

By A Correspondent- A 25-year-old Mvurwi man drowned while trying to retrieve a duck he had stoned.
John Tadeyo of Mutsverengi village under Chief Bepura only managed to swim for 10 metres before being entangled by water weed and drowned.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said the incident happened on December 3 at around 4 pm.
Tadeyo was herding cattle in the company of Mark Jerera (28) near Disi village 2 farm dam when he spotted a duck in the water.
Insp Mundembe said he hit the duck with a stone and it died.
“The duck started floating when Tadeyo dived into the water to get it. He managed to swim for 10 meters before being trapped by water weeds and drowning,” said Insp Mundembe.
“Jerera rushed to a nearby house looking for help. People searched for Tadeyo and failed to locate him.”
A report was made at Bivelkia police post in Mvurwi and before the sub aqua squad arrived villagers managed to retrieve Tadeyo’s body.
Insp Mundembe said no foul play was suspected and a post mortem was waived by a Guruve magistrate.
“We urge people to stay away or be cautious around water bodies and deep waters as they risk drowning or being attacked by dangerous reptiles,” he said.
-Herald
By A Correspondent- A prominent Zvishavane gold dealer, Samson Gondwe has been remanded in custody for allegedly assaulting his two wives who had refused to shake their bums in public.
This happens when the World is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
The incident happened on Saturday when Gondwe popularly known as Sam Dread was drinking beer with his two wives Precious Mushaikwa and Popadopoules Droder Mollin.
Many residents did not believe that Gondwe will be remanded in prison because of his wealth but Zvishavane Magistrate Evia Matura proved that the law in her courtroom was not selective.
State prosecutor Isheunesu Mashayanye vehemently refused bail for the accused arguing that he was likely to interfere with witnesses since the two complainants were his wives. He also said that the accused could run away as he had the means to do so.
“Sam Dread” pleaded not guilty when charged with contravening the Domestic Violence Act.
Mashayanye told the court that on Saturday the accused and his wives were drinking beer at a car sale opposite Zvishavane Magistrate court.
Gondwe ordered his wives to shake their buttocks in front of some men that were also drinking beer at the place but they refused. The accused then threw stones at his wife hitting their heads and legs.
He initially went to court on Saturday morning but the prosecutor could not take any action against the accused allegedly because his docket had missing information and this sent the social media abuzz with residents claiming that Gondwe had paid bribes. Masvingo Mirror
TEACHERS’ unions on Monday expressed fear of a clampdown to intimidate them against demanding better salaries after President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused them of pursuing a regime change agenda.
Mnangagwa said the unions were working in cahoots with the United Kingdom and the West in their plot to oust the Zanu PF government.
But teachers unions expressed concern that such utterances put the lives of educators at risk as the country gears for the 2023 elections.
They alleged that Mnangagwa might have been misinformed by his advisers, and challenged him to provide proof of teachers working with foreign powers.
The country’s elections have often been violent, especially towards opponents of the ruling party.
During a Monday media briefing in Harare, teachers demanded that a probe team be set up to look into the issue as it was likely to put their lives at risk.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said their only agenda was to fight for decent salaries.
“There is nothing like seeking regime change besides asking for teachers to be paid for invigilation, to be paid a specific salary or decent salary for them to live well as citizens in this country, that is all,” Ndlovu said.
“All we have done is to stick to the principles of asking the government to find a solution to make sure that teachers live decent lives, and all we are doing is within the confines of the law as provided for by the Constitution.”
Ndlovu said teachers were aware that their negotiations with the government would not easily yield positive results but they would soldier on.
“We are bracing ourselves for very tough negotiations. It won’t come out easily; we are not expecting it to come on a platter.
“We have done everything above board, we have been seeking to engage the ministers, the Public Service Commission, the President and that is all we have done,” he said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said the statement by Mnangagwa was meant to justify a possible clampdown on leaders of teachers’ unions ahead of the 2023 elections.
“The issue of intimidation is there because you have people believing that it’s true. We are clear and we have never worked with the United Kingdom, we are simply representing the teachers.
“The problem we have in Zimbabwe is that we have people who deliberately lie to the President for personal reasons, but you cannot run a country through gossip and lies.- NewsDay
By A Correspondent- A 25-year-old Mvurwi man has drowned while trying to retrieve a duck he had stoned.
John Tadeyo of Mutsverengi village under Chief Bepura only managed to swim for 10 metres before being entangled by water weed and drowned.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said the incident happened on December 3 at around 4 pm.
Tadeyo was herding cattle in the company of Mark Jerera (28) near Disi village 2 farm dam when he spotted a duck in the water.
Insp Mundembe said he hit the duck with a stone and it died.
“The duck started floating when Tadeyo dived into the water to get it. He managed to swim for 10 meters before being trapped by water weeds and drowning,” said Insp Mundembe.
“Jerera rushed to a nearby house looking for help. People searched for Tadeyo and failed to locate him.”
A report was made at Bivelkia police post in Mvurwi and before the sub aqua squad arrived villagers managed to retrieve Tadeyo’s body.
Insp Mundembe said no foul play was suspected and a post mortem was waived by a Guruve magistrate.
“We urge people to stay away or be cautious around water bodies and deep waters as they risk drowning or being attacked by dangerous reptiles,” he said.
-Herald
The domestic league season could be interrupted again after the emergence of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Several clubs have been affected after a number of positive cases were recorded in the past week.
The PSL confirmed the situation last week and the rising number in daily cases could force some of the games to be suspended.
According to PSL Covid-19 regulations, a fixture should be postponed if the involved club records at least seven positive cases.
The last time the outbreak disrupted the season was in June, when a number of cases were reported.
The campaign was later suspended due to the national lockdown and only resumed in October after three months.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By Joshua Risinamhodzi
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
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zimbabwe has birthed the country’s 112th political party.
The Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Democrats (ZSD) was launched in Gweru and joins the pile of parties which the ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa prides himself by saying it demonstrates that the country is very democratic.
The development comes as the nation prepares for the 2023 elections.
ZSD president Nkosikhona Ndlovu, a businessman, last weekend told journalists in Gweru that his party was formed after realisation that there was a leadership crisis in the country.
“Zimbabwe deserves better leadership which can champion job opportunities, a living wage, better health and education for all,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu contested and lost the Gweru urban parliamentary seat in 2018.
“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 began to fight for good governance.
“That is why our slogan is Phakama/Simuka/Arise. We have been too comfortable, we need to stand up to a system that has brought us here. We need to be shareholders in the distribution of our resources. 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.
“There should be affordable healthcare and education as well as job opportunities for everyone,” he said. – additional reporting Newsday
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
Zimbabwe’s lower and superior courts have shut down following a spike in COVID cases.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday announced it 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 Kennedy Masiye | I was prompted to pen down this article because of the raging debate involving Joseph Nemaisa, a former Police Detective, who killed three “suspected” armed robbers at his home in Masasa Park, Harare.
The question that most people have is whether Mr. Nemaisa should be arrested or
not. In a Herald online video interview aired December 8, 2021, Mr. Nemaisa stated that he responded to a distress call from his wife informing him that they were under attack by at least five armed robbers. In his interview, he said he drove home, parked his vehicle some few blocks away and proceeded to the home on a solo covert mission to stop the attack. He mentioned that, without warning, he fired the first gun shot through a glass window, that instantly killed one of the
alleged robbers.
He also talked about gun shots being fired in the house. He further tells the journalist that he also shot in the head and killed one of these invaders before the other two fled the scene.
Now, the facts that are not disputed are: (1) Mr. Nemaisa did not bother to notify the police after receiving information of the alleged robber in progress;
(2) Mr. Nemaisa did not bother to call the police, even after personally witnessing people in his house;
(3) Mr. Nemaisa, was not personally facing imminent danger to his
life;
(4) Mr. Nemaisa fired the first shots that killed two people;
(5) By firing gun shots into his home in typical vigilante escapade, he endangered his family; (6) His actions though dangerous, he managed to rescue his family.
What does the Law say?
It can be argued that Mr. Nemaisa acted in a manner that has signs of self-help.
Like in “Rambo” the movie, his actions were that of a vigilante. Him being a former
Police Detective, he should have known better and informed the authority of the
dangerous situation at his home.
Now let’s look at what the law says.
The law describes “unlawful attack” as any
unlawful conduct which endangers a person’s life, bodily integrity, or freedom
(Section 233 of the Criminal Code). The facts show that Mr. Nemaisa’s life was
he himself not in danger prior to him arriving at his home. However, from the facts,
it is apparent that his family’s lives were indeed in danger. Be that as it may, Mr.
Nemaisa can rely on self-defense of his family against an unlawful attack and can
succeed in court if he proves that:
The unlawful attack on his family had commenced or was imminent or he
believed on reasonable grounds that the unlawful attack had commenced or was imminent.
His conduct was necessary to avert the unlawful attack on his family and
they could not otherwise escape from the danger they faced or avert the
attack;
§ That he believed on reasonable grounds that his or her conduct was
necessary to avert the unlawful attack and that his family could not
otherwise escape from or avert the attack.
The criminal code provides additional grounds on the issue of self-defense. Let’s go
deeper! The Criminal Code also describes “unlawful attack on property” as any
unlawful conduct which endangers or infringes a person’s property (Section 256
of the Criminal Code). The facts show the following;
§ There were five armed men in Mr. Nemaisa’s home/property,
unlawfully.
§ An unlawful attack of the property had commenced or was imminent;
§ His conduct was necessary to avert the unlawful attack;
§ The means he used to avert the unlawful attack were reasonable in all the circumstances (armed gun men in his home can justify the means).
Another thing to note is that the courts will take due account of the circumstances in which Mr. Nemaisa found himself including any knowledge or capability he may
have had and any stress or fear that may have been operating on his mind.
Should Mr. Nemaisa be arrested and prosecuted?
YES! The arguments articulated above are defenses to a crime committed. In this instance, it can be Murder or Culpable homicide! Mr. Nemaisa should have his day in court to explain the circumstance he found himself and provide the defenses he has in terms of the law. It’s not up to the Police to exonerate Mr. Nemaisa but they should investigate and compile a docket and bring it before the courts of law.
