Tinashe Sambiri| The Ngaapinde songwriter has dropped another bombshell…

While Zanu PF is battling to discredit # Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana, the tireless songwriter has produced yet another gem titled Famba Nero…

ABOUT five million households in different parts of the country are expected to benefit from the Presidential Rural Poultry and Goat Pass-On scheme that will see the Government dishing out goats and chicks to empower rural families.

Beneficiaries will receive the goats and poultry for free, but will be expected to pass-on to the next recipients when the breeds give birth.

Initially, the poultry programme will target households in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands provinces where 1,8 million households are expected to benefit from this year to 2025.

The Goat Pass-On scheme is expected to uplift the rural folk in all the country’s eight rural provinces with three million households expected to benefit from this year until 2025.

Under the poultry scheme, the Government has deliberately targeted the four southern provinces to mitigate against the impact of climate change, because parts of these areas traditionallyreceive low rains.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said the two schemes are funded by President Mnangagwa.

“I think you have noticed that this is a Presidential Scheme funded by His Excellency President Mnangagwa. It’s a subsidised scheme. We have deliberately started with the southern part of the country because these are provinces which receive little rain. Livestock thrives in these provinces. However, we are not leaving Mashonaland provinces outside, they will also be catered for as we go,” Dr Basera said.

-State Media

ABOUT five million households in different parts of the country are expected to benefit from the Presidential Rural Poultry and Goat Pass-On scheme that will see the Government dishing out goats and chicks to empower rural families.

Beneficiaries will receive the goats and poultry for free, but will be expected to pass-on to the next recipients when the breeds give birth.

Initially, the poultry programme will target households in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands provinces where 1,8 million households are expected to benefit from this year to 2025.

The Goat Pass-On scheme is expected to uplift the rural folk in all the country’s eight rural provinces with three million households expected to benefit from this year until 2025.

Under the poultry scheme, the Government has deliberately targeted the four southern provinces to mitigate against the impact of climate change, because parts of these areas traditionallyreceive low rains.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said the two schemes are funded by President Mnangagwa.

“I think you have noticed that this is a Presidential Scheme funded by His Excellency President Mnangagwa. It’s a subsidised scheme. We have deliberately started with the southern part of the country because these are provinces which receive little rain. Livestock thrives in these provinces. However, we are not leaving Mashonaland provinces outside, they will also be catered for as we go,” Dr Basera said.

-State Media

Zimbabwean preacher Apostle Talent Chiwenga has said the younger generation must have a say in the affairs of this country adding that ZANU PF’s ideas are too old for this generation.

In a video circulating on social media, Chiwenga said the future of this country belongs to those under the age of forty hence the need to allow them to participate in political and development discourses.

He said it was wrong to believe that the young generation is too young to determine the future they want considering that most of the war veterans went to war when they were mere teenagers.

His remarks come when Zimbabwe is preparing for the 2023 general elections with the opposition hoping to dislodge the governing ZANU PF from power for the first time in history.

ZANU PF has been in power since 1980 when the country got independence from Britain. The party claims it is poised for another landslide victory.- Pindula News

By A Correspondent- At least five people were killed while property valued at over US$230 000 was destroyed by veld fires that consumed over 750 000 hectares of land this year, the state media reports.

More than 3 100 wildfires were recorded during this year’s fire season up from 848 last year.

A total of 858 farmers have also been fined for failing to put in place standard fireguards, and for starting fires that caused extensive damage to the environment.

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, told The Sunday Mail that incidences of veld fires were on the increase.

“A total of 370 veld fire incidents that burnt 99 342,88 hectares of land were reported in the week ending October 1 2021,” she said.

“Since the beginning of the veld fire season, a total of 3 175 fire incidents burning 757 751 hectares of land were recorded. The cumulative burnt area translates to a 54,05 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020 where 491 883,06 hectares were burnt from the recorded 848 veld fires.

“Veld fires have destroyed agricultural produce, equipment, household property and plantations worth US$234 057.”

The majority of the veld fires have been recorded in resettlement areas in Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces.

“The major causes of the veld fires were anthropogenic in nature being land clearing (31,58 percent), arson (15,79 percent), illegal mining (36,84 percent), poor ash disposal (15,79 percent) and children playing with fire,” Mrs Sidange said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has lost his former wife with whom he birthed three of his children.

Charamba, who is Deputy Chief Secretary-Presidential Communications in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, announced the sad news through his Twitter handle this Sunday morning.

The incident happened within hours after the top public official had buried his brother.

“WHEN IT POURS: Barely 12 hours after burying my brother Tinashe “Zvichemo” Charamba, the mother of my first three kids in my first marriage, Dr Rudo Grace-Gwata Charamba is late. She passed on in the early hours of this morning at Westend Hospital where she had been admitted for…kidney-related complications. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

It is the second time in a space of four years for the long serving public official to lose a partner.In May 2017, Charamba lost his wife, Idaishe Olivia Charamba, who succumbed to liver complications.Idaishe, who was a lawyer, died aged 45.Just like his just deceased former wife, Idaishe died at West End Hospital in Harare.

-Zimstar News

Amazing thing about this thread is the total absence of varakashi. I wonder if it’s to do with Mugwadi being unworthy of defending or being indefensible. Or does the subject come too close to the their own living conditions?

— Handina Zita (@HandinaZ) October 3, 2021

Now l understand why Mugwadi behaves zvinonyadzisa. Mukomana wemutoriro and he is so close to be a street kid.

— ?????? ???????? (@kabswamie) October 3, 2021

Unlike others l will not laugh at Mugwadi. It's like making fun of mental health illness. This is a pandemic among young people across political divide. Young people must liberate themselves we can't continue surviving on the benevolence of the geriatrics!#RegisterToVoteZW pic.twitter.com/QOzcgu0jiX

— David Siampondo???? (@davidsiampondo_) October 3, 2021

https://twitter.com/Denzoo99/status/1444547981215158273?s=20

Tafadzwa Mugwadi surely he is a zanupf abused and used murakashi who is staying in the gutters when he lives in a pig sty why did social media expected something better from him, its only a jacket and tie to cover up dirty pic.twitter.com/vKcPPwfstq

— Noel Mwendamberi (@NoelMwendas) October 3, 2021

Tafadzwa Mugwadi surely he is a zanupf abused and used murakashi who is staying in the gutters when he lives in a pig sty why did social media expected something better from him, its only a jacket and tie to cover up dirty pic.twitter.com/vKcPPwfstq

— Noel Mwendamberi (@NoelMwendas) October 3, 2021

A 14-YEAR-OLD Guruve form one student committed suicide by hanging on Friday.

Rodney Bernard’s body was found hanging on a tree in Guruve growth point after he was confronted by his parents over a missing US$5.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.

A witness Farai Dumbura said the now deceased went missing for two days before being found hanging on a tree by a passerby.

“The deceased had a misunderstanding with his parents over a missing US$5 and decided to hang himself his body was discovered by a passerby two days later,” Dumbura said.

Police warned people to respect human life and avoid suicide.- Bulawayo24

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate Friday postponed to October 13 the case in which MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West Joanah Mamombe is accused of faking her own abduction.

Mamombe, who appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, is being charged together with other party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

Prosecutor Michael Reza had asked the court to proceed to trial claiming an application made at the High Court by the trio to stop the proceedings had been dismissed.

Reza, however, did not have the court order, claiming he could not bring it to court, but had made a loud phone call with the prosecutor dealing with the case at the High Court in the presence of the accused’s lawyer.

The accused persons’ lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, however, accused the State of misleading the court, claiming Friday’s remand was for the purpose of confirming the status of the matter at the High Court. Bhamu said:

With respect to whether the trial can proceed, the record will show that last time, we appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, who said she should wait for the matter to be concluded by the High Court.

Today was not a trial date, but to advise the court of the status of the High Court application. No order has been placed before you or if the State has that order.

Ruling on the matter, Mambanje said if the matter is coming for trial, it should have gone to the right court. He added:

I didn’t know the matter was coming for trial. This court will be bound by the High Court order to stay the proceedings.

The trio claims it was abducted by suspected state security agents from a police station after their arrest at a demonstration in Warren Park last year May.

They were found dumped in rural Bindura and the state claims they faked their abduction.

By A Correspondent- Prominent Bulawayo lawyer Tavengwa Hara has distanced himself from the shadowy Citizens for Convergence for Change (CCC) that listed him as its lawyer upon notifying the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of its existence and intention to contest the 2023 elections.

The CCC has often been cited as an alternative party name to the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance owing to unending contestation for the name with the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC.

Mwonzora recently laid claim to the MDC Alliance name.

In a letter addressed to Zec dated 20 September, CCC secretary-general Farai Zhou named Varaidzo Musungo and Hara as presidential candidate and lawyer respectively.

“In the interests of better communication, we are sourcing offices in Harare and will advise once we have these. In the meantime, we ask that you contact us through our legal practitioners, Messrs T Hara and Partners, 2nd Floor, CIPF Centre, J. Moyo, 10th Street, Bulawayo,” the letter reads.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba and Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also posted the same letter on Twitter, fuelling speculation that the CCC was a government-sponsored vehicle to undermine Chamisa.

In fact, Charamba posted the letter on Twitter while it was being typed and before it had reached Zec.

Hara told The NewsHawks he knows nothing about CCC or the people involved in the project, strengthening the suspicion that it is yet another ploy to destabilise the opposition.

“Besides the lawyer-client confidentiality issues, is that letter signed? It (letter) is not even signed. I don’t know anything about it (CCC). I cannot waste my time commenting on things I have no knowledge of things that are on social media,” Hara told The NewsHawks.

Zhou, in the Zec letter, put a Vuhera (Buhera) post box office address.

Bulawayo analyst Effie Ncube said the revelations by Hara confirmed opposition fears of state and Zanu-PF-sponsored manoeuvres to undermine and frustrate the democratic opposition from fighting for a better life for long-suffering Zimbabweans.

“Well, it was very clear from the beginning that this was a fraudulent exercise that is meant to undermine democratic opposition,” Ncube said.

“It is a state-sponsored exercise so that it keeps the opposition divided, so that it keeps the opposition unable to focus on the mis-governance and on corruption so that the opposition does not spotlight the poverty and unemployment and hunger but keeps fighting for its survival.

“The MDC should take advantage of the gaps and really protect the people’s logo or name, as it were, so that no one takes advantage of it going forward.”

Exiled minister Jonathan Moyo once urged the MDC Alliance to legally register the CCC.
In a recent interview in Bulawayo, Chamisa (Chamisa) all but confirmed that the opposition party was moving towards unveiling a citizen-led movement.

“We are in the process of building a citizen movement, a people’s movement, a citizen alliance across the board. We want an omnibus, a broad church that accommodates everyone, a broad organisation that accommodates everyone so that we are able to deliver change,” Chamisa said in the interview.

“Some are saying it is a new name, no, it’s a new direction. Some are saying are you going to give us a different name , yes, it’s a different force altogether that galvanises all the people of Zimbabwe. A lot is happening; there will be no confusion for the people when the time to decide to vote comes.”

A number of new opposition parties are being launched as the country heads towards the 2023 general elections.

The 2018 elections had a total of 23 presidential candidates

https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/1444552346353246214?s=20

Pictures of ZANU PF’s Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi have set social media ablaze with some saying he is struggling in life yet he wants to make the public believe his party can transform their lives.

One Cde Never Maswerasei posted on Twitter saying the former MDC official was disgusting. He said:

"If you want to get read of Mugwadi to save a puppets narrative, give him books and put the examination time table," said a puppet.

Me: "If you want to explore the beast in me, set an exam." pic.twitter.com/SfHBOAlIuh

— Hon. Tafadzwa Mugwadi (@TafadzwaMugwadi) October 1, 2021

Dear Tafadzwa Mugwadi: Mfanha iwe ndakambokuudza kuti hauna kurongeka brain dzako zvino chiona manje. Takatadzeiko kutinyadzisa zvakadai? Chii ichi babamudiki? Murikutanda botso here? Munhu waDirector of Comms for an entire ruling party. Ndikauyako ndoda kukurova zvekuti heki. [I once told you that you’re not organised. What have we done to deserve this embarassment? What’s happening young brother? Are you being tormented by some spirits? A whole Director of Communication for an entire party. I will beat you thoroughly when I come there.]

