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

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- 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- Police have raised nearly $32 million after arresting and fining over 44 000 touts, unregistered vehicles and cars fitted with dangerous bar headlights under ongoing operations being conducted countrywide.

Among those that were arrested and fined were 328 people that were found with dangerous weapons. Of those arrested, 21 790 were touts, 13 855 unregistered vehicles while 8 416 were motorists with cars that are fitted with illegal bar headlights.

They were all fined a total of $31 604 000 from Sunday to yesterday in separate incidents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operations were continuing.

“The ZRP has intensified operations on unregistered motor vehicles, touting and dangerous weapons among other crimes,” he said.

In July, police warned that extended headlights mounted on vehicles that have been blamed for causing fatal accidents are illegal.

Through Statutory Instrument 129 of 2015, Government banned the mounting of additional headlights by motorists. The law states that those who want to make any modifications to their cars should first seek authority.

Additional headlights which some motorists have fitted on their cars cannot be dipped, compromising the vision for other drivers.

This is said to contributing to unnecessary collisions, some of them fatal, at a time when human error contributes most to the country’s road accidents statistics.

“Those lights are illegal in terms of the law. Remember we have Statutory Instrument 129 of 2015 which was promulgated by Government. It makes it clear on the type of headlight that can be fitted on a vehicle which are either two or four and have dimensions required and the number of the required watts,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“So, all the motorists who include haulage trucks, kombis, buses and other private vehicles who are using these lights are committing criminal offences. And the message should be loud and clear that they risk being arrested. They cause accidents, they disturb the vision of other motorists and definitely the police will take action.”

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- 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 Chitungwiza policeman has been shamed for demanding a US$100 bribe before returning it to a businessman after being reported to his superiors.

Assistant Inspector Archford Gerald Muguta allegedly demanded US$100 from a businessman who operates bottle stores and restaurants and he was given the money before a complaint was lodged, leading to his shaming.

Officer Commanding Chitungwiza District Chief Superintendent Severino Muguti acknowledged that the issue had been brought to his attention and they were making investigations.

“Once an issue is brought up, we conduct investigations and if the officer is found wanting, he is charged,” said Chief Supt Muguti adding that any other communication is channelled through the police public relations department.

Muguta told H-Metro that it was an old case and that he had returned the money after a complaint was lodged.

“Zvakatopera. The money was returned, it is an old issue.

“Let me come there and explain what happened,” he said.

Called later to explain more on the issue, Muguta attacked this journalist before hanging up the phone.

There is a recorded phone call where the caller believed to be Muguta was trying to sweet-talk the businessman.

“Mukanya (businessman) ko wondipisireiko iwe? Ndafonerwa manje manje neH-Metro zvichinzi ndakatora mari ndikaidzosera,” said Muguta.

He told Mukanya that he had told H-Metro in a phone call that the video he appears in while taking the money was fake.

“Mari iya ndakaipihwirwa pacharge office and there was no one recording the video ndizvo zvandamuudza.

“Ndamuudza kuti mavideo enyu amunawo ndeekubikira. Ndamuudza kuti nyaya yacho ndeya kare,” he said.

Mukanya said he was shocked with Muguta’s bribe demand which he then gave him, but not before lodging a complaint with the latter’s superiors.

“It irked me that a person could just come and demand money just like that.

“What wrong did I do?

“I told his superiors and the money was returned,” said Mukanya.

-HMetro

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF’s chairman for Harare province Goodwills Masimirembwa had a chair thrown at him during preparations for chaotic district elections held last weekend.

Masimirembwa’s deputy, Godwin Gomwe, appeared in court charged with assault over the September 24 incident.

Gomwe, who is accused of throwing the chair which left Masimirembwa with a scratch on his leg, was remanded to October 25 for trial by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The National Prosecuting Authority alleged that Masimirembwa chaired a Zanu PF provincial meeting at the party headquarters in Harare to discuss impending district elections.

Gomwe arrived as the meeting was ending at around 1.15 PM and immediately complained that the meeting was held without him being notified.

Masimirembwa, the court heard, advised Gomwe that notice of the meeting was sent through a Whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly accused Masimirembwa of creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of internal elections in favour of Harare’s minister of state, Oliver Chidau, in forthcoming Zanu PF provincial elections.

