By A Correspondent- There was drama in Nkulumane suburb when one man almost killed his 14-year-old daughter by choking her after suspecting that she had lost her virgi_nity.
The minor was reportedly saved from Coolboy Sikhumbuzo Moyo’s grip by two men who were passing by.
After the incident, the girl’s grandmother, Naomi Ndlovu immediately applied for a protection order barring Moyo from physically and verbally abusing his daughter.
In Ndlovu’s application, the girl also took the opportunity to narrate the horrendous incident: “It was on 11 June 2021, at around 3pm when I was coming from the shops in the company of my friend when I met my father by the gate of our home.
We greeted him and he greeted us back then he immediately told my friend to go away and that he did not want to see her near me,” she said.
She added that as she was talking to her father he began twisting her arm, at the same time asking whether she was still a virg_in or not.
“I felt the pain and loosened myself from his grip and opened the gate trying to get into the yard, but he got hold of me again,” she said.
She said her father only released her when her grandmother intervened.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- A survey conducted by the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights has exposed that 18 out of the 21 ministries have websites.
“The survey results established that:18 out of 21 government ministries have websites; only 13 out of 21 government Ministries have their organogram on websites; of the 18 government Ministries with websites, only 1 did not list its email contacts and only 2 listed provincial email contacts,” reads the survey.
“Of the 21 ministries, 20 have Twitter Accounts; All the government Ministries had telephone numbers in their websites and only 4 provided provincial telephone contacts; Only 22% of the government Ministries provided mobile contacts in their websites; A total of 20 ministries have Facebook accounts but only 12 have active accounts with some not updated as from 2017 and All the ministries do not have whatsapp contacts on their websites.”
The survey state that the specific recommendations to individual government Ministries, the survey recommends that all government Ministries have updated websites and new digital media accounts.
“In websites of government ministries, the names of principals and senior leadership and their direct contacts should be displayed. Cellphone and WhatsApp contacts of key focal persons in the government Ministries be provided for in the websites,” reads the survey.
“It is anticipated that the implementation of these suggestions will enhance e-government, civic engagement, transparency and accountability in Zimbabwe thus aiding the protection and promotion of human rights and a strong social contract between government and its stakeholders.”
By Wilbert Mukori- When it comes to Zimbabwe’s rigged elections – it takes three to tango. The ruling party Zanu PF, the MDC opposition and the ordinary Zimbabweans have all played a part in historic fact that Zimbabwe has never ever held free, fair and credible elections. Never ever, so far!
“One man, one vote!” was the blacks’ rallying call in the fight to end white colonial oppression and exploitation.
Every black Rhodesian, as the country was called then, understood why they needed a vote; blacks were third class citizens whose economic and social needs were considered last after those of the first and second class citizens. As third class citizens, blacks had no political rights, notably no vote and thus no meaningful say in the governance of the country.
The blacks were the native of Rhodesia, not the white colonialists; this was the blacks’ ancestral land. How can they then be denying a meaningful say in the governance of their own ancestral land!
“One man, one vote!” was notion that was both simple and logical it is no surprise that it was universally embraced by all blacks in Zimbabwe and, indeed, all blacks in Africa.
“Seek ye first the political kingdom and all else will follow.” said one of Africa’s most illustrious Black Nationalist and philosopher, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
It is now 41 years after Zimbabwe gained her independence, marking the end of white colonial rule, and yet the country is yet to hold its first free, fair and credible elections. After 41 years, “One man, one vote!” and the right to having a meaningful say in the governance of the country still remains an aspiration. Why?
By the time Zimbabwe held her first elections where blacks were allowed to vote, Robert Mugabe and his fellow Zanu PF nationalists, had already decided they wanted independent Zimbabwe to be a one-party, Zanu PF, state. Zanu PF’s campaign message in the 1980 elections was that if the party did not win the elections, the bush war would continue.
Of course, the people voted to end the war. And, of course, that was the very antithesis of a free, fair and credible elections and a meaningful say in the governance of the country.
Mugabe launched the 1983 to 1987 Gukurahundi massacre whose primary purpose was to force the late Dr Joshua Nkomo and his PF Zapu party to join Zanu PF and thus setting the stage for the imposing of the de facto one-party dictatorship. On paper, the country was a multi-party democracy and so Zanu PF was obliged to hold regular elections, which the party rigged and won.
The 2008 elections have become a land make elections in that Zanu PF had to resort to blatant cheating and wanton violence, the worst the country had ever seen, to retain power.
“What was won by the gun cannot be undone by the ballot!” thundered Robert Mugabe, as the war veterans, the party militia and the thousands of Army, Police and CIO personal behind the wanton violence ran amok.
Robert Mugabe and now Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies have always viewed Zimbabwe as their country by conquest and they and they alone have the divine right to govern the country as they see fit. They could therefore never uphold “One man, one vote!” and its sanctimonious and uncompromising demand for “meaningful say” because it conflicted with their cherished goal of one-party state and no regime change!
By the late 1990s, it was clear to most Zimbabweans that as long as Zanu PF continues to enjoy the carte blanche dictatorial powers to rig elections, they, the ordinary people, will never have a meaningful say in the governance of the country. The national consensus was that the nation needed to implement democratic changes to stop Zanu PF rigging elections. The nation needed to restore “One man, one vote!”
Morgan Tsvangirai and his friends launched their political party in 1999 to ride on the popular demand for democratic change and it was no surprised they called the party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the understanding the party will deliver democratic change.
After 22 years, 5 of which in the 2008 to 2013 Government of National Unity (GNU), MDC has failed to implement even one token democratic change. Mugabe bribed Tsvangirai and company to forget the reforms during the GNU, when the country had its best chance ever to dismantle the Zanu PF dictatorship.
Ever since the 2008 to 2013 GNU MDC debacle and sell-out, the party has all but abandoned all hope of implementing any democratic reforms and deliver the long awaited “One man, one vote!” Chamisa and company cannot call for the implementation of democratic reforms without having to answer why they failed to implement even one reform when they had the golden chance to do so during the GNU.
Ever since the GNU Nelson Chamisa and his MDC friends have participated in flawed and illegal elections, knowing fully well that Zanu PF was rigging the elections, for the sake of the few gravy train seats Zanu PF was giving away to entice the opposition to participate. By participating the opposition is giving credibility to the flawed process and, by extension, give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy.
The people themselves have been their own worst enemy in that they have never taken the trouble to understand what it would take to guarantee “One man, one vote!” Ever since the national consensus on the need for democratic change; the people have repeated the MDC slogans calling for change without ever what the changes are much less how they would be implemented.
Of course, if the people knew what the democratic changes were, etc. then they would know the GNU was a golden opportunity to end the Zanu PF dictatorship and thus comprehend the full import of MDC’s betrayal. They would also understand the sheer folly of participating in these flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy.
As it is, the people have, at best, inkling the 2023 elections are not going to be free, fair and credible and still they are as keen as mustard to participate. They have bought into Nelson Chamisa and MDC A lie that the opposition has devised Winning In Rigged Elections (WIRE) strategies. All attempts to show these WIRE strategies are nothing but recycled arguments that have been tried and failed, have been dismissed with impatience and even hostility!
“All you ever talk about is rigged elections and the need to implement reforms! Talk about something different!” If I have heard that said once, I have heard it said a hundred thousand times!
An illustrative example straight out of children story of the buffoon who would not clean his ears. When he was stone-deaf and still he insisted there must be another cause and not ear wax although he had by then a mushroom stock sticking out of each ear like a tortoise emerging out of its shell!
You cannot have free, fair and credible elections, “One man, one vote!” and meaningful say in the governance of the country and still allow Zanu PF carte blanche dictatorial powers to rig the elections. The children’s story buffoon will never hear a sound as long as the tortoise wax dwell in his ears.
Free elections go with good governance as rigged elections go with bad governance and the two concepts are mutual exclusive!
Zimbabwe had failed to hold free, fair and credible elections because all the three key players in Zimbabwe politics; the ruling party Zanu PF, opposition MDC and the ordinary Zimbabweans themselves; have, disregarded “One man, one vote!” for selfish reason or have failed to fulfil its demands. All three have been found wanting for Zimbabwe to be a healthy and functioning democracy able to hold free, fair and credible elections.
From 1980 to 2008, Zimbabwe is de facto one party dictatorship. From 2013 to present it is still a de facto one party dictatorship masquerading as a multi-party democracy thanks to the opposition whose participation in flawed elections is giving the dictatorship democratic legitimacy. Both Zanu PF and MDC are benefiting from this marriage of convenience.
It is for the ordinary Zimbabweans to open their eyes, remove the tortoise wax out of their ears and learn what “One man, one vote!” means and what it will take to become a reality in Zimbabwe. Free elections, democracy and good governance demand an informed and diligent electorate not a naive and gullible one particularly when it was has to dismantle a ruthless autocracy like this Zanu PF dictatorship.
By A Correspondent- A Lower Gweru juvenile allegedly raped two sisters and three cousins aged between six and eight years, and ran away when the crimes were discovered.
The boy allegedly raped his two sisters aged seven and eight respectively as well as three cousins, one aged seven and the other two, six years.
Both the boy (15) and the complainants lived with their grandmother when the alleged rape incidents occurred.
According to a police memo from the Gweru Rural Police Station addressed to the officer commanding Gweru rural district, the boy disappeared after the alleged last rape incident on September 8.
It is alleged that on the day he disappeared at around 11pm at a plot in Lower Gweru, the 60-year-old granny heard the five minor girls making noise in their bedroom hut.
One of the children said she had screamed during a rape ordeal, waking the others up.
Upon being discovered, the juvenile took off and was never seen again.
The other children also narrated their ordeals at the hands of the juvenile.
On September 14, the granny went to Insukamini police base where she filed a report.
Two police constables took the girls to Gweru Provincial Hospital for medical examination.
The matter is being investigated under Gweru rural RRB number 4629720.
By A Correspondent- Health officials have engaged traditionalists and churches following reports that suspected goblins are se_xually abusing minor girls at Tsholotsho District Hospital, a development that has resulted in the community shunning the health facility for services.
Three staff members’ families who share a house within the hospital cottages are alleged to have been tormented by the goblins for the past two weeks.
Three minor girls staying at the house have reportedly been seeing “strange things” and each morning there would be blood stains on their privates.
Hospital authorities with the help of Tsholotsho Senator Cde Alice Dube, District Medical Officer Doctor Mbonisi Nyathi and the District Development Co-ordinator’s office have found alternative place of residence for the three girls at a guest house at the Tsholotsho Centre.
Dr Nyathi said hospital services have not been affected so far although some members of the public are now generally scared to visit the health facility.
“These things are confined to the three families living at that house and others are not affected. So far stakeholders and local leadership are helping and have engaged traditionalists while churches are also conducting prayer sessions,” he said.
Senator Dube said the minor girls need help.
“What’s happening is painful. I visited the hospital last Friday and the girls are really tormented, they need help. I saw it happening with my own eyes as one of the girls started screaming that it was tying her legs and we could see her being tied yet we couldn’t see the creature. We wait to hear from traditional leadership and we hope a solution will be found soon,” she said.
The goblins are said to be so daring such that at one point they tied one of the girls’ legs with some earphones code in full view of a crowd during a prayer session.
In another incident, the goblins allegedly locked one of the girls in a toilet and tied her hands with a string before gagging her and se_xually abusing her.