Zimbabwe is a country with laws that govern the conduct of its citizens and if there is an act with elements of a crime, even though justified, the law should be allowed to apply to its full extent in order to avert anarchy.
Tinashe Sambiri|Veteran scribe Hopewell Chin’ono is being tormented by the regime for exposing corruption, President Nelson Chamisa has said.
Zanu PF bigwigs are determined to block the exposure of skeletons in their closets.
President Chamisa denounced the incessant persecution of Chin’ono and human rights defenders in the country.
“Hopewell Chin’ono
@daddyhope
was arrested 3 times for crimes he didn’t commit.
His crime is exposing corruption through journalism.
Whilst it is good that some of the trumped-up charges were dismissed by the High Court, it’s hard to celebrate because he shouldn’t have been arrested,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
He added:
“Thank you Zimbabwe. I’m so humbled. I’m amazed at the extent you Zimbabweans are willing to go, do or push to get us there and be free. This is commitment! When citizens come together anything is possible and doable. Citizens are in it. #Godisinit. Thank you Zimbabwe. Thank you Lord.”
Tinashe Sambiri|Veteran scribe Hopewell Chin’ono is being tormented by the regime for exposing corruption, President Nelson Chamisa has said.
Zanu PF bigwigs are determined to block the exposure of skeletons in their closets.
President Chamisa denounced the incessant persecution of Chin’ono and human rights defenders in the country.
“Hopewell Chin’ono
@daddyhope
was arrested 3 times for crimes he didn’t commit.
His crime is exposing corruption through journalism.
Whilst it is good that some of the trumped-up charges were dismissed by the High Court, it’s hard to celebrate because he shouldn’t have been arrested,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
He added:
“Thank you Zimbabwe. I’m so humbled. I’m amazed at the extent you Zimbabweans are willing to go, do or push to get us there and be free. This is commitment! When citizens come together anything is possible and doable. Citizens are in it. #Godisinit. Thank you Zimbabwe. Thank you Lord.”
Former Zimbabwe Republic Police CID officer( homicide) Joseph Nemaisa relates how he took out three armed robbers who held his family hostage…
Video credit: The Herald
By Cecilia R Chimbiri
Gumiguru50under30 awards paid tribute to young people who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.
Congratulations to our own Netsai Marova Deputy Organ , little sister
I was happy and proud to accept the award on your behalf I’m a proud sister . Keep shining the sky is the limit Sparkle .
Congratulations Commander Tererai Obey Sithole this is very encouraging to see our own being recognized as outstanding. We are a proud youth assembly . Continue to shine Commamder Luther
Congratulations to all the young people who got awards today , young people the future is exciting
With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.
“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”
The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”
If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.
A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.
A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.
Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.
“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”
During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.
The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”
Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.
“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”
“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.
World Health Organization
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TEACHERS’ unions on Monday expressed fear of a clampdown to intimidate them against demanding better salaries after President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused them of pursuing a regime change agenda.
Mnangagwa said the unions were working in cahoots with the United Kingdom and the West in their plot to oust the Zanu PF government.
But teachers unions expressed concern that such utterances put the lives of educators at risk as the country gears for the 2023 elections.
They alleged that Mnangagwa might have been misinformed by his advisers, and challenged him to provide proof of teachers working with foreign powers.
The country’s elections have often been violent, especially towards opponents of the ruling party.
During a Monday media briefing in Harare, teachers demanded that a probe team be set up to look into the issue as it was likely to put their lives at risk.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said their only agenda was to fight for decent salaries.
“There is nothing like seeking regime change besides asking for teachers to be paid for invigilation, to be paid a specific salary or decent salary for them to live well as citizens in this country, that is all,” Ndlovu said.
“All we have done is to stick to the principles of asking the government to find a solution to make sure that teachers live decent lives, and all we are doing is within the confines of the law as provided for by the Constitution.”
Ndlovu said teachers were aware that their negotiations with the government would not easily yield positive results but they would soldier on.
“We are bracing ourselves for very tough negotiations. It won’t come out easily; we are not expecting it to come on a platter.
“We have done everything above board, we have been seeking to engage the ministers, the Public Service Commission, the President and that is all we have done,” he said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said the statement by Mnangagwa was meant to justify a possible clampdown on leaders of teachers’ unions ahead of the 2023 elections.
“The issue of intimidation is there because you have people believing that it’s true. We are clear and we have never worked with the United Kingdom, we are simply representing the teachers.
“The problem we have in Zimbabwe is that we have people who deliberately lie to the President for personal reasons, but you cannot run a country through gossip and lies.- NewsDay
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-Two men, a Zimbabwean, Thabani Moyo and a local, Jabulani Kesiile of Bluetown, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the offence of robbing a person of his BMW 1 series car on Monday.
The state alleges that the duo and another person not before the court robbed Elias Fani of his BMW worth P48,000 on June 17, 2020, at Borolong village using violence.
The state also alleges that in total the accused robbed Fani of his car and other goods (money and cellphones) worth a little over P62,000.
When the accused appeared before Magistrate Thabang Chokwe for arraignment, Moyo pleaded guilty to the offence of entering Botswana illegally but just like Kesiile, pleaded not guilty to robbery. Moyo pleaded with the court to give him the earliest trial dates possible since he has been languishing in jail for 17 months ever since he was arrested in connection with the offences.
Moyo also bemoaned the prosecution had in the past promised to furnish him with statements from Mascom and Orange telecommunications companies, but have not honoured that promise.
“I also make an application for the investigating officer (IO) to be availed in court to explain how I am linked with these offences because I was simply arrested for being found in the company of other accused persons. I have told the IO that I know nothing about these offences but he just charged me [anyway],” Moyo decried.
Chokwe advised Moyo to reserve that plea since the IO will come before the court to give his version of the story after which Moyo will be allowed to cross-examine him. In response to the evidence from Mascom and Orange, prosecutor Neo Machola said that she was not given any evidence from Mascom and Orange.
Moyo was further remanded in custody while Kesiile is currently on bail. The accused are due in court on January 25, 2022.
Previously, Justice Tshegofatso Mogomotsi stated that Moyo was denied bail at Francistown Magistrate’s Courts in September 2021, since it was feared that he may interfere with investigations if he was granted bail since the investigations were by then still fresh.
The judge also said that the fact that Moyo was illegally in Botswana worsened his plight because he was a flight risk. “According to the affidavit of the IO, the applicants were arrested a month after the alleged commissioning of the offence. The IO further said that the police fired warning shots in the air in a bid to arrest the applicants but the applicants ignored those shots and escaped. The IO also stated that none of the applicants gave concrete reasons why they escaped when the police tried to arrest them. I find the averments by the applicants that they handed themselves to the police as an afterthought meant to mislead this court. The applicants find themselves in the current situation because of their actions. In the premises, their application for bail is hereby dismissed,” Mogomotsi had said.
At the end of the ruling, Mogomotsi also advised the applicants that the law allows them to make another bail application if there are any changes of circumstances in their matter. Mmegi
By-Two of the three armed robbers who were shot dead by a retired police detective during a robbery in Chadcombe, Harare, on Monday night were serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army, it has emerged.
Joseph Nemaisa, a 19-year Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide veteran, gunned down the three robbers at his home after they had taken his family hostage.
One of the deceased robbers was an on-duty soldier from the ZNA’s elite commando regiment, NewZimbabwe.com reported.
The commando regiment is one of the special forces units in the ZNA that conducts critical operations.
NewZimbabwe.com reported multiple military and official sources as saying the 21-year-old officer, identified as Tariro Gora, comes from Sanyati.
Gora was supposed to be at his workstation at the One Commando Barracks along Airport Road (Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo Road) in Harare, at the time of the robbery.
The AK-47 rifle that was used by the robbers belongs to the ZNA which Gora was using in his official duties on the night he was killed. Said a source:
He was a member of the ZNA serving in the commando regiment. He was actually supposed to be on duty that night and bosses are wondering how he made his way out with that gun.
The AK47 is not your ordinary gun which can be owned by anyone. It’s a preserve for the army.
It is also believed that the two others who survived the shooting and escaped are soldiers and they are being hunted down.
According to ZimLive, the other two suspects shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified as Charles Chirara and Brian Koga (39).
Chirara was one of over 10 suspects in the US$2.7 million ZB bank cash-in-transit heist in January and had been released on bail by the High Court.
Meanwhile, Tendere was once jailed for 12 years for armed robbery and attempted murder.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two robbers who escaped. One of the suspects has been identified as Tatenda Mumbire.
Nemaisa, now a lawyer, said he left home at about 6 PM and was in Chisipite at around 8.30 PM when his son, Courage, called him to say there were people trying to break into the house.
Nemaisa’s wife Fadzanai had just arrived home and observed three men walking near their house.
He raced home and took on the intruders in a gunfight that ended with three of the raiders lying dead in pools of blood. Nemaisa said:
They were in my bedroom, holding my family hostage and one of them had switched on the iron trying to torture my wife so that she would disclose where we keep the money. Others were searching the bedroom.
I saw one of the robbers armed with an AK47 through the window and shot him once in the chest.
He tried to crawl away while shouting for help and then two others came into view and I shot both of them through the window.
… If they knew it was me living here, I don’t think they would have come to raid this place.
The two robbers that escaped allegedly stole US$850, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a shotgun.
By A Correspondent- A prominent Zvishavane gold dealer, Samson Gondwe has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his two wives who had refused to shake their bums in public.
This happens when the World is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
The incident happened on Saturday when Gondwe popularly known as Sam Dread was drinking beer with his two wives Precious Mushaikwa and Popadopoules Droder Mollin.
Many residents did not believe that Gondwe will be remanded in prison because of his wealth but Zvishavane Magistrate Evia Matura proved that the law in her courtroom was not selective.
State prosecutor Isheunesu Mashayanye vehemently refused bail for the accused arguing that he was likely to interfere with witnesses since the two complainants were his wives. He also said that the accused could run away as he had the means to do so.
“Sam Dread” pleaded not guilty when charged with contravening the Domestic Violence Act.
Mashayanye told the court that on Saturday the accused and his wives were drinking beer at a car sale opposite Zvishavane Magistrate court.
