VIDEO LOAING BELOW…

By A Correspondent- As of Friday 10 December 2021, US$121 555 000 had been raised towards buying an armoured car for opposition MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa.This is against a set target of US$120 000.

The organiser of the gofundme initiative, T Basvi, says the drive to buy Chamisa an armoured vehicle was triggered by “countless merciless attacks (on Chamisa) by the ruling party, aided by the government security sector.”

He cites an attack on Chamisa’s convoy on the 11th of October 2021 by a group of suspected ZANU PF youths as evidence that Chamisa’s life was in danger.

The attack left Chamisa’s vehicles damaged and many of his aides seriously injured and hospitalized. The convoy was on its way to engaging the rural community in Masvingo to understand their issues in the aftermath of the pandemic’s 3rd wave. 

Basvi believes chances that violence will intensify during the 2023 elections are high hence the need to beef up Chamisa’s security before any unfortunate eventuality occurs. Basvi added:

As concerned global citizens, we have come up with this initiative to raise funds for the purchase of an amour plated vehicle as well as security apparel for his safety and security.

He also said it was clear that the regime wants to continue to frustrate democracy by attacking the main opposition.

-Online

By A Correspondent- Nineteen nurses, who work in the same ward at the United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH), tested positive for COVID-19 after admitting several patients infected by the virus.

Bulawayo provincial medical director Maphios Siamuchembu said the hospital was still to ascertain which COVID-19 variant infected the nurses.
The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 was discovered in South Africa and Botswana recently.

It has also been detected in Zimbabwe. “About 19 members of staff tested positive at UBH. We are doing the standard antigen COVID-19 tests, and we haven’t done genetic sequencing to identify the Omicron variant.
“In short we are not sure which variant we are dealing with,” Siamuchembu said. “All people are screened and sanitised at the hospital entrance.
“All admitted patients are sent to Arundel COVID-19 hospital, while all symptomatic staff members are tested.
“We have procured personal protective equipment for staff members.’ Although the Omicron variant is said to be very mild, the variant is reportedly spreading fast in terms of infections.
The country recorded 4 996 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, and two deaths. Of the 4 996 new infections, Bulawayo recorded 338.
The COVID-19 scare at UBH comes at a time when an influenza outbreak has hit Bulawayo.
Siamuchembu said Bulawayo had been hit by the COVID fourth wave and urged people to get vaccinated.
“The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in Bulawayo. We are effectively in the fourth wave. Vaccination is the number one tool we have to fight the pandemic,” he said.
“We should continue exercising hand hygiene, physical distancing and masking up properly. Residents need to be wary of people coming from outside the country.
“They should make sure such people are coming from the appropriate quarantine or isolation centres.
“If you are symptomatic please go to the nearest health facility for testing and treatment.”
Several institutions, including Parliament, the courts, schools and non-governmental organisations were forced to close after they recorded a surge in COVID-19 infections.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa who tested positive for Covid-19, Thursday, said fellow MPs were responsible for spreading the pandemic in the house of assembly.

The candid and out-spoken independent law-maker announced this through his ever-busy Twitter handled Wednesday evening.

Mliswa said he had immediately self-isolated as a responsible way of curbing the spread of the deadly pandemic.

“1/ Dear Colleagues, Honourable MPs, Parliament staff, Norton constituency and friends. Just to let you know that despite taking all precautions and testing negative on both Monday at Norton Hospital and Tuesday at Parly, I have just tested positive for Covid-19,” he posted.

Mliswa blamed fellow parliamentarians for promoting the spread of the pandemic after they contradicted him Tuesday when he suggested that they should all go on self-isolation because some parliament staff had tested positive for covid.

“This was exactly my point yesterday, I think I should be known as Prophet Mliswa forthwith. Forewarned is forearmed and disclosure is critical in mitigating the spread of the virus. It’s sad Togarepi couldn’t comprehend this point. For now my symptoms are mild, and I’ll rest,” he said.

By A Correspondent- An 86-year-old Vainona domestic worker was found dead in her employer’semployer’s backyard cabin on Tuesday.

Margaret Muzanago Sibanda, who has been working for the Berry family for 57 years, was reported to have been denied access to health care and ablution facilities as well as payment for years.

She was found dead by the Berrys’Berrys’ gardener only identified as Simon clad in her uniforms.

In ire, the Muzanago family dumped her belongings in protest against the alleged abuse of Gogo Margaret under the mercy of her white man Paul Simon Berry.
Reports say Gogo Margaret had one child Christopher Muzanago who also worked as a gardener at Berry’sBerry’s house in Vainona.
He died at the same house in 2012.
The late Gogo Margaret is also said to have refused to remove Christopher’sChristopher’s belongings from the room he used to occupy over unpaid salaries.
Berry told H-Metro that he was not in a position to give his side of the story referring questions to one of his relative only identified as Mary.
“”Sorry we are mourning, get in touch with Mary,”” said Berry.
Muzanago family spokesperson Leticia Muzanago, 32, narrated to H-Metro the ill-treatment Gogo Margaret under went as a maid since 1964 when she started working for Berry family.
“”Gogo died a poor person under the roof of a rich family,”” said Muzanago.
“”She passed on wearing her kitchen uniform in a cabin room located between the two better houses belonging to Berry and his son.
“”She started working for the Berry family in 1964 in Gweru and when her first employer who happen to be the present Berry’sBerry’s parents died she was taken to Vainona in Harare in 2008 to work for the son Paul Simon Berry.
“”Gogo had agreed with her employer that she wanted them to keep her salaries till they buy a house for her.
“”Paul promised to pay for a Gweru residential stand three years ago but nothing materialized.
“”She was never taken to medical doctors but had to continue working while sick.
“”I visited her many times and discover that she was no longer had energy to visit a toilet which some meters away from her cabin.
“”She had to do a bucket system till her time of death.
“”When she died they were quick to call a funeral parlour to remove the body without engaging any of us,”” said Muzanago.
When H-Metro visited the house, one Mary was ordering Muzanago to hire a lorry and remove all belongings of Gogo Margaret and that of her late son Christopher Muzanago and take them to their home village in Chirumhanzu.
“”Hire a lorry and collect everything of Margaret and that of her late son,”” said Mary.
In an interview, Mary told H-Metro that Margaret was very lucky to have worked for a caring family who would never do anything against her wishes.
“”Margaret refused to go to the doctor so we always had to organise a house visit which was very costly,”” said Mary.
“”Margaret was well looked after by my partner’spartner’s brother Paul.
“”Paul organised his maid to cook for Margaret every day.
“”I tried to persuade Margaret to move into a room where her late son Christopher used to stay which was close to the toilet and shower in the staff quarters but she refused.
“”In that room there is her double bed which was given to her by Paul’sPaul’s mother and a cupboard which belonged to Christopher.
“”When Paul’sPaul’s mother died she should have gone back to Chilimanzi but she would not go.
“”When I met her about 11 years ago, she would spend all day in the kitchen roasting chicken and boiling water.
“”The kitchen is tiny and there was no space for anyone else! I ended up persuading Peter to buy a small stove which we put in the cottage.
“”However thanks to Covid Margaret was told to stay in her cottage,”” said Mary refusing to answer on salaries issue.
Gogo Margaret’sMargaret’s body was not taken for post-mortem and Covid-19 tests but to a funeral parlour and straight to Chirumhanzu village on Wednesday.

– H Metro

By A Correspondent- Two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, India for possession of a large consignment of drugs. 

According to officials, the Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) took this action on the input of The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

The drug consignment, of 35kg of heroin, is said to be worth around US$32 million (Rs 247 crore.) 

This is the first case of seizure of such a large quantity of drug consignments at the airport so far. The two arrested Zimbabwean nationals have been identified as 46-year-old woman and a 27-year-old male passenger.

Both have been taken into custody by the Airport Intelligence Unit.

Both the foreign nationals had left Harare in Zimbabwe and had arrived in Mumbai after receiving the consignment at Addis Ababa. The case has been handed over to AIU by DRI.

The identity of the duo has not been disclosed.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has dismissed a bogus calender of events for 2022 circulating on social media platforms.

According to the party, an official calendar shall be released in due course via appropriate channels.

“We note that an unofficial calendar of the party has been created and shared without the party’s consent or adherence to protocol.

Please be advised that we are yet to launch our 2022 calendar. The official calendar will be launched & published through our official channels,” said the party in a statement.