Gomwe is alleged to have shouted obscenities at Masimirembwa saying he will deal with him.

He allegedly proceeded to pick up a chair which he threw onto the legs of the Masimirembwa, who was seated.

The prosecution says the chair, which is held as an exhibit, caused a scratch to Masimirembwa’s right leg.

Zanu PF is still dealing with the fallout from last weekend’s district elections amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation.

Violent scenes were witnessed in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland as officials clashed during the divisive vote.

Information Alert

30 September 2021

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says it is yet to receive an environmental impact assessment report from Heijin Mining Company, a Chinese mining company, which is on the verge of displacing several villagers from their ancestral land in Uzumba Maramba-Pfungwe.

On 2 September 2021, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) wrote a letter to the Mining Commissioner for Mashonaland East province and to the Environmental Management Agency seeking explanations regarding the existence of a prospecting licence authorising Heijin Mining Company to peg the village so as to conduct
mining activities.

This came after villagers engaged ZLHR as they were at the risk of losing their homesteads, farming fields and grazing land to Heijin Mining Company.

In the letter, Chinopfukutwa said in the event that a prospecting licence was granted to Heijin Mining Company, then the pegging of Kaseke Village is unlawful as a holder of a prospecting licence shall not exercise any of the rights conferred in terms of the prospecting licence on communal land without the consent of the occupier.

The human rights lawyer stated that the pegging of Kaseke Village without consultation and the consent of the occupiers of the land is unlawful and that in terms of Section 31(1)(h) of the Mines and Minerals Act, no holder of a prospecting licence can proceed to peg
communal land occupied as a village without the written consent of the Rural District Council of the area concerned.

Chinopfukutwa asked if any Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted in relation to the mining project and to be furnished with an Environmental Impact Assessment report and a copy of the certificate approving the prospecting and pegging of Kaseke Village by
Heijin Mining Company. However, in response to the request by ZLHR, Juliet Mavu, EMA’s
Provincial Environmental Manager for Mashonaland East province, disclosed that Heijin Mining Company is yet to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment report for its intended mining project and therefore no Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate has been issued out to the miner.

The Environmental Impact Assessment report, is an instrument which is relied upon to identify and assess the potential environmental, social and health impacts of a proposed project, evaluate alternatives, and design appropriate environmental and social management plans during the lifecycle of the project.

Mavu said EMA received a prospectus for the proposed Kaseke and Chibvi 2 black granite mining, cutting and polishing plant in Uzumba Maramba-Pfungwe District from Heijing Mining on 29 June 2021.

By A Correspondent- Police have started investigating a case in which some unidentified police officers on Tuesday threw teargas canisters into a Mulaudzi Bus full of passengers at an area yet to be identified.

Although police are still not yet sure about the scene, a viral video circulating on social media shows distraught passengers, including children, struggling to disembark from the tear smoke-filled bus through windows.

A child is seen falling face down upon exiting the bus while a woman drenches another child’s face with water in a bid to neutralise the smoke’s effect.

Some people allege that the incident occurred near Fidelity housing scheme in Harare located along the Harare-Masvingo highway while others said it was in Masvingo.

Other people also alleged that it was in Beitbridge.

The Beitbridge bound bus was alleged to have been involved in a high-speed chase with the police before being teargassed forcing the passengers to jump out of the bus.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved.

“Investigations are still in progress and we will take action against those errant officers.

“We are still trying to find out the area in which the incident occurred to ascertain whether it’s Harare, Masvingo, Mutare or Beitbridge. But what I can assure you is that action will be taken and we want these officers to account for their actions,” he said.

In October last year, seven police officers threw teargas canisters into a Rimbi bus full of passengers at the Harare Exhibition Park. The seven police officers, who were arrested after the incident, had wanted to arrest the bus driver because he had a Class 2 driver’s licence instead of a Class 1 required to drive buses.

The officers were identified, with the one responsible for throwing the canister having been arrested.

“Disciplinary action was taken against the officer responsible and he has since engaged lawyers and the matter is still pending before the courts.

“However, we want to give a stern warning to officers who engage in activities that tarnish the image of the force that action will be taken,” Asst Comm said.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Bulawayo City Council’s records of cemeteries are in shambles leading to the mislaying of the dead in reserved graves and the reopening of graves with remains.

According to the Council, this is what led to the mix up for the Ngulube family when their father’s reserved grave was found with human remains.