Gondwe ordered his wives to shake their buttocks in front of some men that were also drinking beer at the place but they refused. The accused then threw stones at his wife hitting their heads and legs.
He initially went to court on Saturday morning but the prosecutor could not take any action against the accused allegedly because his docket had missing information and this sent the social media abuzz with residents claiming that Gondwe had paid bribes. Masvingo Mirror
A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has 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.
The police announced the names on their Twitter handle Wednesday evening:
By A Correspondent- A Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce – belonging to late socialite and businessman, Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure are set to be forfeited by the state.
According to the state media, Kadungure’s properties were not acquired through legal means hence the forfeiture.
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
By-Two of the three armed robbers who were shot dead by a retired police detective during a robbery in Chadcombe, Harare, on Monday night were serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army, it has emerged.
Joseph Nemaisa, a 19-year Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide veteran, gunned down the three robbers at his home after they had taken his family hostage.
One of the deceased robbers was an on-duty soldier from the ZNA’s elite commando regiment, NewZimbabwe.com reported.
The commando regiment is one of the special forces units in the ZNA that conducts critical operations.
NewZimbabwe.com reported multiple military and official sources as saying the 21-year-old officer, identified as Tariro Gora, comes from Sanyati.
Gora was supposed to be at his workstation at the One Commando Barracks along Airport Road (Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo Road) in Harare, at the time of the robbery.
The AK-47 rifle that was used by the robbers belongs to the ZNA which Gora was using in his official duties on the night he was killed. Said a source:
He was a member of the ZNA serving in the commando regiment. He was actually supposed to be on duty that night and bosses are wondering how he made his way out with that gun.
The AK47 is not your ordinary gun which can be owned by anyone. It’s a preserve for the army.
It is also believed that the two others who survived the shooting and escaped are soldiers and they are being hunted down.
According to ZimLive, the other two suspects shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified as Charles Chirara and Brian Koga (39).
Chirara was one of over 10 suspects in the US$2.7 million ZB bank cash-in-transit heist in January and had been released on bail by the High Court.
Meanwhile, Tendere was once jailed for 12 years for armed robbery and attempted murder.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two robbers who escaped. One of the suspects has been identified as Tatenda Mumbire.
Nemaisa, now a lawyer, said he left home at about 6 PM and was in Chisipite at around 8.30 PM when his son, Courage, called him to say there were people trying to break into the house.
Nemaisa’s wife Fadzanai had just arrived home and observed three men walking near their house.
He raced home and took on the intruders in a gunfight that ended with three of the raiders lying dead in pools of blood. Nemaisa said:
They were in my bedroom, holding my family hostage and one of them had switched on the iron trying to torture my wife so that she would disclose where we keep the money. Others were searching the bedroom.
I saw one of the robbers armed with an AK47 through the window and shot him once in the chest.
He tried to crawl away while shouting for help and then two others came into view and I shot both of them through the window.
… If they knew it was me living here, I don’t think they would have come to raid this place.
The two robbers that escaped allegedly stole US$850, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a shotgun.
A Correspondent-The Police has announced the arrest of two armed robbers who escaped when three of their colleagues were shot and killed by retired CID Homicide detective Mr Joseph Nemaisa Monday night.
The police told the state media that the identities of the two will be revealed.
The robbers were arrested Wednesday in the city following intensive investigations by detectives from the CID Homicide Section.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the developments and said he would issue an official statement once he had obtained all the details.
He said they would also release the names of the other three robbers who were killed during the shootout.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has urged the nation to pull a leaf from the late human rights defender Dewa Mavhinga’s humility.
Hon Sikhala described Mavhinga as a man who stood head and shoulders above all as he fought tirelessly for people’s fundamental human rights.
“Whoever knew that one day this boy on the far left Dewa Mavhinga, will change the face of human rights law at regional and international level.
The destiny of an individual is in the hands of God.
Nothing should stop u frm reaching your destiny.”
Hon Sikhala added:
“Worldwide pouring of condolence messages for Dewa Mavhinga shows that he had put a good fight.
He fought for many tormented souls. He stood for and with the weak in society. He was an embodiment for the oppressed.”
The domestic league season could be interrupted again after the emergence of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Several clubs have been affected after a number of positive cases were recorded in the past week.
The PSL confirmed the situation last week and the rising number in daily cases could force some of the games to be suspended.
According to PSL Covid-19 regulations, a fixture should be postponed if the involved club records at least seven positive cases.
The last time the outbreak disrupted the season was in June, when a number of cases were reported.
The campaign was later suspended due to the national lockdown and only resumed in October after three months.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Football Association has backtracked on its move to resume operations following an appeal against a ban by the Sports and Recreation Commission.
The SRC dissolved the Kamambo-led administration on November 16, citing several violations, chief among them failure to account for public funds.
ZIFA lawyers, however, filed an appeal at the Administrative Court last week, making the initial suspension invalid pending the finalization of the issue.
But SRC insisted the suspension imposed on the board still stands regardless of an appeal made to the court.
ZIFA has now conceded and stated that the board would stop the operations and wait for a directive from FIFA.
The statement reads: “While the ZIFA Board is totally convinced that its appeal did suspend the SRC decision, it cannot, however, be involved in a physical confrontation with the regulator (SRC).
“As such, the ZIFA board advises the nation that in order to avoid unnecessary drama, it shall for now take a back seat until guidance from Fifa has been received, full prosecution of the Admin Court appeal or as and when the SRC decides to obey the laws of the land, whichever will come first.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The domestic league season could be interrupted again after the emergence of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Several clubs have been affected after a number of positive cases were recorded in the past week.
The PSL confirmed the situation last week and the rising number in daily cases could force some of the games to be suspended.
According to PSL Covid-19 regulations, a fixture should be postponed if the involved club records at least seven positive cases.
The last time the outbreak disrupted the season was in June, when a number of cases were reported.
The campaign was later suspended due to the national lockdown and only resumed in October after three months.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Brendan Galloway is officially out of selection for the coming Afcon 2021 after undergoing surgery last week.
The Warriors defender was stretchered off shortly before half time in Plymouth Argyle’s 3-0 loss to Wycombe Wanderers after sustaining a knee injury.
He had an operation to repair a torn patellar tendon in London on Wednesday and will not be able to play in the next six to eight months.
The medical issue completely rules him out of the Afcon competition scheduled to start on January 9 in Cameroon.
Plymouth coach Ryan Lowe told The Plymouth Herald newspaper: “He has had an operation. He has had his patellar tendon restructured so it’s a long, long road for Brendan.
“I don’t really know the timescale but I think it could be six to eight months potentially so he definitely won’t kick another ball this season.
“He’s in good spirits. The operation went well. He went and saw the best specialist there is, Sam Church, up in London.”
The Warriors have already suffered another blow ahead of the Afcon finals after Marshall Munetsi suffered a knock on his return from another injury. The midfielder had spent over a month on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle strain on national duty with the Warriors in October.
The latest setback could force him out of the competition.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed rumours that the venue for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) could be changed following the recent discovery of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in Cameroon.
The rescheduled tournament is due to kick off on 9 January in West African country, with the final on 6 February. But there have been reports suggesting that the games could be delayed again and moved to Qatar.
CAF’s director of communications Alex Siewe, however, said the tournament is going ahead, and no last-minute changes will be made.
“We can’t keep spending time dealing with rumours. We are on site. We are working,” Siewe told BBC Sport Africa.
“We did not receive any other message or information from our leaders. Nothing such as changing of dates or countries. We did not discuss such during all our last meetings.”
Zimbabwe is among the 24 teams that will feature at the Afcon finals. The Warriors are in Group B along with Senegal, Guinea and fellow COSAFA team Malawi.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A 16-year-old Form Three pupil at a school in Mberengwa has been arrested after he
allegedly fatally stabbed a schoolmate while fighting for a girl.
Police said the suspect had an altercation with a schoolmate, Pastor Mutabvuri, who was in Form Four over a girl when he then drew out a shoe cobbling awl from his satchel and used it to stab Mutabvuri once in the head.
“Mutabvuri collapsed upon being stabbed and was rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital, he was then transferred to United Bulawayo Hospital where he died a day later,” said a police source.
The police said some teachers and parents who removed the awl that got stuck in the boy’s head could have caused some brain damage and excessive bleeding.
“When the incident occurred last Thursday at the school, some parents and teachers who gathered at the scene are said to have suggested that the awl which was stuck in the head be removed instead of leaving it and waiting for a doctor’s procedure, it is suspected this could have resulted in some excessive bleeding in the boy,” said the police.
-State Media
Former Zimbabwe Republic Police CID officer( homicide) Joseph Nemaisa relates how he took out three armed robbers who held his family hostage…
Video credit: The Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has urged the nation to pull a leaf from the late human rights defender Dewa Mavhinga’s humility.
Hon Sikhala described Mavhinga as a man who stood head and shoulders above all as he fought tirelessly for people’s fundamental human rights.
“Whoever knew that one day this boy on the far left Dewa Mavhinga, will change the face of human rights law at regional and international level.
The destiny of an individual is in the hands of God.
Nothing should stop u frm reaching your destiny.”
Hon Sikhala added:
“Worldwide pouring of condolence messages for Dewa Mavhinga shows that he had put a good fight.
He fought for many tormented souls. He stood for and with the weak in society. He was an embodiment for the oppressed.”
Tinashe Sambiri|Veteran scribe Hopewell Chin’ono is being tormented by the regime for exposing corruption, President Nelson Chamisa has said.
Zanu PF bigwigs are determined to block the exposure of skeletons in their closets.
President Chamisa denounced the incessant persecution of Chin’ono and human rights defenders in the country.
“Hopewell Chin’ono
@daddyhope
was arrested 3 times for crimes he didn’t commit.
His crime is exposing corruption through journalism.
Whilst it is good that some of the trumped-up charges were dismissed by the High Court, it’s hard to celebrate because he shouldn’t have been arrested,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
He added:
“Thank you Zimbabwe. I’m so humbled. I’m amazed at the extent you Zimbabweans are willing to go, do or push to get us there and be free. This is commitment! When citizens come together anything is possible and doable. Citizens are in it. #Godisinit. Thank you Zimbabwe. Thank you Lord.”