Community leaders have since sought assistance from churches and traditionalists with a cleansing prayer ceremony planned for Wednesday next week.
A group of Zionist prophets have been conducting prayer sessions at the hospital for the past few days.
A tsikamutanda who was engaged last week reportedly failed to exorcise them.
The suspected goblins have been throwing mostly kitchen utensils out of windows.
The Chronicle was told that the goblins followed the girls to the guest house and their families found a strange written warning note threatening to kill them if they are not returned to the house at the hospital.
The girls were then taken back to the hospital but have since gone back to the guest house after the intervention of prophets.
Chief Magama said:
“There is real trouble here. We have tried all avenues and we await to see what will happen. We have brought in church pastors and traditionalists but nothing has happened so far. A hospital is an important place for services hence we can’t have such things happening as this will disturb services. Zionists prophets have arranged a service on 29 September and we hope this will be solved,” said Chief Magama.
By A Correspondent- A 33 year old Mazowe Henderson Research security guard drowned yesterday at Mazowe dam where he was allegedly caught poaching fish by Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks) officials.
Martin Chisimba’s body was retrieved this afternoon by the police sub-aqua unit.
A witness who identified himself as Moto told a local publication that Chisimbe was illegally fishing in the dam using nets and a canoe when Parks officials approached him using a speed boat and he drowned after being told to go outside the dam.
“PARKS Officials who were using a speed boat approached the guard who was fish poaching and ordered him to go outside the dam and as they drove off Chisimbe drowned we are not sure if he drowned as a result of a splash of the wave from the boat or it was just fear.”
According to Parks and Wildlife Act the use of fishing nets without a permit is a criminal offense under section 85.
Returnees: 0 {High number of cases constituting 69% of cases reported today Mash East (26), Midlands (28), Manicaland (14) and Masvingo (48), Mat North (23), Bulawayo (1), Mash Central (89) are from outbreaks detected in schools}.
As of 22 September 2021, 01500hrs there were 103 hospitalised cases: New Admissions 4, Asymptomatic 23, mild to moderate 62, severe 24 and 4 in Intensive Care Units.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa said his party would get back everything it lost to a rival faction, including the party’s Morgan Richard Tsvangirai (MRT) headquarters.
He said the MDC Alliance did not react radically to the “illegal State-assisted” takeover of the party headquarters by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T faction because it wanted to give peace a chance.
Speaking in an interview with HSTV, Chamisa opened up on his relationship with Mwonzora, disclosing that he had to negotiate with Giles Mutsekwa to step down and pave way for his former secretary-general turned tormentor to be Senator for Manicaland after he begged him.
“If you have people getting open support from the State to take over illegally and criminally the headquarters of the party and of course, we are waiting for the Supreme Court to determine this issue, you know that kind of act is criminal, flagrant violation of the law,” Chamisa said.
“We have not responded in a radical manner because we want to give peace a chance, but we will get back everything that was taken away from the organisation.”
The MDC-T took over the MRT house last year with the aid of the military and armed police after a controversial Supreme Court ruling that declared Chamisa’s presidency of the opposition party illegal.
The MDC Alliance challenged the takeover of the party headquarters and the Supreme Court is still to make a determination.
Chamisa said he served Mwonzora embarrassment after he had lost primary polls to represent the people in Manicaland. Mwonzora, Chamisa said, begged him to accorded a senatorial position.
“I am the one who appointed Mwonzora on bended knees after he had failed to secure a seat as a Member of Parliament in Nyanga,” Chamisa said.
“He then came to me and said, look, Mr President, can you accommodate me on the list of proportional representatives in the Senate because I don’t have where I would serve the people of Zimbabwe from.
“I said fine, that’s fine, we had to convince Giles Mutsekwa in Manicaland because he was the one on the list after provincial consultations to actually step aside for Mwonzora because he was senior in the party.
Chamisa said he did the same for Morgen Komichi and Elias Mudzuri.
“They pretend as if they were parachuted from nowhere to be senators, we appointed them, but you know borrowed robes are very temporary, watch this space,” he said.
Referring to the 2014 congress held in Harare where Chamisa lost to Mwonzora for the secretary-general post, MDC Alliance said the MDC-T leader never won against him.
“Which election, we don’t want to go into it. They know what they did in 2014 when they claimed they won. I don’t want to speak ill of the dead,” Chamisa said.
“They know what they did, including the role of the State. They released money at night without following procedure from CBZ and the Reserve Bank and that money was released to some people in the party as a way of stopping Chamisa. This project of trying to fight the people’s representatives started way back.”
Chamisa said after his defeat to Mwonzora, he had talks with Tsvangirai over the issue.
He said Zanu PF had always targeted the MDC for infiltration.
“I have said that because we are a big organisation, the bigger the size, the bigger the risks and hazards of infiltration, an elephant will always have an elephant of problems, a rat will always have a rat’s problems. Size determines the size of your challenges,” Chamisa said
By A Correspondent- Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Bulawayo businessman Mr Bevan Peters in January this year.
Mr Peters, the owner of Peter’s Bargain Centre, was attacked by Clever Dube (29) of Pumula suburb, Brian Mutandwa (22) and Jabulani Ngwenya (25) both from Entumbane suburb and they got away with US$12 000 and two gold watches.
On Saturday police received a tip-off that Dube was the one who went with his team to the Bellevue suburb where they killed Mr Peters and stole his money. Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Inspector Abedinico Ncube said:
Police reacted to the tip-off and managed to arrest the accused person who admitted that they committed the offence. Dube implicated the other three as his accomplices and two were arrested in their houses.
The trio admitted that they robbed and killed the now deceased.
It is reported that Dube, Mutandwa and Ngwenya entered Mr Peters’ house using the kitchen entrance and struck him with a golf stick on his head and they dragged him into a corridor where they killed him.
They went to Mr Peters bedroom where they opened his fitted wardrobe and stole his money, cellphone and a watch and left him for dead in his corridor.
Mr Peters was found dead by his friend, facing upwards, blood oozing from one side of the head and his legs and hands were tied with a rope.
Neighbours made a report to the police, who took the body to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for post-mortem.
Police expressed gratitude to members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest of the accused persons and appealed for information on the whereabouts of the fourth accused person Thembani Ncube.
By A Correspondent- Zimeye Twitter Spaces will tonight feature the National Constitutional Assembly President Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
The meeting will be at 730PM-930PM and Professor Madhuku will be addressing the following issues:
-Transformation of the National Constitutional Assembly to a political party -NCA relationship with MDC (as a founding partner). -NCA relations with the government given its history with the late President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF, NCA’s position on POLAD.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has declared the former Public Service Commission chairman, Mariyawanda Nzuwah, a national hero.
Nzuwa died in Harare on Tuesday.
He was 68.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe announced the conferment of the status on Nzuwah.
“I have received the message that Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah has been declared a national hero,” said Minister Kazembe in a brief statement.
Nzuwah succeeded Mr Malcolm Thompson in 1992 as chairperson of the then Civil Service Commission and served for 26 years before his retirement in 2018, making him the longest-serving member of the Commission.
By A Correspondent- Police said they had arrested 50 301 people under an operation aimed at fighting cross border crimes and 48 235 others under an operation targeting illegal mining activities.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police would continue to intensify efforts to apprehend suspects under these operations.
The two operations were launched in January as part of efforts to contain cases of smuggling and border jumping that are rampant in the country as well as illegal mining activities and violence being caused by machete gangs.
“There is an operation which is ongoing where we have deployed our personnel to man all the country’s points of entry and exit. We have also increased patrols in mining areas. As at 20 September we had arrested 50 301 since operation, ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe,’ began in January 2021,” he said.
“We also arrested 48 235 people under the operation, ‘Chikorokoza Ngachipere/ Isitsheketsha Kasiphele’ and No To Machete Gangs. “
He urged members of the public to alert the police whenever crimes are being committed.
Government continues to lose millions of dollars in potential revenue as unrelenting smugglers and border jumpers continue to defy Covid-19 lockdown regulations by escalating their illegal activities. With borders closed many traders have resorted to smuggling their goods into the country for sale.
Illegal crossing points are used as major conduits for smuggling goods in and out of the country such as cigarettes, beer, groceries and household property among other commercial goods.
The country also continues to record cases of violence in mining areas caused by machete gangs. The gangs will be targeting miners intending to rob them while in some instances the violence is caused by tensions among rival mining groups. Chronicle
By A Correspondent- The High Court reinstated MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and five other former PDP officials as MPs recalled from parliament early this year by MDC-T.
The high court ruled that the six’s recall from parliament by Mwonzora was null and void.
Biti who was in 2018 elected the Harare East legislator was together with other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) parliamentarians recalled in Parliament in March this year.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said he had received notice from the PDP recalling Biti and several other opposition lawmakers.
In April, Justice Amy Tsanga ruled that Benjamin Rukanda, the man who initiated the recall of Biti, William Madzimure of Kambuzuma, Settlement Chikwinya — Mbizo, Kucaca Ivumile Phulu — Nkulumane, Sichelesile Mahlangu — Pumula and Regai Tsunga — Mutasa South was not a legitimate member of the PDP.
Rukanda then appealed against the order by Justice Amy Tsanga but the appeal was dismissed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi who found that it failed to comply with the rules.
Mwonzora has been recalling MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors since the March 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis which observed that Nelson Chamisa had violated the party’s constitution to attain the presidency.
MDC Alliance accuses the ruling Zanu PF of orchestrating the recalls to weaken the opposition party.
THE United States of (US) embassy in Harare yesterday criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government over continued suspension of by-elections, arguing that elections could be held safely despite the COVID-19 pandemic as has been proven in other African countries.
Government banned elections early last year, citing the COVID-19 outbreak, but critics accuse Mnangagwa of using the pandemic to asphyxiate the MDC Alliance while propping up the smaller MDC-T faction led by Douglas Mwonzora, which is seen as a Zanu PF proxy.
But government officials reacted angrily to the call, and accused the superpower of disrespect and interference in the affairs of a sovereign State.
The US embassy noted that the suspension had left 754 000 people in 26 constituencies with no representation in Parliament, after recalls of the legislators aligned to the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance party by MDC-T.
The purges also affected over 80 councillors, paralysing operations of some local authorities.
Posting on Twitter yesterday, the US embassy questioned why Zimbabwe continued to suspend by-elections when other countries allowed the running of polls.
“When will the Zimbabwean government resume by-elections? Long-standing parliamentary vacancies have left over 754 000 voters in 26 constituencies without elected representation. Only by-elections will restore these citizens’ rights to representation,” the US embassy said.
“Many countries have held elections despite the pandemic, including Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, and the United States, demonstrating that COVID-19-safe elections are possible. We are confident Zimbabwe can do the same #ZimsSafetoVote #ZimVotesMatter.”
In response, Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said the US consulate was being “disrespectful” to the Zimbabwean government by publicly taking it to task over holding of by-elections.
“Surely, the US embassy knows where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located,” Mangwana responded on Twitter.
“Should there be a need for a conversation on this subject, you can easily engage them and get a briefing. These highly inflammatory tweets are as disrespectful as they are unnecessary.”
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha told NewsDay that: “We are not scared of the by-elections. We are a political party and the decision on when to hold the elections lies (with) Zec.
“No political party dares us, because we have become stronger than ever. I am currently at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair at our party stand, where queues for new members who want to join our party are winding. We have also seen defections of several members from (opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson) Chamisa’s party to Zanu PF, proving our party to be strong. Therefore, even if the elections are to be held today, we are confident of our victory.”