The MDC Alliance also unveiled President Nelson Chamisa’s plan to win Zimbabwe for change.

“President
@nelsonchamisa
’s plan to win Zimbabwe for change:

1. 6 million votes Presidential election
2. Two thirds majority in Parliament
3. Majority in Local Govt elections
4. Communities will select candidates by consensus.”

For Immediate Release 

December 9, 2021 

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition notes with concern the latest unfounded and misleading claims by the government mouthpiece [The Herald] that some foreign embassies are training civil society activists to engage in anti-government protests. 

The story appeared in the Herald of 9 December 2021.

These false accusations are meant to justify the Government of Zimbabwe’s continued clampdown on civil society actors, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens who continue to question the government’s chequered human rights record and failure to deliver basic social services and economic development for the country’s citizens. 

It has become apparent that the Government of Zimbabwe does not want to be held accountable by its citizens, despite proclaiming to be a democratic government. 

The same modus operandi was used during the August 2018 and January 2019 persecutions which resulted in a spate of abductions, murder, torture and arrest of civil society actors.

We are concerned that the so-called New Dispensation led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to persecute civil society and human rights defenders based on unsubstantiated claims being parroted by the public media.

It is unfortunate that the Government of Zimbabwe continues to use the state controlled media in creating false narratives that are meant to justify its continued promulgation and abuse of draconian laws to persecute civil society actors as well as criminalization of civil society work. 

The level of unethical journalism with which the Herald article was authored is disquieting and highlights a hidden agenda to smear civil society actors.

This points to a ploy to further shrink the democratic space ahead of the 2023 elections.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has failed to live up to its pledge of a New Dispensation and continues to perfect the art of persecuting dissenting voices as was witnessed during the days of the late authoritarian, Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe has already begun a treacherous slide into a fully-fledged military dictatorship and as the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we shall continue with local, regional as well as international engagements to seek the intervention of pro-democracy forces in stopping authoritarian entrenchment and moving towards the genuine resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis.

Attempts at silencing civil society actors and other dissenting voices point to a move to create a one party state in Zimbabwe and this goes against the dictates of a democracy. 

We urge civil society actors in the country to remain vigilant in light of the continued onslaught from the State media and the government. Zimbabwe belongs to all its citizens and no government will take our rights to defend its genuine progression and development.

Aluta Continua!!!

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has apologised to its customers in some parts of the Harare Region. Pindula News presents the statements ZETDC released to that effect.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to apologize to its valued customers in Harare Region 14 the power outage due to an underground cable fault.

Areas affected Hatfield: Seke Road, Jongwe corner. Rockwood, St David’s road, Panther close, St Patrick’s road, Verona road. Liquid cargo service station, Hatfield gates local, SPCA kennels, and the surrounding areas.

ZETDC Engineers and technicians are working to rectify the fault.

The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

By A Correspondent- The Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa Friday officiated at the university’s 40th graduation ceremony where 5 483 graduands are being conferred with degrees.

Among the graduands were Supa Mandiwanzira, former ICT Minister and Energy Mutodi, former Deputy Minister of Information who graduated with Law degrees.

The President physically capped students with first-class, special honours, masters and doctorate degrees, while the rest of the graduands are following proceedings virtually.

Also graduating is the first batch of medical doctors trained at the Midlands State University under the mentorship of the University of Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean woman based in South Africa who did not return from work since last Sunday and had been reported missing has been found dead.

Yvonne Chasi was involved in a car accident and died on spot, a colleague confirmed.

Said Charity Musanhi:

“it is Confirmed that Yvonne Chasi was involved in a car accident and died on spot. MHSRIP.”

By A Correspondent |This is arguably the world’s worst domestic violence case ever seen; and this is Primrose who was savagely burnt by her husband in an acid attack on the 17th Feb 2020.

Prim, currently under the care of the US based, Phumulani African Women Against Violence NGO, recounts how she spotted warning signs at the beginning but did not take any action.

She met Mr Fungai Muriri (42) in 2014, and their relationship would develop further.

She says however, over the years, “it took time for his behaviour to show up.”

Primrose begins her account saying:

It happened on the 17th February 2020.

“This is my boyfriend, Fungai Muriri; I met him in 2014; We met again in 2015 and over the years, it took time for his behaviour to show up.

“It was later when I discovered that his character is terrible; I tried to leave the house twice but at each turn he would come back and appear like he has changed.

“It was later that I discovered that there is no difference at all nothing has changed. I was doing my job in South Africa.

“So I got to a point where he told me to stop working because he was employed as a land surveyor, and we continued like that until the day he lost his job. It was after he had become unemployed that I discovered that things are now terrible.

“He was now employed as a bouncer, and was doing a lot of bodybuilding.

” He had no respect for me and neither towards my parents.”

In February 2020, Muriri’s degenerated into full blown violence when he splashed liquid acid over her face, before fleeing.

Phumulani is now in the process of assisting Prim with face reconstruction medicals, among other forms of help granted.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW…

Commenting on the development, the director of Phumulani, Comfort Dondo said, “this is really hard for me. I had to do this, to bring Prim here in order for people to see the work that I do and to understand what domestic violence is.”

“Prim is the face of the pain women end up going through.”

Dondo suggested saying Prim was attacked after she had wanted out of the relationship.

Meanwhile, Muriri was still to respond to questions at the time of printing.

By A Correspondent- A motorist was robbed of his Toyota Rav 4 by four passengers he picked along the Harare – Bulawayo Highway on 4 December.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the passengers who were picked at Harare Show Grounds were destined for Kwekwe in the Midlands Province. Reads a police statement on the case:

The ZRP is warning members of the public against giving lifts to strangers who end up robbing them.

This follows an incident on 04/12/21 along Harare-Bulawayo Road where a Harare man (23) driving a Toyota Rav 4 picked four passengers destined for Kwekwe at Harare Show Grounds before being robbed of the vehicle and other valuables at the 50km peg.

This is not the first time for such cases to be reported suggesting that robbers 

In September this year, Shepherd Dzapasi, a taxi driver based in Masvingo was robbed of his vehicle by a man only identified as Ronald who had hired the taxi from Jerera to Masvingo for US$4.

When they arrived in Masvingo, Ronald told Dzapasi that he had to take care of some business at Nemamwa. Dzapasi agreed to a US$25 deal to ferry him to the Business Centre.

The two arrived at Nemamwa Business Centre around 10 pm and they got into a nightclub and started drinking beer. After some time Ronald told Dzapasi that he was tired and wanted to rest in the car. Dzapasi gave Ronald the keys while he remained behind in the club.

Dzapasi later went outside the club and found Ronald and his car missing. He waited for some time but Ronald did not show up. He called him and Ronald hung up. When he called again, the phone was no longer reachable. 

By A Correspondent- Winky D’s fans who call themselves MaGaffa nemaGaffaress have petitioned the Zimdancehall chanter to release an album for the summer season.

The petition that was initiated by one Gaffa Kusvika Ndafa had, as of the time of writing, been signed by 34 people out of the required 100. Reads the petition:

This is a petition to Winky D and the management team Of the Vigilance brand. Firstly, we would like to thank you for dropping one of the best albums in Zim Dancehall. Many people doubted the impact it would make at the very first stages of its release, but later on, everyone became conscious about the message you were communicating to us. We appreciate your brilliance in penning down lyrics that open our eyes in these times where we have a lot of distractions blurring our vision of reality.

This petition is to appeal for a new album that might as well give us something fresh for our ears to consume. We have enjoyed quite a number of tracks released during the course of this year from other artists but igaroziva kuti kana tapinda summer time mowanzotipa zvinyowani [you usually give us some music for Summer].

This hasn’t been a great year, but your music can get us smiling thus, ending the year in a much better mood. Saka isu tatimotipawo chero single zvayo yekuti titambise Kisimusi nayo [we are requesting that you release even a single song for Christmas].

Your assistance will be highly appreciated.

Yours Faithfully

MaGaffa nemaGaffaress

By A Correspondent- A man has been sentenced to three life terms and a combined 279 years in the North West High Court for 27 offences he was charged with, including rape and murder.

Thabang Gordon Moloi, 28, was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder and two of rape.

North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame said in a statement yesterday:

Moloi’s unrelated charges include murder, attempted murder, multiple robberies with aggravating circumstances, multiple kidnappings, multiple housebreakings, theft, attempted escaping from lawful custody and escaping from lawful custody.