The governing party posted the same picture wishing him “the best of studies.”

MDC Alliance NewZealand posted the picture  and said:

Communications @TafadzwaMugwadi. He lives in such insalubrious conditions which could be his source of anger everytime he opens his mouth. The guy insults and defend the corrupt @ZANUPF_Officials who live in Mansions & drives the latest top range cars.

Some said the pictures portrayed the life led by most of the supporters of the governing ZANU PF part adding that they need help for them to see how ZANU PF is destroying their lives.

Some defended the former former Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader saying he was at least not living a fake life.

Living standards in Zimbabwe have been deteriorating for the past two decades and many attribute the sad state of affairs to maladministration by the ruling ZANU PF

The readmission of MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti and five other recalled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MPs to Parliament has been blocked again after Benjamin Rukanda appealed the High Court judgment that reinstated the MPs at the Supreme Court.

Last week, High Court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire ordered that Biti and his five colleagues be readmitted as MPs.

---

Justice Mafusire said Rukanda had no basis to recall the MPs that include former Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya, Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Kucaca Phulu (Nkulumane), Regai Tsunga (Mutasa South), and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula).

Chikwinya Friday said they were only notified of the appeal by Rukanda after a decision had been made. He said:

Rukanda, Lucia Matibenga and other Zanu PF sponsored individuals who are working against the MDC Alliance and the elected people of Zimbabwe who were in Parliament did the obvious and appealed against the judgment of Judge Mafusire.

He said this was the third time that Rukanda and Matibenga had appealed against the ruling and under the circumstances, their return to Parliament remained on hold.

Over 40 MDC Alliance MPs have been recalled since last year after a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the appointment of Nelson Chamisa as MDC-T leader.

By A Correspondent- The minister of DEfence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has surprised the nation by blaming the late former President Robert Mugabe for the failed country’s economy.

Muchinguri was giving a vote of thanks after President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a Dairy Production and Milk Value Addition Centre of Excellence at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) farm last week when she said this.

She said she was recently left tongue-tied when she was asked tough questions on government performance in the past 40 years by the public.

She, however, said the country had realised meaningful development in the past three years that Mnangagwa has been in power.

“President, I was being asked what we were doing in the last 40 years because there was no development. The only meaningful development being witnessed only started three years ago…where were you Cde Muchinguri, I was asked,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“I had no answer to that, President, but I later said, maybe God wanted things to be done in the second republic. I am sure that was a good answer I gave.”

Both Muchinguri-Kashiri and Mnangagwa were key members of Mugabe’s government since 1980. The same government was accused of running down the economy, gross human rights violations among other challenges.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- At least five people were killed while property valued at over US$230 000 was destroyed by veld fires that consumed over 750 000 hectares of land this year, the state media reports.

More than 3 100 wildfires were recorded during this year’s fire season up from 848 last year.

A total of 858 farmers have also been fined for failing to put in place standard fireguards, and for starting fires that caused extensive damage to the environment.

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, told The Sunday Mail that incidences of veld fires were on the increase.

“A total of 370 veld fire incidents that burnt 99 342,88 hectares of land were reported in the week ending October 1 2021,” she said.
“Since the beginning of the veld fire season, a total of 3 175 fire incidents burning 757 751 hectares of land were recorded. The cumulative burnt area translates to a 54,05 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020 where 491 883,06 hectares were burnt from the recorded 848 veld fires.
“Veld fires have destroyed agricultural produce, equipment, household property and plantations worth US$234 057.”
The majority of the veld fires have been recorded in resettlement areas in Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces.

“The major causes of the veld fires were anthropogenic in nature being land clearing (31,58 percent), arson (15,79 percent), illegal mining (36,84 percent), poor ash disposal (15,79 percent) and children playing with fire,” Mrs Sidange said.

By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has secured a court order to evict thousands of families who were settled illegally on its Crowborough Farm’s Lot 2 of Parkridge Estate by land barons.

The matter has been with the courts since 2017 when housing cooperatives illegally allocated the affected families land.

City of Harare spokesperson Michael Chideme said the occupiers were destroying council property.

“Crowborough paddocks have been invaded and court orders have been granted to evict the occupants. These families have been living on council land and we have been giving them notices since the late former President Robert Mugabe’s era. They have been ignoring the notices,” Chideme said.

“We don’t really have an exact figure of how many families are living there but some of them are moving away while others are still being duped in acquiring land. They have destroyed waste water recycling infrastructure and irrigation for pastures.”

Chideme said not even a piece of land on this farm has been allocated to residents.

“It’s just the work of bogus cooperatives who until this day continue to allocate stands illegally on that farm and these housing cooperatives should face the wrath of law,” he added.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa said the reshuffle of his top leadership yesterday was meant to revamp the party.

Chamisa, on Friday, moved to reward some of his loyalists with key positions in the MDC Alliance’s national executive.

Notable figured he appointed into the executive, include Daniel Molokele, the new deputy treasurer-general, Ostalos Siziba (deputy spokesperson), and Promise Mkwananzi (committee member).

“I am so excited,” Chamisa said on Twitter. “We have competent, smart and hardworking people in our leadership team.

“Thank you Zimbabwe for believing and staying with us. Zimbabwe is the land for the special, gifted and talented.

“A new great Zimbabwe is our task.”

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga has been dragged to court by a Kwekwe based teacher, Mercy Mjikwa, over new Covid-19 rules targeting unvaccinated citizens.

In an urgent chamber application, Mjikwa and Tolerance Nyamukapa are seeking to overturn the regulations, which bar unvaccinated people to sit-in in restaurants to be declared unlawful.

Mjikwa argues the rule could affect her ability to participate in public gatherings, enter public places, and she might lose her job.

On September 17, Chiwenga, who is also Zimbabwe Vice President, issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 228B,  which ordered all restaurants and hotels offering restaurant services to serve customers on a sit-in basis only if they exhibit proof of having been fully vaccinated.

The SI also allows public gatherings for a maximum of 100 people subject to strict adherence with Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of face masks, temperature checks, sanitising of hands, and social distancing.

“I submit that the compulsory vaccine mandate contained in the Statutory Instrument above is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and, therefore, invalid to that extent,” the High Court application reads.

“For the government to impose vaccination…is not only to invade my dignity but to also attack it irreparably.”

Mjikwa also cited Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as the respondents.

She told the court the new mandate should be declared illegal as it disregards the public’s constitutional rights to choose and unofficially forces people to get vaccinated.

“I am now required to be vaccinated before I can be allowed to enter facilities such as health spas, theatres, gymnasiums, and public gatherings at the discretion of the convener of the gathering.

“In short, these regulations are unmistakably coercive and cannot reasonably be considered anything other than an unlawful mandate.

“If I refuse the inoculation, I am subjected to disciplinary proceedings including termination of my employment. The conduct referred above, therefore, flouts the Constitution and the declaration of my fundamental rights.”

Mjikwa is begging the courts to nullify the mandate and declare that SI 228B unconstitutional as it breaches sections 134, 51, 56, 58, 66, 68, and 71 of the Constitution.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance Namibia has pointed out that ZEC is taking direct orders from Zanu PF.

In a statement released on Friday, MDC Alliance Namibia slammed both ZEC and Zanu PF for attempting to suffocate the people’s struggle.

According to MDC Alliance Namibia, electoral reforms are imminent.

Read statement below:

Zec is unqualified to administer free ,fair and credible democratic elections in Zimbabwe, Mdc Alliance Namibia echoes.

01 October 2021

Mdc Alliance Namibia is both perplexed and infuriated to learn that the captured Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has barred the alternative government Mdc Alliance from its provisional consultations in provinces meant to deliberate electoral developments claiming they don’t know who the Political Behemoth Mdc Alliance is. The futile attempt to annihilate the people’s democratic project will not suffice despite several efforts to replace the genuine revolutionaries with their surrogates.

As a district which subscribes to the People’s Party led the pragmatic and organic leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa Wamba Dia Wamba, we absolutely condemn the arbitrary arrest of our vibrant councillor, Denford Ngadziore and journalists who were arrested for demanding Constitutional Democracy. We shall continue to advocate for the unconditional release of the incarcerated youthful leaders Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe and Councillor Denford Ngadziore.

It was quite pathetic and astounding to hear the remote-controlled Zec Spokesperson Commissioner Joyce Kazembe confirming that the Mdc Alliance was not invited. She said:” We didn’t extend our invitation to Mdc Alliance to be part of a stakeholder meeting because the matter regarding the name Mdc Alliance is still before the courts”.

This clearly unearthes how Zec takes instructions from the Shake-Shake building. Mdc Alliance Namibia concurs with the party Spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere who postulated that the development was an incontrovertible confirmation that Zec was partisan and deliberately serves the interests of the clueless Harare regime. We shall continue to believe that Mdc Alliance is the biggest political outfit in the country and we will remain convinced that there is no lawful excuse for barring it from stakeholder engagement being the only political formation that has managed to submit an alternative Electoral Bill in line with our reform agenda.

Furthermore, the Nelson Chamisa led Mdc Alliance is the sole party which has reignited the loud calls for comprehensive political and electoral reforms ahead of 2023 harmonised elections. It is the Mdc Alliance only that has incessantly drawn serious attention clamouring for non-partisan administration of electoral processes by the supposed independent institution.

As an external assembly, Mdc Alliance Namibia shall continue to pile political and diplomatic pressure on the desperate Zanupf regime exposing the inadquacies of the current Electoral Act as well as the dismal failures of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to implement all measures as are consistent with the independence of an electoral body. Given this background, it becomes imperative for all social democrats across the globe to unite against a compromised institution.There is need to amplify our revolutionary voices so that our projected 6 million votes in 2023 will come to fruition. #RegisterToVote.

Moreover, Zec has to put into cognisance that only the Mdc Alliance driven by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa had already issued, for ease reference 20 Principles for Reliable, Inclusive and Credible Elections in Zimbabwe( PRICE ).

As Constitutional Democrats, we urge all stakeholders to rejuvenate these as we think that addressing them will automatically put this beloved country on the road to legitimate electoral outcomes. Zec must be ashamed of itself! We demand an independent institution to run elections in Zimbabwe, we are tired of rigging, violence and intimidation. Right now Denford Ngadziore is in the hell hole cells, tortured for demanding a free, fair and credible Zec. We demand his immediate release.

In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still believes that diaspora vote is one of the fundamental electoral demands which may enhance the country’s democracy and electoral processes. As the country’s mammoth contributors of foreign currency earnings, our right to vote should be non-negotiable. We comprehend that the world is run by those who show up through participatory democracy.

Elections belong to the people and it is part of independence therefore every eligible voter should exercise his/her right to vote by virtue of being a Zimbabwean regardless of one’s geographical location. Foreign nationals from Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia only to mention but a few resident in Zimbabwe participate in the electoral processes of their mother countries! What is so special about these SADC countries? Is our motherland an exception? Dangerous freedom is the only panacea to a free, fair and credible election in Zimbabwe.

NgaapindeHakeMukomana

UChamisaKabangene

FreeCdeMako

FreeDenfordNgadziore

FreeAllPrisonersOfConscience

HandsOffOurJournalists

WeDemandAnIndependentZec

ZecMustFall

JoyceKazembeMustFall

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

By A Correspondent- Former Bulawayo deputy mayor Alderman Amen Mpofu has died after battling a kidney ailment for some time.

NewsDay reports that Mpofu died at Mpilo Central hospital on Friday.

MDC Alliance Bulawayo spokesperson, Swithern Chirowodza confirmed Mpofu’s death saying they have lost a hero who believed in serving the community. Chirowodza said:

His untimely death robs the citizenry and the party of a respected former local government representative. He was a pillar of the MDC Alliance party. He lived and breathed MDC-A and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. His death is a loss not only to his Party but to the political arena of the country as a whole. I extend my deepest condolence.

Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said Mpofu is the one who introduced him to local government politics. Said Ncube:

As I rose through the ranks I have always been a great admirer of this humble but very effective Alderman. In fact, he is the one who introduced me to local government politics way back in 2007. He believed in the young while spending his years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the party would always be remembered.

In April this year, CITE reported that Mpofu was seriously ill and was battling a kidney ailment that had damaged both organs and left him bedridden.

Back then, MDC Alliance posted on its Twitter account that Alderman Mpofu had refused medical assistance from the First Lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa.

But Alderman Mpofu refuted claims that the first lady had approached him with assistance.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has lost his former wife with whom he birthed three of his children.

Charamba, who is Deputy Chief Secretary-Presidential Communications in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, announced the sad news through his Twitter handle this Sunday morning.

The incident happened within hours after the top public official had buried his brother.

“WHEN IT POURS: Barely 12 hours after burying my brother Tinashe “Zvichemo” Charamba, the mother of my first three kids in my first marriage, Dr Rudo Grace-Gwata Charamba is late. She passed on in the early hours of this morning at Westend Hospital where she had been admitted for…kidney-related complications. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

It is the second time in a space of four years for the long serving public official to lose a partner.In May 2017, Charamba lost his wife, Idaishe Olivia Charamba, who succumbed to liver complications.Idaishe, who was a lawyer, died aged 45.Just like his just deceased former wife, Idaishe died at West End Hospital in Harare.

-Zimstar News

By Farai D Hove | An expelled ZANU PF former MP, Killer Zivhu has sworn to die while crushing on the party leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zivhu is a former MP for Chico South and was recently kicked out of the murderous party after proposing talks between his then boss Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia and Nelson Chamisa’s wife. Soon after that, the property developer quickly sought the party to forgive him.

At a time he is still to hear from ZANU PF, Killer has said he will die while attached to Mnangagwa.

He announced in a video posted on Saturday saying:

We are moving with our President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. “Right now I am drilling a borehole to help our community.

“I will continue supporting our President’s program. I will die while crushing on Mnangagwa.

“On Mnangagwa is where I will stay, no matter how difficult things may get.”

THE Government is considering re-opening land borders to the general public in time for the festive holidays as the country has officially gone past the Covid-19 third wave and continues to see a decline in new cases and deaths.

The land borders were closed to the general public intending to travel outside the country when the pandemic started in March last year.

Only selected groups like returning residents, work and permit holders in neighbouring countries were allowed through the borders.

Commercial cargo is also permitted to pass through the borders.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe told Sunday News yesterday that the decision to open the country’s land borders will be done in due course, taking into consideration the progress in the country’s Covid-19 response.

He said the National Covid-19 Taskforce would make appropriate recommendations to Cabinet before the dates of re-opening are announced.“As you know there is a national taskforce tasked with dealing with such matters and as a Minister I cannot make a unilateral decision.

However, if the taskforce sees it fit they will make their submissions. President Mnangagwa will then make a decision on that matter.

However, judging from the prevailing situation chances are high that the borders might be opened soon,” he said.

Kazembe said the decision will be reached after exploring all the necessary variables and making sure that the opening of the borders will not impact the country’s Covid-19 containment measures.

Signs that borders might open are also evident as Government has continued to revamp the country’s main port of entry and exit-Beitbridge Border Post, sources said. President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the new look border soon after the first phase of the project was completed.

The border is being revamped under a US$300 million modernisation programmme that will see the upgrading of the buildings, warehouses, roads, installing new weigh-bridges and a new main freight terminal building under phase one.

The second and third phases will involve construction of new terminals for buses, light vehicles and pedestrians. There will also be construction of water and sewer reticulation infrastructure and 220 houses for border staff. Completion of the entire project will spur economic growth in terms of regional trade and development.

Meanwhile, the Government has declared that the Covid-19 third wave is officially over as the country continues to gain momentum in its fight against the pandemic. Zimbabwe has gone through the first, second and third waves of the disease.

National Covid-19 taskforce coordinator Dr Agnes Mahomva told Sunday News that the third wave had been contained.“The third wave, yes, we have controlled the third wave, there are no two ways about it.

We are actually now urging everybody to continue being focused in order for us to make sure we are not hit by a fourth wave because if we are hit by a fourth wave it will really create a lot of challenges for us. The numbers are quite stable, we are very happy.

It simply means the measures that we have been implementing as a Government and our stakeholders including communities are working.

“However, we really would like to continue encouraging communities and individuals to please continue to adhere to those prevention measures. That is the reason we are succeeding, if we stop, if we are complacent, the numbers will automatically begin to go up because we still have cases, a few cases can actually spiral out of control.”

Asked on the management of cases in schools following reports of several cases, Dr Mahomva said cases were significantly low.

“Covid-19 in schools, yes, that was a bit of a concern for us but the good news is that all of the cases that have been identified in schools either do not have any symptoms whatsoever or they have mild symptoms. It really speaks big volumes to the standard operating procedures and guidelines that we worked on in the previous outbreaks and strengthened and hence we were able to identify cases and were able to make sure that they were either isolated and those who have been in contact with Covid-19 positive people quarantined in those facilities,” she added.

According to the latest Covid-19 statistics by the Ministry of Child and Care, the country has continued to record a decrease in the number of cases while the number of those being vaccinated  also increased with almost half of the 18 years old and above population having received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccines. 

As of Friday, the country recorded 208 new cases and one death which was recorded in Harare.

There were 382 new recoveries and the National Recovery Rate rose to 94 percent. In terms of vaccination, a total of 3 097 391 people have received their first Covid-19 jabs while 2 289 213 have got their second doses.

“As of 30 September there were 94 hospitalised cases: New admissions 11, asymptomatic five, mild to moderate 62, severe 21 and six in Intensive Care Units,” said the Ministry of Health and Child Care in its daily update.

-State Media

Dear Comrades and friends,In case you’re wondering, I’m enduring prison quite well. I’ve been prosecuted countless times over the past decade that I made a gentlemen’s agreement with pain.

Having been arrested an average of three times a year, tortured numerous times since 2011, I have come to appreciate that pain has its place and I don’t mock its power.

But it is a power that doesn’t touch my soul.It is seven months now that, for my democratic views, I have been assigned to a condition of sub-humanity.

The inhumane conditions which I am living under, with little to no rights at all, are however mentally preparing me for the day we would reclaim our humanity through making sure that #ZanuPFMustGo, by any means necessary.

It indeed would have been impossible to pull through the seven months (since 17 February 2021) without your indispensable solidarity; from #FreeMako street and social media actions, contributions for my welfare, prison visits, legal representation and continued demands for my freedom through the #MakoMonday initiative.I greatly appreciate it and may God bless you all for the love.

Just like our bigger and collective fight for a democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe where citizens’ issues and concerns are heard and addressed, these seven months have not been an easy road.

The sacrifices of many for protesting in demand for my freedom are an attestation to that. I met a number of them in prison and at the courts; some had visible fresh torture injuries.

Painful and disgusting as it is, it serves as a reminder that the main thing to remember is we are proud of what we are and what we stand for.

I know some may be interested in knowing my current prison ordeals but for obvious reasons I can’t narrate them now. All I can say for now is there are experiences that work the heart, yet leave the face unblemished, like a blow that neither bruises nor breaks the skin, but leaves a lingering soreness in the recipient.

For me, my current prisoner situation is that blow.

Of the four charges I was facing in February, only one has been concluded in what was clearly a travesty of justice that resulted in my conviction and sentencing which I have since appealed against. Due to the unjust conviction, I was slain in the spirit, burnt and healed, bruised and raised, crucified and resurrected.

This solidifies in me the art of endurance.

Yes, ENDURANCE is the word. I knew the word but never had the opportunity to really “feel” it, “touch” it, but was forced by circumstances imposed on me by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s dictatorship to live it. Indeed I’m living it, and I’m not so blind to military state capture to believe that it will end any time soon, as the subsequent capture of the justice system can prolong the seven months I have endured to seven years through more unjust convictions, but to me it doesn’t matter anymore.

I will endure it to the very end.You know, we have to face the facts; things aren’t getting any better. They are getting worse.

All we are asking for is a Zimbabwe where every child gets a fair chance of quality education and every adult gets a fair chance of a decent earning, but all we are getting is corruption and abuse — yet in 2017, many believed things have changed, but they changed for the worse.Just another dictator, ED, with an even worse agenda; the perpetuation of military state capture, a worse type of governance with an increasingly ruthless, ever widening network to act it out

.Who knew before 2017 that there is a terror network of state agents called the “FERRET” squad who would be deployed against unsuspecting citizens with specific order to abduct, torture and harass them?Who knew before 2017 that there was a car rental company called IMPALA that is contracted by the government to ferry terror squads to our homes and move citizens to torture bases.

Because of such terror networks that are sponsored with our taxes; thoughts of real death, not the remediable conceit now of imprisonment as a unique death, becomes an insistent, strident companion to such an extent that when gunshots were fired during my arrest: I was ready.

Despite all this, we must never waver from the fact that justice is the first condition of humanity, and we deserve pure, undiluted justice.We must tattoo it in our hearts that “I have the power, you have the power, and together we can make the change because people’s power is stronger than the individuals in power”.

With this tattoo we must action our power through exercising our constitutional rights of freedom of assembly, association, demonstrate and petition in the streets, freedom of expression on social media, for now is the right time to stop agonising and intensify organising. After all, we are the ones we have been waiting for.

More importantly comrades and friends, we must register to vote because after all is said and done, all popular democratic revolutions end in the ballot box.

Worry more about yourselves, the future of our beloved Zimbabwe, the next generation — and worry less about me, for I definitely will come out, sooner or later, dead or alive.

After all, as I was enduring my birthday on 23 April, yeah, ENDURE, because birthday in prison is unlike birthday anywhere else. In prison, one doesn’t exactly celebrate their birthday, one ENDURES it.

As I turned 29 years old, I reminded myself that some say life begins at 40, so I’ve got 11 years to 40.

But since the life expectancy for Zimbabwean men is around 30 years, I cherished the realisation that I have already lived a full life, so either way I am in charge

I REMAIN IN CHARGE

Makomborero Haruzivishe

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent | A Gokwe man convicted over looting in the January 2019 demonstration, yesterday received a visit from top MDC Alliance official Maureen Kademaunga.

Farai Chidziva (38) is one of several MDC members whose case was comprehensively investigated by the UN rapporteur for Human Rights in 2019, and yet the state got them convicted for looting.

Commenting following her visit, Kademaunga who donated groceries, said she “visited Farai Chidziva at Whawha prison where he is serving for “participating” in the 01/2019 fuel protest. He is 1 of 6 such political prisoners, with 5 of them serving from St Thomas where I visited them last week. He is in good health but yearning for freedom.”

1) Visited Farai Chidziva at Whawha prison where he is serving for "participating" in the 01/2019 fuel protest. He is 1 of 6 such political prisoners,with 5 of them serving from St Thomas where I visited them last week. He is in good health but yearning for freedom. @mdczimbabwe pic.twitter.com/AjXI5KJiPf

— Maureen Kademaunga: Sunningdale Constituency (@MaureenKade) October 2, 2021

Farai Chidziva was accused and convicted by Gokwe regional magistrate Mr Musaiona Shortgame for public violence and theft.

He was arrested together with 18 others acquitted due to lack of evidence, was convicted after a full trial that saw more than 10 witnesses testifying. 

Mr Shortgame initially sentenced him to seven years behind bars before suspending one year on condition he does not commit a similar offence for the next five years. Another year was suspended on condition that he restitutes a total of $3 362 to four complainants whose properties were damaged.