With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.
“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”
The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”
If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.
A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.
A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.
Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.
“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”
During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.
The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”
Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.
“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”
“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.
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Former Zimbabwe Republic Police CID officer( homicide) Joseph Nemaisa relates how he took out three armed robbers who held his family hostage…
Video credit: The Herald
By Cecilia R Chimbiri
Gumiguru50under30 awards paid tribute to young people who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.
Congratulations to our own Netsai Marova Deputy Organ , little sister
I was happy and proud to accept the award on your behalf I’m a proud sister . Keep shining the sky is the limit Sparkle .
Congratulations Commander Tererai Obey Sithole this is very encouraging to see our own being recognized as outstanding. We are a proud youth assembly . Continue to shine Commamder Luther
Congratulations to all the young people who got awards today , young people the future is exciting
Former Zimbabwe Republic Police CID officer( homicide) Joseph Nemaisa has revealed how he took out three armed robbers who held his family hostage…
Video credit: The Herald
According to Zim Crime Watch, Tariro Gora, 21, and Charles Chirara, both soldiers in the Zimbabwe National Army were gunned down by the ex-cop.
Brian Koga Tendere, 39, was the third suspect killed- Own Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has hiked the price of fuel by US$0.02 to US$1.42 for petrol while diesel price has remained the same.
ZERA has also reduced blending level from E20 to E10 which could bring major relief to motorists.
The local currency price for both petrol and diesel has also gone up by $15.86 and $13.87 respectively.
View the ZERA fuel price schedule below;
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has urged the nation to pull a leaf from the late human rights defender Dewa Mavhinga’s humility.
Hon Sikhala described Mavhinga as a man who stood head and shoulders above all as he fought tirelessly for people’s fundamental human rights.
“Whoever knew that one day this boy on the far left Dewa Mavhinga, will change the face of human rights law at regional and international level.
The destiny of an individual is in the hands of God.
Nothing should stop u frm reaching your destiny.”
Hon Sikhala added:
“Worldwide pouring of condolence messages for Dewa Mavhinga shows that he had put a good fight.
He fought for many tormented souls. He stood for and with the weak in society. He was an embodiment for the oppressed.”
By A Correspondent- One of Zvishavane’s top gold dealers, Samson Gondwe popularly known as Sam Dread has been remanded in custody until December 9, 2021.
Zvishavane magistrate Evia Matura caged Gondwe for allegedly assaulting his two wives Precious Mushaikwa and Popadopoules Droder Mollin.for refusing to shake their bums in public.
The development comes when the World is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence.
State prosecutor Isheunesu Mashayanye told the court that on Saturday the accused and his wives were drinking beer at a car sale opposite Zvishavane Magistrate court.
Gondwe ordered his wives to shake their buttocks in front of some men who were also drinking beer at the place but they refused.
The accused got angry and started assaulting his wives using stones and hitting their heads and legs.
During his initial appearance before the courts, Sam Dread” pleaded not guilty when charged for contravening the Domestic Violence Act.
State prosecutor vehemently refused bail for the accused arguing that he was likely to interfere with witnesses since the two complainants were his wives
. He also said that the accused could run away as he had the means to do so.
By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is investigating how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.
It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.
After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).
The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.
Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.
Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview
Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.
“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.
“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.
The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.
Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.
The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.
The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.
In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.
IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.
By A Correspondent- Hundreds of people have been sleeping outside People’s Own Savings Bank in Masvingo since Wednesday last week queuing for foreign currency withdrawals which government promised them.
Efforts to get a comment from Fungai Paguti, the Bank’s branch manager were futile by the time of writing.
Clients who spoke to The Mirror said the Bank was giving foreign currency to a maximum of seven people a day and the rest were offered RTGS$ withdrawals.
Most of the people travels from rural areas and they complained that they did not have fares to go back home and come back again the next day.
Some clients were defaulting on medication after they left tablets home. Clients also complained that they were hungry as they did not have money for food.
Police using horses sent people fleeing in all directions as they tried to bring order to the queues.
The situation was worse at POSB compared to other banks.-MasvingoMirror
With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.
“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”
The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”
If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.
A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.
A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.
Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.
“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”
During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.
The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”
Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.
“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”
“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.
World Health Organization
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By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.
Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.
Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.
President Chamisa said:
” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.
They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.
They thought they had killed me in Mutare…
We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.
They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..
Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”
“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.
We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.
There is a lie being peddled through social media that I said I wanted to be Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and did not want elections to be held in the country.
The position of the MDC T is that it wants to attain political power through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means.
Thereafter, it will govern differently and change the lives of the Zimbabwean people for the better.
We have maintained that we want free and fair elections but these have to be preceded by comprehensive reforms.
These reforms have to be attained through an inclusive, genuine, and unconditional dialogue.
Given that most of these reforms are legislative, with enough political will they can be achieved before the by-elections.
To that end, the MDCT has started its candidate selection process which has attracted men and women of unquestionable integrity and competence.
The new falsehoods are just part of a smear campaign by people who hate democracy and competition.
What is clear is that the march of the MDCT towards winning the democratic struggle and achieving greatness is unstoppable. The hate and propaganda have clearly not worked. The enemies of democracy have in the last two weeks been hacking my social media accounts and in some cases have posted information not coming from me.
Some newspapers have failed to give me the right of reply before publishing clearly false information hurtful to me and the party.
This is unprofessional and unconstitutional. However, no one can break our resolve.
No amount of hate, propaganda and outright lies can defeat an idea whose hour is come.
Zimbabweans are enthusiastically embracing our message.
Victory is certain.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced the fuel prices for December 2021.
According to a notice issued by the energy regulator this Wednesday, the maximum pump price of diesel has been set at ZWL$150.31 or US$1.38 per litre while that of petrol has been 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- Police in Marondera on Monday arrested a 29-year-old man who hijacked a vehicle he was a passenger after the driver went to relieve himself in the bush, leaving the keys on the ignition.
Tapuwa Mabvunga, of Dudley Farm, has since been charged with theft of a motor vehicle as well as driving without a licence.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachii yesterday confirmed the incident, and urged motorists not to leave vehicle keys on the ignition.
“We urge motorists to be cautious always. They should not leave their engines on or car keys on ignition to avoid such incidents,” he said.
According to police, on December 6 at around 8am, Peter Katukuta (61) was driving a Honda Fit from Wedza to Marondera with four passengers on board.
As he approached the Dudley Farm area, he stopped the vehicle and rushed into a nearby bush to relieve himself.
Mabvunga seized the opportunity and jumped onto the driver’s seat before driving off with the other three passengers towards Marondera.
After driving for a distance, the suspect stopped and ordered the passengers to get out of the car before speeding off.
A report was made to the police who intercepted the suspect in Marondera town, leading to his arrest.
He is set to appear in court.
-newsday
By A Correspondent- Two of the three armed robbers who were shot dead by a retired police detective during a robbery in Chadcombe, Harare, on Monday night were serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army, it has emerged.
Joseph Nemaisa, a 19-year Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide veteran, gunned down the three robbers at his home after they had taken his family hostage.
One of the deceased robbers was an on-duty soldier from the ZNA’s elite commando regiment.
The commando regiment is one of the special forces units in the ZNA that conducts critical operations.
Multiple military and official sources as saying the 21-year-old officer, identified as Tariro Gora, comes from Sanyati.
Gora was supposed to be at his workstation at the One Commando Barracks along Airport Road (Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo Road) in Harare, at the time of the robbery.
The AK-47 rifle that was used by the robbers belongs to the ZNA which Gora was using in his official duties on the night he was killed.
Said a source:
He was a member of the ZNA serving in the commando regiment. He was actually supposed to be on duty that night and bosses are wondering how he made his way out with that gun.
The AK47 is not your ordinary gun which can be owned by anyone. It’s a preserve for the army.
It is also believed that the two others who survived the shooting and escaped are soldiers and they are being hunted down.
According to ZimLive, the other two suspects shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified as Charles Chirara and Brian Koga (39).
Chirara was one of over 10 suspects in the US$2.7 million ZB bank cash-in-transit heist in January and had been released on bail by the High Court.
Meanwhile, Tendere was once jailed for 12 years for armed robbery and attempted murder.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two robbers who escaped. One of the suspects has been identified as Tatenda Mumbire.
Nemaisa, now a lawyer, said he left home at about 6 PM and was in Chisipite at around 8.30 PM when his son, Courage, called him to say there were people trying to break into the house.
Nemaisa’s wife Fadzanai had just arrived home and observed three men walking near their house.
He raced home and took on the intruders in a gunfight that ended with three of the raiders lying dead in pools of blood.
Nemaisa said:
They were in my bedroom, holding my family hostage and one of them had switched on the iron trying to torture my wife so that she would disclose where we keep the money. Others were searching the bedroom.
I saw one of the robbers armed with an AK47 through the window and shot him once in the chest.
He tried to crawl away while shouting for help and then two others came into view and I shot both of them through the window.
… If they knew it was me living here, I don’t think they would have come to raid this place.
The two robbers that escaped allegedly stole US$850, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a shotgun.
-Zimlive
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF-linked war veterans in Matabeleland South province have reportedly defected to the opposition Zapu party in protest over measly stipends they get from government despite the sacrifices they made during the armed struggle.
The ex-freedom fighters claimed that they were unhappy about the ruling party’s empowerment policies which sidelined them.
Zapu national spokesperson Mso Ndlovu yesterday told Southern Eye that a significant number of Zanu PF war veterans in Matabeleland had secretly joined Zapu.
“A sizeable number of the freedom fighters rejoined the party this past weekend in Mawaza, Ntepe and Ntalale. This is in Matabeleland South. However, we are in contact with ZPRA [Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army] veterans across the country who are quietly joining our structures away from cameras,” Ndlovu said.
“Reasons for the defections are varied. But many are attributing that to the abuse they have suffered in Zanu PF, worse still under the so-called new dispensation which has turned out to be the deception of epic proportions. They are disgruntled with the vetting processes which are designed to disenfranchise them,” he said.