In August, Bulawayo City Council initiated investigations of possible theft of reserved burial space at Athlone Cemetery after the family of the late Mr John Jani Ngulube (103) had to endure the horror of finding human remains in his last rest place and two other graves which had been offered as replacements.

He had paid the local authority for the reserved grave for the last 20 years, preparing for his death.

According to Council spokesperson, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, their investigations revealed that there was a mix up in records.

“Further investigations revealed that the reserved graves for the affected family (Ngulube family) are still available and unused. There was a mix up in locating the exact position due to staff turnover and a mix-up of records,” said Mrs Mpofu.

There were fears that the graves might contain bodies of murdered people and used as a cover up, since some are not identified.

Mrs Mpofu said their investigations will not involve digging up reserved graves to find out if they are empty.

“These are possibly proper burials that were done and there was a mix up with records. Exhumation can only be done if there has been a request for exhumation,” she said.-Statemedia

A Correspondent- Zanu PF Harare Provincial deputy chairman Godwin Gomwe has been arrested for beating his boss.

Gomwe appeared at Harare magistrates court facing charges of throwing a chair at Zanu PF Harare Provincial Chairman Goodwills Masimirembwa at the party’s offices last weekend.

Gomwe was remanded to October 25 for trial by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The court heard that Masimirembwa chaired a Zanu PF provincial meeting at the party headquarters in Harare to discuss impending district elections.

Gomwe arrived as the meeting was ending at around 1.15 PM and immediately complained that the meeting was held without him being notified.
Masimirembwa, the court heard, advised Gomwe that notice of the meeting was sent through a Whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly accused Masimirembwa of creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of internal elections in favour of Harare’s minister of state, Oliver Chidau, in forthcoming Zanu PF provincial elections.

Gomwe is alleged to have shouted obscenities at Masimirembwa, saying he would deal with him.

He allegedly proceeded to pick up a chair which he threw onto the legs of the Masimirembwa, who was seated.

The prosecution says the chair, which is held as an exhibit, caused a scratch to Masimirembwa’s right leg.

Zanu PF is still dealing with the fallout from last weekend’s district elections amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation.

Violent scenes were witnessed in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland as officials clashed during the divisive vote.

By A Correspondent-Zanu PF Harare Provincial chairman Goodwills Masimirembwa was at the weekend beaten up for attempting to rig internal party elections.

Masimirembwa had a chair thrown at him during preparations for district elections by his deputy, Godwin Gomwe.

This came out Thursday at the Harare magistrates court, where Gomwe appeared on charges of assault.

Gomwe was remanded to October 25 for trial by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The court heard that Masimirembwa chaired a Zanu PF provincial meeting at the party headquarters in Harare to discuss impending district elections.

Gomwe arrived as the meeting was ending at around 1.15 PM and immediately complained that the meeting was held without him being notified.
Masimirembwa, the court heard, advised Gomwe that notice of the meeting was sent through a Whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly accused Masimirembwa of creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of internal elections in favour of Harare’s minister of state, Oliver Chidau, in forthcoming Zanu PF provincial elections.

Gomwe is alleged to have shouted obscenities at Masimirembwa, saying he would deal with him.

He allegedly proceeded to pick up a chair which he threw onto the legs of the Masimirembwa, who was seated.

The prosecution says the chair, which is held as an exhibit, caused a scratch to Masimirembwa’s right leg.

Zanu PF is still dealing with the fallout from last weekend’s district elections amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation.

Violent scenes were witnessed in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland as officials clashed during the divisive vote.

-ZimLive

By A Correspondent- The Harare magistrates court has ignored Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry’s ill health and proceeded to set trial dates for two of her three alleged criminal cases.

Marry is facing money laundering, attempted murder and assault charges.

Regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje Thursday set October 18 and 1 November as trial dates for money laundering and attempted murder charges, respectively.

Attempted murder charges against Marry after the former Army general said Marry wanted to kill him when he was in hospital in South Africa.

The State led by Michael Reza said they were expecting to furnish Marry with a trial date in that matter since the docket was now ready.

Marry’s lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa told the court that the trials would depend on the medical tests which she is supposed to undertake to ascertain whether she would be fit to stand court hearings.