2/2 After taking the pills the woman’s condition deteriorated resulting in her discharging a foetus in a plastic bucket. Police has since arrested the two suspects. #notocrime

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) October 2, 2021

Showers forecast for Zimbabwe tomorrow (Sunday). Expected mainly in Lupane, Tsholotsho, Figtree, Bulawayo, West Nicholson, Beitbridge, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Mutare, Nyanga, Buhera, Chivu, Plumtree, Rusape and Gwanda. More showers expected on Monday. pic.twitter.com/928SSFXu3B

— ZIMCAST (@ZIM_CAST) October 2, 2021

1/ My response to all those who are saying I should comment about Marry Chiwenga's issue…

This is my response and my personal opinion about her case.

1. Marry Chiwenga is not above the law

2. She is not compelled to go to court if she is not feeling well.

— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) October 2, 2021

Prominent social media user Mbuya Gudo from Dotito has mocked the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for reducing himself to a mere ward councillor.

Mnangagwa is known for his penchant for officiating at low key events.

Mbuya Gudo wrote:
A whole President kutoti tucha tucha kunovhura a restaurant come on Mnangangwa is turning our country into a joke seriously!!!

Military under Chiwenga killed over 200 people in Marange just to pave way for Chinese mining company Anjin. Saka kuhondo vanhu vakaenderei shuwa…

A whole President kutoti tucha tucha kunovhura a restaurant come on ???????? Mnangangwa is turning our country into a joke seriously!!! pic.twitter.com/RyoubMWrKT

— Mbuya Gudo from dotito (@MamoyoT) September 29, 2021

Media personality Khanyi Mbau is back in Dubai like she never left and her bae Kudzai Mushonga is a happy man, who went out of his way to give his woman a royal welcome back to the desert city.

After chanting “shiti indoda eDubai” and then making a hit track out of it with Sir Trill, Khanyi Mbau has changed her tune to ”landela indoda eDubai”.

The queen of bling boarded a first class flight back to Dubai on Thursday, heading back to her bae. She shared a snap of her passport with the plane ticket while waiting for her flight at the airport and switched off the comment section on Instagram.

The pair’s relationship hogged headlines when Khanyi abruptly left Dubai during their vacation and landed in SA without Kudzai’s knowledge. This led to Kudzai thinking Khanyi had gone missing and the whole thing played out on Instagram as Mzansi watched.

However, as things unfolded it became clear that Kudzai was remorseful and Khanyi was willing to forgive him. The pair must have fixed what was broken because last week Khanyi was video calling Dubai and the pair were having an online party for two.

They have also been saying cute things to each other on social media, with Kudzai always singing Khanyi’s praises and Khanyi admitting that she didn’t harbour any ill-feelings towards the Zimbabwean businessman.

Khanyi got a welcome back fit for queen, with everything from riding in Maybach V Class to getting a bouquet of roses and a sparkly gift from Cartier.

The pair looked smitten and got cosy in the car. 

-Timeslive

By A Correspondent- A driver of a commuter omnibus (kombi) has narrated how police officers assaulted his conductor on 14 September leading to his death three days later.

The body of the 28-year-old Luke Zuze, the kombi conductor, is still at Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary as the family awaits the burial order.

Zuze was fatally assaulted by four wanted police officers after he had allegedly refused to pay a bribe for carrying passengers in a kombi not registered under the Zupco franchise, resulting in a fight.

The assault happened at around 5:30 pm along Granary Road and the conductor died three days later in hospital. The kombi driver, George Pirwa, Friday narrated the incident:h

We were coming from Mbare and when we were near Whitehouse, we pulled off the road to drop off some passengers. That is when two of the police officers confronted us, telling us that we had been arrested.

One of the police officers jumped inside the vehicle while the other one remained standing outside. Zuze walked towards the door on the driver’s side since he was outside the vehicle and took the car keys and then ran towards the shops at Whitehouse.

Pirwa said the police officer standing outside the vehicle went after Zuze and caught him about 70 metres away from the kombi.

The officers called their colleague who had remained behind with Pirwa informing him they had arrested the conductor. The police officer ordered the driver to disembark from the vehicle so that they go to the scene where Zuze had been arrested.

They arrived and found the handcuffed Zuze lying facing downwards making sounds suggesting he was suffering in pain. The police officer that had arrested him was assaulting him and his colleague joined in the assault.

Zuze later shouted that he had broken his left leg when the police officer tripped him to the ground during the arrest.

Pirwa checked Zuze’s leg and discovered that it was broken.

An unregistered white Toyota Mark 11 that the police officers were using arrived at the scene carrying two other police officers.

They ferried Pirwa and Zuze and drove along High Glen Road before stopping the car just after the roundabout near High Glen Shopping Centre.

They then threatened the duo with detention adding that they were going to prepare dockets so that they would be sent to court for prosecution.

Pirwa later called his colleague named Ronald requesting him to attend to his kombi which he had left in Whitehouse.

He ran out of airtime and one of the police officers asked for Ronald’s number and called him using his mobile phone.

They drove to Sally Mugabe Hospital where one of the officers made arrangements to ensure that Zuze was admitted.

The officers then asked for his driver’s licence and took the kombi keys before they disappeared.

Pirwa remained with Zuze at the hospital and the following morning he went to a police base in Whitehouse to make a report.

When the officers who made the report were called, they said they were handling the case and had opened a docket at Marimba Police Station but failed to give a reference number.

Pirwa was then ordered to go to Marimba Police Station where he discovered that no such report was made and that the officers are not based at that station.

An assault report was made but when Zuze died a few days later, the report changed from assault to murder before being referred to CID Homicide for further investigations.

Hospital officials said Zuze’s body needed to undergo a COVID-19 test for a post mortem to be conducted. Zuze tested positive.

The body was then referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital where post-mortem for such cases is conducted.

The forensic post mortem was conducted on Wednesday this week September 29, and results are expected within 30 days.

The family is now waiting for a burial order. Zuze, who stayed in Westlea, is survived by his wife and two children, one aged five and a newborn baby.

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Thursday 30 September 2021 petitioned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to furnish the human rights organisation with a written undertaking in which law enforcement agents shall be directed to desist from the prevalent practice of throwing teargas canisters into
loaded public transportation vehicles.

In the letter written by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Paidamoyo Saurombe, ZLHR told Matanga that the indiscriminate throwing of teargas canisters into loaded public transport vehicles amounts to excessive and unjustifiable use of force by ZRP members and amounts to a violation of the passengers right to human dignity and the right to personal security as provided for in Section 51 and Section 52 of the Constitution.

ZLHR said its concern and request follows the recent circulation on social media of a video, where ZRP members allegedly threw teargas canisters into a Mulaudzi bus, which was carrying passengers.

In the video, passengers could be seen stampeding and scurrying to escape the teargas fumes which had engulfed the bus and it was clear from the video that some of the victims are young children, who were clearly choking from the teargas fumes.

The lawyers also advised Matanga that they are in the process of preparing a court application for the ZRP members’ conduct in question to be declared a violation of passengers’ fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution and for an order prohibiting such conduct.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent- A 48 year old man, who allegedly axed his wife to death in Harare, has committed suicide in Beitbridge after failing to skip the border to South Africa.

It is reported that on September 27, Tinashe Ruzaya Paunosvisva of the Ushewekunze area in Harare killed his wife Ronah Masango with an axe while their two minor children watched in horror.

He then escaped to Beitbridge with the intention to cross over to South Africa, but later committed suicide at the Lutumba Business Centre, some 20km before Beitbridge town along the Masvingo road, after failing to jump the border.

The police officer commanding the Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident today.

“He was wanted in connection with a case of murder at Southlea Park in Harare. The man’s body was found lying by the roadside at Lutumba Business Centre by a passer-by who informed the police. A search was done leading to the discovery of a suicide note in his pocket,” he said.

The body has been taken to the Beitbridge district hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

Paunosvisva wrote a suicide note, stating that had his wife listened to him, they could still be together.

By A Correspondent- A pediatric cardiac centre opened this week at Mpilo Central Hospital to cater for children suffering from heart ailments and is headed by a history-maker, Zimbabwe’s first female paediatric cardiologist.

She was born three months after the country gained its independence from colonial rule and little did she know she would live to be Zimbabwe’s first female pediatric cardiologist.

Dr Davidzo Murigo-Shumba and her male counterpart in Harare Dr Charles Henry Bennerman are the only two pediatric cardiologists in the country.

Pediatric cardiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children.

Dr Murigo-Shumba once worked as a junior doctor at Mpilo before leaving to further her studies in South Africa, only to come back to Zimbabwe a few days before the opening of the Bulawayo pediatric cardiac centre.

Her love for children whose hearts she will be taking care of dates back to the 1980s in Bikita where she was raised.

She went to Victoria High School in Masvingo and proceeded to the University of Zimbabwe where she studied medicine before chasing her dream to specialise in pediatrics- a branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children and adolescents.

Dr Murigo-Shumba spent four years specialising in pediatrics in neighbouring South Africa and three years to become a pediatric cardiologist.

She decided to come back home and serve hundreds of children who have struggled to access the services locally.

Pediatric cardiologists diagnose, treat, and manage heart problems in children, including congenital heart disease (abnormalities of the heart children are born with) such as holes between chambers of the heart, valve problems and abnormal blood vessels.

In Zimbabwe children with congenital heart diseases could only access life saving treatment in South Africa or India.

It is estimated that the services which were not accessible locally as there were no specialists like Dr Murigo-Shumba cost a minimum of US$10 000 excluding travel and accommodation costs.

A number of affected children have lost their lives in search of the services as charges were beyond the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Only a handful secured sponsorship to travel to India and South Africa for medical care.

Dr Murigo-Shumba said her love for children motivated her to invest her time and brains in studying cardiology as she is aware that many are suffering in Zimbabwe without local interventions.

She is now back in Zimbabwe to play her part.
She is the second pediatric cardiologist in the country after Dr Bannerman based in Harare.

Dr Murigo-Shumba is stationed at the recently opened cardiology unit at Mpilo Central Hospital’s pediatric hospital to serve the people from the Southern region which includes Bulawayo, Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North and South provinces.

“My name is Davidzo Murigo-Shumba, a pediatric cardiologist who specialises in caring for children with heart diseases. I am happy to be back at Mpilo where I was a junior doctor some time back while I was doing medicine,” she said.

“I have been training at the KwaZulu Natal University in Durban where I spent four years specialising in pediatrics and then an additional three years to become a pediatric cardiologist.”

“I love children and it brings a smile to my face and heart when I eliminate the pain they are going through. So that is a passion for me. While I was training in pediatrics I was exposed to many other specialities and I fell in love with pediatric cardiology,” she said.

“I had this passion and desire to help them as I know they go through this suffering because non-communicable diseases do not get as much attention in Zimbabwe in general.”

Dr Murigo-Shumba said she is ready to join forces with other pediatrics at Mpilo and other health care workers to help children with heart diseases.

She also said heart diseases are prevalent and urged communities to take time and read around them so that they are able to help their children once affected.

“I am back home and came a few days ago just in time for the pediatric cardiology ward opening and I look upward to working with the rest of the team at Mpilo, the rest of the country to try and improve health care cardiology in our children. My focus will be to ensure that these specialised services are available locally here at Mpilo so that we save lives,” she said.

“This is because some of these heart diseases, if not treated within the first few days of life, one may die. Trying to get the diagnosis, looking for money to travel to India may serve no good hence we are happy that the Ministry is pushing that we have our own services right here in Zimbabwe.”

On being the first female pediatric cardiologist, Dr Murigo-Shumba said it was made possible by her parents’ and community support.

She said the girl child can grow into anything they like in Zimbabwe as the sky is the limit.

“I had supportive parents who motivated me to think big from the time I was in Bikita where I come from. I have never looked back since then and even now with my two daughters, I know they can live to be great assets in this country as long as I support them. To fellow women and girls, I say the sky is the limit, let us dream big and never allow to be told we cannot do it!”

Renowned Bulawayo pediatrician Dr Wedu Ndebele said the opening of the cardiology unit at Mpilo was a dream come true for the region.

He said he can happily die knowing that children will access specialised services at the hospital.