Ndlovu claimed that the defecting war veterans said they were happy with the direction that Zapu was taking under the new leadership of the late party founder and Vice-President Joshua Nkomo’s son, Sibangilizwe.
“While we are very pleased and excited by the vote of confidence we are receiving from the veterans, we are not surprised at all. It is very clear to all that what they sacrificed their lives for is turning into a nightmare under Zanu PF,” he said.
“They are receiving pensions which are equivalent to a single bag of potatoes. They are living miserable lives while children of the elite are amassing and flaunting insane wealth.”
Zanu PF Matabeleland South acting chairperson Never Khanye said he had not yet received reports about the alleged defections.
“I do not have such information as of now. If I had it, I would have let you known,” Khanye said.
Some war veterans were arrested in Harare a few months ago after they took to the streets demanding an increase in their monthly stipends.
This is happening at a time when war veterans loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa are said to be pushing for the ouster of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.
They are allegedly being used as pawns in the Zanu PF succession battle.
New Delhi (CNN)An Indian Air Force helicopter crashed Wednesday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu with Chief of Defense Staff, Gen.
Bipin Rawat on board, according to the Indian Air Force (IAF).The cause of the crash and details of other passengers are not yet known.
The IAF said “an Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident”.
Three people have been rescued so far and moved to a hospital, according to public broadcaster Doordarshan.
This is a developing story … more to come
-CNN
Families of doctors and other frontline health personnel whose relatives succumbed to COVID-19 are still grieving over the loss of their loved ones.
In his speech during a medical awards ceremony held in Harare at the weekend to honour living and deceased medical professionals, Zimbabwe Medical Awards Trust board chairperson Josephat Chiripanyanga said COVID-19 wounds would take time to heal.
Chiripanyanga said the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of many nurses and 22 doctors in Zimbabwe. He said:
Families of frontline health workers are still nursing wounds after losing their loved ones to COVID-19.
It was difficult to convince the families of doctors who died, whom we want to honour to attend the awards ceremony.
Relatives of our COVID-19 heroes are still in grief and they are not opening up that much.
That is why most of them could not come because they are saying the awards are opening their wounds.
Living heroes in the medical profession, among them, decorated eye specialist, Solomon Guramatunhu and leading paediatrician Bothwell Mbuwayesango were recognised at the event.
Zimbabwe has recorded a cumulative total of 4 713 COVID-19 deaths since the emergence of the deadly virus in 2020.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest three men for illegal possession of a pangolin on the 3rd of December 2021 at Total Service station along Julias Nyerere road.
The three Daniel Kwaramba (30), Ocean Donono (46) and Lyce Jeremiah Manyande (28) were busted by Police while searching for a potential buyer for the Pangolin which was being sold for US$3 000.
More to follow….
Hospital mortuaries in Harare’s public facilities are failing to cope with the influx of bodies that are allegedly piling up, with some holding four times their carrying capacity.
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, whose mortuary has a holding capacity of around 50 bodies, is said to be overflowing with more than 200 bodies.
Relatives collecting the remains of their loved ones have expressed concern over the way the corpses are being lumped together.
“It is against our culture to stack bodies like that. There is no respect for the dead anymore,” said a family that recently went through the trauma of retrieving their relative from a pile.
Hospital spokesperson Lenos Dhire confirmed the crisis.
“We confirm that we are having bodies that are beyond our capacity. The bodies include those which are not being collected. We also have a challenge with a shortage of forensic pathologists,” he said.
Forensic pathologists, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly or violently.
The challenge of forensic pathologists has been red-flagged numerous times, and last year during a parliamentary session, there was an outcry from legislators who demanded answers from Home Affairs deputy minister Mike Madiro, who admitted that there was a shortage of pathologists in the country.
Madiro said there were two in Harare and one in Bulawayo.
He described the situation as “unhealthy” and implored the Health ministry to look into the matter urgently.
Sally Mugabe Central Hospital clinical director Hopewell Mungani said: “I am not in a position to comment.”
However, reports have said Sally Mugabe Hospital was facing similar challenges, with the mortuary overwhelmed.
Chitungwiza Central Hospital spokesperson Audrey Tasaranarwo said: “We are, indeed, facing this challenge as Chitungwiza Central Hospital. The problem we are facing is not mainly about relatives failing to collect bodies, but it is about the large number of unidentified bodies being brought from the outside, in most cases by the police, that is, cases of murder, accidents, drowning, suicide and so forth.
“When these unidentified bodies are brought in, we expect the police to go and investigate and find the relatives of the deceased and notify them so they can come and collect the bodies. The thing now is that some investigations take long or are not resolved at all. We end up keeping these bodies for a long time. Cases of internal deceased patients rarely stay a long time before the body is collected.”
-Newsday
A High Court judge has awarded US$180 000 to a woman who was fired from her job after reporting her boss for sexual harassment almost 20 years ago.
Rita Marque Mbatha said she was sexually harassed by former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) CEO Farai Bwatikona Zizhou between 2002 and 2003 when she worked as his personal assistant.
When she reported the matter, the CZI responded by firing her.
Last week Justice Joseph Mafusire hailed for her tireless determination as she won a lawsuit against Zizhou.
Mbatha sued both Zizhou and CZI for a total of US$500 000. The suit against CZI is pending.
In one incident, Zizhou emailed Mbatha saying he would be visualising her when he is bathing with his wife.
He told her that the sight of his naked wife was “torture and unbearable” to him.
In his ruling, Justice Mafusire noted that it was discouraging that Zizhou never showed any remorse. Said Mafusire:
The matter has had a long turbulent history. The wheels of justice have turned slowly for her.
There can be no denying that. She has been to this court. She strives for closure. Any lesser mortal would probably have given up.
Plainly, Mbatha is no lesser mortal. Her tenacity and fighting spirit have moved mountains. She is still fighting.
… There has never been an apology. One thinks it would have been quite salutary and a measure of atonement for the injured brain.
At the arbitration, Zizhou sought to dismiss his reprehensible conduct as mere jokes. He was callous.
He engineered Mbatha’s dismissal from employment. After the incident and the dismissal, she was not treated with sensitivity.
… the proper level of damages for sexual harassment perpetrated by the defendant from September 2002 to June 2003 is US$180 000… or equivalent thereof in local currency convertible at the interbank rate at the time of payment.
Justice Mafusire ruled that Zizhou should pay interest on the amount and cost of the lawsuit.
Mbatha is now the director of Women’s Comfort Corner Foundation (WCCF) and a board member of the International Alliance of Women (IAW).
A magistrate on Tuesday issued a warrant of arrest for Johanne Marange Apostolic sect child molester Hatirarami Momberume after he failed to appear in court.
Momberume, (26), who is facing a murder charge, defaulted his appearance before Manicaland provincial magistrate Richard Ramaboure, raising fears he may have skipped bail.
Prosecutor Talent Nyamuzuwe asked the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the alleged paedophile after his failure to appear for trial.
Momberume’s lawyer, Brian Majamanda of Khupe and Chijara Law Chambers earlier told the court that his client was facing transport challenges to travel from his home at Mafararikwa Village to court.
However, Momberume never turned up, resulting in the arrest warrant being issued.
Momberume impregnated an underage girl, Annah Machaya, who died while giving birth on 15 July this year at the church’s shrine in Marange, Manicaland Province.
He was charged for causing Annah’s death by impregnating her and failing to take her to receive healthcare services during her labour.
Momberume was granted $50 000 bail by High Court judge Justice Isaac Muzenda after spending some time in remand prison.
Annah’s death caused national outrage, prompting debate on the issue of child marriages not only in apostolic sects but across the country.
By A Correspondent- President Nelson Chamisa has thanked Zimbabweans adding that citizens’ commitment to a better Zimbabwe will see a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Said President Chamisa:
“Thank you Zimbabwe. I’m so humbled. I’m just amazed at the extent you Zimbabweans are willing to go, do and push to get us there to be free,happy, peaceful & prosperous again. This is commitment! You are making history. Thank you! Citizens are in it. #Godisinit.”
By A Correspondent- An AK-47 wielding Kenyan police officer shot dead six people, including his wife, and wounded two others before turning the gun on himself in Nairobi around 3 AM on Tuesday.
The officer first killed his wife in their home, shooting her in the neck with his service rifle before firing indiscriminately at neighbours, the Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Tuesday.
According to the DCI, three of the young men who were killed by the police officer were mourners who had just attended preparations for a funeral. It added:
After killing the three, the cop then turned his rifle at two Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) riders, one of whom lost his life while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta national hospital.
Two wounded people were also in critical condition, the DCI noted.
Francis Wahome, the officer in charge of Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, confirmed the incident and the death toll but gave no other details. He said:
We have lost six people all shot by the police officer before he committed suicide.
… We are told that the couple had issues and were quarrelling before.
Angry residents near where the incident took place later set fire to tyres on a road in a protest against the senseless shootings.
Cases of police officers shooting dead their spouses occur frequently in Kenya.
In November this year, another officer opened fire on his colleagues in central Kenya, fatally shooting one in the head before fleeing.
In November 2010, another police officer in a jealous rage shot dead 10 people including two of his colleagues in a rampage through two bars in central Kenya before surrendering to police.
He had tried to kill himself but had run out of ammunition, forcing him to surrender to the police.-Aljazeera
By A Correspondent- The Government says unvaccinated people will eventually be barred from boarding Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday at a post-cabinet briefing in the capital, Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said a time will come when people without vaccination cards will not be allowed to use ZUPCO buses, kombis and trains. She said:
A time is coming when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card.
Mutsvangwa, however, didn’t provide further details on when the measure would be implemented.
The announcement could be viewed as a strategy by the authorities to cajole vaccine-hesitant citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the majority of Zimbabweans use public transport while private transport operators remain banned.
Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of coronavirus infections, with 2 555 new cases recorded on 6 December with a 30 per cent test positivity rate according to data released by the Health Ministry.
The southern African nation is targetting to vaccinate 10 million people to attain herd immunity by the end of this year.
To date, less than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated even though the jabs are free of charge.
By A Correspondent- Midlands State University (MSU) has imposed a mandatory vaccination policy on its students following a rise in new coronavirus infections across the country and the emergence of a new variant, Omicron.