Government has, however, on several occasions eased lockdown restrictions, in the process allowing the resumption of normal business operations under strict COVID-19 protocols.- NewsDay
THE United States of (US) embassy in Harare yesterday criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government over continued suspension of by-elections, arguing that elections could be held safely despite the COVID-19 pandemic as has been proven in other African countries.
Government banned elections early last year, citing the COVID-19 outbreak, but critics accuse Mnangagwa of using the pandemic to asphyxiate the MDC Alliance while propping up the smaller MDC-T faction led by Douglas Mwonzora, which is seen as a Zanu PF proxy.
But government officials reacted angrily to the call, and accused the superpower of disrespect and interference in the affairs of a sovereign State.
The US embassy noted that the suspension had left 754 000 people in 26 constituencies with no representation in Parliament, after recalls of the legislators aligned to the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance party by MDC-T.
The purges also affected over 80 councillors, paralysing operations of some local authorities.
Posting on Twitter yesterday, the US embassy questioned why Zimbabwe continued to suspend by-elections when other countries allowed the running of polls.
“When will the Zimbabwean government resume by-elections? Long-standing parliamentary vacancies have left over 754 000 voters in 26 constituencies without elected representation. Only by-elections will restore these citizens’ rights to representation,” the US embassy said.
“Many countries have held elections despite the pandemic, including Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, and the United States, demonstrating that COVID-19-safe elections are possible. We are confident Zimbabwe can do the same #ZimsSafetoVote #ZimVotesMatter.”
In response, Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said the US consulate was being “disrespectful” to the Zimbabwean government by publicly taking it to task over holding of by-elections.
“Surely, the US embassy knows where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located,” Mangwana responded on Twitter.
“Should there be a need for a conversation on this subject, you can easily engage them and get a briefing. These highly inflammatory tweets are as disrespectful as they are unnecessary.”
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha told NewsDay that: “We are not scared of the by-elections. We are a political party and the decision on when to hold the elections lies (with) Zec.
“No political party dares us, because we have become stronger than ever. I am currently at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair at our party stand, where queues for new members who want to join our party are winding. We have also seen defections of several members from (opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson) Chamisa’s party to Zanu PF, proving our party to be strong. Therefore, even if the elections are to be held today, we are confident of our victory.”
Government has, however, on several occasions eased lockdown restrictions, in the process allowing the resumption of normal business operations under strict COVID-19 protocols.- NewsDay
Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has apologised to his Aston Villa team mates, technical staff and supporters after he missed a penalty, which saw his team exit the Carabao Cup against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation time in which the Zimbabwean played a full game, Nakamba’a spot kick was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Aston Villa eventually lost game 4-3 in a penalty lottery after Ashley Young also missed.
Nakamba took to Twitter to say sorry, but was quick point out that he will learn from it.
The penalty set back aside, Nakamba enjoyed a good game.
“I would like to apologise to all my team mates, coaching staff and most of all the fans who I have let down tonight. Be rest assured that I will learn from this mistake and come back stronger,” Nakamba said.
He will be hoping that he can make the starting line up when they travel to Old Trafford for a date with Manchester United in a league match tomorrow.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has today called for the lifting of illegal sanctions imposed by the West on Zimbabwe saying they are crippling the country’s economy.
“We call for the lifting of the sanctions that paralyse Zimbabwe and its economy,” said President Ramaphosa in his address to the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th session.
President Ramaphosa’s call comes as SADC prepares to commemorate the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity day set for October 25.
Speaking during this week’s post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said that the anti-sanctions drive by SADC as a region over the past two years has rallied more support for the country, even from non-SADC countries. Herald
List of highest-earning players of 2021 released Forbes has released the list of highest-earning players of the 2021/22 season, with Cristiano Ronaldo surpassing long time rival Lionel Messi as the world’s highest-paid football player.
Ronaldo will earn $125 million before taxes in the campaign, with $70 million coming from salary and bonus. The earnings were boosted by his recent transfer to Manchester United from Juventus.
Messi follows in second with a total of $110m while Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah rounds out the top five.
In total, the top ten highest-paid players will collect pretax earnings of $585 million this season, up from last year’s $570 million.
Forbes’ top 10 highest earners in football
Player Club Total Earnings (2021/22) Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United $125m
EIGHT (8) gold panners who were recently arrested while searching for gold along the Mazowe River, at Dillion farm, Shamva have been fined $40 000 each by a Bindura Magistrate.
The suspects appeared in court this week. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the developments.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of eight suspects who were found mining alluvial gold along the Mazowe River, at Dillion farm, Shamva. The suspects have since appeared before Bindura Magistrate where they were sentenced to a fine of $40 000 each.
Meanwhile, police arrested 80 people across the country for engaging in illegal mining activities.
So far 48 235 arrests have been made under the operation, Chikorokoza Ngachipere/ Isitsheketsha Kasiphele and No To Machete Gangs.
In September last year, gangs armed with machetes and knobkerries resurfaced countrywide, targeting mines and individuals keeping large amounts of cash, prompting police to relaunch “Operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere” and “No to Machete-Wielding Gangs.”
This came a few months just after police had restored order in mining areas after taking on the gangs, arresting large numbers and thwarting a wave of violence.
The violence had claimed the lives of several people and left many injured.
Criminal activities by the marauding gangs of machete attackers have seen reports of murder, rape, assault, housebreaking and stock theft.- Herald
A 33-YEAR-OLD Mazowe Henderson Research security guard drowned yesterday at Mazowe dam where he was allegedly caught poaching fish by Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks) officials.
Martin Chisimba’s body was retrieved this afternoon by the police sub-aqua unit.
A witness who identified himself as Moto told Bulawayo24.com that Chisimbe was illegally fishing in the dam using nets and a canoe when Parks officials approached him using a speed boat and he drowned after being told to go outside the dam.
“PARKS Officials who were using a speed boat approached the guard who was fish poaching and ordered him to go outside the dam and as they drove off Chisimbe drowned we are not sure if he drowned as a result of a splash of the wave from the boat or it was just fear.”
According to Parks and Wildlife Act the use of fishing nets without a permit is a criminal offense under section 85.- Bulawayo24
Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken former Zanu PF MP for Chivi South Killer Zivhu has declared that President Chamisa will remain popular despite desperate attempts by detractors to pull him down.
Zivhu who does not hide his admiration for President Chamisa, believes the so called new party registered as Citizens Convergence for Change is insignificant.
“Goodnight Guys the Zimbabwe you want God will deliver it to you Zimbabweans nenzira ichakushamisayi mose…”
Zivhu added: “Kkkkk ndaseka zvangu hanzi kwava ne CCC Party zvingamisa Chamisa here izvozvo , chero akatanga Party inonzi January to December Party as long ari Chamisa Leader wacho.inongotanga ne over 2 million members.”
Tinashe Sambiri|Mwenezi villagers have accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of lying to them only to buy loyalty.
Writing on behalf of Mwenezi community, Timoth Muswere said Mr Mnangagwa must resign as he has failed to abide by his promises.
See full letter below: For so long a time we have endured your brutality through the state apparatus.
It’s high time now you must confess, repent and resgn!! A citizen justice procedure upon you won’t leave you alive. Just accept the request and vacate the office.
Mwenezi have always been your party’s hunting ground surely you rigged easier in Mwenezi than in Harare. You threatened us more for your own advantage than anwere else. Zvemakaranga mantra would haunt you one day. Turn Pee neshuro Road needs vast rehabilitation obviously Tarred road. You promised this directly , previously and indirectly my request now is please you have failed to get up to the task. Simply step down and even the Gukurahundi issue would not haunt you.
Mwenezi is innocent, what have we done to deserve this rampant oppression and fake promises.
Tajamuka,tapepuka tayeuka let me say it clearly in your mother languange. If you want to get further explanation I would be always available for you to answer .
Mwenezi just need to breath and you have suffocated us enough. Land reform came, yes big fishes took well developed farms and a few poor peasants got the 8 hacter stands in areas with no water,no road network, no communication. Waaal Rambai makashinga but the bones of Mbuya Nehanda would resurrect from the grave. Don’t take us for a ride nor for granted . We are fully Zimbabweans and we pay tax.
I would appreciate it if this letter reaches out to you with pleasure and would be patiently waiting for your reply or response .
Timoth Muswere Disgruntled Mwenezi Resident under Chief Negari*
By Own Correspondent | Widows of the late Martin Gumbura say they will not love any man because they are still attached to their late husband.
This comes after one prophet-cum-magician Isaac Makomichi said Gumbura widows must contact him on his number +263777469342 for prayers to get love charms.
Last month Makomichi addressed several media houses claiming he wanted to help the widows get married again.
The pastor is known for performing controversial miracles…
His followers claim he filled dry wells with water and can make people rich through his so called green powder.
However, sceptical believers describe him as a magician not a prophet.
Gumbura widows turned down Makomichi’s invitation.
“We are not going there, we don’t love any man and we will remain loyal to our late husband forever. Makomichi must leave us alone and focus on his church. We don’t judge him and we don’t even want to see him as well, we have heard a lot about him but we were shocked when he instructed us to get married again.
We didn’t even take his number, it’s not like we want to humiliate him but the thing is we still love our late husband,” Said one lady who identified herself as herself as one of Gumbura’s widows.
Some church leaders doubt the source of Makomichi powers and they accuse him of using secret powers to confuse people.
More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds. 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally. Every year 703 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally in 2019.
Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, over 77% of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2019.
Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.
Who is at risk? While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
Methods of suicide It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms.
Knowledge of the most commonly used suicide methods is important to devise prevention strategies which have shown to be effective, such as restriction of access to means of suicide.
Prevention and control Suicides are preventable. There are a number of measures that can be taken at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. LIVE LIFE, WHO’s approach to suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:
limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide; foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours., These need to go hand-in-hand with the following foundational pillars: situation analysis, multisectoral collaboration, awareness raising, capacity building, financing, surveillance and monitoring and evaluation.
Suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.
Challenges and obstacles Stigma and taboo Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. To date, only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy.
Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide.
Data quality Globally, the availability and quality of data on suicide and suicide attempts is poor. Only some 80 Member States have good-quality vital registration data that can be used directly to estimate suicide rates. This problem of poor-quality mortality data is not unique to suicide, but given the sensitivity of suicide – and the illegality of suicidal behaviour in some countries – it is likely that under-reporting and misclassification are greater problems for suicide than for most other causes of death.
Improved surveillance and monitoring of suicide and suicide attempts is required for effective suicide prevention strategies. Cross-national differences in the patterns of suicide, and changes in the rates, characteristics and methods of suicide, highlight the need for each country to improve the comprehensiveness, quality and timeliness of their suicide-related data. This includes vital registration of suicide, hospital-based registries of suicide attempts and nationally-representative surveys collecting information about self-reported suicide attempts.
WHO response WHO recognizes suicide as a public health priority. The first WHO World Suicide Report “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”, published in 2014, aims to increase the awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts and to make suicide prevention a high priority on the global public health agenda. It also aims to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach.
Suicide is one of the priority conditions in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) launched in 2008, which provides evidence-based technical guidance to scale up service provision and care in countries for mental, neurological and substance use disorders. In the WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, WHO Member States have committed themselves to working towards the global target of reducing the suicide rate in countries by one third by 2030.