According to the regional NPA, he kidnapped several women, some he met on the street, dragged them to isolated locations and raped, and or robbed them.

He also assaulted and killed some people.

Moloi was subsequently arrested on December 19 2017 and charged and on December 21, 2017.

After several attempts, Moloi managed to escape police custody when he freed himself of the foot-cuffs, jumped out of a police truck, and escaped.

Following his escape, Moloi committed several other crimes only to be re-arrested on August 20 2018 on more charges.

The regional NPA says Moloi was currently serving a 15-year sentence on a charge of kidnapping and robbery, and he has another pending rape case that was unrelated to the 27 offences he was sentenced for.

He has four other convictions to his name, including theft, two robberies with aggravating circumstances, and kidnapping.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations following the killing of 2 people in Shamva on Monday night.

Over 25 suspects are wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Russell Muronza and Marvelous Chiriga who were attacked with machetes, logs and sharp objects in a public violence case triggered by a mining dispute in Shamva on Monday. Reads a police statement on the case:

The ZRP is investigating cases of violence by 25 suspects at Wadzanai and Tipperari B/Centre, Shamva which resulted in the death of two people and injury of three others on 6th and 7th December 2021.

The group which include some suspects identified as Lloyd Musimwa, Tozeza, Tafadzwa Bandawu, Law Zvemunyati, Khedha Mudoti, Evidence Musimwa, JB, Mududusi, Jose [Murukazi], Talent Bhobho, was armed with axes, machetes and other weapons as they attacked other illegal miners.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi appealed to members of the public to desist from violence.

He spoke to ZBC News:

‘I appeal to Zimbabweans to refrain from violence particularly when they are engaging in mining activities. No one has the right to take away life, no one has the right to allocate mining title except the ministry of mines and mining development.

Meanwhile, one suspect, Onias Sundura is in police custody and assisting them with inv

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said it had seized property worth over $700 million.

The anti-corruption body has also filed 18 unexplained wealth order case files with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Speaking at the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Harare on Thursday, the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, said ZACC was on course in its mission to eradicate corruption in the country. She said:

It is with great pride that I pronounce that Zimbabwe has made great strides in ensuring maximum cooperation is given to state parties during Mutual Legal Assistance Requests.

The fight against corruption is real and it takes tireless efforts and undivided dedication for us to totally weed out corruption.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said ZACC would be launching Corruption Reporting Awards next year to honour journalists who bring issues of corruption to light through brave reporting. 

She added that journalists have a crucial role in fighting corruption.

More: The Sunday Mail

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean woman has died of a heart attack over work permit issues in South Africa, supposedly in fear of deportation.

Chipo Mukandi, 45, a domestic worker, died after she was detained in Pretoria police cells for not having proper documentation.

The son, Clive Mandirahwe,22, told H-Metro that his mother died from a heart attack in fear of possible deportation.

“She did not have some papers but her passport was stamped. “I think my mum got so shocked since it was her first time being arrested over such an issue.

“My father passed away a long time ago and now I’m left with my 11-year-old sister Nyasha,” he said.
Relatives told H-Metro that Chipo Mukandi, 45, along with other foreigners, were arrested on November 27 in a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation on a bus in Pretoria.
“They were taken to Cullinan police station and she was put in police cells.
An Ambulance was called in but unfortunately, she died before she even got to the hospital,” said the brother Promotion Bhabhada.
“Police are not assisting us in any way, they just said post mortem is four to five weeks.
“We have managed to raise money for funeral expenses and repatriation and we are now waiting for the papers to proceed,” he added.
Chipo Mukandi is expected to be buried in Masvingo, her home area.
About two weeks ago, South Africa said it would not renew temporary permits of around a quarter-of-a-million Zimbabweans working in the country on their visas this month. H Metro

By A Correspondent- A police vehicle was reduced to wreckage Wednesday after it collided with a cross border bus.

The accident happened at the spot between Zaka Turn off and ZSA, fast becoming a black spot.

Last week, a soldier and a civilian perished on the same spot at the 95 km peg when a Mazda Premacy that the soldier was driving was hit by a truck when the car was trying to turn at Buffalo range turn.

Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Kudakwashe Dehwa said he was out of office and referred all questions to National Police Spokesperson Assistant Paul Nyathi.

Sources said the Police car was coming from Makaza Farm towards Chiredzi and it fail to stop on the intersection, then it rammed on the bus.

The car had four slightly bruised occupants and were taken to Chiredzi General hospital. The passengers in the bus did not sustain any injuries.

Police has a critical shortage of vehicles and sometime this year residents had to come together and help repair a Police vehicle that had been damaged in an accident.

-Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent-Police have located and interviewed a woman only identified as Colleta, in connection with the death of prominent banker Mr Douglas Munatsi on November 29.

Mr Munatsi died in a mysterious fire at his upmarket Harare apartment and Colleta is believed to have been the last person to see him alive.
Investigators are still awaiting the autopsy and toxicology examination results and have so far questioned several other people in connection with the case.

Mr Munatsi, who was the chief executive of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), was said to have been alone in his penthouse at the upmarket Northfields apartments in the capital when an inferno engulfed his main bedroom.
Authorities are still trying to ascertain the cause of the fire and death through the pending post-mortem results as well as reports from the Forensic Unit and Fire Brigade.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said Colleta had since been interviewed and released.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has located Colleta and interviewed her. At the moment, police are still conducting investigations and will release full details once investigations are complete.

“We will advise the public accordingly once the toxicology examination results are out,” he said.
Among those that have been interviewed are the informant Mr Charles Gardner (32) of Northfields flats, a security guard at the flats Mr Shupai Zifunge (47) and Mr Martin Chitura (41) of Borrowdale who was employed by Mr Munatsi as a driver.
Others are Saurosi Marichambo (53) who was employed by Mr Munatsi as a chef and the deceased’s younger brother Cardmelon Munatsi (47).
Investigations have so far revealed that Mr Gardner, who resides in the neighbouring apartment, heard an explosion-like noise at around 0250hours and he woke up.
Mr Gardner went to the balcony to check where the noise was coming from and saw smoke coming out of Mr Munatsi’s apartment.
He also heard a voice that was shouting for help.

He contacted the Fire Brigade who arrived at the scene in less than 20 minutes and put out the inferno after a few hours.
All furniture, windows and doors in the main bedroom were extensively burnt and Mr Munatsi’s body was found with some burns on the hands and legs.
Police launched a search for Colleta after Zifunge revealed that he last saw Mr Munatsi at around 6.20pm on November 28 when he told him that he was expecting her at the flat.
Munatsi is said to have asked Zifunge to escort Colleta to his flat when she arrived and she reportedly left the flat around 9.18pm on foot.
Zifunge added that on November 29, at around 3am, he heard an explosion and he went out of the guardroom and saw Gardner running downstairs saying there was a fire in flat number C9.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Former CID detective and Harare lawyer Joseph Nemaisa, who gunned down three armed robbers on Monday night for holding his family hostage in Chadcombe, has a defence to his shootings, law experts have said.

In an interview with H-Metro, law experts said Nemaisa did not commit action that constitutes a criminal offence but has defence to that regard.

“In the current settings, the police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of the three persons.

“Nemaisa will then obviously raise the defence that he was trying to protect his family which had been held hostage by the armed robbers.
“In criminal law, there is available defence of another person or third party.
“In order for the defence to be successful, it would need to be established that he was acting in self-defence of his family and he had reasonable belief that severe force was necessary to ward off the danger and protect his family.
“This I opine that it was present and there might not be need to arrest him, so that he proves his defence in court,” said a law expert who preferred anonymity.
Another lawyer, who also spoke on condition of anonymity said Nemaisa did his best to defend the family.
“Nemaisa did a great job. Anyone in his situation would have done the same.
“The armed robbers could have killed his family in the process of the robbery. Though at law he may be charged with murder he has a solid defence.
“When the matter goes for trial he will most likely be found not guilty and acquitted as he shot the robbers in defence of his family and property,” said the law expert.
Reports are that the five robbers invaded Nemaisa’s Chadcombe house where they held his hostage the family.
Nemaisa was not at home at the time the armed men broke into the house.
However, his son Courage, 18, noticed the robbers after they broke in and managed to make a short phone call to his father before the robbers force-marched him to fish out his hiding mother.
The ex-detective arrived at the scene moments later where he exchanged gun shots killing three of the robbers while the other two escaped.
-H Metro

By A Correspondent- Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa has tested positive for Covid-19.