By A Correspondent-Violence has rocked Zanu PF Harare Provincial primary elections preparatory meeting with the Goodwills Masimirembwa, the chairperson being beaten up.

Masimirembwa had a chair thrown at him during preparations for district elections by his deputy, Godwin Gomwe.

This came out Thursday at the Harare magistrates court, where Gomwe appeared on charges of assault.

Gomwe was remanded to October 25 for trial by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The court heard that Masimirembwa chaired a Zanu PF provincial meeting at the party headquarters in Harare to discuss impending district elections.

Gomwe arrived as the meeting was ending at around 1.15 PM and immediately complained that the meeting was held without him being notified.
Masimirembwa, the court heard, advised Gomwe that notice of the meeting was sent through a Whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly accused Masimirembwa of creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of internal elections in favour of Harare’s minister of state, Oliver Chidau, in forthcoming Zanu PF provincial elections.

Gomwe is alleged to have shouted obscenities at Masimirembwa, saying he would deal with him.

He allegedly proceeded to pick up a chair which he threw onto the legs of the Masimirembwa, who was seated.

The prosecution says the chair, which is held as an exhibit, caused a scratch to Masimirembwa’s right leg.

Zanu PF is still dealing with the fallout from last weekend’s district elections amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation.

Violent scenes were witnessed in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland as officials clashed during the divisive vote.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF said it remained keen to have the MDC-Alliance on the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) forum.

This Thursday, Zanu-PF’s legal affairs secretary Paul Mangwana during a Zimbabwe Television (ZTN) programme “The Chase”.

Mangwana added that they would welcome anyone willing to participate in political discussions concerning any issues of national concern, including electoral reforms.

“We have POLAD in place, and there are agenda items in place. We invited the MDC-Alliance, and they did not come. The MDC has been invited to POLAD. We respond to anyone who wants to have an input to any discussion,” Mangwana said.

By A Correspondent- The Harare magistrates court has ignored Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry’s ill health and proceeded to set trial dates for two of her three alleged criminal cases.

Marry is facing money laundering, attempted murder and assault charges.

Regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje Thursday set October 18 and 1 November as trial dates for money laundering and attempted murder charges, respectively.

Attempted murder charges against Marry after the former Army general said Marry wanted to kill him when he was in hospital in South Africa.

The State led by Michael Reza said they were expecting to furnish Marry with a trial date in that matter since the docket was now ready.

Marry’s lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa told the court that the trials would depend on the medical tests which she is supposed to undertake to ascertain whether she would be fit to stand court hearings.

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.

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- Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje today set October 18 as the trial date in a matter where MarryChiwenga is accused of money laundering.

Magistrate Mambanje also ordered Mubaiwa to return to court on November 1 in a case in which she is facing allegations of attempting to kill Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during the time he was in hospital in South Africa.

The State led by Mr Michael Reza said they were expecting to furnish Mubaiwa with a trial date in that matter since the docket was now ready.

Mubaiwa is also facing a separate charge where she is accused of assaulting their family maid.

Mubaiwa’s lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa told the court that the trials would depend on the medical tests which she is supposed to undertake to ascertain whether she will be fit to stand court hearings.

-State media

By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has excluded the opposition MDC Alliance from its provisional consultations in provinces meant to discuss electoral developments saying they don’t know who the MDC Alliance is.

The commission is rolling out programmes to discuss the electoral concerns, the legal framework, the electoral cycle, voter registration, delimitation and the polling process in preparation for future elections.
An internal memo indicated that Zec was waiting for instructions from unnamed authorities regarding the MDC Alliance issue.

Speaking to NewsDay on Wednesday, Zec spokesperson commissioner Joyce Kazembe confirmed that the MDC Alliance was not invited. She said:
We did not 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.

Now we don’t know who MDC Alliance is before the court’s final judgment; hence we could not invite MDC Alliance. We can’t acknowledge it until the court judgment. As it stands, we await the court judgment to be able to work with MDC Alliance, just like other political parties in Zimbabwe.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the development was confirmation that ZEC was partisan and serves the interests ZANU PF. She added:
The MDC Alliance is the biggest political party in the nation. There is no lawful excuse for barring it from stakeholder engagement.
We are the only political party that has put forward an alternative Electoral Bill. In line with our reform agenda, we have published our principles for reliable, inclusive and credible elections in Zimbabwe as an alternative to the present electoral policies that do not bode well for democracy…

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu it was not for ZEC to determine who is and who is not a political party adding that barring the MDC Alliance makes Zec an interested party in the fights in the mainstream opposition.
He added that the latest “error” exposed Zec as unqualified to run elections in Zimbabwe, and called for its disbandment.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A 30-year-old man from Esigodini allegedly sodomised his neighbour’s 12-year-old-son and promised to give him money to buy his silence, a court heard.