“I am happy to have witnessed this day because for years it pained us to see our children going through heart diseases knowing that there was nothing we could do locally. Now that we have a unit and our own specialist Dr Murigo-Shumba, I can die now because there is a future for our children. This is something worth celebrating and we are grateful to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Brave Little Hearts — an organisation that lobbied for this unit and all our stakeholders who keep supporting us in the journey of saving lives,” said Dr Ndebele.

According to the latest World Health Organisation data published in 2018 Coronary Heart Disease Deaths in Zimbabwe reached 5 896 or 4,96 percent of total deaths.

In children, congenital heart diseases end up becoming deadly because of late diagnosis and lack of necessary interventions.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in marking World Heart Day which is observed annually on September 29 with calls for combined efforts to end heart-related diseases whose prevalence is growing.

Former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Alderman Amen Mpofu has died after battling a kidney ailment for some time.

Mpofu died at Mpilo Central hospital on Friday.

MDC Alliance Bulawayo spokesperson, Swithern Chirowodza confirmed Mpofu’s death saying they have lost a hero who believed in serving the community. Chirowodza said

His untimely death robs the citizenry and the party of a respected former local government representative. He was a pillar of the MDC Alliance party. He lived and breathed MDC-A and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. His death is a loss not only to his Party but to the political arena of the country as a whole. I extend my deepest condolence.

Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said Mpofu is the one who introduced him to local government politics. Said Ncube:

As I rose through the ranks I have always been a great admirer of this humble but very effective Alderman. In fact, he is the one who introduced me to local government politics way back in 2007. He believed in the young while spending his years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the party would always be remembered.

In April this year, CITE reported that Mpofu was seriously ill and was battling a kidney ailment that had damaged both organs and left him bedridden.

Back then, MDC Alliance posted on its Twitter account that Alderman Mpofu had refused medical assistance from the First Lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa.

But Alderman Mpofu refuted claims that the first lady had approached him with assistance.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent- Fearless MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described police officers who threw teargas canisters into a loaded bus as witches.

Overzealous cops fired tear smoke into a bus full of passengers in Masvingo…

https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/status/1443079708543963141?s=20

Hon Sikhala also dismissed talk of infighting in the MDC Alliance:

Let it be known very clear. We under the drive of the people are focused on the business to bury ZANU PF once and for all.

Those who wish and dream factionalism in the People’s project can go and mate donkeys.

We are united than never before. Kurota uku
Mukomana Ngaapinde Hake….

MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa has appointed Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele as the new party deputy treasurer.

Molokele broke the news of his new appointment on Twitter.

“Confirmation of my Appointment … I am so humbled to confirm that President Advocate Nelson Chamisa has appointed me as the new Deputy Treasurer General of the MDC Alliance with immediate effect. Thank you,” said Molokele.

Molokele is one of the few legislators aligned to Chamisa who have not been shown the exit door.

The other legislator is Job Sikhala of Zengeza West Constituency.

Nine High Court Judges AppointedNine High Court judges have been appointed by President Mnangagwa on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission following the public interviews of 35 candidates conducted by the Commission.

The new judges were sworn in by Chief Justice Malaba on Tuesday 29th September, the day after the appointments were announced. In alphabetical order the nine new members of the High Court bench are:

Hon. Kate Catherine BACHI-MUZAWAZI

Hon. Joseph CHILIMBE

Hon. Samuel DEMEHon. Rodgers Manyangadze FOROMA

Hon. Never KATIYO

Hon. Elijah MAKOMO

Hon. Lucie-Anne Chipo MUNGWARI

Hon. Munamato MUTEVEDZI

Hon. Bongani NDLOVU.

Though all the appointees have the legal qualifications required by the Constitution, they bring with them varied legal backgrounds.

Only two – Justices Bachi-Muzawazi and Ndlovu – come direct from private practice as legal practitioners.

Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has accused the National Prosecuting Authority of failing to present solid corruption cases before the courts leading to Zimbabweans losing faith in the judiciary.

Mliswa was commenting on the case where Wicknell Chivayo and his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe were cleared of allegations of bribing ex-Zimbabwe Power Company board chairperson Stanley Kazhanje with US$10 000 which the State had said was meant to influence awarding of the Gwanda Solar Project tender.

Said Mliswa, “This has become the order of the day. That’s why I have said our system is being let down by the Prosecutor General’s Office. We then end up accusing the Judiciary of being corrupt when the cases are actually weak. All these high-profile cases have gone to nothing.

We might as well bring dzana Mai Mupfumira to an end. The arresting officers are given instructions.”Mliswa also weighed in on the recent Central Bank list of forex dealers saying the cases will be thrown out of the courts.”It’s like all these cases of the black market dealers, it’s all noise it will come to nothing.

That is why I have challenged all by showing these companies using the black market. That is the reality but the Gvt refuses to recognize that. The rate will not go down, if there is anything it will go up. People will keep on trading.”There is a great Russian saying that, even if there is blood on the streets trading never stops.

This is what is happening. @ZACConline is doing do much yet the Prosecutor General is failing. The ZRP should learn to investigate before arresting. It’s not good.”

By A Correspondent- A Nyanga woman suspected to be a witch was last week stark naked at a neighbour’s homestead in Sedze Village in Nyanga.

Mavis Nyambuya, who was accompanied by her two-year-old nephew who was also naked, was found wandering the homestead of her would-be victim, Memory Mahowa.

The Weekender learnt that Mahowa sought the assistance of self-confessed Mutare-based spiritual healer, Madzibaba Stephen Nzira to protect her homestead from merchants of the underworld, in a practice loosely known as ‘kuisa munamato’.

Madzibaba Nzira confirmed the incident and told The Weekender that Mahowa sought his services after her children began experiencing weird happenings such as waking up with strange markings on their hands. Madzibaba Nzira said:

It was a clear case of witchcraft. I did not disclose to them that their neighbour was behind these strange happenings.

I gave her some water to sprinkle around her house among other instructions. This was to act as a ‘fireguard’ from unwelcomed visitors like Nyambuya.

When Nyambuya was trapped, she was in the company of her two-year-old nephew whom I believe was being initiated into the practice. The child also had some marks on her hand.

The terrified and cornered Nyambuya screamed for help attracting a huge crowd that demanded for instant justice.

The police’s swift reaction saved her.

A recorded video of Nyambuya begging for forgiveness and crying while seated on the ground with the young girl has gone viral on social media platforms. She is heard pleading:
People are praying.

This place is holy. I am feeling hot. I am sorry about this. Please forgive me. My other colleagues have escaped.

Villagers expressed shock at Nyambuya’s move to recruit a young child into the witchcraft world.

Acting Chief Saunyama, said although he was yet to get finer details of the matter, he would summon Nyambuya to his court.

He said that Nyambuya will have to pay a fine of not less than three beasts if found guilty and she also faces banishment.

Popular Nyanga exorcist and traditional healer, Shingirai Mukotsanjera on Tuesday said that was pure witchcraft and this child was being initiated into witchcraft.

-Manica Post

By A Correspondent- Infamous for being a hub of prostituti0n, drug abuse and a place where women’s dignity was not respected, paBooster in the sprawling settlement of Epworth assumed a new role.

From dusk to dawn, the place was always teeming with ladies of the night and consumers of their services.

Despite this, Amai Mnangagwa yesterday defied odds and used the place as the venue where she met women, among them, those intending to quit the oldest profession on a life-changing mission.

Some of the Epworth women will today begin their short courses studies under a partnership between First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) to empower them through open learning.

This comes as more women from Epworth particularly those from paBooster area yesterday showed eagerness to register and take part in the programme.

A number of young girls and women who failed to complete their studies owing to various challenges, including being orphans and poverty, are keen to complete their education and earn a certificate thus Amai Mnangagwa is giving them a chance to do so.

The programme reinforces the First Lady’s drive to ensure no one is left behind in her multi-pronged empowerment initiatives.

She launched the programme in Epworth on September 13 which will see vulnerable women countrywide benefiting free of charge.

On that day, over 3 000 women were registered and are starting lessons today.

Beneficiaries include former ladies of the night, orphans, child head of families and people living with disabilities among many other disadvantaged groups.

The First Lady together with the university’s leadership and deans of faculties yesterday met with the second group of beneficiaries “paBooster” previously known as the hub of pr0stitution and criminal activities.

Amai Mnangagwa wants the women to shun criminal life and prostituti0n which exposed them to diseases and equip them with life skills to earn a decent living through the use of their hands.

ZOU pro-vice chancellor academic affairs Professor Nyakatau, representing ZOU Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Gundani said lectures from three of the university’s eight faculties would start in earnest from 9am to noon today.

“On September 13, 2021 Angel of Hope Foundation and ZOU started a national development partnership to uplift people in communities and to teach women and young girls through short courses free of charge.

“Amai, ZOU has committed itself to uplifting the dignity of the girl child. Today 30 September 2021 we are boosting relations between Angel of Hope and ZOU for community empowerment through open learning. At the initial meeting on September 13, more than 3000 people who are assisted by Angel of Hope Foundation registered to do short courses across all ZOU faculties,” he said.

The work to uplift the people’s standard of life through humanitarian and developmental programmes that are being led by the First Lady through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Prof Nyakatau said, helped the people of Zimbabwe to “work together removing challenges that may stop us from reaching national Vision 2030 as some of us could be left behind”.

He paid tribute to the leadership of Epworth Local Board for the assistance through the Epworth Board hall and their grounds for community empowerment through open learning.

“Amai, I want to inform those who are here and those who are listening that on October 1 2021 — three of ZOU’s eight faculties — Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law are starting to offer courses in community engagement.

“Those who registered for disability-focused lessons, Early Childhood Development (ECD) and legal education are encouraged to commence their studies tomorrow (today) at the Epworth local board tomorrow from 9am to 12 noon.

“Amai, I want to notify those who are assisted by Angel of Hope foundation here present that through the community empowerment through open learning programme, ZOU will give short courses in the faculties of agriculture, applied social sciences, arts, culture and heritage studies, commerce, education, law, science and technology free of charge in 10 provinces of the country. Do not be left behind. A mother helps all her children,” he said.

Addressing the women yesterday, the First Lady implored the women to quit the world’s oldest profession and use the opportunity to study to change their lives.

“I am happy to come here at the Booster which is infamous for bad deeds. All that happened in the past happened, but must end today. Even God deplores these deeds. I’m happy you heeded my call to go to school which I launched on September 13. Because of Covid-19, we did not manage to meet at once and today I am here to meet you the second group.

“Epworth you are blessed because this programme started here. I have faith that if we study hard there will be change in our lives and even in our homes things will change.

“You will neither be found gossiping nor at the booster because you would have been empowered. After seeing my programmes at Angel of Hope of empowering communities, ZOU saw it fit to work together to mould the woman we want in Zimbabwe, the man we want, the daughter we want and the son we want. These courses would be given to us free of charge. The fact that we have this second group shows you are welcoming this programme we have. Would you not be happy to have a ZOU certificate?”

The First Lady said a number of people failed to complete their education because of various challenges while some were orphaned and they were lucky to have the ZOU programme on their doorstep.

“Some of you worked at night doing work of the darkness. Which works am I referring to here?” the First Lady asked.

In response, one of the women said; “I am one of the ladies who operate from here at the booster. This work is not easy Amai. The whole night you can work for a paltry US$2.

“A man may give you a dollar, but after the act he demands his money back. At times we are beaten up. Yesterday night we were here but were beaten up by some men saying prostituti0n was bad. At times if you bed a married man from our community, all the married women will team up to beat us up daily.”

The First Lady said such an account drove her close to tears.

“I feel like crying seeing a woman suffering like this, but is it worth it madzimai. Women, from today let us leave this life and start a new life. We have rejected the spirit of prostituti0n. We can end our challenges on our own as women. Booster has brought us diseases and children of different totems. May God hear us and cleanse this place.

“Let us work and those who do not want to go to school can engage in self-help projects using their hands. Grandmothers let us encourage our daughters and grandchildren to study and stay away from mischief. Children are being ruined by drugs and prostitution.