The candid and out-spoken independent law-maker announced this through his ever-busy Twitter handled Wednesday evening.

Mliswa said he had immediately self -isolated as a responsible way of curbing the spread of the deadly pandemic.

“1/ Dear Colleagues, Honourable MPs, Parliament staff, Norton constituency and friends. Just to let you know that despite taking all precautions and testing negative on both Monday at Norton Hospital and Tuesday at Parly, I have just tested positive for Covid-19,” he posted.

Mliswa blamed fellow parliamentarians for promoting the spread of the pandemic after they contradicted him Tuesday when he suggested that they should all go on self-isolation because some parliament staff had tested positive for covid.

“This was exactly my point yesterday, I think I should be known as Prophet Mliswa forthwith. Forewarned is forearmed and disclosure is critical in mitigating the spread of the virus. It’s sad Togarepi couldn’t comprehend this point. For now my symptoms are mild, and I’ll rest,” he said.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has said Finance Minister Mthuli’s 2020 budget is a fraud.

Writing on Twitter, Hon Biti described the budget as a total and deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

Mthuli is desperate to conceal the repercussions of an underperforming economy.

Hon Biti argued:
With an anticipated but rigged growth rate of 5.5% , 2021 revenue of ZW$4.5 can’t mutate to ZW$ 9 b in 2022.This is feja feja economics. However if one uses parallel rate of 1:200 , the 2022 Budget is US$4.6 b which is achievable.

So fact is #Mthuli has used 1:200 exchange rate.

The 2022 Budget is therefore a fraud seeking to hide ,a grossly underperforming economy, high levels& inflation & the horrendous failure of the de-dollarization process Mthuli is fundamentally dishonest&his little games with budget figures is pathetic. Truth is we deserve better

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said it had seized property worth over $700 million.

The anti-corruption body has also filed 18 unexplained wealth order case files with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Speaking at the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Harare on Thursday, the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, said ZACC was on course in its mission to eradicate corruption in the country. She said:

It is with great pride that I pronounce that Zimbabwe has made great strides in ensuring maximum cooperation is given to state parties during Mutual Legal Assistance Requests.

The fight against corruption is real and it takes tireless efforts and undivided dedication for us to totally weed out corruption.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said ZACC would be launching Corruption Reporting Awards next year to honour journalists who bring issues of corruption to light through brave reporting. 

She added that journalists have a crucial role in fighting corruption.

More: The Sunday Mail

By A Correspondent-The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has temporarily closed lower and superior courts across the country to allow fumigation and contact tracing, as cases of Covid-19 infections continue to surge among its employees.

The lower courts will be closed between Wednesday and Thursday and normal business is expected to commence on Friday.
This will also allow for testing and isolation for those affected while superior courts will resume operations on Monday.
JSC head of corporate services, Mrs Constance Makoni-Thodhlana confirmed the development saying the heightened measures were also aimed at curbing the further spread of the Omicron variant. There are at least 19 magistrates’ courts around the country.
“The superior courts include the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and High Courts in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi; the Labour Courts in Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru, and the Administrative Court in Harare,” said Mrs Makoni-Thodhlana.
“The temporary closure will allow for fumigation, disinfection and deep cleaning of the premises.”
The temporary closure has affected scheduled trials and initial remands.
The affected units are the JSC head office in Harare, Harare Civil Court, Harare Magistrates Court (Rotten Row), Mbare Courts, Tredgold Court in Bulawayo, Gweru Criminal, Gwanda Civil and Criminal Courts, Plumtree and Mutawatawa courts. Shurugwi, Chitungwiza, Goromonzi, Norton, Rusape, Chegutu, Inyathi, Kadoma and Mutare civil and criminal courts.
“The temporary closure on Wednesday the 8th and Thursday 9th of December 2021 is to allow for disinfection of premises, testing, contact tracing and adherence to all Covid-19 protocols to contain the continued spread of the virus,” said Mrs Makoni- Thodhlana.
“All matters set down for Wednesday, 8 December 2021 are automatically rolled over to Friday, 10 December 2021 while those set down for Thursday, 9 December 2021 are automatically rolled over to Monday, 13 December 2021.”
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care daily Covid-19 update, as at December 7, Zimbabwe had 145 632 confirmed cases, including 129 006 recoveries and 4 718 deaths.
To date, a total of 3 896 589 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
-Herald

By A Correspondent- Former CID detective and Harare lawyer Joseph Nemaisa, who gunned down three armed robbers on Monday night for holding his family hostage in Chadcombe, has a defence to his shootings, law experts have said.

In an interview with H-Metro, law experts said Nemaisa did not commit action that constitutes a criminal offence but has defence to that regard.

“In the current settings, the police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of the three persons.

“Nemaisa will then obviously raise the defence that he was trying to protect his family which had been held hostage by the armed robbers.
“In criminal law, there is available defence of another person or third party.
“In order for the defence to be successful, it would need to be established that he was acting in self-defence of his family and he had reasonable belief that severe force was necessary to ward off the danger and protect his family.
“This I opine that it was present and there might not be need to arrest him, so that he proves his defence in court,” said a law expert who preferred anonymity.
Another lawyer, who also spoke on condition of anonymity said Nemaisa did his best to defend the family.
“Nemaisa did a great job. Anyone in his situation would have done the same.
“The armed robbers could have killed his family in the process of the robbery. Though at law he may be charged with murder he has a solid defence.
“When the matter goes for trial he will most likely be found not guilty and acquitted as he shot the robbers in defence of his family and property,” said the law expert.
Reports are that the five robbers invaded Nemaisa’s Chadcombe house where they held his hostage the family.
Nemaisa was not at home at the time the armed men broke into the house.
However, his son Courage, 18, noticed the robbers after they broke in and managed to make a short phone call to his father before the robbers force-marched him to fish out his hiding mother.
The ex-detective arrived at the scene moments later where he exchanged gun shots killing three of the robbers while the other two escaped.
-H Metro

By A Correspondent- A new political party, Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Democrats (ZSD) has been launched in Gweru and is among several other political parties that are emerging ahead of the 2023 elections.

ZSD president Nkosikhona Ndlovu, a businessman who contested and lost the Gweru urban parliamentary seat in 2018, last weekend told journalists in Gweru that his party was formed after the realisation that there was a leadership crisis in the country. He said:

Zimbabwe deserves better leadership which can champion job opportunities, a living wage, better health and education for all.

We have three major crises in the country —  the health sector crisis which is worsened by COVID-19, the economic crisis that has triggered unemployment and loss of production as well as institutional decay caused by corruption.

He said it was high time Zimbabweans stand up and fight for good governance hence their slogan ‘Phakama/Simuka/Arise.’

Ndlovu added that his party will push for equitable distribution of resources mentioning that “the people of Marange should benefit from diamonds, those in Kariba should benefit from tourism which is booming in that area.”

He said his party headquarters would be in Gweru, where it would fight for opportunities for the working class.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A Well known member of the war veterans in Mashonaland Central province, Dennis Mushonga whose Chimurenga name was Everisto Nhamo has died.

Nhamo who was ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Province provincial war veteran executive member died last Sunday at his home in Glendale after an illness. 

He joined the liberation struggle in 1972 after being recruited by the late General Solomon Mujuru at St Albert’s Mission in Mt Darwin. 

The chairman of Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association, Richard Chirongwe said the association has lost a brave freedom fighter. 

Chirongwe said they had forwarded a request for Nhamo to be accorded National Hero Status.

Nhamo first received military training in the battlefront and was later sent to Tanzania where he received further training at Mgagao military academy.

He became a member of the Zanla General Staff in 1974 and operated in Mt Darwin Muzarabani and Rushinga.

Nhamo was part of a group that attacked Altena farm together with General Mujuru. He survived the epic five day battle at Mavhonde in Mozambique.

He was also part of a group of fighters who established Zhunda and Nyadzonia refugee camps together with the likes of Tracy Sarudzai Chakananga, Tsanangurai popularly known as Cde Tsana Cde Dadirai, now Brigadier General Chitsungo, the late Timothy Gutura, Charles Saudi among others.

At Independence, Nhamo joined the National Army signals and communication but later retired on medical grounds.

Mourners are gathered at house no 1500 Highway Glendale. He is survived by a son Maxwell and daughter Memory. 