In a notice to students dated 3 December 2021, MSU Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs) Kudzaishe Mudzingwa said unvaccinated students will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test twice a week.
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) secretary-general Tapiwanashe Chiriga has condemned MSU’s mandatory vaccination policy, describing the move as discriminatory. Said Chiriga:
Our position remains as it has always been. While we encourage students to get vaccinated, the right to accessible and affordable education cannot be determined by vaccination status.
He warned that mandatory vaccination will only fuel the forging of vaccination cards as students try to avoid the jab while attending lectures.
The Government has hitherto desisted from imposing new restrictions in spite of a sharp rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases at the learning institutions.
Only last week more than 100 students at Masvingo Teachers’ College tested positive for the virus while at Lupane State University (LSU) 50 students tested positive for coronavirus.
By A Correspondent-The Government says unvaccinated people will eventually be barred from boarding Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday at a post-cabinet briefing in the capital, Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said a time will come when people without vaccination cards will not be allowed to use ZUPCO buses, kombis and trains. She said:
A time is coming when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card.
Mutsvangwa, however, didn’t provide further details on when the measure would be implemented.
The announcement could be viewed as a strategy by the authorities to cajole vaccine-hesitant citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the majority of Zimbabweans use public transport while private transport operators remain banned.
Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of coronavirus infections, with 2 555 new cases recorded on 6 December with a 30 per cent test positivity rate according to data released by the Health Ministry.
The southern African nation is targetting to vaccinate 10 million people to attain herd immunity by the end of this year.
To date, less than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated even though the jabs are free of charge.
-State media
By A Correspondent- An AK-47 wielding Kenyan police officer shot dead six people, including his wife, and wounded two others before turning the gun on himself in Nairobi around 3 AM on Tuesday.
The officer first killed his wife in their home, shooting her in the neck with his service rifle before firing indiscriminately at neighbours, the Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Tuesday.
According to the DCI, three of the young men who were killed by the police officer were mourners who had just attended preparations for a funeral. It added:
After killing the three, the cop then turned his rifle at two Boda Boda(motorcycle taxi) riders, one of whom lost his life while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta national hospital.
Two wounded people were also in critical condition, the DCI noted.
Francis Wahome, the officer in charge of Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, confirmed the incident and the death toll but gave no other details. He said:
We have lost six people all shot by the police officer before he committed suicide.
… We are told that the couple had issues and were quarrelling before.
Angry residents near where the incident took place later set fire to tyres on a road in a protest against the senseless shootings.
Cases of police officers shooting dead their spouses occur frequently in Kenya.
In November this year, another officer opened fire on his colleagues in central Kenya, fatally shooting one in the head before fleeing.
In November 2010, another police officer in a jealous rage shot dead 10 people including two of his colleagues in a rampage through two bars in central Kenya before surrendering to police.
He had tried to kill himself but had run out of ammunition, forcing him to surrender to the police.
By A Correspondent-Harare City Council has resolved to close Roadport Bus Terminus, amid a stand-off with the current operators.
The move has since received mixed feelings among city stakeholders, with some questioning Harare’s capacity to operate the terminus as most of its termini are in a poor state following years of negligence, despite collecting revenue from the same facilities.
Acting city mayor Musarurwa Stewart Mutizwa said the council resolved to go back to the drawing board and redraw the agreement following the lapsing of the Build Operate Transfer agreement.
“In the meantime, since the issue with Roadport Pvt Ltd is before the courts we agreed to say let it be emptied for now,” he said.
Roadport Pvt Ltd executive, Mrs Ruth Mugweni refused to be drawn into the matter.
“I cannot comment over the issue,” she said.
-Herald
By A Correspondent- Controversial dancers Beverly “Bev” Sibanda and Lady Storm had to be separated as they tussled during Alick Macheso’s recent family show held at Club Las Vegas.
A seething Bev claimed Lady Storm’s dancers bullied her in the toilet, which sparked a heated argument in the midst of Macheso’s show.
Although bouncers and friends were quick to intervene, Bev confronted Lady Storm who was restrained from attacking Bev.
Some of Lady Storm’s male dancers had a torrid time trying to calm down the two dancers as the argument almost degenerated into a fistfight.
The drama occurred after Lady Storm’s performance who as the opening act for Macheso.
“Your dancers have bullied me in the toilet, I don’t want drama here guys.
“I came here to enjoy myself and not to engage in these petty arguments.
“Lady Storm udza madancers ako azvibate,” said Bev as she charging towards Lady Storm who maintained her cool.
Lady Storm, a former soldier and martial arts enthusiast, surprised many has she remained calm throughout the drama.
“I’m now a grown-up who doesn’t want drama anymore.
“If she is having problems with my dancers, she must confront me and tell me what they have done wrong.
“She can be seen bullying others wherever she goes, kakajaidzwa,” Lady Storm was heard saying.
She however pleaded with H-Metro Entertainment not to publish the story.
“I don’t see a story here but you know Bev wants drama a lot.
“She can create a story to remain relevant but I am not that kind of person anymore.
“With maturity, you shun some of the funny stuff you sued to do like public violence,” he said.
Over the years, Bev has strived on ‘dissing’ fellow dancers like Zoey among others.
Her former manager Harpers Mapimhidze who was fired recently used to project her for the past 11 years before they ended their marriage.
A lot was expected from Bev to change her wayward behavior after getting married to overseas based husband Chambuka Mufudzi.
However, Bev appears to have changed into a ‘beast’ as she has gone back to her past ways.
Bev is one woman who cannot hide her feelings when wronged.
She normally shares her anger, grief and happiness on social media where doesn’t speak in riddles.
Her new tiff with Lady Storm caught many by surprise as the two hardly compete for the same fan base.
Lady Storm is now backed with a live band while Bev still remain a club dancer playing to backtracks.
She is also known for making cameo roles at other top musicians’ live shows. H Metro
By A Correspondent-Ousted Zanu PF Chivi South Member of Parliament, Killer Zivhu, said Douglas Mwonzora is the legitimate leader of the MDC.
Zivhu at the weekend also shocked the nation when he said that Mwonzora would win the 2023 Presidential elections.
He is these days seen with Mwonzora leaving people to wonder what the two are planning.
Below is what Zivhu posted on his Twitter handle praising Mwonzora:
“To be a leader you don’t need votes always, zvinongoitika zvoga Mwonzora wakadiwa na Mwari kuti atore chinhu. When Chamisa became the leader of MDC-T pakaitwa vhoti nani saka yavanguva ya Mwonzora mopopota ndezvenyu izvo famba Simboti famba,”
TEACHERS’ unions on Monday expressed fear of a clampdown to intimidate them against demanding better salaries after President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused them of pursuing a regime change agenda.
Mnangagwa said the unions were working in cahoots with the United Kingdom and the West in their plot to oust the Zanu PF government.
But teachers unions expressed concern that such utterances put the lives of educators at risk as the country gears for the 2023 elections.
They alleged that Mnangagwa might have been misinformed by his advisers, and challenged him to provide proof of teachers working with foreign powers.
The country’s elections have often been violent, especially towards opponents of the ruling party.
During a Monday media briefing in Harare, teachers demanded that a probe team be set up to look into the issue as it was likely to put their lives at risk.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said their only agenda was to fight for decent salaries.
“There is nothing like seeking regime change besides asking for teachers to be paid for invigilation, to be paid a specific salary or decent salary for them to live well as citizens in this country, that is all,” Ndlovu said.
“All we have done is to stick to the principles of asking the government to find a solution to make sure that teachers live decent lives, and all we are doing is within the confines of the law as provided for by the Constitution.”
Ndlovu said teachers were aware that their negotiations with the government would not easily yield positive results but they would soldier on.
“We are bracing ourselves for very tough negotiations. It won’t come out easily; we are not expecting it to come on a platter.
“We have done everything above board, we have been seeking to engage the ministers, the Public Service Commission, the President and that is all we have done,” he said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said the statement by Mnangagwa was meant to justify a possible clampdown on leaders of teachers’ unions ahead of the 2023 elections.
“The issue of intimidation is there because you have people believing that it’s true. We are clear and we have never worked with the United Kingdom, we are simply representing the teachers.
“The problem we have in Zimbabwe is that we have people who deliberately lie to the President for personal reasons, but you cannot run a country through gossip and lies.- NewsDay
By A Correspondent- The trial for Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancer Selemani “Majuice” Mponchi, who is accused of rape, kicked off Monday with the complainant testifying that she had been friends with the dancer for three days when he reportedly raped her.
Mponchi pleaded not guilty before Harare regional magistrate Ignatio Mhene.
In denying the charges, Mponchi through his lawyer Ashiel Mugiya, told the court that he never raped the complainant but he had sexual intercourse with her after she had consented to it.
“Accused pleads not guilty to the charge of rape, he never raped the complainant and will tell the court that on the day in question he had sexual intercourse with the consent of the complainant as they were in a love relationship.
“He will tell the court that after the act he accompanied the complainant home and was surprised after a few days when the police contacted him for these allegations of rape.
“From the reading of the state papers it’s quite clear that the complainant was somehow coerced to raise these allegations against him.
“He believes that this was not a free and voluntary report but there was some illegitimate pressure on the complainant and will pray for his acquittal,” said Mugiya reading out the defence outline.
The State, represented by Shepherd Makonde, opened its case by leading evidence from the complainant who testified that the two were friends when the alleged incident occurred.
“We were sharing a friendship that of a brother and sister for about three days and when we met on the third day, he forced himself on me and raped me on August 21 this year.
“I asked him to take me to Kuwadzana where I was supposed to attend a birthday party and he agreed to accompany me and left me there.
“I didn’t feel comfortable at the party because I didn’t know anyone there so we communicated on WhatsApp and I told him that I wasn’t comfortable with the people at the party, he offered to pick me up and take me home.
“On our way he told me that he wanted to pass through a certain house to collect his laptop and he asked me to get in that was when he offered me a drink that he took from the fridge in a tumbler.
“I started having the drink while he went to buy food then I started feeling dizzy and slept and when I woke up he was back from the shops and he started kissing me on the neck the before raping me.
“I was feeling weak from the drink so I couldn’t fight him off so he slid my panties aside and penetrated I don’t know what really happened.