Jasper Magonya of Habana Extension went to the juvenile’s home around 9 pm and asked him to escort him to his house.

The court heard that the minor then took with him his 10-year-old sister and while on the way, Magonya promised to give him some money.

The state alleges that when they arrived at his home, Magonya then sent back the minor’s sister to collect a lunch box at their home.

He later sexually assaulted the juvenile.

Magonya is facing a charge of aggravated sexual assault and he appeared before magistrate Abednico Ndebele.

Magistrate Ndebele remanded him in custody to October 11, 2021.

For the State, Vusumuzi Moyo narrated to the court that the incident occurred on September 24 and was subsequently reported to the police leading to Magonya’s arrest.

“On September 24 at around 9 PM Magonya proceeded to the minors house and asked him to escort him to his house and he agreed. The minor went with his young sister aged 10 and on the way, the Magonya promised to give the minor some money,” said Moyo.

“Upon arrival at his home, Magonya asked victim’s sister to go back home and collect a lunch box and she complied. Magonya entered his bedroom and he locked the security gate. Minor sat on the blankets and suddenly Magonya forcibly removed his shorts and made him lie facing upwards and mounted on top of him.”

The State further alleged that Magonya inserted his penis twice into the minor’s anus but the minor resisted due to the pain and he (Magonya) ejaculated on the minors t-shirt.
The matter came to light when the minor’s sister returned to Magonya’s home and heard her brother crying.

She ran back home and told her uncle who interviewed the minor and he narrated his ordeal leading to Magonya’s arrest.

• CITE

By A Correspondent- Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, has showered praises on President Mnangagwa, describing him as the “best boss” to ever work with.

Ncube, who was in the media on the allegation of having pent over US$200 000 of taxpayers’ money on hotel accommodation, told The Chronicle that he was convinced President Mnangagwa has the right qualities to lead the country.

“When I joined the Government (in 2018), I was invited by President E.D. Mnangagwa. In my view, I will say this, and for me, I speak from the heart, he is the best boss I have ever worked with and worked for,” said Ncube in a recent interview in Bulawayo.
“I think that it’s the leadership, he has the right qualities to lead and to lead others, and I also admire the way he interacts with those that he leads.
“He (President Mnangagwa) allows you to be creative, to contribute, to debate, to push back and he will accept in a very polite style and those are very good qualities of a leader.

“It’s never a good idea to give an opinion on any boss but for me, I thoroughly enjoy working with him, he is actually the best boss, that’s in terms of subordinate principal-boss relationship.”

By A Correspondent- Deputy Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson Emmanuel Magade has applied for reappointment following the expiry of his tenure.

Magade’s term of office expired together with that of another ZEC commissioner Dr Qhubani Moyo.

To fill in the two vacant positions Parliament of Zimbabwe has lined up 24 candidates for interviews tomorrow.

At least 47 nominations were received, and after analysing the credentials, Parliament’s Rules and Orders Committee to settle for 24 candidates.

By A Correspondent- Parliament of Zimbabwe has lined up 24 candidates for interviews to fill two posts at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

The interviews will be held tomorrow Friday.

The two positions became vacant following the expiry of the terms of ZEC deputy chairperson, Mr Emmanuel Magade and Dr Qhubani Moyo.

According to the list, Mr Magade will be seeking reappointment while Dr Moyo did not seek another term.

At least 47 nominations were received, and after analysing the credentials, Parliament’s Rules and Orders Committee to settled for 24 candidates.

By A Correspondent- The arrested journalists were covering a protest outside the ZEC provincial offices by MDC Alliance activists.

They are currently being held at Harare Central police station.