More: The Herald

By A Correspondent- Mutare acting town clerk Tinashe Mtetwa has been suspended for allegedly calling off interviews for the position at the last minute.

The interviews were slated for Monday this week, but Mtetwa circulated a memo, which he claimed was signed by Mutare mayor Blessing Tandi, calling off the interviews at the last minute.

An infuriated Tandi then suspended him. The suspension letter, signed by Tandi, read:The above matter refers: the memo serves to inform you that the mayor is suspending you from the office of town clerk immediately in terms of section(139)3 which you were holding in acting capacity.

You prejudice council of revenue by calling off interviews of the town clerk, whose preparations were at an advanced stage, thereby failing to implement council resolutions despite instructions to do so.

You called off the trip to Harare for illegal opinion by the employment council when some of the attendees were already in Harare, yet you had earlier approved the trip. You advised council on the legality of the recruitment process for the substantive town clerk interviews.

In light of the above, and as the mayor, I see it fit that council cannot continue with you in office forthwith.

Mutare City Council was supposed to conduct town clerk interviews for eight shortlisted candidates on Monday, but Mtetwa stopped the interviews last Friday claiming that he was not informed about the issue.

The city is yet to have a substantive town clerk since January this year after Joshua Maligwa succumbed to COVID-19.

By A Correspondent- Harare mayor Jacob Mafume returned to Town House on Monday after the lapse of his suspension by local government minister July Moyo.

Moyo suspended Mafume for 45 days in September over pending corruption cases in court.

His lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara has written to the acting town clerk Mabhena Moyo advising him that his client was back in the office. Bhatasara wrote:

As a result, by operation of law, the suspension has since lapsed. Consequently, this is a courtesy letter to advise you that our client has reverted to his position as the substantive mayor of Harare. He will be reporting for work (from) tomorrow Friday December 3, 2021.

Mafume confirmed his return and called for tolerance and maturity at Town House. He said:

The focus now is on service delivery and it is our prayer that let us be mature and accept the results of the democratic process that led to my appointment as mayor of Harare.

Once that is accepted by all and sundry, we will be ready to co-operate with sectors of government to ensure that there is service delivery. What we need to work on now is how councils operate, and we need to implement devolution because that is the only way to succeed.

He added that budgetary power should devolve to the councils so that the local authority can focus on the correct budgeting of council services.

Councillor Stewart Mutizwa was the acting mayor in Mafume’s absence.

By A Correspondent- Police has announced that the two arrested surviving Chadcombe armed robbers have been found with several guns and ammunition.

 The Police Wednesday arrested the two who had escaped during a shoot-out with former Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Inspector Joseph Nemaisa in Chadcombe.

The shoot-out happened on Monday night.

In a statement on Wednesday night, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that one of the suspects was a former police officer while the other was a serving member of the Zimbabwe National Army. 

The three robbers shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified by the Police as Charles Chirara, Tariro Gora and Brian Koga Tendere.

Below is the statement issued by Assist Comm Nyathi:

UPDATE ON AN ARMED ROBBERY CASE IN CHADCOMBE, HARARE

Reference is made to an armed robbery incident which occurred at Joseph Nemaisa’s Chadcombe home in Harare on 6th December 2021.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested Ex-Constable Francis Takura (33) and Private Virimai Nyandoro (37) of the Zimbabwe National Army who escaped from Chadcombe on the night of 6th December 2021.

The Police has also identified the three suspects who were shot dead through the National Fingerprints Bureau and the Police Scenes of Crime experts as listed:

• Brian Koga Tendere (38), of Chikupo Village, Murewa.
• Charles Chirara (30), of number 573 Ushewokunze, Harare.
• Tariro Gora (21), of 1 Commando Barracks, Harare.

Police recovered a long bar shifting spanner, five screwdrivers, short bar spirit level, wheel spanner, pliers, AK47 magazine loaded with 17×7.62 mm live rounds, 12x 7.62 mm spent cartridges and a Norinco Pistol with a magazine of six rounds at the scene of crime.

Investigations by Police so far have revealed that the Norinco pistol was stolen through robbery on 5th November 2021 at a house along Bishop Gaul Avenue, Harare.

Further investigations led to the recovery of a .22 rifle fitted with a telescopic sight, a 303 rifle, an AK 47 magazine loaded with 25 live rounds, 303 rifle magazine loaded with seven live rounds hidden in Tariro Gora’s room.

Police have also established that Francis Takura was discharged from the Police Support Unit in year 2018.

Brian Koga Tendere was recently released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a robbery case which occurred in Borrowdale, Harare, in year 2011.

Charles Chirara was on bail pending trial for the ZB Bank robbery involving US$2 775 000.00 and ZWL$40 000.00 cash-in-transit which occurred in Nyabira on 6th January 2021, while Tariro Gora was a rogue soldier who escaped from duty with a service rifle.

The gang is linked to a spate of armed robbery cases in and around Harare with one complainant (50) identifying his stolen shoes through the suspects’ pictures which trended on social media.

Meanwhile, The Police applaud the public for the cooperation given in fighting robbery cases in the country.

By A Correspondent- Civic society organisations (CSOs) have urged Zimbabweans to make written submissions to Parliament rejecting the proposed Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill.

They say the legislation that is before Parliament had serious implications that would affect the work of PVOs, trusts, associations, and all organisations providing charitable services, as well as everyone who benefits from them.

In an analysis of the proposed law Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, the Legal Resources Foundation and Kubatana said the Bill sought to restrict the work of PVOs. The civic groups said:

The suggested amendments will restrict the work of all PVOs. The amendments will violate important human rights and affect communities that depend on the work of PVOs.

The Bill seeks to legalise attacks on those who do not agree with the government or those who may be seen as opponents of the government. It limits the ability of citizens to access health, legal, humanitarian and other support that is offered by PVOs.

The Bill has been red-flagged for provisions that force PVOs to reveal to the minister funding that comes from outside Zimbabwe.

The legislation makes it a punishable crime for organisations to receive such funds and contributions without registration.

The Bill bans PVOs from working on issues involving politics or supporting or opposing a political party, or candidate in any election.

The Public Service and Social Welfare minister is also given powers to control operations of PVOs, including removing their leaders.

By A Correspondent- There were clashes in Nzvimbo at a ZANU PF-organised sports gala at the weekend when two senior party officials fought over regalia, amid reports of growing factionalism in Mashonaland Central province.

Central committee member John Nhamburo was offended after a member of the provincial committee, Justine Marufu, came to the function wearing regalia imprinted with the face of a politburo member Kenneth Musanhi. 
 
Nhamburo, who is the Zanu PF provincial chairperson and is seen as Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe’s ally, gave Marufu marching orders. Nhamburo said:

I ordered Marufu to go and change his regalia because it showed that he was representing Musanhi instead of the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa).

When I gave Marufu the marching orders, he seemed to have understood and went on to change the T-shirt, but I was surprised that on Sunday at the (district coordinating committee) DCC executive meeting, I was grilled over the issue. These games are for President Mnangagwa, and whenever we conduct his programmes, we wear his regalia, not any other individual’s regalia.

There are more pronounced divisions amongst ZANU PF supporters in Mashonaland Central just ahead of provincial elections with some aligned to Kazembe while others back James Makamba.

A number of supporters are also backing businessman Tafadzwa Musarara.-newsday

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is fretting over a rise in the number of armed robberies involving soldiers and police officers, with observers saying it is tantamount to a mutiny.

Mnangagwa promised to immediately address the welfare of soldiers whose welfare was seriously impacted by poor remuneration and working conditions over years.

He made the claims during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations in Harare yesterday.

Mnangagwa warned rogue elements in the security sector against being involved in criminal activities.

“Yours is a noble profession, you must, therefore, avoid association and acts that put to shame our security institutions,” Mnangagwa warned.

“You as officers, men and women of the ZDF (Zimbabwe Defence Forces) should never be entangled in criminal activities.”

The country has experienced a rise in cases of soldiers and police officers being involved in armed robberies and other criminal activities in the past months. Some of those implicated fall under the Presidential Guard.

Observers say the rise in cases of unruly behaviour by members of the security forces was an indictment on Mnangagwa whose government is paying them slave wages.

Although soldiers and police offices are paid more than other civil servants, their salaries have been eroded by inflation, forcing some of them into crime to supplement their income.

Most military men and women, who helped Mnangagwa to wrest power from the late former President Robert Mugabe in a November 2017 coup, are also struggling.

But Mnangagwa yesterday promised to address their welfare.