In addition, the suicide mortality rate is an indicator of target 3.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals: by 2030, to reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
The government has resolved to keep schools open despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in some schools since early this month.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet noted that the increase in infections was insignificant to warrant schools closure.
In a post-Cabinet Press briefing on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said: The meeting, however, noted that out of a total school enrolment of 4,6 million, the number of COVID-19 positive cases detected is insignificant. All cases are being well-managed in line with the standard guidelines for the co-ordinated prevention and management of COVID-19 at all learning institutions in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, most cases among learners are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. Accordingly, Cabinet resolved that schools will remain open. Learners, who are isolated, will be provided with alternative learning platforms.
A number of schools have been hit by COVID-19 infections, with teachers claiming the government prematurely reopened schools before creating a conducive environment in learning institutions.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said the government had resolved to enhance surveillance and contact tracing at schools and the surrounding communities and to increase on-site COVID-19 testing of all suspected cases.
The government will also restrict movement into and out of the schools affected until the outbreaks have been controlled. She added that there will be vaccination of all eligible populations in schools and also in the surroundings.- NewsDay
By A Correspondent- Three men, who are suspected of having robbed and killed Bulawayo businessman Mr Bevan Peters, have been arrested.
Mr Peters, the owner of Peter’s Bargain Centre, was attacked by Clever Dube (29) of Pumula suburb, Brian Mutandwa (22) and Jabulani Ngwenya (25) both from Entumbane suburb and they got away with US$12 000 and two gold watches.
He was murdered in his house in Bellevue suburb in January this year.
On Saturday police received a tip-off that Dube was the one who went with his team to Bellevue suburb where they killed Mr Peters and stole his money. “Police reacted to the tip-off and managed to arrest the accused person who admitted that they committed the offence. Dube implicated the other three as his accomplices and two were arrested in their houses,” said Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Inspector Abedinico Ncube. They all admitted that they robbed and killed the now deceased. Dube, Mutandwa and Ngwenya entered Mr Peters house using the kitchen entrance and struck him with a golf stick on his head and they dragged him into a corridor where they killed him.
The trio went to Mr Peters bedroom where they opened his fitted wardrobe and stole his money, cellphone and a watch and left him for dead in his corridor. Mr Peters was found dead by his friend, facing upwards, blood oozing from one side of the head and his legs and hands were tied with a rope. Neighbours made a report to the police, who took the body to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for post-mortem. Police expressed gratitude to members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest of the accused persons. “Police would like to thank members of the public for providing us with vital information that led to the arrest of the three accused persons. We are also appealing for anyone with information that can assist on the arrest of the fourth accused person Thembani Ncube to contact any nearest police station,” said Insp Ncube. It was reported that Mr Peters used to take care of old people in Bellevue suburb by paying their bills and sometimes throwing parties for them during holidays.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance has retained its six parliamentary seats, which it had lost after Douglas Mwozora had recalled the MPs from parliament.
Chamisa’s MDC Alliance regained the seat Thursday after the High Court reinstated MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and five other former PDP officials as MPs.
The high court ruled that the six’s recall from parliament by Mwonzora was null and void.
Biti who was in 2018 elected the Harare East legislator was together with other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) parliamentarians recalled in Parliament in March this year.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said he had received notice from the PDP recalling Biti and several other opposition lawmakers.
In April, Justice Amy Tsanga ruled that Benjamin Rukanda, the man who initiated the recall of Biti, William Madzimure of Kambuzuma, Settlement Chikwinya — Mbizo, Kucaca Ivumile Phulu — Nkulumane, Sichelesile Mahlangu — Pumula and Regai Tsunga — Mutasa South was not a legitimate member of the PDP.
Rukanda then appealed against the order by Justice Amy Tsanga but the appeal was dismissed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi who found that it failed to comply with the rules.
Mwonzora has been recalling MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors since the March 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis which observed that Nelson Chamisa had violated the party’s constitution to attain the presidency.
MDC Alliance accuses the ruling Zanu PF of orchestrating the recalls to weaken the opposition party.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance has retained its six parliamentary seats, which it had lost after Douglas Mwozora had recalled the MPs from parliament.
Chamisa’s MDC Alliance regained the seat Thursday after the High Court reinstated MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and five other former PDP officials as MPs.
The high court ruled that the six’s recall from parliament by Mwonzora was null and void.
Biti who was in 2018 elected the Harare East legislator was together with other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) parliamentarians recalled in Parliament in March this year.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said he had received notice from the PDP recalling Biti and several other opposition lawmakers.
In April, Justice Amy Tsanga ruled that Benjamin Rukanda, the man who initiated the recall of Biti, William Madzimure of Kambuzuma, Settlement Chikwinya — Mbizo, Kucaca Ivumile Phulu — Nkulumane, Sichelesile Mahlangu — Pumula and Regai Tsunga — Mutasa South was not a legitimate member of the PDP.
Rukanda then appealed against the order by Justice Amy Tsanga but the appeal was dismissed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi who found that it failed to comply with the rules.
Mwonzora has been recalling MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors since the March 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis which observed that Nelson Chamisa had violated the party’s constitution to attain the presidency.
MDC Alliance accuses the ruling Zanu PF of orchestrating the recalls to weaken the opposition party.
By A Correspondent- Police in Chipinge have failed to account for US$23 940 that they seized as an exhibit in a fraud case.
The complainant, Desire Tevera, said he made fruitless efforts to recover his money over the past 15 months prompting him to approach the High Court.
He cited Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga as a first respondent while Detective Sergeant Madhibha and an officer commanding Chipinge CID were, cited as second and third respondents.
Court papers show that Tevera was arrested last year in Chipinge but the state, however, failed to prosecute him within the 21 days as stipulated by the law.
He was later told that he was no longer a suspect in the case but could not be given back his bag containing the money and his mobile phone which was being kept by the police as exhibits.
He said: On the 5th of April 2020, police officers in Chipinge from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) seized and took possession of my money being US$23 940. The police alleged verbally to me that my money was in connection with a fraud case. I had anticipated that I was going to be summoned to court or I was going to be advised of trial date. I made several attempts to get clearer details and it came as a surprise when police officers advised me that I was now required to appear as a witness in a case of fraud.
He said that he realised that he had been turned from being an accused person into a witness which means the police had no case against him. The matter is yet to be heard.
By A Correspondent- Zimeye Twitter Spaces will Friday host the National Constitutional Assembly President Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
The meeting will be at 730PM-930PM and Professor Madhuku will be addressing the following issues:
-Transformation of the National Constitutional Assembly to a political party -NCA relationship with MDC (as a founding partner). -NCA relations with the government given its history with the late President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF, NCA’s position on POLAD.
By A Correspondent- The High Court has thrown the MDC-T leader under the bus after dismissing his decision to recall six MDC Alliance MPs from Parliament.
On Thursday, the High Court reinstated MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and five other former PDP officials as MPs.
The high court ruled that the six’s recall from parliament by Mwonzora was null and void.
Biti who was in 2018 elected the Harare East legislator was together with other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) parliamentarians recalled in Parliament in March this year.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said he had received notice from the PDP recalling Biti and several other opposition lawmakers.
In April, Justice Amy Tsanga ruled that Benjamin Rukanda, the man who initiated the recall of Biti, William Madzimure of Kambuzuma, Settlement Chikwinya — Mbizo, Kucaca Ivumile Phulu — Nkulumane, Sichelesile Mahlangu — Pumula and Regai Tsunga — Mutasa South was not a legitimate member of the PDP.
Rukanda then appealed against the order by Justice Amy Tsanga but the appeal was dismissed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi who found that it failed to comply with the rules.
Mwonzora has been recalling MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors since the March 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis which observed that Nelson Chamisa had violated the party’s constitution to attain the presidency.
MDC Alliance accuses the ruling Zanu PF of orchestrating the recalls to weaken the opposition party.
By A Correspondent- MDC-T of Douglas Mwozora Thursday suffered a significant blow after the High Court reinstated MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and five other former PDP officials as MPs.
The high court ruled that the six’s recall from parliament by Mwonzora was null and void.
Biti who was in 2018 elected the Harare East legislator was together with other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) parliamentarians recalled in Parliament in March this year.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said he had received notice from the PDP recalling Biti and several other opposition lawmakers.
In April, Justice Amy Tsanga ruled that Benjamin Rukanda, the man who initiated the recall of Biti, William Madzimure of Kambuzuma, Settlement Chikwinya — Mbizo, Kucaca Ivumile Phulu — Nkulumane, Sichelesile Mahlangu — Pumula and Regai Tsunga — Mutasa South was not a legitimate member of the PDP.
Rukanda then appealed against the order by Justice Amy Tsanga but the appeal was dismissed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi who found that it failed to comply with the rules.
Mwonzora has been recalling MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors since the March 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis which observed that Nelson Chamisa had violated the party’s constitution to attain the presidency.
MDC Alliance accuses the ruling Zanu PF of orchestrating the recalls to weaken the opposition party.
SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has apologised for the heated exchange of words he had with his AmaZulu counterpart Benni McCarthy during a DStv Premiership clash between the two sides last week.
The two coaches were in a heated exchange in the dugout, with McCarthy caught on camera yelling at Tembo.
The Zimbabwean has broken silence on the issue and apologised.
“Us as coaches we have an obligation to lead by example. I think on my part its one area where I’d like to apologise for whatever happened there,” he said on SAFM’s Sport On.
“I think the other party has been the one little bit talking more than me, but at the same time when we want to lead by example we need to show a little bit of class in terms of how we handle ourself.
“So on behalf of myself and the club, I’d like to apologise of whatever happened there. Because it’s very key for us as coaches. I don’t think as coaches we should be caught in a situation whereby we exchange in words like that.
“But I think we should be putting those behind us and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Make sure we do well for the image of South African football,” added Tembo. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By Cheriel Dzobo| As the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns hit hard on Zimbabwe and the rest of the world, women in Chipinge have turned to stokvel and societies to escape from poverty and hunger.
Results of a survey conducted in Machona village, Chisumbanje ward 26 of Chipinge South, lockdowns have seriously affected women enterprises due to low economic activity.
In an interview a number of women including single mothers and widows, life has become harder as a result of COVID-19 induced lockdowns.
The situation was worsened by arbitrary displacements of villagers from their communal lands at the instigation of Green Fuel, a giant ethanol production company operating in Chisumbanje.
Ruramai a mother of three lamented that her situation was worsened when she lost her spouse.
“Ma lockdowns aya andirwadza hupenyu hwakaoma , nekuda kweCovid kufamba ndichitengesa hakuchaite zvachose dei ndiine munda ndaiita zvekurima zvangu but azvichakwanisike takatorerwa munda ngeve Green Fuel ava, raramo nevana yakurwadza kunyanya ndirindega kudai seshirikadzi, ” she lamented
A group of 12 women in Chisumbanje have since created #SHANDAUGUTE# a Stokvel project they use to generate money to use to jumpstart each other in their businesses.
“ I am a widow and when my husband passed on my children were so young yet when my husband was alive we were farmers and we survived from it, Green Fuel took my 16 hectares and I was so depressed, so I started selling but that was affected by COVID 19 restrictions,.
We then thought of ways of empowering each other, so we formed Stokvel groups which helped us to buy what we lacked,” said Vengai Mazowe from Chisumbanje.
”#SHANDAUGUTE yakandisimudzira semunhukadzi ndaiva ndisina kana mudziyo wemumba zvawo zvakare ndakadzidzawo kuchengetedza zvinhu,” said another Stokvel member Edna Ndlovu.