#BREAKING– MDC Alliance protesters and several journalists have been arrested outside ZEC provincial offices. The protesters were demonstrating against the unconstitutional exclusion of the MDC Alliance representatives from @ZECzim stakeholder meetings. Details to follow.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 30, 2021

The nine journalists arrested at ZEC offices are : Leo Munhede, Thomas Madhuku, Nyashadzashe Ndoro, Robert Tapfumaneyi, Marshal Bwanya, Gaddaffi Wells, Adrian Maratu, Tongai Mwenje & Tinashe Muringai.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 30, 2021

Press Statement

Thursday, 29 Sep 2021 11:27

We are concerned with the people of Zimbabwe are being treated as second class citizens by the government of Zimbabwe.

It now seems as Chinese foreign nationals now have rights to our natural resources more than us native Zimbabweans.

Our fellow brothers, sisters , mothers and fathers deserve to be considered for all investment opportunities in their communal lands ahead of the Chinese in Zimbabwe. Native Zimbabweans at the grassroots continue to be elbowed out of key wealth creation opportunities within the mining sector.

It seems like no one cares about how they feel about the development programs and processes that affect them on a personal basis when they are sidelined and denied opportunities. Their welfare and their health matters as it is highlighted in the constitution of Zimbabwe that everyone has got a right to health, ownership and safety.

We were saved from colonization and imperialism by unity and through unity we shall be saved from exploitation. We are concerned that the Chinese owned mining firm have struck a jackpot in Zimbabwe ‘s warren park area after being controversially granted authority to carry out their activities.

This is harzadous to the health of the people who are nearby residents. This causes structural damage to homes and also affects the environment as it is environmentally unfriendly. Chinese mining firms were also recently accused of displacing communities in Mutoko and Uzumba without clarity on compensation.

It is disappointing to get to grasp how the government doesn’t consider the needs of the people. The people who put their trust in them into power. These activities are also destroying wildlife sanctuaries in Hwange.

The collateral damage that makes Zimbabweans suffer as the government is paying a price to China for tackling the pandemic through vaccines and infrastructural development by sacrificing the health and livelihoods of the people is not fair.

We implore government to consult citizens of Zimbabwe before the rush to enter into deals that continue to impoverish and make our people destitute and helpless.

Any foreign direct investment should promote and upgrade the livelihoods of locals in the areas of investment.

They are at least supposed to do what they have agreed to do and not claim title to communal lands that belong to the people of Zimbabwe.

LEAD stands for justice and for the needs of the people.

We are the voice of the voiceless and we reiterate that no Zimbabwean should be considered last in any investment opportunities.

Let us put Zimbabwe and all Zimbabweans first.

EVERJOY CHIDINDI

LEAD Presidential Spokesperson

30-09-2021

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.

#DefyOrDie #RegisterToVoteZw #NgaapindeHakeMukomana

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Members of Parliament (MPs) are reportedly restless as their terms of office are coming to an end with the government yet to allocate stands promised to them.

We have government laws which say that we cannot just allocate people stands in bushes without any developments like sewers, roads or any servicing. We agreed that as Parliament, together with the Minister of Finance, money should be allocated for infrastructural development.

We need to look for land, and we agreed to carry out an exercise to ascertain whether there is land. We had another exercise with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Lands to determine whether there is land in different towns in Zimbabwe so that we fulfil these promises.

He added that the land is available but the challenge is infrastructural development and servicing of such land so that when the MPs are allocated a stand, they can get title deeds as required by the law

By A Correspondent- A couple that began to get steamy in their small Toyota Yaris were left embarrassed when they accidentally knocked the handbrake and were sent flipping down a hill.

A couple had to be embarrassingly rescued by police after their car flipped during a steamy vehicle encounter.

The randy pair were in the middle of a love-making session in their small Toyota Yaris when they accidentally knocked the handbrake.

In an unfortunate twist of passionate fate, the car ended up rolling down a hill and the couple were left in the vehicle flipped on its side.

Pictures released from Derbyshire Police, which have since gone viral, showed couple’s antics.

One of the shocking photos shows the car on its side in a secluded country road chosen from prying eyes.

The police account tweeted: “At an undisclosed location in Derbyshire the couple occupying this Yaris had parked up and were strengthening their relationship.

“Whilst doing so the handbrake has become disengaged and it rolled down a hill before flipping on its side.

“No injuries. #DriveToArrive”.

One said: “Please practice safe se_x and leave handbrake on.”

Another wrote: “Whoever came up with that one ‘strengthening their relationship’ brilliant!”