“On the welfare side, my government is committed to improve the conditions of service of the ZDF members,” Mnangagwa said.

“Meanwhile, I challenge the ZDF administration to accelerate the completion of accommodation projects underway at Imbizo, Dzivarasekwa and Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo barracks.”

Last year, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri admitted that soldiers were engaging in criminal activities at the country’s ports of entry, attributing such behaviour to low morale due to the deteriorating economic situation in the country.

She also spoke of a shortage of necessities in barracks, including food and transport.

Mnangagwa said his government would equip the ZDF with modern technologies to enable them to ward off domestic and international threats.

“My administration will thus continue to equip the defence forces with reliable means and technological capacities towards defending our dignity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as advancing our legitimate economic development interests at home and abroad,” he said.

The Airforce of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has been struggling with antiquated flying equipment owing to lack of investments into its hangar since independence.

Over the past two months, the AFZ lost two of its old helicopters in separate crashes, one of them fatal.

Mnangagwa said the army should be alive to any sinister moves.

“In this context, any sinister activities or clandestine machinations aimed at derailing and undermining national security will be exposed and perpetrators appropriately dealt with,” Mnangagwa said.

Although accused by most Western countries and in a number of United Nations reports of violating human rights and using the army to quash opposing voices in a shrinking Zimbabwean democracy, Mnangagwa said his regime respected peace.

“We are a peaceful nation and a God-fearing people who uphold the international peace, justice and the rule of law as anchors for a prosperous global world and shared future,” he said.

-Newsday

Opposition MDC Alliance has called upon the government to urgently review the education sector saying there is a worsening crisis.

We present below the party’s statement:

Urgently Review Crisis In The Education Sector

State of the Education Sector

As the education year draws to a close, the MDC Alliance bemoans the worsening crisis in the education sector. Education is the bedrock of any successful nation yet the regime in Harare has continued to ignore the plight of teachers and schools in the country. Underinvestment in infrastructure, poor remuneration for teachers and a half-baked curriculum are at the core of the crisis. The new curriculum has made ICT a key element of the curriculum, yet 80% of primary and 65% of secondary schools are not electrified. Several students are still learning under a tree, while most infrastructure in rural and resettlement areas is dilapidated. Lack of investment in quality public education as well as poverty have cumulatively affected many children with the consequent high dropout rates epitomised by half the students that have registered to write examinations (Grade 7, ‘0’ level and ‘N level) in 2021 in comparison with 2020 candidates. There is also increased child labour in tea plantations in Chipinge, tobacco farms mostly in Mashonaland provinces, sugar plantations in Chiredzi, and gold mining areas across the country

While it is accepted that Continuous Learning Assessment Activity (CALA) is important, the hurried nature in which it was rolled out has overburdened the students, teachers and parents. There is therefore great need to increase the budgetary allocation for CALA, develop uniform assessment CALA tools, train teachers effectively on administering CALA, and reduce CALA tasks before its effective implementation. We demand greater investment in quality public education, the setting of benchmarks for a skills revolution in the education sector by blending theory and life experiences and providing life skills that can assist students to function beyond the classroom.

Public Examinations

The credibility of managing public examinations in Zimbabwe is under serious threat because of ZIMSEC’s poor management style. ZIMSEC as a parastatal that runs the management of public examinations must give teachers incentives for invigilation of public examinations in line with the best regional practice. We urge the regime in Harare to speedily resolve the impasse between ZIMSEC and teachers over the issue of invigilation of public examinations. In the interest of enhancing the credibility of ZIMSEC as an examination board it is important to close leakages that have become a perennial challenge.

Teachers’ Crisis

There is growing discontent among teachers largely because of the slave wages being paid to them following the reduction of teachers’ salaries from US$540 in October 2018 to the current average equivalent of US$140. There is also a deficit of 60,000 teachers in Zimbabwean schools with the consequent high teacher-pupil ratio. The absence of dialogue and meaningful collective bargaining have worsened the crisis in the education system with teachers systematically receiving salaries far less than other civil servants.

We call for the challenges in the education sector highlighted above to be urgently addressed through resolution of the remuneration crisis, a consultative curriculum review in order to improve and revamp the functional literacy of the Zimbabwean education system, greater investment in quality public education, and accessible and affordable tertiary education.

Evelyn Muzungu Masaiti

Secretary for Education, Sport and Culture

By A Correspondent- A new political party, Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Democrats (ZSD) has been launched in Gweru and is among several other political parties that are emerging ahead of the 2023 elections.

ZSD president Nkosikhona Ndlovu, a businessman who contested and lost the Gweru urban parliamentary seat in 2018, last weekend told journalists in Gweru that his party was formed after the realisation that there was a leadership crisis in the country. He said:

Zimbabwe deserves better leadership which can champion job opportunities, a living wage, better health and education for all.

We have three major crises in the country —  the health sector crisis which is worsened by COVID-19, the economic crisis that has triggered unemployment and loss of production as well as institutional decay caused by corruption.

He said it was high time Zimbabweans stand up and fight for good governance hence their slogan ‘Phakama/Simuka/Arise.’

Ndlovu added that his party will push for equitable distribution of resources mentioning that “the people of Marange should benefit from diamonds, those in Kariba should benefit from tourism which is booming in that area.”

He said his party headquarters would be in Gweru, where it would fight for opportunities for the working class.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A 29 year old Zimbabwean man has been arrested in Botswana after he was found travelling to South Africa with seven children in a suspected human trafficking case.

Eric Mpofu, who is unemployed, appeared before a Francistown Magistrate, Chandapiwa Molefi, on Monday on a charge of ill-treatment of children.

According to media reports, Mpofu was arrested by police on December 3 at Bluetown while travelling with seven children from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

Prosecutor Sesafeleng Dijeng applied for charges to be read to Mpofu and his plea was reserved.

Dijeng also made an application for Mpofu to be remanded in custody and called the Investigating Officer (IO) to advance reasons why Mpofu should be remanded in custody.

After the charges were read to the accused, Magistrate Molefi asked Dijeng to clarify the particulars of the offence since the case has elements of human trafficking.

In response, Dijeng said Mpofu was found transporting minors from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

“The minors had no parents accompanying them when they were found in the company of Mpofu, hence we are saying that they are vulnerable to ill-treatment.

“The investigators are still trying to unravel if the accused had permission from the legal guardians or parents of the children to take them to South Africa as he alleges,” said Dijeng.

The investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent Meshack Mosika, told the court that Mpofu was arrested last Friday and that investigations were at their initial stages, hence the proposal to continue detaining him.

Our investigations so far show that the accused was in transit from Zimbabwe to South Africa through Botswana.

“He has no permanent place of residence in Botswana, he does not have any gainful employment in Botswana and he is also facing a very serious offence.

We are yet to ascertain charges that could be later levelled against Mpofu since his current charge has an element of human trafficking,” said Mosika.

He added that Mpofu could flee the country once freed on bail.

Investigators also believe the process of investigations could be protracted since Zimbabwean and South African authorities may be involved.

“We have to establish the guardians of the children in Zimbabwe as well as their parents who are said to be in South Africa.

There is also the likelihood of having to carry out DNA tests to confirm if the people who will come forward to claim that they are parents of the children are indeed their parents.

We are afraid that if the accused is granted bail, he is unlikely to fulfil his bail conditions,” said Mosika.

The children are presently under police care.

Asked by Magistrate Molefi why the children were under police care and not social welfare officers since the matter was urgent and involved children, Dijeng made a miscellaneous application to be given time to urgently finalise the process of handing over the custody of the children from police to social welfare officers.

Molefi then remanded Mpofu in custody.- Herald

The board, staff and membership of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is profoundly saddened to learn about the unfortunate passing on on Saturday 4 December 2021 of Dewa Mavhinga, a passionate and extraordinary human rights defender and a dear colleague to many of us who focused on documenting violations of human rights in Zimbabwe and the African region.

Throughout his career, Dewa served as a true inspiration to us all and blazed a trail for promotion and protection of human rights and remained committed to be a voice for the voiceless and helped several of us with documenting and reporting on numerous human rights violations.

Dewa was known throughout the development and human rights community not just for how he was articulate but also inspirational and for his human warmth. His passing is a loss for the people of Zimbabwe, Africa and the rest of the world.

We have lost an extraordinary activist who showed the skills of leadership and great determination and his legacy will stand as an example to all of us to persist in our pursuit of progress and a just and democratic world.