Tendiwe Peni from Machona village in Chisumbanje said they were trained and empowered by a local community based organisation Platform for Youth and Community Development Trust on how to run Stokvel groups, something she said has been a game changer in her struggles to make ends meet.
More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds. 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally. Every year 703 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally in 2019.
Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, over 77% of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2019.
Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.
Who is at risk? While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
Methods of suicide It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms.
Knowledge of the most commonly used suicide methods is important to devise prevention strategies which have shown to be effective, such as restriction of access to means of suicide.
Prevention and control Suicides are preventable. There are a number of measures that can be taken at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. LIVE LIFE, WHO’s approach to suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:
limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide; foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours., These need to go hand-in-hand with the following foundational pillars: situation analysis, multisectoral collaboration, awareness raising, capacity building, financing, surveillance and monitoring and evaluation.
Suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.
Challenges and obstacles Stigma and taboo Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. To date, only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy.
Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide.
Data quality Globally, the availability and quality of data on suicide and suicide attempts is poor. Only some 80 Member States have good-quality vital registration data that can be used directly to estimate suicide rates. This problem of poor-quality mortality data is not unique to suicide, but given the sensitivity of suicide – and the illegality of suicidal behaviour in some countries – it is likely that under-reporting and misclassification are greater problems for suicide than for most other causes of death.
Improved surveillance and monitoring of suicide and suicide attempts is required for effective suicide prevention strategies. Cross-national differences in the patterns of suicide, and changes in the rates, characteristics and methods of suicide, highlight the need for each country to improve the comprehensiveness, quality and timeliness of their suicide-related data. This includes vital registration of suicide, hospital-based registries of suicide attempts and nationally-representative surveys collecting information about self-reported suicide attempts.
WHO response WHO recognizes suicide as a public health priority. The first WHO World Suicide Report “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”, published in 2014, aims to increase the awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts and to make suicide prevention a high priority on the global public health agenda. It also aims to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach.
Suicide is one of the priority conditions in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) launched in 2008, which provides evidence-based technical guidance to scale up service provision and care in countries for mental, neurological and substance use disorders. In the WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, WHO Member States have committed themselves to working towards the global target of reducing the suicide rate in countries by one third by 2030.
In addition, the suicide mortality rate is an indicator of target 3.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals: by 2030, to reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken former Zanu PF MP for Chivi South Killer Zivhu has declared that President Chamisa will remain popular despite desperate attempts by detractors to pull him down.
Zivhu who does not hide his admiration for President Chamisa, believes the so called new party registered as Citizens Convergence for Change is insignificant.
“Goodnight Guys the Zimbabwe you want God will deliver it to you Zimbabweans nenzira ichakushamisayi mose…”
Zivhu added: “Kkkkk ndaseka zvangu hanzi kwava ne CCC Party zvingamisa Chamisa here izvozvo , chero akatanga Party inonzi January to December Party as long ari Chamisa Leader wacho.inongotanga ne over 2 million members.”
#BREAKING– The High Court has reinstated as MPs MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and 5 other former PDP officials. The judge ruled that their recall was null and void pic.twitter.com/FpkClL7MsO
#BREAKING– The High Court has reinstated as MPs MDC Alliance vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti and 5 other former PDP officials. The judge ruled that their recall was null and void pic.twitter.com/FpkClL7MsO
By A Correspondent- In a sarcastic tweet, social media user Shefu Mari mocked ZBC TV for “winning” the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)’s Best Television award.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 2021 ZITF Thursday at a ceremony attended by his deputy VP Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga and army general Philip Valerio Sibanda.
Mari sarcastically posted that ZBC had scooped the best television award and social media users took to twitter to express their amusement.
We post below their reactions:
“Congratulations ZBC for winning the best TV station award at ZIFT. Of all the channels we have in Zim Flag of Zimbabwe you guys are the best and you are doing a great job. You have done wonderful and that’s why you have won this amazing award ahead of all the other competitors.”
Congratulations ZBC for winning the best TV station award at ZIFT. Of all the channels we have in Zim ?? you guys are the best and you are doing a great job. You have done wonderful and that’s why you have won this amazing award ahead of all the other competitors.
Tinashe Sambiri|Mwenezi villagers have accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of lying to them only to buy loyalty.
Writing on behalf of Mwenezi community, Timoth Muswere said Mr Mnangagwa must resign as he has failed to abide by his promises.
See full letter below: For so long a time we have endured your brutality through the state apparatus.
It’s high time now you must confess, repent and resgn!! A citizen justice procedure upon you won’t leave you alive. Just accept the request and vacate the office.
Mwenezi have always been your party’s hunting ground surely you rigged easier in Mwenezi than in Harare. You threatened us more for your own advantage than anwere else. Zvemakaranga mantra would haunt you one day. Turn Pee neshuro Road needs vast rehabilitation obviously Tarred road. You promised this directly , previously and indirectly my request now is please you have failed to get up to the task. Simply step down and even the Gukurahundi issue would not haunt you.
Mwenezi is innocent, what have we done to deserve this rampant oppression and fake promises.
Tajamuka,tapepuka tayeuka let me say it clearly in your mother languange. If you want to get further explanation I would be always available for you to answer .
Mwenezi just need to breath and you have suffocated us enough. Land reform came, yes big fishes took well developed farms and a few poor peasants got the 8 hacter stands in areas with no water,no road network, no communication. Waaal Rambai makashinga but the bones of Mbuya Nehanda would resurrect from the grave. Don’t take us for a ride nor for granted . We are fully Zimbabweans and we pay tax.
I would appreciate it if this letter reaches out to you with pleasure and would be patiently waiting for your reply or response .
Timoth Muswere Disgruntled Mwenezi Resident under Chief Negari*
Tinashe Sambiri|Mwenezi villagers have accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of lying to them only to buy loyalty.
Writing on behalf of Mwenezi community, Timoth Muswere said Mr Mnangagwa must resign as he has failed to abide by his promises.
See full letter below: For so long a time we have endured your brutality through the state apparatus.
It’s high time now you must confess, repent and resgn!! A citizen justice procedure upon you won’t leave you alive. Just accept the request and vacate the office.
Mwenezi have always been your party’s hunting ground surely you rigged easier in Mwenezi than in Harare. You threatened us more for your own advantage than anwere else. Zvemakaranga mantra would haunt you one day. Turn Pee neshuro Road needs vast rehabilitation obviously Tarred road. You promised this directly , previously and indirectly my request now is please you have failed to get up to the task. Simply step down and even the Gukurahundi issue would not haunt you.
Mwenezi is innocent, what have we done to deserve this rampant oppression and fake promises.
Tajamuka,tapepuka tayeuka let me say it clearly in your mother languange. If you want to get further explanation I would be always available for you to answer .
Mwenezi just need to breath and you have suffocated us enough. Land reform came, yes big fishes took well developed farms and a few poor peasants got the 8 hacter stands in areas with no water,no road network, no communication. Waaal Rambai makashinga but the bones of Mbuya Nehanda would resurrect from the grave. Don’t take us for a ride nor for granted . We are fully Zimbabweans and we pay tax.
I would appreciate it if this letter reaches out to you with pleasure and would be patiently waiting for your reply or response .
Timoth Muswere Disgruntled Mwenezi Resident under Chief Negari*
By Own Correspondent | Widows of the late Martin Gumbura say they will not love any man because they are still attached to their late husband.
This comes after one prophet-cum-magician Isaac Makomichi said Gumbura widows must contact him on his number +263777469342 for prayers to get love charms.
Last month Makomichi addressed several media houses claiming he wanted to help the widows get married again.
The pastor is known for performing controversial miracles…
His followers claim he filled dry wells with water and can make people rich through his so called green powder.
However, sceptical believers describe him as a magician not a prophet.
Gumbura widows turned down Makomichi’s invitation.
“We are not going there, we don’t love any man and we will remain loyal to our late husband forever. Makomichi must leave us alone and focus on his church. We don’t judge him and we don’t even want to see him as well, we have heard a lot about him but we were shocked when he instructed us to get married again.
We didn’t even take his number, it’s not like we want to humiliate him but the thing is we still love our late husband,” Said one lady who identified herself as herself as one of Gumbura’s widows.
Some church leaders doubt the source of Makomichi powers and they accuse him of using secret powers to confuse people.
By A Correspondent- In the video, the yet to be identified prophet is heard instructing the old woman to confess while mercilessly beating her up with a huge stick.
“Where is the snake? speak so that you are freed. where is the snake?” asks the man and the old woman says “lets go to the tree.”
The man is adamant and keeps on demanding that the old woman must confess where her snake that is allegedly eating her children is but the woman is also adamant arguing that she has no snake.
The prophet continues whippng her with the huge stick and says she will die if she does not confess.
“You are not yet dead. confess,” he says.
He continues whipping her when she falls on the ground and is crying…kill me kill me.
Watch the video below and help us locate the old woman and the prophet.
Get in touch with the ZimEye team on the whatsapp number +447426863301 or send us a direct message on twitter or facebook. You can also send us an email on [email protected]
HARARE Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro has set free two pro-democracy campaigners who had been on trial on charges of promoting public violence after they were arrested for allegedly protesting against the holding of public hearings for some proposed constitutional amendments.
Namatai Kwekweza and Esther Vongai Zimudzi were arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Friday 19 June 2020 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace, or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Kwekweza and Zimudzi, who were represented by Rudo Bere and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, were accused of gathering at New Government Complex in Harare, where they intended to hand over a petition to Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi in which they were protesting against the holding of some public hearings into proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Prosecutors claimed that Kwekweza, who is a member of WeLead Organisation for Young People and Zimudzi, who is a member of Section 20 Organisation, displayed placards which read; “A senseless charade in the name of the Constitution Amendment No. 2 Bill public hearing, Minister you are out of order”; “!!!#Ngazvitangidzwe!!!”; “3.3 million Zimbabweans were consulted about the Constitution in 2013, 94.4% voted yes”; “Don’t amend the Constitution until you consult 3.3 million Zimbabweans”; “#Stop cosmetic Constitutions” and “Don’t take advantage of COVID-19”.
The prosecutors charged that Kwekweza and Zimudzi’s actions were abusive, insulting and intended to provoke the breach of peace.
However, Magistrate Muchuchutu-Guwuriro on Friday 17 September 2021 set free Kwekweza and Zimudzi after their lawyers applied for discharge at the close of the State case.
Magistrate Muchuchuti-Guwuriro ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against the duo and also stated that the placards which they allegedly held during the protest were not produced in court to show that a crime was committed.
By A Correspondent| Harare Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro has set free two pro-democracy campaigners who had been on trial on charges of promoting public violence after they were arrested for allegedly protesting against the holding of public hearings for some proposed constitutional amendments.
Namatai Kwekweza and Esther Vongai Zimudzi were arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Friday 19 June 2020 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace, or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Kwekweza and Zimudzi, who were represented by Rudo Bere and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, were accused of gathering at New Government Complex in Harare, where they intended to hand over a petition to Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Hon.
Ziyambi Ziyambi in which they were protesting against the holding of some public hearings into proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Prosecutors claimed that Kwekweza, who is a member of WeLead Organisation for Young People and Zimudzi, who is a member of Section 20 Organisation, displayed placards which read; “A senseless charade in the name of the Constitution Amendment No. 2 Bill public hearing, Minister you are out of order”; “!!!#Ngazvitangidzwe!!!”; “3.3 million Zimbabweans were consulted about the Constitution in 2013, 94.4% voted yes”; “Don’t amend the Constitution until you consult 3.3 million Zimbabweans”; “#Stop cosmetic Constitutions” and “Don’t take advantage of COVID-19”.