“Let’s go to school and uplift ourselves. Let’s work for our country which is worked for by you and me. Education knows no age and as I stand here I am also going to school,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa said projects fostered unity and encouraged women to unite.

“Are there some who were not on talking terms,” she asked.

A woman who was part of the gathering confirmed that she was not in talking terms with some ladies from her area.

“Amai we live near the booster and we politely asked the ladies of the night not to wait close to our houses in the nude because our children were seeing them. This did not go well with these women who then looked for thugs to break into our homes just to fix us for reprimanding them. Our neighbour was beaten and injured by these thugs,” she said.

Another woman said: “I am not talking to my neighbour because she took my 15-year-old daughter and got her married somewhere I don’t even know, up to now I don’t know where my daughter is. We are not even related to this neighbour.”

In response, the mother of the nation implored the police to look into these cases and advised the women to approach police officers at the venue and present their cases.

She said some people feared reporting yet such platforms enabled people to open up.

She told the gathering about her 575 national call centre and urged them to utilise it.

Elated beneficiaries of the programme said they were keen to start a new life and end their wicked ways.

Fortunate Chisero (35) said she was thankful to the First Lady for her rehabilitation programme which would change their lives for the better.

“I thank the First Lady for bringing this programme here at the Booster. She is giving us education. I ended my education in Form 3 so I am grateful with her decision to uplift us here in Epworth. Most women were doing bad things at the Booster, but Amai has come to encourage us to leave this and its now over. We also thank the university that she collaborated with so that we get certificates,” she said.

The same sentiments were echoed by Tsitsi Masunda (35).

“I feel elated beyond measure because of this programme that has been unveiled by the First Lady here in Epworth. Today we have been given ZOU courses so from today we are leaving this business and learning to fend for our families using our hands. We promise to leave our bad behaviour.

Alice Pitara (59) said she would hit the ground running through a farming project.

“I am interested in a farming project. I am happy for this programme, especially for us the elderly we want to continuously learn about farming because we draw food from the soil. That is where we will get money to fend for our families.”

Gogo Pitara said the First Lady’s intervention would help ease some of the challenges that were being encountered at the Booster.

“At the Booster young women engaged in prostitution so we are happy that Amai has helped us to counsel our children. They should listen to the word of God and quit prostitution,” she said.

Councillor for Ward 3 Gift July promised the First Lady that he would engage the police to enhance patrols at the booster.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Harare man has been arrested for raping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint.

Alex Steblecki, 26, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi who remanded him in custody and referred him to the High Court because the rape reportedly occurred in aggravated circumstances.

The court heard that on September 27, at around 7am Steblecki went to his 31-year-old ex-girlfriend’s place of residence and took her car saying that he was late for work and returned at around 2pm carrying his dirty laundry which he gave to the complainant’s maid and left.

Steblecki returned later that day in the evening and sat in the lounge and started demanding the complainant’s phone and she complied.

Steblecki reportedly started demanding to know why she had pictures of her vagina in the phone but when she asked to be shown, he failed to show her.
They later went into the kitchen at around 11pm and he locked the door and switched on the gas stove and he told her that if he couldn’t be with him, she would not be with other men and that prompted her to apologise in order to calm him down then he switched off the stove.
Steblecki threatened to kill her using a knife he got in the kitchen before he asked her to suck his manhood but she refused and he asked her why she was refusing yet she was sleeping with other men.

He then took her to the bedroom and raped her and after the incident the complainant called her brother who came with the police and Steblecki was arrested.
He was also in violation of a protection that barred him from visiting the complainants home.

A Correspondent- Zanu PF’s Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube has launched a fundraising blitz to raise US$57 000 for the party’s virtual annual conference.

The Ncube wants Bulawayo residents to help fund the party’s conference, running from October 26 to 31 at Bindura University of Science Education in Mashonaland Central.

Minister Ncube challenged young business people and the youth in Bulawayo to raise funds within a week.

“My office is run by a political figure who happens to be myself. I saw it fit to invite you and others who have committed themselves into doing something. We are in support of our leadership and the ruling party Zanu-PF,” she said.
She said the Zanu-PF led government has come up with business-friendly policies and the business community must reciprocate by supporting it.
“Our presence as young people should be felt and we want you to walk tall and say come to Bulawayo and see how businesses are run. We should be able to raise US$57 000 because you are in the forefront of this fundraising as young businesspeople,” said Minister Ncube.

By A Correspondent- Prophet Cherubim, who allegedly betrayed trust bestowed upon him by a friend, has been issued with a warrant of arrest after failing to appear in court.

Lucky Chakanyuka, 36, of Marlborough popularly known as Prophet Cherubim of International Arena of Miracles Church has been issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to appear at Chinhoyi Magistrate’s Court to answer to theft charges.

The complainant is Kudakwashe Machiri of Chinhoyi.

Chakanyuka was supposed to appear before Chinhoyi magistrate Tamari Chibindi charged with one count of theft of trust property but the man of cloth was nowhere to be found after his name was called three times, resulting in the prosecutor, Tinoziva Chipupuri asking the court to grant a warrant of arrest in default.

Magistrate Chibindi consented and granted a warrant of arrest for Chakanyuka.

The alleged facts are that on July 29 Chakanyuka was given an ATM Card ZB Bank with a balance of $1 200 000 in trust so that he could withdraw $100 000 for the payment of Machiri’s medical bills.

However, Chakanyuka betrayed the trust bestowed on him and converted the money to his own use.

On August 5, Machiri noticed that the bank debited a total of $1 200 000 through several transactions made by Chakanyuka.

The matter was reported to police leading to the arrest of Chakanyuka.

A total of $1 200 000 was stolen and only $56 000 was recovered.

By A Correspondent- A 21 year old man allegedly tried to kill his wife before committing suicide by hanging himself on a tree after he had seen her walking with another man in Guruve

The man struck his 16-year-old wife with an axe once on the head at their homestead at Mangondo Village.

He then went on to commit suicide while the wife is fighting for her life in hospital.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and arrest.

“The ZRP is investigating a case of attempted murder where a man aged 21 committed suicide by hanging after striking his wife aged 16 with an axe on the head on September 24, 2021 at Mangondo Village, Guruve.

“The man had seen his wife walking with another man who had been assigned by a self-proclaimed prophet to escort her after seeking spiritual assistance,” he said.

Police are still conducting investigations into the matter.

–statemedia

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Thursday 30 September 2021 petitioned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to furnish the human rights organisation with a written undertaking in which law enforcement agents shall be directed to desist from the prevalent practice of throwing teargas canisters into
loaded public transportation vehicles.

In the letter written by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Paidamoyo Saurombe, ZLHR told Matanga that the indiscriminate throwing of teargas canisters into loaded public transport vehicles amounts to excessive and unjustifiable use of force by ZRP members and amounts to a violation of the passengers right to human dignity and the right to personal security as provided for in Section 51 and Section 52 of the Constitution.

ZLHR said its concern and request follows the recent circulation on social media of a video, where ZRP members allegedly threw teargas canisters into a Mulaudzi bus, which was carrying passengers.

In the video, passengers could be seen stampeding and scurrying to escape the teargas fumes which had engulfed the bus and it was clear from the video that some of the victims are young children, who were clearly choking from the teargas fumes.

The lawyers also advised Matanga that they are in the process of preparing a court application for the ZRP members’ conduct in question to be declared a violation of passengers’ fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution and for an order prohibiting such conduct.

By A Correspondent- A driver of a commuter omnibus (kombi) has narrated how police officers assaulted his conductor on 14 September leading to his death three days later.

The body of the 28-year-old Luke Zuze, the kombi conductor, is still at Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary as the family awaits the burial order.

Zuze was fatally assaulted by four wanted police officers after he had allegedly refused to pay a bribe for carrying passengers in a kombi not registered under the Zupco franchise, resulting in a fight.

The assault happened at around 5:30 pm along Granary Road and the conductor died three days later in hospital. The kombi driver, George Pirwa, Friday narrated the incident:h

We were coming from Mbare and when we were near Whitehouse, we pulled off the road to drop off some passengers. That is when two of the police officers confronted us, telling us that we had been arrested.

One of the police officers jumped inside the vehicle while the other one remained standing outside. Zuze walked towards the door on the driver’s side since he was outside the vehicle and took the car keys and then ran towards the shops at Whitehouse.

Pirwa said the police officer standing outside the vehicle went after Zuze and caught him about 70 metres away from the kombi.

The officers called their colleague who had remained behind with Pirwa informing him they had arrested the conductor. The police officer ordered the driver to disembark from the vehicle so that they go to the scene where Zuze had been arrested.

They arrived and found the handcuffed Zuze lying facing downwards making sounds suggesting he was suffering in pain. The police officer that had arrested him was assaulting him and his colleague joined in the assault.

Zuze later shouted that he had broken his left leg when the police officer tripped him to the ground during the arrest.

Pirwa checked Zuze’s leg and discovered that it was broken.

An unregistered white Toyota Mark 11 that the police officers were using arrived at the scene carrying two other police officers.

They ferried Pirwa and Zuze and drove along High Glen Road before stopping the car just after the roundabout near High Glen Shopping Centre.

They then threatened the duo with detention adding that they were going to prepare dockets so that they would be sent to court for prosecution.

Pirwa later called his colleague named Ronald requesting him to attend to his kombi which he had left in Whitehouse.

He ran out of airtime and one of the police officers asked for Ronald’s number and called him using his mobile phone.

They drove to Sally Mugabe Hospital where one of the officers made arrangements to ensure that Zuze was admitted.

The officers then asked for his driver’s licence and took the kombi keys before they disappeared.

Pirwa remained with Zuze at the hospital and the following morning he went to a police base in Whitehouse to make a report.

When the officers who made the report were called, they said they were handling the case and had opened a docket at Marimba Police Station but failed to give a reference number.

Pirwa was then ordered to go to Marimba Police Station where he discovered that no such report was made and that the officers are not based at that station.

An assault report was made but when Zuze died a few days later, the report changed from assault to murder before being referred to CID Homicide for further investigations.

Hospital officials said Zuze’s body needed to undergo a COVID-19 test for a post mortem to be conducted. Zuze tested positive.

The body was then referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital where post-mortem for such cases is conducted.

The forensic post mortem was conducted on Wednesday this week September 29, and results are expected within 30 days.

The family is now waiting for a burial order. Zuze, who stayed in Westlea, is survived by his wife and two children, one aged five and a newborn baby.

By A Correspondent- | The Ngaapinde songwriter has dropped another bombshell…

While Zanu PF is battling to discredit # Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana, the tireless songwriter has produced yet another gem titled Famba Nero…

MDC Alliance Harare Provincial Youth Secretary, Tatenda Johanes Karichi who is a tax Driver and Chrispen Bvirwa are still detained at Harare Central police station for Unlawful gathering.

The trio and about eight Journalist who were later released have been arrested early Thursday at Zimbabwe Electoral Commision offices in Harare.

Speaking to Denford Ngadziore, he said only Journalists were released while him and other two other leaders are Still in custody.

‘I and other two leaders are  Still detained for unlawful gathering. Only journalists were released”, he said.

Earlier in the morning, MDC Alliance Youth National Spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma issued a statement  condemning the arrest and the detention of Harare Province leadership.

“The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly is riled by the arrest and detention of its leaders from Harare Province today.

“We condemn in strongest terms the arrest of our youth leaders for exercising their right to petition and demonstrate as enshrined in Section 59 of the country’s supreme law, The Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“Among those arrested is Harare Province’s Secretary, Denford Ngadziore. Apart from our youth leaders, nearly 8 journalists were rounded up by the police. This is a clear indication too that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime has criminalized journalism.

“Those arrested were picked up near ZEC Provincial Offices at Cecil House.
“As the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly, we want to put it clear to the regime that the arrests are illegal and unconstitutional!

“The regime is behaving worse than terrorist organizations like Boko Haram on its very own citizens hence threatening peace if citizens are to respond.