ZLHR was fortunate enough to have worked closely with Dewa on a number of occasions over the years and every time that we interacted with him we were struck by both the force of his personality and the quality of his intellect.

In solidarity, ZLHR reaffirms its commitment to protect human rights and the human rights defenders who uphold them. This was the ideal to which Dewa was dedicated and we must ensure that this will be his legacy.

The passing on of Dewa is an enormous loss to his family, his extended family including Human Rights Watch and to the world he cared so much about.

ZLHR extends its most sincere condolences to his wife Fiona, his children, the Mavhinga family, friends and colleagues as we grieve together with them during this painful moment.

May God grant Dewa eternal rest and may his memory and deeds live on and be remembered for posterity.

By Nomusa Garikai- As of 6 December 2021, Zimbabwe had 141 601 cumulated covid-19 cases, 2 555 new cases up from the 50 or less per day of last week.

The country has vaccinated 3.8 million and 2.8 million with the first and second jab respectively. As recent as July this year the Zanu PF government was promising to have the 10 million herd immunity double jabbed by the end of the year. The soaring number of cases would be worrying if had some line of defence; it is sickening when we have none.

“Health and childcare minister and vice President Constantino Chiwenga has confirmed that the new Omicron variant was already in the country in what could spoil Christmas festivities as the country is likely to announce tight lockdown measures to curb the further spread of the deadly disease,” reported Zimeye.

This is rich giving VP Chiwenga had assured the nation the country had measures in place to stop the Omicron variant getting into the country; the buffoon was just talking nonsense, as usual. Zimbabwe has not been testing for the virus nowhere near as vigorously as it should ever since the outbreak. Of course, if you do not test the number of cases and deaths will be low but at the price of not tracking and containing the virus.

No doubt, the 2 555 reported cases is but the ears of the hippo the rest of the beast is hiding in the muddy water and we are just blundering along hoping against hope that the variant will not be deadly.

The covid-19 pandemic has hit the whole world but those nations whose economy was a mess and health care services in shambles have suffered the most. There is no deny that Zimbabwe is one of those countries who economy was a mess and health care services had largely collapsed after 41 years and counting of corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship.

Corona virus must help focus the nation’s mind; Zimbabwe must implement the democratic reforms to ensure the 2023 elections are free, fair and credible – the only sure way to end the curse of bad governance. As things stand not even one token reform was implemented since the 2018 rigged elections; the 2023 elections are set to be a repeat of the 2018, 2013, 2008, etc.

MDC leaders had the golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. They wasted the opportunity and failed to get even one reform implemented in five years. Not even one reform!

MDC leaders and the other opposition opportunists have insisted in participating in the flawed elections giving vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. Zanu PF has offered the opposition a few gravy train seats to entice them to participate.

If Zimbabwe has under pressure to double our efforts to end the curse of given the country’s economic and political mess two years ago; the corona virus pandemic has made our situation even worse, we must redouble our efforts to make sure there is real political change in 2023.

Since it is too late for any meaningful democratic reforms to be implement before the 2023 elections. And there is no stopping Zanu PF holding the flawed and illegal elections. There signs are MDC and the usual opposition suspects will participate in the flawed elections. We must make sure the flawed election process is condemned and no legitimate government emerge of it.

If the 2023 elections go ahead with no reforms in place then it would be better for Zimbabwe to have no legitimate government and have an interim administration setup whose primary task will be to finally implement the democratic reforms and break the vicious cycle of rigged elections and bad governance Zanu PF dictatorship has fostered on the nation.

President sends Solidarity Message to Teachers’ Unions

HARARE: NMWUZ – National Mine Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe President Kurebwa Javangwe Nomboka and his Executive, National Council and General Workers have sent a solidarity message to ARTUZ – Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and PTU – Progressive Teachers’ Union saying that Government had to separate politics from labour issues and genuinely address the grievances of teachers which remained unresolved despite years of engagement for salary review. 

The solidarity message came out after Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa had recently expressed disappointment over Teachers’ representative organisations which he allegedly blamed to be working with foreign governments to undermine his Administration.

By MaxwellTeedzai- “We’re sending our solidarity message to ARTUZ and PTU to remind them that our stance of comradeship remains unwavering and that we’ll not rest until all employees in Zimbabwe secure decent work and a living wage.

On the same wavelength, we also would want to assure them of our total support until all the labour concerns of Teachers in Zimbabwe are resolved with the honour they deserve,” said Nomboka in a statement.

“And industrial unrest, he said must continue to be the order of the day because no worker is happy that an economic issue meant to address real labour grievances be treated as a political matter as we all know how President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had recently accused Teachers’ Unions of working in cohorts with the British government to topple the Zimbabwean government,” retorted Nomboka.

President Mnangagwa had said during a Zanu Pf Politburo meeting that the comments made by a Junior Minister in the UK House of Lords had revealed that the British Government were clandestinely holding meetings with Trade Unions in Zimbabwe to discuss the country’s sovereign labour issues.

Nomboka added, “Government must not victimise Unions but should rather treat labour issues separately and apolitically while simultaneously rendering them the respect they deserve because honestly speaking, employees in Zimbabwe continue to work under meagre conditions”.

Government he further noted had to lead by example and stop the further victimisation of its employees as this move was likely to cause protocol disability where for instance they would fail to honour the rights of employees and their respective Trade Unions by not granting them freedom of expression, the right to assemble and their right to a decent life, matters which he feared would cause Workers’ Committees, employers, companies and the private sector to follow suit in victimisation of Unions.

The parlous state of Zimbabwe’s education system, lack of investment in quality public education, living wage and payment for invigilation of examinations run by ZIMSEC, among many other things continue to be a thorn in the flesh for employees

“If Government continues to threaten the existence of Workers’ Committees and Trade Unions we’re left with no other option but the demand for a spontaneous strike as a remedy,” said the NMWUZ President.

The ARTUZ is an organisation founded in 2009, working for the improvement of the working conditions of Rural Teachers as well as the right to education in rural areas of Zimbabwe. ARTUZ has over eight thousand members and operates in eight provinces of Zimbabwe.

Amid rising concern over the new COVID-19 variant, omicron, the Government of Zimbabwe has done nothing to ensure the health security of workers in general and Teachers in particular.

PTUZ has since denied the allegations saying it is only determined to ensure that the government has improved teachers’ salaries and working conditions.

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean truck driver has been nabbed for possessing 1,065 kilograms of marijuana.

The truck driver was arrested in Beitbridge.

Tweeted the police:

“On 4 December 2021, police in Beitbridge arrested Blessed Mangezi (31), a truck driver found in possession of a plastic bag with 1,065 kgs of dagga.”

More details follow.

By A Correspondent- Exiled former Information Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa made an error in choosing his deputies, a mistake that was also made by his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe.

Moyo said the two leaders should not have appointed powerful Vice Presidents who were also the source of their power.

Said Moyo:

In African countries where a President’s source of the presidency is a powerful VP, and not a democratic election; that President’s tenure is a borrowed one, and thus can be ended anytime. That is what happened to (Robert Gabriel) Mugabe after he made (Emmerson Dambudzo) Mnangagwa, who was his source of power, a VP!

Bob’s mistake was to appoint Mnangagwa as his VP, a mistake he would not have made had Solomon (Rex Nhongo) Mujuru been around. Once Mnangagwa became VP, it was game over for Mugabe. This is admitted, in fact, asserted, in Mnangagwa’s official biography, “A Life of Sacrifice” by Eddie Cross!

Mugabe was toppled in 2017 in a military assisted transition dubbed ‘Operation Restore Legacy’ that followed the dismissal of Mnangagwa who was then VP.

Vice President Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga who was the military boss at the time deployed troops onto the troops in response to the dismissal of his ‘friend,’ Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Moyo’s remarks come when there are reports that suggest that the VP is leading a faction that is pushing to dislodge Mnangagwa from power.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s female motocross champion rider Tanya Muzinda has been included on the prestigious BBC’s 100 Women 2021 list announced by the world’s leading public service broadcaster.

The 17-year-old rising star, who is the European Union-Zimbabwe Honorary Ambassador for Youth, Sports and Gender, is well known for her exploits on the motocross racing track and her efforts to empower children from underprivileged communities in the country.

Muzinda (17) who is now based in Florida, United States has been named alongside other influential women from all over the globe.

