Sustainable Development issue. Vera Songwe urged more countries to recognize its importance to their growth and development.

Zimbabwe is the fourth African country after Cameroon, Ethiopia and Uganda to launch a road safety performance review report.

The purpose of the Road Safety Performance Review Report for Zimbabwe was to determine progress made in implementing the first United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 with the objective of stabilizing the rate of road crash fatalities and reduce them by 50% by 2020. It also makes recommendations to the Government to strengthen road safety management for the Second Decade of Action, 2021-2030.

Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety said Africa has the highest road fatalities in the world. Todt said that the figure, of about five people dying every day in Zimbabwe from road crashes, was likely to triple if no action was taken.

He said Zimbabwe could reverse the high number of accidents on its roads by implementing the recommendations of the review report.

“Reports indicate that 90% of the people and goods in Africa are moved by road. Transport and mobility can only be sustainable if it is safe. We need safer roads, better vehicles, quality data and safer infrastructure for a sustainable road transport in Africa,” said Todt.

Todt urged the Zimbabwe government to fully implement the seven core United Nations Conventions on road safety, the African Road Safety Charter, and the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-African Highways.

He noted that worldwide, 1,3 million people are killed every year from road crashes and over 50 million are injured, with Africa recording the highest fatality rates per 100 000 inhabitants.

John Mangwiro, deputy minister of Health and Child Care pointed out that road accidents are a major cause of preventable deaths and injuries in the world including in Zimbabwe.

“We are committed in ensuring road safety through the implementation of actions mentioned in the report,” Mangwiro said.

The government, he said, has opened an accident and emergency reporting institution and plans to equip ambulances with personnel that can efficiently handle road accidents. The ambulances will be placed strategically along highways.

Training of health workers on road accident emergencies will also be done to provide intensive care services immediately which is critical in preventing deaths.

George Vera, National Consultant for the report said the Road Safety Performance Review identified four priority interventions agreed between UNECE/UNECA and confirmed by national stakeholders.

They include Road Safety Management strengthening; increasing capacity of the National Road Safety Lead Agency; a road Crash Database, improving statistical indicators and disaggregated data, and Post-Crash Care Response and Coordination System (establishment of a lead coordinating agency).

The report also recommends a 10-Year national road safety strategy and action plan to improve road safety in Zimbabwe between 2021 – 2030.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The road safety review, requested by the Government of Zimbabwe, was conducted in partnership with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, ECA, and the United Nations Economic Commissions for Europe (UNECE). The review provides a detailed assessment of the road safety and management capacity situation in the country, and pinpoints concrete measures to save lives.-Newsday

As of this morning 90% of our House of Assembly Candidates for the March 26 by elections had filed their papers with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
VICTORY IS CERTAIN pic.twitter.com/B5602c5EQZ

— Our MDC-T (@OurMDCT) January 25, 2022

By A Correspondent- Daring copper cable thieves recently cut electricity cables to State House in Bulawayo as the city witnesses a surge in vandalism cases.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the development yesterday.

“I can confirm that we are receiving an increase in the number of reports of copper cable theft.

“We are appealing to members of the public to assist police with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects,” Ncube said.

“Theft of cables are affecting all operations in the city.

“Some have affected police stations, including the State House.

“On January 20, we received a report of theft of 225m x 35mm copper cables in the Donnington area, and another one of 1 400m x25mm of overhead copper cable conductors in Sauerstown and Hillside on Sunday.”

Ncube said other areas affected were Njube and Pumula.

“We receive such reports on a daily basis,” Ncube said.

Zesa spokesperson George Manyaya recently said that the power utility required over US$6 million to replace stolen equipment.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage secretary Aaron Nhepera last year told Parliament that a Copper Control Amendment Bill would be crafted to impose a mandatory 10-year jail term for vandalism of cables.-newsday

By A Correspondent- The High Court trial of former Harare mayor Herbert Gomba and three council officials on graft charges failed to kick off yesterday and was deferred to March 14.

Gomba, who is being charged together with suspended town clerk Hosea Chisango, finance director Stanley Ndemera and Charles Kandemiri, was expected to stand trial before High Court judge Justice Pisirai Kwenda.

The four are accused of criminal abuse of office after they allegedly illegally sold the Mt Pleasant Golf Course.

Their lawyer Harrison Nkomo has filed a notice for an application for exception to the charges, which will now be heard on March 14.

Allegations are that in August 2019, Gomba unlawfully used his position as the mayor to offer stand number 402 Vainona Township, Harare, for sale to Hardspec Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which was being represented by Mavis Madzivanzira and Pauline Gutsa.

Gomba allegedly unlawfully instructed council officials, including Ndemera, who was acting finance director, to go and meet Mandzivanzira and Gutsa so that they could be shown the portion of stand 402 Vainona, Harare, which they wanted to buy.

Gomba allegedly told Ndemera to prepare a report recommending the outright sale of the stand.

The sale was approved by the full council of September 5, 2019, yet the sale to Hardspec Investments Pvt Ltd had been concluded the previous day.

The stand was sold for $23 923 340 yet Mt Pleasant Sports Club was quoted US$2,3 million for the same stand.

It is alleged Chisango and Kandemiri played a part in the sale of this stand.

By A Correspondent- Some employees of Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) staged a strike in Masvingo on Monday due to delays in being paid their salaries since last month.

Many commuters had to walk to and from town, braving heavy rains in the process, while some opted for illegal taxis and kombis which are not under the Zupco franchise and have been engaging in a cat and mouse relationship with the police, who are trying to curb mshika-shika.

 A few kombis and buses had to be dispatched but failed to meet the demand especially in the morning where there was high demand for transport.

Kombi drivers who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com revealed that the company has been playing hide and seek when it comes to their remuneration.

One of the kombi drivers who spoke on condition of anonymity in fear of victimization said they haven’t received their salaries since December last year and that the management is stammers when approached.

“Today we decided not to report for duty because the company is taking us for fools. We haven’t been paid since December 14 and when we try to engage the management, they don’t give us a satisfactory answer, they always beat around the bush,” the driver said.

Zupco Masvingo Area Manager, Rashy Mazarire wasn’t reachable for comment as his mobile number went straight to voicemail until the time of publishing.

The Zupco Acting Chief Executive Officer, Everisto Madangwa was also not available to comment on the matter as he didn’t pick up calls made to his mobile number.

The parastatal which is sole licensed public transport provider in the country and is failing to cope with transport demand in the country has seen workers striking across the country over delayed salaries.

Masvingo workers downed tools a couple of times last year while Bulawayo employees also went on strike over the same issue.