The prosecutors charged that Kwekweza and Zimudzi’s actions were abusive, insulting and intended to provoke the breach of peace.
However, Magistrate Muchuchutu-Guwuriro on Friday 17 September 2021 set free Kwekweza and Zimudzi after their lawyers applied for discharge at the close of the State case.
Magistrate Muchuchuti-Guwuriro ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against the duo and also stated that the placards which they allegedly held during the protest were not produced in court to show that a crime was committed.
While the MDC Alliance is blaming Zanu-PF for using Local government minister July Moyo to interfere into the operations of the councils under its ambit, MDC-T mayor for Mutare Blessing Tandi, last week, surprised delegates when extolled President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s virtues, crediting him for working hard to restore the confidence in the economy.
Tandi crossed floor to Mwonzora led MDC-T after he was threatened with a recall in March last year by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora.
He was later saved by Local government minister July Moyo after he apologised for being associated with MDC Alliance members, according to MDC sources.
While addressing delegates who attended the inaugural State of THE City Address at Mutare Hall on Tuesday, Tandi said his administration appreciates role being played by President Mnangagwa with his cabinet to restore confidence in the economy.
“At the national level, we would like to appreciate the role played by our President H.E Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his team of men and women who are working to restore confidence in the economy,” said Tandi.
The mayor went further to applause the Second Republic for the ongoing disbursement of the devolution funds, saying they have helped the cash strapped local authority to roll out several developmental projects that are improving service delivery in the city.
“We want to appreciate the extended olive branch which came in the form of devolution grants that have assisted us to roll our developmental projects. We received some funds for the renovation of Mutare Infectious Hospital courtesy of devolution funds and work has not been completed,” said Tandi.
He said the local authority has since aligned its operation in line with government`s stance of promoting the ease of doing business in order to attract more investment into the eastern border city.
“In line with the Second Republic mantra, Zimbabwe is Open for Business, the city of Mutare is Open for Business, the City of Mutare started to adopt the ease of doing business reforms in 2018.Major achievements include the reduced timeframe in approval of licences,”said Tandi.
Prominent Harare lawyer Jonathan Samkange of Venturas and Samkange was given a 24-hour ultimatum by Sabonabona residents to withdraw papers he filed at the Supreme Court on their behalf without their instruction.
On Monday, Sabonabona Progressive Residents Association acting chairperson Ezekiel Chinoingira wrote to Samkange, notifying him that if he failed to withdraw the papers, the residents would file a complaint against him with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ).
In the letter, dated September 20, 2021 and copied to the Registrar of the Supreme Court and LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara, Chinoingira, on behalf of the residents, said although Samkange was claiming that he was acting on behalf of them, they were denying that they had given him instructions.
The matter between Balwearie Holdings Private Limited and the Sabonabona residents is filed at the Supreme Court under SC 245/21.
This comes barely a month after another lawyer, James Magodora based in Kwekwe, was found guilty of professional misconduct by the LSZ after he acted on behalf of the Sabonabona residents without their consent.
“We make reference to the above matter wherein you filed a notice of opposition on behalf of the eighth to 37th and 39th to 76th respondents,” Chinoingira stated in the letter.
“What has disturbed us is that while you indicated that you are acting on behalf of the eighth to 37th and 39th to 76th respondents, our members, who are included among the respondents whom you purport to be representing, have indicated that they did not give you instructions to represent them.
“Some of them initially wanted to file separate complaints with the Law Society of Zimbabwe but we have decided to first alert you of this so that you can consider withdrawing the papers which you filed on behalf of all persons who did not give you direct instructions.”
The residents said it was their own conclusion that Samkange was misled to file on behalf of the residents without their consent.
Samkange is also the Zanu-PF legislator for Mudzi South.
By A Correspondent- Posting in the Name and Shame facebook group, Merylin Mamelo Meme Mzizi accused Talgar Investments Private Limited of failing to deliver their goods since April 2011.
She said:
I would like to name and shame Talgar Investments PTy Ltd a company owned by Mai Macheso and her husband based in Johannesburg.
We sent our property with them in April 2021 till today our property has not been delivered to Zimbabwe in Gwanda.We are really not happy with their services as we expect our goods to be delivered and not wait 5 months to get our staff.
On the first month my husband is the one who was communicating with Mai Macheso’s husband on updates about whereabouts of the goods. First month they said the truck is stuck at the boarder and customs wanted money to clear the goods and they wanted us to send more money on top of the 8300 that we already paid for property to be delivered.
We didn’t contribute on that because we wanted proof the truck was really stuck at the boarder and what the problem was. Fast forward 2 months later they said truck has been released at the boarder and we can expect delivery but still that never happened instead vakatoti truck radarika kuGwanda so will deliver on our way back to SA.
We waited again and tisu tatovabvunza kuti ko how otherwise vaitozvinyararira which makes me think they just want us to give up on everything. We offered to help them by collecting our goods in Bulawayo since we have people we know there but they couldn’t give us any information kuti truck ravo riripi kuByo .
If you do a follow up they either reply you after days or just have excuses kuti truck rafa they looking for parts for the truck to be fixed. We don’t mind collecting the ourselves if they are in Zimbabwe as they say because we are tired of waiting now.
I would not recommend anyone to use them because our experience wasn’t good at all and I know maybe there are people that had a better experience with them but for us we not happy at all.
Any help would be appreciated Thank you — with Mai Macheso.
Zimbabwe’s government admitted Wednesday that its domestic currency is facing new pressure as its value continues on a sharp slide against the United States dollar.
The official exchange rate, decided at a weekly auction tightly controlled by the central bank, has the Zimbabwe dollar trading at 1:87 to the United States dollar – but on the black market, one United States dollar can sell for between Z$150 and Z$180, and many businesses and individuals who are unable to buy forex at the auctions buy currency there.
Vice President Constatino Chiwenga – speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo – suggested the Zimbabwe dollar was being deliberately sabotaged.
“The drawback, which we continue to face, is indiscipline on the parallel market, which continues to stir up negative expectations that undermine the impressive efforts by the monetary authorities,” Chiwenga said.
“I wish to warn the perpetrators of this heinous crime that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.”
Zimbabwe reintroduced its own currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, in June 2019, ending a decade of dollarisation. The move sent inflation rocketing to as high as 837.53 percent by July last year, reviving memories of hyperinflation that wiped out the economy in 2008.
The government has since allowed the U.S. dollar to circulate alongside the local unit, and inflation has come down to around 50.24 percent.
The central bank introduced weekly foreign currency auctions last year to improve access to dollars. But traders said it currently takes up to seven weeks for successful bidders to receive their allocations, which is disrupting companies’ operations.
The Zimbabwe dollar has traded between 82-87 to the US dollar since January, leading to accusations by business leaders that authorities were fixing the exchange rate, which the central bank denies.
TOP government and Zanu-PF officials on Tuesday descended on Kaseke Village, Uzumba, on a fact-finding mission after a Chinese mining company reportedly took over an entire village to extract black granite.
The delegation included Local Government minister July Moyo, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Aplonia Munzverengwi, Mines deputy minister Polite Kambamura, Zanu-PF acting Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Michael Madanha, the area’s traditional leader Chief Nyajina and Uzumba legislator Simbaneuta Mudarikwa, among others.
Tempers flared at the briefing, with Chief Nyajina and Mudarikwa accusing provincial mines officers of being “reckless” in granting Heijin Mining Company the nod to operate in the area without following procedure.
The mines officers had earlier submitted that at least 20 households would be affected by the Chinese miner’s activities.
This angered Chief Nyajina, who accused the mines officers of misrepresenting facts to the delegation.
He said the number of affected households was more than 70.
Speaking to journalists in Uzumba, Kambamura admitted that there were some loopholes which led to the pegging of the mine on the village.
“We travelled here to hear the complaints from the villagers and that there were some irregularities in the way the claims were pegged. Miners operating here did not do enough consultations, so we have taken note of the grievances,” he said.
“We are going to invite the miners and our officials who are working in this province to come to the ministry and explain what actually transpired in the issuance of those licences.”
Heijin Mining Company has pegged the whole of Kaseke Village to extract the black granite from two nearby mountains.
The move has, however, faced resistance from the villagers and traditional leaders who have since approached government to stop the operations.
The villagers, through the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are demanding that the provincial offices furnish them with the company’s prospecting licence and the Environmental Impact Assessment certificate, arguing that the mine was established without their consent.
Zanu-PF youths in Mashonaland West Province have threatened independent Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, with unspecified action as well as banning him from attending events officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a local publication has reported.
The governing party’s Mashonaland West youth league chairman, Vengai Musengi, accused Mliswa of denigrating his sister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka’s rivals in the race for party provincial chairmanship.
Musengi, Mliswa-Chikoka, acting Zanu PF provincial chairman Abie Mujeri and others are said to be gunning for the post left vacant following the elevation of Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to the Politburo.
Musengi, who spoke at the party’s Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Chinhoyi on Sunday, took aim at Mliswa.
“I am being lampooned by Mliswa on social media, and then people come to my inbox and counsel me not to respond.
“Some of the things he is peddling are damaging the party. He scolds us on social media, and ironically after that you see (Temba) Mliswa at the top table when we have the President’s programmes,” Musengi said.
Mliswa has responded by challenging Musengi to a boxing match while declaring that the youth leader would not last 30 seconds against him.
ON International Day of Peace, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) calls upon the public to join the rest of the world in making a commitment towards promoting peace in the world.
The public is also urged to join the rest of the world in observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire.
In addition, ZLHR urges Zimbabwean authorities to ensure that all persons are protected from all forms of violence.
International Day of Peace is observed every year on 21 September to draw attention to the need to promote the ideals of peace around the world. International Day of Peace was first recognised in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly and, since 2001, it has been used as a 24-hour period for calling for non-violence and cease-fire.
Moreover, International Day of Peace is an opportunity for humanity to make a commitment towards fostering peace with nature through combatting climate change. A peaceful world is one which is environmentally friendly.
The theme for the 2021 International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”
The theme seeks to highlight how the devastating impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made it necessary for all nations o collaborate in order to provide vulnerable persons living in conflict-affected areas with access to healthcare. A sustained global ceasefire is necessary in order to ensure that persons living in conflict-affected areas have access to life-saving vaccinations and COVID-19 treatment.
Moreover, the theme emphasises how inclusive and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is important for ensuring sustainable peace and development. Global peace is intrinsically linked to the goals of equality, justice, social inclusion and sustainable development. The global surge in stigma and discrimination that has accompanied the pandemic has threatened the progress made towards global peace at a time when unity is essential for saving lives from succumbing to COVID-19.
In Zimbabwe, authorities are urged to ensure that all persons are protected from violence and conflict. In terms section 52(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, everyone has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, which includes the right to freedom from all forms violence from public and private sources. This means that the State has an obligation to take preventative steps that are designed to protect everyone from all forms of violence.
Sadly during the last year, members of the public have fallen victim to acts of violence perpetrated by State and non-Stare actors. Although the State has an obligation to adopt measures to prevent domestic violence, in terms of section 25(b) of the Constitution, such acts of violence continue unabated. Government has an obligation to put in place and enforce measures that promote peace in the public and private spheres. These measures should include awareness campaigns aimed at combatting the beliefs and norms that perpetuate the harmful practice of domestic violence, as well as reforming errant State institutions that have been at the forefront of perpetrating acts of violence.