“A regime that does not respect citizens’ rights like that of Mnangagwa risks public anger and is a threat to peace. We demand for the immediate release of our members”, said Chuma.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights are at the Central representing Ngadziore, Tatenda Johanes Karichi and Chrispen Bvirwa.

Exiled former Information Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has warned the Secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana that he faces legal action if he “continues to be partisan.”

Moyo was responding to Mangwana’ Twitter post which suggested that President Emmerson Mnangagwadeserves five more years in office. Mangwana tweeted:

Reasons for #FiveMoreYears are very clear. He needs to finish what he started.

Mangwana also attached a picture by newZWire, a local publication that reported on growth recorded by Innscor, the country’s biggest consumer goods producer.  

In response, Moyo said Mangwana, who is a “civil servant,” was violating the Constitution of Zimbabwe by openly showing support for President Mnangagwa. He said:

SECRETARY @nickmangwana, as a civil servant, your outrageous partisan campaign for Mnangagwa’s 2023 cause is in breach of s200(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (see attachment). You must withdraw your partisan campaign, cease and desist pronto; or face brutal court action!

Section 200 of the Zimbabwean Constitution which Mangwana is allegedly violating is on the Conduct of members of Civil Service. It reads in part:

200 Conduct of members of Civil Service

(1) Members of the Civil Service must act in accordance with this t Constitution and the law.

(2) No member of the Civil Service may obey an order that is manifestly illegal.

(3) No member of the Civil Service may, in the exercise of their functions—

(a) act in a partisan manner;

(b) further the interests of any political party or cause;

(c) prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause; or

(d) violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.

(4) Members of the Civil Service must not be office-bearers of any political party.

By A Correspondent- A 48 year old man, who allegedly axed his wife to death in Harare, has committed suicide in Beitbridge after failing to skip the border to South Africa.

It is reported that on September 27, Tinashe Ruzaya Paunosvisva of the Ushewekunze area in Harare killed his wife Ronah Masango with an axe while their two minor children watched in horror.

He then escaped to Beitbridge with the intention to cross over to South Africa, but later committed suicide at the Lutumba Business Centre, some 20km before Beitbridge town along the Masvingo road, after failing to jump the border.

The police officer commanding the Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident today.

“He was wanted in connection with a case of murder at Southlea Park in Harare. The man’s body was found lying by the roadside at Lutumba Business Centre by a passer-by who informed the police. A search was done leading to the discovery of a suicide note in his pocket,” he said.

The body has been taken to the Beitbridge district hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

Paunosvisva wrote a suicide note, stating that had his wife listened to him, they could still be together.

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Thursday 30 September 2021 petitioned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to furnish the human rights organisation with a written undertaking in which law enforcement agents shall be directed to desist from the prevalent practice of throwing teargas canisters into
loaded public transportation vehicles.

In the letter written by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Paidamoyo Saurombe, ZLHR told Matanga that the indiscriminate throwing of teargas canisters into loaded public transport vehicles amounts to excessive and unjustifiable use of force by ZRP members and amounts to a violation of the passengers right to human dignity and the right to personal security as provided for in Section 51 and Section 52 of the Constitution.

ZLHR said its concern and request follows the recent circulation on social media of a video, where ZRP members allegedly threw teargas canisters into a Mulaudzi bus, which was carrying passengers.

In the video, passengers could be seen stampeding and scurrying to escape the teargas fumes which had engulfed the bus and it was clear from the video that some of the victims are young children, who were clearly choking from the teargas fumes.

The lawyers also advised Matanga that they are in the process of preparing a court application for the ZRP members’ conduct in question to be declared a violation of passengers’ fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution and for an order prohibiting such conduct.

By A Correspondent- A Harare man has been arrested for raping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint.

Alex Steblecki, 26, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi who remanded him in custody and referred him to the High Court because the rape reportedly occurred in aggravated circumstances.

The court heard that on September 27, at around 7am Steblecki went to his 31-year-old ex-girlfriend’s place of residence and took her car saying that he was late for work and returned at around 2pm carrying his dirty laundry which he gave to the complainant’s maid and left.

Steblecki returned later that day in the evening and sat in the lounge and started demanding the complainant’s phone and she complied.

Steblecki reportedly started demanding to know why she had pictures of her vagina in the phone but when she asked to be shown, he failed to show her.
They later went into the kitchen at around 11pm and he locked the door and switched on the gas stove and he told her that if he couldn’t be with him, she would not be with other men and that prompted her to apologise in order to calm him down then he switched off the stove.
Steblecki threatened to kill her using a knife he got in the kitchen before he asked her to suck his manhood but she refused and he asked her why she was refusing yet she was sleeping with other men.

He then took her to the bedroom and raped her and after the incident the complainant called her brother who came with the police and Steblecki was arrested.
He was also in violation of a protection that barred him from visiting the complainants home.

By A Correspondent- A 21 year old man allegedly tried to kill his wife before committing suicide by hanging himself on a tree after he had seen her walking with another man in Guruve

The man struck his 16-year-old wife with an axe once on the head at their homestead at Mangondo Village.

He then went on to commit suicide while the wife is fighting for her life in hospital.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and arrest.

“The ZRP is investigating a case of attempted murder where a man aged 21 committed suicide by hanging after striking his wife aged 16 with an axe on the head on September 24, 2021 at Mangondo Village, Guruve.

“The man had seen his wife walking with another man who had been assigned by a self-proclaimed prophet to escort her after seeking spiritual assistance,” he said.

Police are still conducting investigations into the matter.

–statemedia

By A Correspondent- Villagers in Nyanga’s Sedza area have caught a woman suspected to be a witch stark naked at a neighbour’s homestead.

Mavis Nyambuya, who was accompanied by her two-year-old nephew who was also naked, was found wandering the homestead of her would-be victim, Memory Mahowa last Saturday night.

The Weekender learnt that Mahowa sought the assistance of self-confessed Mutare-based spiritual healer, Madzibaba Stephen Nzira to protect her homestead from merchants of the underworld, in a practice loosely known as ‘kuisa munamato’.

Madzibaba Nzira confirmed the incident and told The Weekender that Mahowa sought his services after her children began experiencing weird happenings such as waking up with strange markings on their hands. Madzibaba Nzira said:
It was a clear case of witchcraft. I did not disclose to them that their neighbour was behind these strange happenings.
I gave her some water to sprinkle around her house among other instructions. This was to act as a ‘fireguard’ from unwelcomed visitors like Nyambuya.
When Nyambuya was trapped, she was in the company of her two-year-old nephew whom I believe was being initiated into the practice. The child also had some marks on her hand.

The terrified and cornered Nyambuya screamed for help attracting a huge crowd that demanded for instant justice.
The police’s swift reaction saved her.
A recorded video of Nyambuya begging for forgiveness and crying while seated on the ground with the young girl has gone viral on social media platforms. She is heard pleading:
People are praying.
This place is holy. I am feeling hot. I am sorry about this. Please forgive me. My other colleagues have escaped.

Villagers expressed shock at Nyambuya’s move to recruit a young child into the witchcraft world.
Acting Chief Saunyama, said although he was yet to get finer details of the matter, he would summon Nyambuya to his court.
He said that Nyambuya will have to pay a fine of not less than three beasts if found guilty and she also faces banishment.
Popular Nyanga exorcist and traditional healer, Shingirai Mukotsanjera on Tuesday said that was pure witchcraft and this child was being initiated into witchcraft.

-Manica Post

By A Correspondent- South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that his government will be rolling out a Coronavirus vaccination certificate which will be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status.

Speaking during a briefing on Thursday Ramaphosa said, “This evening, I would like to talk to you about four matters that are vital to our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of our society and economy. These are, firstly, the intensification of our national vaccination campaign; secondly, the measures we will be taking to further open our economy; thirdly, the introduction of a vaccination certificate; and, fourthly, our engagements with the United Kingdom to restore travel, tourism and trade.”

He added that the Department of Health will soon be rolling out a vaccination certificate, which will provide a secure and verifiable proof of vaccination.

“It can be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status. Our approach is informed by World Health Organization guidelines and is in line with international best practice.

“Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting a number of international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased. Getting vaccinated is not only about protecting yourself and those around you.”

By A Correspondent- Infamous for being a hub of prostituti0n, drug abuse and a place where women’s dignity was not respected, paBooster in the sprawling settlement of Epworth assumed a new role.

From dusk to dawn, the place was always teeming with ladies of the night and consumers of their services.

Despite this, Amai Mnangagwa yesterday defied odds and used the place as the venue where she met women, among them, those intending to quit the oldest profession on a life-changing mission.

Some of the Epworth women will today begin their short courses studies under a partnership between First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) to empower them through open learning.

This comes as more women from Epworth particularly those from paBooster area yesterday showed eagerness to register and take part in the programme.

A number of young girls and women who failed to complete their studies owing to various challenges, including being orphans and poverty, are keen to complete their education and earn a certificate thus Amai Mnangagwa is giving them a chance to do so.

The programme reinforces the First Lady’s drive to ensure no one is left behind in her multi-pronged empowerment initiatives.

She launched the programme in Epworth on September 13 which will see vulnerable women countrywide benefiting free of charge.

On that day, over 3 000 women were registered and are starting lessons today.

Beneficiaries include former ladies of the night, orphans, child head of families and people living with disabilities among many other disadvantaged groups.

The First Lady together with the university’s leadership and deans of faculties yesterday met with the second group of beneficiaries “paBooster” previously known as the hub of pr0stitution and criminal activities.

Amai Mnangagwa wants the women to shun criminal life and prostituti0n which exposed them to diseases and equip them with life skills to earn a decent living through the use of their hands.

ZOU pro-vice chancellor academic affairs Professor Nyakatau, representing ZOU Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Gundani said lectures from three of the university’s eight faculties would start in earnest from 9am to noon today.

“On September 13, 2021 Angel of Hope Foundation and ZOU started a national development partnership to uplift people in communities and to teach women and young girls through short courses free of charge.

“Amai, ZOU has committed itself to uplifting the dignity of the girl child. Today 30 September 2021 we are boosting relations between Angel of Hope and ZOU for community empowerment through open learning. At the initial meeting on September 13, more than 3000 people who are assisted by Angel of Hope Foundation registered to do short courses across all ZOU faculties,” he said.

The work to uplift the people’s standard of life through humanitarian and developmental programmes that are being led by the First Lady through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Prof Nyakatau said, helped the people of Zimbabwe to “work together removing challenges that may stop us from reaching national Vision 2030 as some of us could be left behind”.

He paid tribute to the leadership of Epworth Local Board for the assistance through the Epworth Board hall and their grounds for community empowerment through open learning.

“Amai, I want to inform those who are here and those who are listening that on October 1 2021 — three of ZOU’s eight faculties — Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law are starting to offer courses in community engagement.

“Those who registered for disability-focused lessons, Early Childhood Development (ECD) and legal education are encouraged to commence their studies tomorrow (today) at the Epworth local board tomorrow from 9am to 12 noon.

“Amai, I want to notify those who are assisted by Angel of Hope foundation here present that through the community empowerment through open learning programme, ZOU will give short courses in the faculties of agriculture, applied social sciences, arts, culture and heritage studies, commerce, education, law, science and technology free of charge in 10 provinces of the country. Do not be left behind. A mother helps all her children,” he said.

Addressing the women yesterday, the First Lady implored the women to quit the world’s oldest profession and use the opportunity to study to change their lives.

“I am happy to come here at the Booster which is infamous for bad deeds. All that happened in the past happened, but must end today. Even God deplores these deeds. I’m happy you heeded my call to go to school which I launched on September 13. Because of Covid-19, we did not manage to meet at once and today I am here to meet you the second group.

“Epworth you are blessed because this programme started here. I have faith that if we study hard there will be change in our lives and even in our homes things will change.

“You will neither be found gossiping nor at the booster because you would have been empowered. After seeing my programmes at Angel of Hope of empowering communities, ZOU saw it fit to work together to mould the woman we want in Zimbabwe, the man we want, the daughter we want and the son we want. These courses would be given to us free of charge. The fact that we have this second group shows you are welcoming this programme we have. Would you not be happy to have a ZOU certificate?”