BBC said:

Taking on the male-dominated world of motocross, or off-road motorcycle racing, Tanya Muzinda has become her country’s off-road circuits champion. She is the first Zimbabwean woman to win a motocross championship since the competition started in 1957.

Inspired by her father, Tawanda, a former biker, she started training when she was five. Now 17, Muzinda hopes to be the first black African to win a women’s motocross world championship. In 2018, she was crowned Junior Sportswoman of the Year by the African Union. With her motocross earnings, she engages in charitable work, paying tuition fees for around 100 students to attend school in Harare.

Claire Williams, the editor of 100 Women, said for the first time, they were dedicating half of this year’s 100 Women list to women from one country — Afghanistan.

Williams said they wanted to recognise the bravery and the strength of Afghan women as they reset their lives.  

Muzinda could not hide her excitement after her recent recognition by the BBC. Tanya wrote on her Facebook wall yesterday:

It’s an honor to be named amongst great and powerful women in the whole wide world as BBC 100 Women’s most inspiring and influential.

It gives me hope and (it’s) a great sign to my fellow country little girls that despite all our setbacks and limitations on our paths we will rise!!

Well done to the other honoree Women.

Muzinda is the first female winner of a race heat in Great Britain when she competed in the 2017 British Masters Kids National Motocross Championships in Motoland Mildenhall track.

Taya and her family relocated to Florida, United States, towards the end of 2019 in her bid to race consistently with world-acclaimed riders.

Her move to the United States was orchestrated by her international manager, Stefy Bau of Italy, who is a former three-time World Women’s Motocross Champion.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Police have arrested two armed robbers who escaped during a shootout with former Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Inspector, Joseph Nemaisa in Chadcombe, Harare on Monday night.

In a statement on Wednesday night, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that one of the suspects was a former police officer while the other was a serving member of the Zimbabwe National Army. 

The three robbers shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified by the police as Charles Chirara, Tariro Gora and Brian Koga Tendere.

Below is the statement issued by Assist Comm Nyathi:

UPDATE ON AN ARMED ROBBERY CASE IN CHADCOMBE, HARARE

Reference is made to an armed robbery incident which occurred at Joseph Nemaisa’s Chadcombe home in Harare on 6th December 2021.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested Ex-Constable Francis Takura (33) and Private Virimai Nyandoro (37) of the Zimbabwe National Army who escaped from Chadcombe on the night of 6th December 2021.

The Police has also identified the three suspects who were shot dead through the National Fingerprints Bureau and the Police Scenes of Crime experts as listed:

• Brian Koga Tendere (38), of Chikupo Village, Murewa.
• Charles Chirara (30), of number 573 Ushewokunze, Harare.
• Tariro Gora (21), of 1 Commando Barracks, Harare.

Police recovered a long bar shifting spanner, five screwdrivers, short bar spirit level, wheel spanner, pliers, AK47 magazine loaded with 17×7.62 mm live rounds, 12x 7.62 mm spent cartridges and a Norinco Pistol with a magazine of six rounds at the scene of crime.

Investigations by Police so far have revealed that the Norinco pistol was stolen through robbery on 5th November 2021 at a house along Bishop Gaul Avenue, Harare.

Further investigations led to the recovery of a .22 rifle fitted with a telescopic sight, a 303 rifle, an AK 47 magazine loaded with 25 live rounds, 303 rifle magazine loaded with seven live rounds hidden in Tariro Gora’s room.

Police have also established that Francis Takura was discharged from the Police Support Unit in year 2018.

Brian Koga Tendere was recently released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a robbery case which occurred in Borrowdale, Harare, in year 2011.

Charles Chirara was on bail pending trial for the ZB Bank robbery involving US$2 775 000.00 and ZWL$40 000.00 cash-in-transit which occurred in Nyabira on 6th January 2021, while Tariro Gora was a rogue soldier who escaped from duty with a service rifle.

The gang is linked to a spate of armed robbery cases in and around Harare with one complainant (50) identifying his stolen shoes through the suspects’ pictures which trended on social media.

Meanwhile, The Police applaud the public for the cooperation given in fighting robbery cases in the country.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has increased fuel prices.

In a notice this Wednesday, the maximum pump price of diesel are now at ZWL$150.31 or US$1.38 per litre, with petrol prices being capped at ZWL$154.56 or US$1.42 per litre.

There has been a significant increase in the fuel prices in Zimbabwe dollars for this month compared to the prices for November, albeit the product is not being sold in local currency.

In US dollars, the diesel price did not change while that of petrol has increased by US$0.02.

In October ZERA set the cap for the price of diesel at ZWL$136.44 per litre and petrol at ZWL$138.70.

In USD terms, the prices have not changed for diesel at it was also capped at US$1.38 while petrol price rose marginally to US$1.42 per litre. ZERA said in a notice:

The public and operators are advised that the blending ratio has been reviewed from E20 to E10. Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided by the fuel pricing regulations.

By A Correspondent- The Government said it was targeting all properties owned by former President Robert Mugabe allies that were corruptly acquired and forfeit them.

Treasury, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other anti-graft partners are now applying robust measures from seizures to making applications for forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, including vehicles used to commit crimes.
The anti-corruption authorities estimate that billions of United States dollars could be siphoned out of the country annually.
Assets worth over US$30 million dollars have so far been recovered spreading over immovable properties and luxury vehicles linked to top business executives and high-profile individuals, Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the National Development Strategy 1 Strategic Plan Review and crafting of the secretary’s contract for 2022 in Gweru on Monday, Mr Hodzi said Government was leaving no stone unturned in fighting graft.
“In terms of asset recovery and forfeiture, we can only properly pronounce that we have recovered assets after a court order. There is a whole application, court process done in the High Court under the Money Laundering and Regulations Act. What we have is an asset forfeiture office that takes those applications of unexplained wealth and for those that would have been found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
Mr Hodzi said ill-gotten wealth cases involving former Cabinet ministers and top officials, among others, were before the courts.
“We have civil and criminal processes against fugitives who include (Saviour) Kasukuwere, (Walter) Mzembi, (Godfrey) Gandawa, Jonathan Moyo, Augustine Chihuri, (Patrick) Zhuwao and others. In these cases, what we have done is because the accused persons absconded from trial or when we served them with indict papers, they removed themselves from the jurisdiction of the country and went into foreign jurisdictions, we continued with the matters,” he said.
“We are continuing with trials with applications and I am happy that we have developed adequate jurisprudence. This is the first time in the history of the country.
“The US$30 million we are talking about is in the form of physical assets that now belong to the Government. It’s not money we are picking from thin air but from such criminals.
“There is a forfeiture of a house from a Zinara official and right now it’s being managed by the asset management unit in terms of the law. There are a number of properties forfeited under the same provision and last week we forfeited six trucks from illicit businesses.”
The late socialite and businessman, Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure with some of his cars
Mr Hodzi said in the case involving Kadungure, an order has been made for the forfeiture of his vehicles.
We are seeking a final order to forfeit quite expensive cars such as Rolls Royce and Lamborghini from Genius Kadungure, the now deceased. During trials when he was still alive, there is one involving illegal importation of high performing, expensive cars,” he said.
“We have evidence from South Africa of the Rolls Royce and Lamborghini of how much he paid on the South African side, how much he paid the manufacturers. We have evidence of how much he paid in duty when he brought them to the country and undervalued.
“We were able to prove that he defrauded Zimra of duty and we simply impounded and made sure the cars were forfeited to the State.”
Mr Hodzi said the aim of the blitz was to disable criminals from destroying the economy, adding that most of the property was brought by the criminals using public funds.
“So as the Second Republic is rebuilding, every penny must be accounted for. So, having the forfeiture orders is empowering Treasury and the public,” he said.
“We want to discourage criminals and make sure that the adage which says crime pays doesn’t apply because crime doesn’t pay. We will be going for ill-gotten property by criminals.”
Mr Hodzi said asset recovery was one of the biggest arsenals for the Prosecutor-General.
“What we have done is to restructure the asset recovery unit and a team of dedicated prosecutors to assist the Prosecutor-General.
“This will be used as a tool to disrupt the activities of organised cartels. We have a massive number of cases,” he said.
-Chronicle

A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that among the Chadcombe robbers, there was a serving soldier and a former police detail.

The police announced this Wednesday when they released names of both the killed and surviving and arrested armed robbers who were involved in a shootout with retired CID Homicide detective Mr Joseph Nemaisa Monday night.