On this International Day of Peace, ZLHR calls upon:
• The public to join the rest of the world in making a commitment towards promoting peace; • The Zimbabwean authorities to take necessary measures to maintain peace and ensure that all persons are protected from all forms of violence.
A lower Gweru juvenile allegedly raped two sisters and three cousins aged between six and eight years, and ran away when the crimes were discovered.
The boy allegedly raped his two sisters aged seven and eight respectively as well as three cousins, one aged seven and the other two, six years.
Both the boy (15) and the complainants lived with their grandmother when the alleged rape incidents occurred.
According to a police memo from the Gweru Rural Police Station addressed to the officer commanding Gweru rural district, the boy disappeared after the alleged last rape incident on September 8.
It is alleged that on the day he disappeared at around 11pm at a plot in Lower Gweru, the 60-year-old granny heard the five minor girls making noise in their bedroom hut.
One of the children said she had screamed during a rape ordeal, waking the others up.
Upon being discovered, the juvenile took off and was never seen again.
The other children also narrated their ordeals at the hands of the juvenile.
On September 14, the granny went to Insukamini police base where she filed a report.
Two police constables took the girls to Gweru Provincial Hospital for medical examination.
The matter is being investigated under Gweru rural RRB number 4629720.
The Malaba judgement should be respected. The court has spoken and the decision should be respected. People may have their sentiments but let's respect the independence of the judges. That is important. The judiciary should remain independent and not behave like politicians.
Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe21 · Please help my friend, Clr Denford Ngadziore to help his brother Appeal for financial Medical Assistance.I write to appeal for Medical help.
My older brother Edmore Ngadziore the Director of Eddy Decay Construction is currently admitted in Harare Hospital after being diagnosed with Cancer.
From his company proceeds and savings he has tried his best since 2020 to date to cater for his medical bills, as a family we have also tried our best to mobilise resources towards his treatment and we still continue to do our best.
At this moment in time we are now appealing to well wishers for medical financial help. He is supposed to undergo first stage surgery today. We are appealing for financial assistance from all our friends and fellow Zimbabweans at large.
To all those who would want all types of construction work to be done his company called Eddy Decay Contraction’s staff is available for any assistance.
That will be another contribution that will go towards the medical contributions that will be greatly appreciated.
He served the party as Mabvuku Ward 21 Youth Chairperson from the formation till 2005 when he assumed other roles till today .
Attached on the flier are his & his wife banking details.
By Ndaba Nhuku- Stock theft in Mberengwa , Filabusi , Gwanda, Kezi and Plumtree by the Shanyawugwe gang will soon lead to a civil war.
Zimbabwe is an agricultural economy and agriculture needs security and stability to be sustainable. That is not the case in areas reached by Shanyawugwe gangs.
These then point to signs of a failed state. Shanyawugwe has for the past decade or more been well known for harbering stock thieves but the governmnet has done nothing to curb this problem.
watch the video below….
On the other hand the same government continues taxing farmers and law abidding citizens who have mercilessly lost thousands of cattle to the Shanyawugwe groups of cattle thieves.
The recent incident where citizens took it upon themselves to search for their cattle and recovered several cows while police have failed to do so and even refused to help whilst giving lame excuses to accompany them seems to prove that police in Guyu, Hwali, Makhado Manama even the headquarters of Matabeleland South are part of these thieves.
The Citizens who resorted to join hands and peaceful search for their stolen cattle were beaten and seriously injured by the thieves and their wives as they drove some of the stolen cattle.
Should the state just ignore or they need to be fold that the security arms are docile while ordinary people are doing their job. Citizens are taxed but they end up also doing their job. I have heard some victims of stock theft discussing arming themselves to protect their livestock. Should we descend to this level; where is the State?
I forsee people in SA assisting themselves by smuggling illegal guns to arm themselves and those who are willing to stand up and stop these thieves and Zanu pf police from stealing their hard earned cattle.
This will lead to banditry if not war against the law and order arm of the state as there is a clear warning that the cattle victims will shoot to kill. How long has Abednico Ncube been in in Parliament and never raised this issue yet he comes from an area close to Shanyawugwe?.
The typical war cry that should shock the ZRP sung by victims is; “Sasebenzela amasela kambe impilo yethu yonke? Ayihlome Mthwakazi sikhathele thina azingene izibhamu bafowethu nxa kufiwa kufiwe kanye.”
This particular incident where innocent men were beaten for collecting their stolen beasts is a clear indication that ZRP is part of the gang, or it exists to mantain and protect the thieves.
Will this end well? Who is to serve and save the victims from this flourishing illegal cattle theft if ZRP watches without interest?
By A Correspondent- In the video, the yet to be identified prophet is heard instructing the old woman to confess while mercilessly beating her up with a huge stick.
“Where is the snake? speak so that you are freed. where is the snake?” asks the man and the old woman says “lets go to the tree.”
The man is adamant and keeps on demanding that the old woman must confess where her snake that is allegedly eating her children is but the woman is also adamant arguing that she has no snake.
The prophet continues whippng her with the huge stick and says she will die if she does not confess.
“You are not yet dead. confess,” he says.
He continues whipping her when she falls on the ground and is crying…kill me kill me.
Watch the video below and help us locate the old woman and the prophet.
Get in touch with the ZimEye team on the whatsapp number +447426863301 or send us a direct message on twitter or facebook. You can also send us an email on [email protected]
A Damning report has revealed a growing and worrisome trend in the systematic arrest of lawyers in the country and restrictions that have been placed on them since the beginning of 2020, impacting their freedom to practise their profession.
The report was launched virtually by the Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Tuesday evening.
Titled: Attacks on Human Rights Lawyers in Zimbabwe, the report notes that lawyers have been barred from representing their clients, subjected to arbitrary arrests and sometimes attacked for practising their profession.
At least 15 lawyers have been arrested arrested by the police and restricted from carrying out their duties since the beginning of 2020, according to the report.
Describing the situation, especially under COVID-19 restrictions, human rights lawyer Alec Muchadehama said: “We had insurmountable difficulties moving to police stations and the courts. We would be frisked at the checkpoints.
“We would not be allowed to pass despite identifying ourselves as lawyers. While we were prevented from reaching our clients, they were being over detained and being held incommunicado.”
Another human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, who has been arrested several times, told the meeting that as lawyers, they encounter hostility in the courts of law.
“It is a tight rope that we walk and thus compromises the judicial process,” Mtetwa said.
“We are deemed to be anti-government. There are individuals who will tell you straight in the face that we cannot use you because you are anti-government.”
This year, Mtetwa was barred from representing Hopewell Chin’ono at the Harare magistrates court and a magistrate ordered that she should be charged with contempt of court.
In one of several incidents of arbitrary arrests of the legal practitioners, lawyer Douglas Coltart was violently arrested during a protest organised by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) last year.
“The beginning of 2020 saw an increase in the number of arrests of Zimbabwean lawyers, and in the restrictions placed on lawyers in their freedoms to carry out their profession,” the report read.
“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and government enforced restrictions, resulted in an increase in these numbers. In 2020, Zimbabwean authorities questioned and arrested a number of lawyers while they were carrying out their professional duties.
“A large number of Zimbabwean lawyers were arrested in June 2020. On 10 July 2020, lawyers were charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice. These lawyers include Dumisani Dube, Thabani Mpofu, Tapiwa Makanza and Joshua Chirambwe, who are believed to have been arrested for conducting their professional duties.”
Lawyers said the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the challenges they faced in carrying out their duties, as they were not classified as essential service providers during the government imposed lockdowns.
“L4L and ZLHR said government should ensure that lawyers are able to carry out their legitimate professional rights and duties without fear of reprisals and restrictions, including judicial harassment.
“In its task of promoting and ensuring the proper role of lawyers, the government of Zimbabwe should respect, and take account of, the basic principles within the framework of its national legislation and practice,” said the report.
President of the International Bar Association Sternford Moyo said the report was of great importance and should go beyond and be elevated to an international campaign in support of lawyers.
By A Correspondent- A mentally challenged man from Chiororo Village under Chief Neromwe in Triangle went on the rampage, striking several people with a log and killing one man after a woman he approached for se_x rebuked him.
The number of people killed by mentally challenged people in Zimbabwe has reached alarming levels.
Masvingo acting Police spokesperson, Lloyd Masundire confirmed the death of Simon Chigoyi (53) who was allegedly killed by Clever Mhindu (43) on September, 18, 2021 and advised the public to send mentally unstable relatives for regular check-ups with psychiatrists.
Chigoyi had approached Mhindu’s daughter-in-law Miriam Hlongane (19) for se_x and was denied.
A Police report says that people were gathered for traditional beer at Rebecca Madzamatira’s house. Mhindu was holding a wooden stick when he approached Hlongane who was washing dishes and asked for se_x.
When Hlongane turned down the proposal Mhindu hit her on the back with the stick and she ran away.
Mhindu pursued her and returned after failing to catch up with her. He came across Chigoyi who was lighting a cigarette. He hit him with the stick below the left ear and Chigoyi fell unconscious.
Elias Marumbani Chauke disarmed the accused but the latter attacked Chauke with stones and he ran away.
After failing to catch Chauke, Mhindu returned and finished off Chigoyi by striking him in the head with a hoe.
By A Correspondent- Former Public Service Commission Chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah who died on Tuesday morning has been declared a National Hero.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe confirmed the development adding that details of the burial will be announced in due course.
Dr Nzuwah was the PSC Chairman for 26 years starting in 1992 until he retired in 2018.
The long-serving Public Service Commission Chairman died at the age of 68.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday said Nzuwah was very dedicated and loyal to his country.
By A Correspondent- One person was killed and six others injured when a Toyota Runx and a commuter omnibus were involved in a head-on accident at the Drive Inn Turnoff in Redcliff on Wednesday night.
The deceased is the driver of the Runx who was alone in the car while all the injured were in the Omni bus.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the accident.
“The driver of the Runx died on the spot while all six occupants of the commuter omnibus were seriously injured. They were taken to Kwekwe General Hospital for treatment”, said Mahoko.
By A Correspondent- A Norton family is staying in the open after a freak fire accident reduced their entire homestead and property to ashes.
The incident happened last Thursday afternoon at Exe Farm, one of the resettlement areas bordering Norton town to the west.
Narrating the ordeal to H-Metro, Juma Timothy, a 39-year-old father of three, said no foul play is suspected.
“The wind most likely blew some embers from a nearby rubbish dump onto the grass wall around my homestead and the fire spread rapidly”, he said.
He added that their entire homestead comprising two communal huts was burnt, including everything inside.
“As it stands, we only have what we were wearing at the time. All clothes, household utensils, furniture and food were reduced to ashes. All identity documents, including children’s birth certificates were burnt”, he said, while appealing for assistance from well-wishers.
When H-Metro met Timothy, he was coming from the local Social Welfare department offices.
“We got some food provisions from social welfare and we are grateful. We are appealing to others who can assist us with shelter, provisions and replacement of the burnt identity documents”, said Timothy.
While some people, including those from outside Norton, are now proud owners of spacious plots there thanks to the land reform program, some former farm workers remain stuck in “worker compounds”, popularly referred to as “makombhoni”.