The First Lady said a number of people failed to complete their education because of various challenges while some were orphaned and they were lucky to have the ZOU programme on their doorstep.

“Some of you worked at night doing work of the darkness. Which works am I referring to here?” the First Lady asked.

In response, one of the women said; “I am one of the ladies who operate from here at the booster. This work is not easy Amai. The whole night you can work for a paltry US$2.

“A man may give you a dollar, but after the act he demands his money back. At times we are beaten up. Yesterday night we were here but were beaten up by some men saying prostituti0n was bad. At times if you bed a married man from our community, all the married women will team up to beat us up daily.”

The First Lady said such an account drove her close to tears.

“I feel like crying seeing a woman suffering like this, but is it worth it madzimai. Women, from today let us leave this life and start a new life. We have rejected the spirit of prostituti0n. We can end our challenges on our own as women. Booster has brought us diseases and children of different totems. May God hear us and cleanse this place.

“Let us work and those who do not want to go to school can engage in self-help projects using their hands. Grandmothers let us encourage our daughters and grandchildren to study and stay away from mischief. Children are being ruined by drugs and prostitution.

“Let’s go to school and uplift ourselves. Let’s work for our country which is worked for by you and me. Education knows no age and as I stand here I am also going to school,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa said projects fostered unity and encouraged women to unite.

“Are there some who were not on talking terms,” she asked.

A woman who was part of the gathering confirmed that she was not in talking terms with some ladies from her area.

“Amai we live near the booster and we politely asked the ladies of the night not to wait close to our houses in the nude because our children were seeing them. This did not go well with these women who then looked for thugs to break into our homes just to fix us for reprimanding them. Our neighbour was beaten and injured by these thugs,” she said.

Another woman said: “I am not talking to my neighbour because she took my 15-year-old daughter and got her married somewhere I don’t even know, up to now I don’t know where my daughter is. We are not even related to this neighbour.”

In response, the mother of the nation implored the police to look into these cases and advised the women to approach police officers at the venue and present their cases.

She said some people feared reporting yet such platforms enabled people to open up.

She told the gathering about her 575 national call centre and urged them to utilise it.

Elated beneficiaries of the programme said they were keen to start a new life and end their wicked ways.

Fortunate Chisero (35) said she was thankful to the First Lady for her rehabilitation programme which would change their lives for the better.

“I thank the First Lady for bringing this programme here at the Booster. She is giving us education. I ended my education in Form 3 so I am grateful with her decision to uplift us here in Epworth. Most women were doing bad things at the Booster, but Amai has come to encourage us to leave this and its now over. We also thank the university that she collaborated with so that we get certificates,” she said.

The same sentiments were echoed by Tsitsi Masunda (35).

“I feel elated beyond measure because of this programme that has been unveiled by the First Lady here in Epworth. Today we have been given ZOU courses so from today we are leaving this business and learning to fend for our families using our hands. We promise to leave our bad behaviour.

Alice Pitara (59) said she would hit the ground running through a farming project.

“I am interested in a farming project. I am happy for this programme, especially for us the elderly we want to continuously learn about farming because we draw food from the soil. That is where we will get money to fend for our families.”

Gogo Pitara said the First Lady’s intervention would help ease some of the challenges that were being encountered at the Booster.

“At the Booster young women engaged in prostitution so we are happy that Amai has helped us to counsel our children. They should listen to the word of God and quit prostitution,” she said.

Councillor for Ward 3 Gift July promised the First Lady that he would engage the police to enhance patrols at the booster.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Prophet Cherubim, who allegedly betrayed trust bestowed upon him by a friend, has been issued with a warrant of arrest after failing to appear in court.

Lucky Chakanyuka, 36, of Marlborough popularly known as Prophet Cherubim of International Arena of Miracles Church has been issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to appear at Chinhoyi Magistrate’s Court to answer to theft charges.

The complainant is Kudakwashe Machiri of Chinhoyi.

Chakanyuka was supposed to appear before Chinhoyi magistrate Tamari Chibindi charged with one count of theft of trust property but the man of cloth was nowhere to be found after his name was called three times, resulting in the prosecutor, Tinoziva Chipupuri asking the court to grant a warrant of arrest in default.

Magistrate Chibindi consented and granted a warrant of arrest for Chakanyuka.

The alleged facts are that on July 29 Chakanyuka was given an ATM Card ZB Bank with a balance of $1 200 000 in trust so that he could withdraw $100 000 for the payment of Machiri’s medical bills.

However, Chakanyuka betrayed the trust bestowed on him and converted the money to his own use.

On August 5, Machiri noticed that the bank debited a total of $1 200 000 through several transactions made by Chakanyuka.

The matter was reported to police leading to the arrest of Chakanyuka.

A total of $1 200 000 was stolen and only $56 000 was recovered.

A Correspondent- Zanu PF’s Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube has launched a fundraising blitz to raise US$57 000 for the party’s virtual annual conference.

The Ncube wants Bulawayo residents to help fund the party’s conference, running from October 26 to 31 at Bindura University of Science Education in Mashonaland Central.

Minister Ncube challenged young business people and the youth in Bulawayo to raise funds within a week.

“My office is run by a political figure who happens to be myself. I saw it fit to invite you and others who have committed themselves into doing something. We are in support of our leadership and the ruling party Zanu-PF,” she said.
She said the Zanu-PF led government has come up with business-friendly policies and the business community must reciprocate by supporting it.
“Our presence as young people should be felt and we want you to walk tall and say come to Bulawayo and see how businesses are run. We should be able to raise US$57 000 because you are in the forefront of this fundraising as young businesspeople,” said Minister Ncube.

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate has postponed to October 13 the case in which Harare West legislator Joanah Mamombe (MDC Alliance) is accused of faking her own abduction.

Mamombe, who appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, is being charged together with other party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

The State, represented by Michael Reza, had asked the court to proceed to trial claiming an application made at the High Court by the trio to stop the proceedings had been dismissed.

Reza, however, did not have the court order, claiming he could not bring it to court, but had made a loud phone call with the prosecutor dealing with the case at the High Court in the presence of the accused’s lawyer.

The accused persons’ lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, however, accused the State of misleading the court, claiming yesterday’s remand was for the purpose of confirming the status of the matter at the High Court.

Bhamu said it was never a trial date and as far as he knew, the matter was still stayed.

“With respect to whether the trial can proceed, the record will show that last time, we appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, who said she should wait for the matter to be concluded by the High Court,” Bhamu said.

“Today was not a trial date, but to advise the court of the status of the High Court application. No order has been placed before you or if the State has that order.”

Mambanje then postponed the matter.

“This is a remand court. If the matter is coming for trial, it should have gone to the right court. I didn’t know the matter was coming for trial. This court will be bound by the High Court order to stay the proceedings,” he ruled.

The trio is accused of lying to the police that they were abducted after they were found dumped in rural Bindura by their families and police in May last year.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Police in Harare have arrested -Three suspected carjackers targeting taxi drivers before robbing them of their vehicles and cash.

The three are David Dexter Mwanjera (40) of Rusape, Fungai Nyamunhu (35) of Epworth and Tarwirei Madzudzo (47) of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.

They have appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts where they were remanded in custody to October 6 for trial.

It is alleged that on Monday at around 5pm, a taxi driver was parking his vehicle, a silver Honda Fit, near the intersection of Chinhoyi Street and Agostino Neto Avenue (Speke Avenue) when he was approached by the three.
They reportedly pretended to be genuine customers seeking to be driven to Borrowdale and agreed to pay US$15.
One of the suspects jumped into the front passenger seat while the others sat at the back.
Along Liberation Legacy Way (Borrowdale Road), it is alleged that they ordered the driver to turn into Whitwell Road by Borrowdale School since they wanted to alight.

He complied.
One of the suspects in the back then grabbed the driver’s neck before covering his face with a cloth and stabbed him on the left arm with a knife.
The driver was searched and the suspects took US$80.
They took over the taxi and continued north for some distance before dumping the driver in Glen Forest.
A report was made at Borrowdale Police Station who then referred the matter to CID Vehicle Theft Squad.
The detectives then received information that the vehicle had been taken to Rusape where Mwanjera stayed.

They raided his house leading to the recovery of the vehicle, which had been stripped of the number plates including the third number plate.
Mwanjera was arrested and he implicated Nyamunhu and Madzudzo who were arrested in the city and Epworth.
Police recently expressed concern over the continued increase in armed robbery cases countrywide.
In one of the cases, eight armed robbers attacked two security guards at Agricorn Equipment along Coventry Road before tying their hands and legs with shoe laces.
The gang stole US$43 000 cash from the finance director’s office after they broke the locking system of the cash safe using two angle grinders which they took from the workshop.

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate has postponed to October 13 the case in which Harare West legislator Joanah Mamombe (MDC Alliance) is accused of faking her own abduction.

Mamombe, who appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, is being charged together with other party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

The State, represented by Michael Reza, had asked the court to proceed to trial claiming an application made at the High Court by the trio to stop the proceedings had been dismissed.

Reza, however, did not have the court order, claiming he could not bring it to court, but had made a loud phone call with the prosecutor dealing with the case at the High Court in the presence of the accused’s lawyer.

The accused persons’ lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, however, accused the State of misleading the court, claiming yesterday’s remand was for the purpose of confirming the status of the matter at the High Court.

Bhamu said it was never a trial date and as far as he knew, the matter was still stayed.

“With respect to whether the trial can proceed, the record will show that last time, we appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, who said she should wait for the matter to be concluded by the High Court,” Bhamu said.

“Today was not a trial date, but to advise the court of the status of the High Court application. No order has been placed before you or if the State has that order.”

Mambanje then postponed the matter.

“This is a remand court. If the matter is coming for trial, it should have gone to the right court. I didn’t know the matter was coming for trial. This court will be bound by the High Court order to stay the proceedings,” he ruled.

The trio is accused of lying to the police that they were abducted after they were found dumped in rural Bindura by their families and police in May last year.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A Nyanga woman suspected to be a witch was last week stark naked at a neighbour’s homestead in Sedze Village in Nyanga.

Mavis Nyambuya, who was accompanied by her two-year-old nephew who was also naked, was found wandering the homestead of her would-be victim, Memory Mahowa.

The Weekender learnt that Mahowa sought the assistance of self-confessed Mutare-based spiritual healer, Madzibaba Stephen Nzira to protect her homestead from merchants of the underworld, in a practice loosely known as ‘kuisa munamato’.

Madzibaba Nzira confirmed the incident and told The Weekender that Mahowa sought his services after her children began experiencing weird happenings such as waking up with strange markings on their hands. Madzibaba Nzira said:
It was a clear case of witchcraft. I did not disclose to them that their neighbour was behind these strange happenings.
I gave her some water to sprinkle around her house among other instructions. This was to act as a ‘fireguard’ from unwelcomed visitors like Nyambuya.
When Nyambuya was trapped, she was in the company of her two-year-old nephew whom I believe was being initiated into the practice. The child also had some marks on her hand.

The terrified and cornered Nyambuya screamed for help attracting a huge crowd that demanded for instant justice.
The police’s swift reaction saved her.
A recorded video of Nyambuya begging for forgiveness and crying while seated on the ground with the young girl has gone viral on social media platforms. She is heard pleading:
People are praying.
This place is holy. I am feeling hot. I am sorry about this. Please forgive me. My other colleagues have escaped.

Villagers expressed shock at Nyambuya’s move to recruit a young child into the witchcraft world.
Acting Chief Saunyama, said although he was yet to get finer details of the matter, he would summon Nyambuya to his court.
He said that Nyambuya will have to pay a fine of not less than three beasts if found guilty and she also faces banishment.
Popular Nyanga exorcist and traditional healer, Shingirai Mukotsanjera on Tuesday said that was pure witchcraft and this child was being initiated into witchcraft.

-Manica Post