I tried to resist but couldn’t do anything as he was pinning me down,” she said.
The complainant denied ever having consented to the sexual intercourse or being in a love relationship with Mponchi but told the court that he had sent a text message proposing love to her a proposal which she denied because they had just met.
Mugiya through cross examination pointed out the inconsistencies in the complainant’s evidence in chief and on the statement she had given to the police.
She admitted that she had lied to her mother about what really transpired ‘to get her off her back about the ordeal.’
The matter is back in court tomorrow for trial continuation. H Metro
TEACHERS’ unions on Monday expressed fear of a clampdown to intimidate them against demanding better salaries after President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused them of pursuing a regime change agenda.
Mnangagwa said the unions were working in cahoots with the United Kingdom and the West in their plot to oust the Zanu PF government.
But teachers unions expressed concern that such utterances put the lives of educators at risk as the country gears for the 2023 elections.
They alleged that Mnangagwa might have been misinformed by his advisers, and challenged him to provide proof of teachers working with foreign powers.
The country’s elections have often been violent, especially towards opponents of the ruling party.
During a Monday media briefing in Harare, teachers demanded that a probe team be set up to look into the issue as it was likely to put their lives at risk.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said their only agenda was to fight for decent salaries.
“There is nothing like seeking regime change besides asking for teachers to be paid for invigilation, to be paid a specific salary or decent salary for them to live well as citizens in this country, that is all,” Ndlovu said.
“All we have done is to stick to the principles of asking the government to find a solution to make sure that teachers live decent lives, and all we are doing is within the confines of the law as provided for by the Constitution.”
Ndlovu said teachers were aware that their negotiations with the government would not easily yield positive results but they would soldier on.
“We are bracing ourselves for very tough negotiations. It won’t come out easily; we are not expecting it to come on a platter.
“We have done everything above board, we have been seeking to engage the ministers, the Public Service Commission, the President and that is all we have done,” he said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said the statement by Mnangagwa was meant to justify a possible clampdown on leaders of teachers’ unions ahead of the 2023 elections.
“The issue of intimidation is there because you have people believing that it’s true. We are clear and we have never worked with the United Kingdom, we are simply representing the teachers.
“The problem we have in Zimbabwe is that we have people who deliberately lie to the President for personal reasons, but you cannot run a country through gossip and lies.- NewsDay
There is a lie being peddled through social media that I said I wanted to be Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and did not want elections to be held in the country.
The position of the MDC T is that it wants to attain political power through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means.
Thereafter, it will govern differently and change the lives of the Zimbabwean people for the better.
We have maintained that we want free and fair elections but these have to be preceded by comprehensive reforms.
These reforms have to be attained through an inclusive, genuine, and unconditional dialogue.
Given that most of these reforms are legislative, with enough political will they can be achieved before the by-elections.
To that end, the MDCT has started its candidate selection process which has attracted men and women of unquestionable integrity and competence.
The new falsehoods are just part of a smear campaign by people who hate democracy and competition.
What is clear is that the march of the MDCT towards winning the democratic struggle and achieving greatness is unstoppable. The hate and propaganda have clearly not worked. The enemies of democracy have in the last two weeks been hacking my social media accounts and in some cases have posted information not coming from me.
Some newspapers have failed to give me the right of reply before publishing clearly false information hurtful to me and the party.
This is unprofessional and unconstitutional. However, no one can break our resolve.
No amount of hate, propaganda and outright lies can defeat an idea whose hour is come.
Zimbabweans are enthusiastically embracing our message.
Victory is certain.
The Castle Lager Premiership will resume this week in Matchday 3, starting with a midweek fixture between Harare City vs Yadah on Wednesday.
The league action was put on hold in the past weekend to pave way for the 2021 Chibuku Super Cup final between Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum.
The games will continue on Saturday with five games lined up, and three matches on Sunday.
Here are the Matchday 3 fixtures.
Wednesday 8 December
Harare City vs Yadah (NSS)
Saturday 11 December
Chicken Inn vs Tenax (Luveve Stadium)
ZPC Kariba vs Triangle United (Nyamhunga Stadium)
Black Rhinos vs CAPS United (NSS)
Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Herentals (Baobab Stadium)
WhaWha vs Bulawayo City (Ascot Stadium)
Sunday 12 December
Manica Diamonds vs Highlanders (Sakubva Stadium)
Dynamos vs Cranborne Bullets (NSS)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium)- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent- Controversial dancers Beverly “Bev” Sibanda and Lady Storm had to be separated as they tussled during Alick Macheso’s recent family show held at Club Las Vegas.
A seething Bev claimed Lady Storm’s dancers bullied her in the toilet, which sparked a heated argument in the midst of Macheso’s show.
Although bouncers and friends were quick to intervene, Bev confronted Lady Storm who was restrained from attacking Bev.
Some of Lady Storm’s male dancers had a torrid time trying to calm down the two dancers as the argument almost degenerated into a fistfight.
The drama occurred after Lady Storm’s performance who as the opening act for Macheso.
“Your dancers have bullied me in the toilet, I don’t want drama here guys.
“I came here to enjoy myself and not to engage in these petty arguments.
“Lady Storm udza madancers ako azvibate,” said Bev as she charging towards Lady Storm who maintained her cool.
Lady Storm, a former soldier and martial arts enthusiast, surprised many has she remained calm throughout the drama.
“I’m now a grown-up who doesn’t want drama anymore.
“If she is having problems with my dancers, she must confront me and tell me what they have done wrong.
“She can be seen bullying others wherever she goes, kakajaidzwa,” Lady Storm was heard saying.
She however pleaded with H-Metro Entertainment not to publish the story.
“I don’t see a story here but you know Bev wants drama a lot.
“She can create a story to remain relevant but I am not that kind of person anymore.
“With maturity, you shun some of the funny stuff you sued to do like public violence,” he said.
Over the years, Bev has strived on ‘dissing’ fellow dancers like Zoey among others.
Her former manager Harpers Mapimhidze who was fired recently used to project her for the past 11 years before they ended their marriage.
A lot was expected from Bev to change her wayward behavior after getting married to overseas based husband Chambuka Mufudzi.
However, Bev appears to have changed into a ‘beast’ as she has gone back to her past ways.
Bev is one woman who cannot hide her feelings when wronged.
She normally shares her anger, grief and happiness on social media where doesn’t speak in riddles.
Her new tiff with Lady Storm caught many by surprise as the two hardly compete for the same fan base.
Lady Storm is now backed with a live band while Bev still remain a club dancer playing to backtracks.
She is also known for making cameo roles at other top musicians’ live shows. H Metro
Former Warriors striker Tendai Ndoro says he has become a Christian after his football career was blighted by an illness that left him blind for three weeks.
Ndoro (36) is now a worshipper at Victorious Family International Church, which meets at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare, Harare.
Giving his testimony to the congregants on Sunday, the former Warriors, Orlando Pirates and Chicken Inn striker said a lot of negative things have been said about him but he has now found solace in God. Said Ndoro:
I am very grateful and my life has since changed after I turned to God. There was a lot of hearsay concerning my life where nobody could confirm with me.
I turned blind for three weeks but with the support and prayers from my pastor, Kudakwashe Jose, everything has changed for the better as I can now see.
He also thanked his family and fellow congregants for supporting him during his predicament. Ndoro said:
I am very happy with the support I have been receiving from my relatives and family members from the church.
It has been a long journey for me and it needs a whole day to explain but from the counselling and guidance I am getting from my church leader, everything is going on well.
Ndoro played for Mpumalanga Black Aces before joining Orlando Pirates in South Africa to become one of the wealthiest Zimbabwean footballers across the Limpopo at the time.
However, recent reports claimed that Ndoro had hit hard times and was being assisted by his relative Simba Ndoro, the owner of Northern Region Division One outfit Simba Bhora.-The Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.
Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.
Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.
President Chamisa said:
” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.
They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.
They thought they had killed me in Mutare…
We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.
They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..
Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”
“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.
We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.
By A Correspondent- An emotional Chief Murinye born Ephias Munodawafa had to be called to order in court on Tuesday when he went into a rage and called a female manager who he is accusing of refusing to surrender an Ursus laptop and a HP printer from his transport company.
Murinye was ordered by Martin Mureri to withdraw his words after he described Precious Mtetwa, a former employee at his ZIKRAG transport company a poor pathetic being who had nothing until he brought her into his company.
Magistrate Grace Tupiri and Mtetwa’s lawyer Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) had to continue warning Murinye from using improper language during the court proceedings. Murinye went ballistic under cross examination from Mureri.
ZIKRAG had a tender to carry sugar at Tongaat Hullets.
Ironically Murinye is also a lawyer.
Mtetwa who has since left ZIKRAG to join a rival company is denying the allegations that she has the chief’s laptop being the laptop and printer and insists that the latter is trying to fix her.
Mureri told Chief Murinye during cross examination that he didn’t have evidence showing that he gave Mtetwa the printer and laptop and insisted that he falsified the report to fix Mtetwa for quitting his company.
Murinye conceded in court that he neither had the serial numbers for the said laptop nor printer. He urged the court to respect his word that his former employee had the property.
“What would you say if I told you that Mtetwa bought her own laptop and printer from South Africa?” quizzed Mureri.
“She is pathetic and cannot afford to buy anything from South Africa. Her salary doesn’t allow her to buy a laptop and a printer. I am the one who brought her from
Gweru to Chiredzi when she joined ZIKRAG Investments and she didn’t have anything,” said an irate Chief Murinye.
He was ordered to withdrew the word pathetic.-Mirror
Jordan Zemura has started training and will be available for selection for the Warriors’ Afcon squad.
The defender picked an ankle injury last month and missed the national team’s final two games in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Initial report had suggested the player could return to the field earlier on but after a scan, it was revealed that he is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, casting doubt on his availability at the Afcon finals.
Delivering an injury update on Zemura and another Bournemouth player Lloyd Kelly, coach Scott Parker said: “They are back on the training field, they are doing work.
“They’re progressing really well, Junior Stanislas as well.
“We need them back. That’s just it. We’re stretched at the moment and we’re going through a little bit of a windy point.