A third said: “When I said let’s try a different position, this isn’t what I meant.”

By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF Bulawayo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) has intensified preparations for the annual National People’s Conference set for next month in Mashonaland Central.

Emerging from a closed-door meeting in Bulawayo this Wednesday, the ZANU PF interim Provincial Secretary for Administration Cde Raymond Mutomba said they are ready for the conference, which will see some provincial delegates following proceedings virtually.

“As an organised party of choice, we received progress reports from sub-committees on how we have gone in preparing for the national people’s conference. We can assure our stakeholders that Bulawayo is almost ready for this important event,” said Raymond Mutomba, Zanu PF Bulawayo Interim Provincial Secretary for Administration.

Cde Mutomba said the PCC meeting also reviewed progress on the ongoing district elections which are expected to strengthen the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“As provincial leadership, we are reviewing the implementation of our internal democratic processes as we move forward with our party expansion agenda,” he said.

Zanu PF district structures are being elected through a secret ballot system to ensure fairness and effective representation.-zbc

By A Correspondent- A locally registered company, Dreams High Investments (Pvt) Ltd has been arraigned before the courts for violating the Exchange Control Act after it allegedly transferred more than $143 million to EcoCash agents.

Company representative Tinashe Paradise Magada (33), who is accused number two in the case, on Wednesday appeared before Harare magistrate Tranos Utawashe, who remanded him to this Thursday for bail ruling.

It is alleged that in February 2019, Magada decided to purchase foreign currency on the parallel market.

He went on to open a corporate bank account whose number is 1036879153 with Steward Bank in the name of Dreams High Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which is accused number one.

It is further alleged that Magada also registered an EcoCash bulk payer line number 0787 630 377 in his name and linked it to the said Steward Bank account.

Between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, Dreams High Investments received $143 669 348,32 from different companies and individuals through the aforementioned Steward Bank account.

Magada allegedly transferred the said funds into his EcoCash bulk payer line and further transferred them to various EcoCash agent lines owned by companies and individuals who then allegedly purchased forex on the parallel market on his behalf.

The State alleges that his actions were in violation of section 4(1)(a)(i) of the Exchange Control Regulations Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 and section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Exchange Control Act Chapter 22:05 on “Dealings in Currency”.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) banned Ecocash Agents in 2019 accusing them of fuelling money-laundering.

The journalists were arrested at @ZECzim Provincial offices.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) September 30, 2021

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has excluded the opposition MDC Alliance from its provisional consultations in provinces meant to discuss electoral developments saying they don’t know who the MDC Alliance is.

The commission is rolling out programmes to discuss the electoral concerns, the legal framework, the electoral cycle, voter registration, delimitation and the polling process in preparation for future elections.

An internal memo indicated that Zec was waiting for instructions from unnamed authorities regarding the MDC Alliance issue.

Speaking to NewsDay on Wednesday, Zec spokesperson commissioner Joyce Kazembe confirmed that the MDC Alliance was not invited.

She said:

We did not 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.

Now we don’t know who MDC Alliance is before the court’s final judgment, hence we could not invite MDC Alliance. We can’t acknowledge it until the court judgment. As it stands, we await the court judgment to be able to work with MDC Alliance, just like other political parties in Zimbabwe.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the development was confirmation that ZEC was partisan and serves the interests ZANU PF.

She added:

The MDC Alliance is the biggest political party in the nation. There is no lawful excuse for barring it from stakeholder engagement.

We are the only political party that has put forward an alternative Electoral Bill. In line with our reform agenda, we have published our principles for reliable, inclusive and credible elections in Zimbabwe as an alternative to the present electoral policies that do not bode well for democracy…

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu it was not for ZEC to determine who is and who is not a political party adding that barring the MDC Alliance makes Zec an interested party in the fights in the mainstream opposition.

He added that the latest “error” exposed Zec as unqualified to run elections in Zimbabwe, and called for its disbandment.

President @edmnangagwa has arrived for the official opening of the @zimagricsociety 111th Edition at the Harare Agricultural Show grounds. pic.twitter.com/XEck4JJd9V

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) September 30, 2021

1/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.

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 30, 2021

2/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.

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 30, 2021

3/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.

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 30, 2021

4/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.

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 30, 2021

Dictatorship,rigging of elections and Sanctions must go yesterday!

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 30, 2021