“I’m immensely proud because we’re picking up points and we’re doing very well, but we need them back.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|Snooping into citizens’ social media accounts will not resolve the political crisis in Zimbabwe, MDC Alliance activist Frank Mandebvu has posited.
Mnangagwa’s administration is desperate to silence dissenting voices as political turmoil rises in the country.
Below is Mandebvu’s presentation…
Social media censorship a desperate move to clamp down on people’s rights
The recent plot by the government to censor the social media is a gross violation of human rights. Snooping into people’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will never improve the economy of Zimbabwe.
This rather is a clear evidence of a desperate government declaring war against its own citizens.the country has more pressing issues to deal with while the leadership is busy trying to consolidate it’s ill-gotten power,this is utter nonsense.
There is a Shona saying ‘kuvhunduka chati kwatara hunge une katurikwa’, ZANU PF is on panic mode the Ngaapinde hake mkomana mantra is giving them sleepless nights because they know they can’t win a free and fair election against him.
In their clueless minds the only option left for them is intimidation,however this time people won’t fall for those old fashioned tactics.
The wave of democracy is sweeping across Africa.People embrace what happened in Zambia and they are very much determined to make it happen in Zimbabwe come 2023.
With all due respect Mr Mnangagwa you have failed,the earlier you accept that fact the better for us all.
Stop corruption. Revive the economy and stop Snooping into people’s private conversations.
Frank Mandebvu .
Mdc-A political activist .
Chibi South .
Joana Mamombe:
Our hearts are broken at the devastating news of our comrade Dewa Mavhinga. The pain is just too much Khule .
Who will call us for updates after our court sessions??
Thank you for your courage, integrity, love for your country and human rights. You were a legend!
Cecilia Chimbiri:
Rest in Power Khule Dewa, our Hero
Rest In Peace Mukoma
No one has influenced lives as you did. You did an amazing job, thoughtful , always in solidarity , That call to check up and stand in solidarity always warmed my heart , The good ones depart early , You encouraged strenghth and focus , this is rare most forget so quickly not you Mukoma Dewa , Fambai Zvakanaka ,
With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.
“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”
The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”
If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.
A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.
A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.
Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.
“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”
During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.
The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”
Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.
“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”
“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.
World Health Organization
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Leaked audio- war veterans speak on crisis in Zanu PF…
Mudunhu reMasvingo hamuchina kumira zvakanaka mushure mekunge umwe mumiririri wenhengo yeparamende vaMavhenyegwa avo vari kukwikwidza kuda kuita chairman we province mubato reZanu PF,kunonzi vakatumira audio kuvatsigiri vavo vachikumbira ruregerero pamusoro pembeu nefetiraiza yavaibira vanhu
Mukoma Nobert avo vataura ne zimeye.com vanoti vashamisika nemashoko ebhiza ravo. Heanoi mashoko ataurwa pa audio inopomedzerwa kuti yakatumirwa navaMavhenyegwa
“Ma cdes ngatishandei ndiite chair we province,ini ndakazotendeuka nekuti paya pandaiba mbeu nemafetiraiza kwaisava kuda kwangu asi aiva madhimoni.Ndikahwinha imi ma cdes angu ndocheresa zvibhorani,basa ngarishandwe tibise Chadzamira” rinonzwikwa izwi rinonzi ndera Mavhenyengwa richitaura kudero
Hatina kukwanisa kubata vaMavhenyengwa kuti tinzwe divi ravo
Murume uyu agara ane rusarura uye itsotsi,zvino dhimoni racho rikadzokazve tinozodii apa chigaro achiwana; inodarowo imwe nhengo ye Zanu PF.- Morgan Zvemangororo
By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is investigating how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.
It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.
After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).
The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.
Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.
Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview
Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.
“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.
“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.
The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.
Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.
The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.
The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.
In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.
IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.
-NewZimbabwe
By A Correspondent- A brave Harare man has gunned down armed robbers who had broken into his Chadcombe house.
According to a post on the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s social media pages, the shoot-out took place Monday evening at around 20:45 hours.
” 1/2 Breaking The ZRP reports an armed robbery case at a house in Chadcombe, Harare on 06/12/21 at around 2045 hours, where three suspects were shot dead while two others escaped. The robbers attacked a family, took away US$850, Samsung cellphone and a shotgun,” ZRP posted.
By A Correspondent- Hundreds of people have been sleeping outside People’s Own Savings Bank in Masvingo since Wednesday last week queuing for foreign currency withdrawals which Gov promised them.
Efforts by The Mirror to get a comment from Fungai Paguti, the Bank’s branch manager were futile up to the time of going to Press.
Clients who spoke to The Mirror said the Bank was giving foreign currency to a maximum of seven people a day and the rest were offered RTGS$ withdrawals.
Most of the people travels from rural areas and they complained that they did not have fares to go back home and come back again the next day.
Some clients were defaulting on medication after they left tablets home. Clients also complained that they were hungry as they did not have money for food.
Police using horses sent people fleeing in all directions as they tried to bring order to the queues.
The situation was worse at POSB compared to other banks. Masvingo Mirror
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
By A Correspondent- AN MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is said to be planning to invade the Midlands province, particularly Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts, reliable sources have said.
Chamisa has been to different rural areas in the country to meet people during his “citizens convergence for change” tours..
His tours were marred by violence from Zanu PF thugs attempting to block him from meeting with citizens.
Chamisa was blocked and attacked in October and November when he visited Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.
There were also attempts to block him during his Mashonaland West, Central and Matabeleland tours.
A source in the MDC Alliance told Southern Eye that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts this week.
However, audio circulating on social media shows an unnamed female Zanu PF official is heard saying the ruling party would block Chamisa from entering Chirumanzu.
“Here in Chirumanzu South as we are talking, there is a rumour that Chamisa will visit Chirumanzu from today (Sunday) onwards. As people of Chirumanzu, we cannot allow our territory to be disturbed like that.
“We sat down as a leadership from the (Zanu PF) central committee to chairpersons of the district to discuss how we should defend our territory,” the Zanu PF official is heard saying on the audio.
“We must block all areas which we think Chamisa will come through from today. Right now police will be mounting roadblocks along the roads, and we will be inside the district and every group will be protecting their wards.”
The Zanu PF official is further heard saying the roads to be used by Chamisa must be blocked with stones and logs to ensure that he does not enter Chirumanzu.
“Last time we allowed him and he got almost 6 000 votes here. So as leaders we saw it fit that we should not allow him here.”
Contacted for comment, Zanu PF Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said: “I have listened to the audio. You can’t really make out the voice of the lady.
“The Churumanzu leadership is vehemently dissociating itself from the contents of the audio.
“I am not even aware that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu. Maybe it is because most of the time I am in Mberengwa, and that is why I did not hear this.”
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said Chamisa and other leaders of the party were in Masvingo yesterday for the unveiling of his late mother’s tombstone.
Siziba said no matter the plots by Zanu PF to stop his “meet-the-people tours”, they would not succeed.
“The president is here in Gutu for his mother’s tombstone unveiling. Zanu PF will not stop us from moving anywhere in the country no matter how they try,” he said.
He, however, declined to reveal the exact dates when Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa. “We listened to the audio and the party is not moved by the threats,” Siziba said. Newsday
By A Correspondent- Former Warriors striker Tendai Ndoro says he has become a Christian after his football career was blighted by an illness that left him blind for three weeks.
Ndoro (36) is now a worshipper at Victorious Family International Church, which meets at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare, Harare.
Giving his testimony to the congregants on Sunday, the former Warriors, Orlando Pirates and Chicken Inn striker said a lot of negative things have been said about him but he has now found solace in God. Said Ndoro:
I am very grateful and my life has since changed after I turned to God. There was a lot of hearsay concerning my life where nobody could confirm with me.
I turned blind for three weeks but with the support and prayers from my pastor, Kudakwashe Jose, everything has changed for the better as I can now see.
Ndoro also made headlines recently after being kicked out of his South African house by his South African woman because of bankruptcy.
He also thanked his family and fellow congregants for supporting him during his predicament.
Ndoro said:
I am very happy with the support I have been receiving from my relatives and family members from the church.
It has been a long journey for me and it needs a whole day to explain but from the counselling and guidance I am getting from my church leader, everything is going on well.
Ndoro played for Mpumalanga Black Aces before joining Orlando Pirates in South Africa to become one of the wealthiest Zimbabwean footballers across the Limpopo at the time.
However, recent reports claimed that Ndoro had hit hard times and was being assisted by his relative Simba Ndoro, the owner of Northern Region Division One outfit Simba Bhora.
By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has started investigations into how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.
It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.
After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).
The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.
Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.
Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview
Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.
“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.
“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.
The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.
Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.
The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.
The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.
In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.
IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.
-NewZimbabwe
By A Correspondent-Norton MP, Temba Mliswa, said Zanu PF spokesperson, and War veterans chairman, Christopher Mutsvangwa was behind the plot to ouster Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
A private weekly has a story claiming that war veterans aligned to president Emmerson Mnangagwa were planning to give a vote of no confidence to Chiwenga.
On his Twitter handle Tuesday, outspoken Norton MP Temba Mliswa said Mutsvangwa was behind the plot.
“Mutsvangwa is the one who is always starting these factional ructions in ZANU PF. People take it lightly until it is serious. He was at the centre again when Mai Mujuru was ultimately removed. There is a pattern to this and it’s the same template,” said Mliswa.
Jordan Zemura has started training and will be available for selection for the Warriors’ Afcon squad.
The defender picked an ankle injury last month and missed the national team’s final two games in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Initial report had suggested the player could return to the field earlier on but after a scan, it was revealed that he is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, casting doubt on his availability at the Afcon finals.
Delivering an injury update on Zemura and another Bournemouth player Lloyd Kelly, coach Scott Parker said: “They are back on the training field, they are doing work.
“They’re progressing really well, Junior Stanislas as well.
“We need them back. That’s just it. We’re stretched at the moment and we’re going through a little bit of a windy point.
“I’m immensely proud because we’re picking up points and we’re doing very well, but we need them back.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.
“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”
The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”
If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.
A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.
A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.
Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.
“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”
During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.
The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”
Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.
“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”
“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.
World Health Organization
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