These are densely populated settlements predominantly built of mud, pole and grass structures in close proximity of each other. A fire outbreak at one point is bound to surely spread wide quickly. It is fortunate that, in this case, the fire was contained before it affected the whole compound.
Twitter Spaces which have taken Southern Africa by storm and particularly in Zimbababwe where we have most goverment controlled media outlets churning out uncontrollable propaganda.
By Leonard Koni- It has come as a relief to most of Zimbabweans who were failing to air their views and interrogate their leaders on air.
Propaganda media in Zimbabwe is rising to an unprecedented levels and will soon be a thing of the past.
Live phone inns conducted by other radio stations for example are restricted and sensored by government operatives where some callers are coached on what to say and are obliged to give some praises to a leader whom they support.
Twitter world has become a reflection of reality although it is still being accessed by a very few individuals due to the high cost of data.
The Twitter Spaces have by passed the idea of gate keeping very important information. It has become another area of serious debate more than parliamentary debates.
People have managed to marinate fuse, articulate their ideas and points without being gagged or sensored. Participates have managed to pose very important questions to the main speakers.
The mainstream media has been exposed as they are becoming more irrelevant as time goes.
Youths are encouraged to flood the twitter spaces and be active in this global debating forum and mingle with different kind of people through discussions.
I pray that the government of Zimbabwe won’t interfere with twitter spaces by disrupting the network when very important issues are being discussed.
The mainstream media is no longer holding that prerogative power anymore, and they are facing a stiff competition.
The antidote for information deficiency and poverty has been found in Twitter spaces which have become very hot day and night.
They have become more interactive unlike some so called leaders who just post and dissappear into thin air without interacting with the audiences.
Interestingly Twitter spaces have exposed some poor traits of leadership of some politicians masquaranding as leaders.
Here is the Coronavirus/ COVID-19 Situation Report or Update for Zimbabwe by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) on 22 September 2021:
New cases: 340
Local Cases: 340
Returnees: 0 {High number of cases constituting 48% of cases reported today Mash East (15), Midlands (50), Manicaland (13) and Masvingo (50), Mat North (4), Bulawayo (11), Mash Central (21) are from outbreaks detected in schools}.
As of 17 September 2021, 01500hrs there were 130 hospitalised cases: New Admissions 20, Asymptomatic 28, mild to moderate 73, severe 26 and 3 in Intensive Care Units.
…to allow people to cheat the electorate and then change political parties midstream is not to promote dignity…
By A Correspondent | In what signals a dark cul de sac for Zimbabwe’s most popular politician Nelson Chamisa, and what demonstrates that no matter which direction he turns, be it changing party name, or starting a new organisation, he will be fought against, because, Chamisa is ‘cheating the electorate,’ as his nemesis Douglas Mwonzora said Monday night.
The issue of hate speech… Komichi did not give any hate speech. Komichi stated a fact that we will not allow people that do not belong to us to continue holding our position that's not hate that's stating the obvious that's stating a party position, pic.twitter.com/SQWCsl0r9X
Speaking to a large audience moderated by top journalists Garikai Chaunza and Lynette Manzini, Mwonzora said statements by his aide, Morgen Komichi to recall MPs and councillors who under Nelson Chamisa cannot be termed, hate speech.
Mwonzora was also responding to a complaint raised by Hwange MP Daniel Molokele, and a female member of the crowd, when he said:
“The issue of hate speech… Komichi did not give any hate speech.
“Komichi stated a fact that we will not allow people that do not belong to us to continue holding our position that’s not hate; that’s stating the obvious that’s stating a party position, what is hate speech if I can give you an example, is because Mwonzora comes from Manicaland you call him Muzorewa, and all that, that is directed, that is hate now but if I say we will recall who don’t belong to us, that’s not hate at all.
“And Madam, what you understand about dignity and what I understand about dignity may be different, and as far as I am concerned to allow corrupt people to get away with it, is not promoting dignity.
“To allow corrupt councillors who steal from the poor, to continue keeping those positions, is not enhancing dignity, to allow people to cheat the electorate and then change political parties midstream is not to promote dignity.
“To allow lawlessnes and anarchy is not promoting dignity. The MDC has a constitution…”
By A Correspondent- The beginning of 2020 saw an increase in the number of arrests of Zimbabwean lawyers, and in the restrictions placed on lawyers in their freedoms to carry out their profession.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and government enforced restrictions, resulted in an increase in these numbers.
In its report entitled “Attacks on Human Rights Lawyers in Zimbabwe”, which was launched on Tuesday 21 September 2021 by Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L), Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), lawyers are being barred from representing their clients, have become subjects of arbitrary arrests and are being attacked for carrying out their profession.
Alec Muchadehama , a human rights lawyer from Zimbabwe, describes the situation of lawyers under the lockdown as follows:
“ W]e had insurmountable difficulties moving to police stations and the Courts. We would be frisked at the check points.
We would not be allowed to pass despite identifying ourselves as lawyers. Whilst we were prevented from reaching our clients, they were being over detained and being held incommunicado.
The case of Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova makes sad reading. They were kidnapped by suspected State security agents.
On 5 May 2020 they temporarily disappeared and were discovered 36 hours later, severely tortured. They are now facing allegations of breaking the COVID-19 regulations and spreading falsehoods prejudicial to the State.”
The report also provides some recommendations on allowing lawyers to carry out their legitimate professional rights and duties without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions, including judicial harassment.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has declared the former Public Service Commission chairman, Mariyawanda Nzuwah, a national hero.
Nzuwa died in Harare on Tuesday.
He was 68.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe announced the conferment of the status on Nzuwah.
“I have received the message that Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah has been declared a national hero,” said Minister Kazembe in a brief statement.
Nzuwah succeeded Mr Malcolm Thompson in 1992 as chairperson of the then Civil Service Commission and served for 26 years before his retirement in 2018, making him the longest-serving member of the Commission.
By A Correspondent- The trial of five MDC-Alliance members, who were arrested last year for allegedly staging an illegal demonstration in Warren Park, Harare, opened yesterday after the State succeeded in applying for separation of trials with that of two other members.
Netsai Marova and Obey Sithole were issued with arrest warrants after they failed to avail themselves to court, and the State wants them tried separately upon their arrest.
The trial of Joana Mamombe, Stanley Manyenga, Cecilia Chimbiri, Lovejoy Chitengu and Makomborore Haruzishe opened at the Harare Magistrates Court where they indicated that they wanted to make an application for exception to the charges before they plead.
They are all charged with participating in a gathering to promote public violence with an alternative charge of violating the Covid-19 national lockdown regulations. Mamombe and her accomplices, through lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama, told the court that they intend to make written submissions in their application for exception to the charge.
Youths in Zanu PF regalia disrupted a food distribution programme organised by Unki Mine and attacked workers for sabotaging government activities.
The hooligans, led by a soldier, came in a truck and disrupted food distribution programme initiated by the mine as part of social responsibility efforts.
The hooligans attacked Kudakwashe Nyome, the chairperson of the mine workers committee accusing him of being a sellout.
“On September 20, Zanu PF youths approached Nyome and told him he would be punished for working with western forces to disrupt government programmes.
The youths also accused him of being unpatriotic and working with agents of regime change to sabotage the new dispensation,” said a human rights organization in a report.
“On July 2, 2021 Nyome and four MDC Alliance members were forcefully taken by State security agents for allegedly denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
They were bundled into an unregistered truck with tinted windows by men wielding rifles.
The men took them to a secluded place were they were kicked, hit with clenched fists and baton sticks.
The five bled profusely after the attack. Nyome sustained a hip joint injury.
The government accused Nyome and his colleagues of violating COVID-19 regulations,” added the human rights organization.
“Nyome appeared in court on September 21 facing charges of violating COVID-19 regulations. He was then remanded out of custody custody.
However, it is surprising to note that the matter has been postponed several times indicating that there are political implications in the whole scenario.
We urge the government to respect and uphold fundamental human rights,” the organization added.
Zaka – Zaka District Schools Inspector Mr Samson Chidzurira has praised Zimbabweans living in USA through their organizations World Big Family Inc (WBF) and Naledi for a timely donation of 15 bicycles and 15 solar kits to girl learners at Zaka High School.
The donation which was handed over to girls at Zaka High School last Friday was over $5000.00 United States dollars.
The colourful event saw a sizeable crowd of learners, parents, staff members converging at Zaka High School under strict Covid 19 regulations.
Zaka DSI Mr Samson Chidzurira said he was pleased to see people in the diaspora assisting vulnerable children in rural areas.
‘Access to education and quality education has been fulfilled by Naledi & WBF today at Zaka High. Learners can now travel to school easily and recharge researching gadgets at home using their solar kits’.
“Access to education and ICT especially girls is our number one priority and we want to warmly thank our benefactors” he said.
WBF rep Mr Pride Chinganda said it was their wish to see rural girls excel more in ICT subjects hence the donation of solar kits to enhance e-learning during lockdown periods.
“We want to remove the divide between rural and urbanites especially during this Covid era where lock downs have affected physical learning.
“Use of ICT becomes an enabler in emancipating girl child. We are coming in to compliment government effort” he said.
Mr Makaza from Naledi said that the organization was happy seeing Zaka community embracing the donation.
“Most NGOs are found wanting when it comes to donations. Recipients of donations may not like it.
“Here it’s different. We are moved by joy and excitement shown by the learners and parents here present. This is the beginning of our relationship with the school. We hope to work together on more projects” said Makaza.
Apart from donation, 15 fruit trees were planted in the school garden as well as a palm tree in honour of the late head Mr Chinganda R who succuumbed to Covid 19.
The late Chinganda was a key member of the World Big Family Inc (WBF).
The Acting Head Mr Michael Svuure thanked the organizations for their gesture towards developing Zaka high school.
Dr Mutanda urged the girls to work extra hard in their studies and make positive use of the gadgets they were given.
By A Correspondent- Condolence messages continue to come for the former Public Service Commission chairman Mariyawanda Nzuwah. Dr Nzuwah died at his home yesterday after a short illness.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda sent his condolences to the Nzuwah family yesterday.
“It is with deep shock and sense of sadness that Government and the entirety of the public service and I learnt of the demise of Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah. Our heartfelt condolences go to Mrs Nzuwah and family on the passing on of a true patriot and accomplished senior public servant of our nation,” he said. Dr Nzuwah succeeded Malcom Thompson as the chairman of the Public Service Commission in 1992, a position he held until his retirement in March 2018. Dr Sibanda said during his 26 years at the helm of the Public Service, Dr Nzuwah had laid a solid foundation of a modernised and highly skilled public service, which is recognised not only in the SADC region but the entire Commonwealth Association of Public Administration and Management (CAPAM). “He will be remembered for his hard work, meticulous advice on issues of public administration and his humble disposition towards superiors, colleagues and members of the public service. May the Lord God Almighty cover his family with grace and the comfort that we share in their grief. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Sibanda.
Nzuwah is survived by his wife Janice Marie, their children and grandchildren.
By A Correspondent- The trial of five MDC-Alliance members, who were arrested s last year for allegedly staging an illegal demonstration in Warren Park, Harare, opened yesterday after the State succeeded in applying for separation of trials with that of two other members.
Netsai Marova and Obey Sithole were issued with arrest warrants after they failed to avail themselves to court, and the State wants them tried separately upon their arrest.
The trial of Joana Mamombe, Stanley Manyenga, Cecilia Chimbiri, Lovejoy Chitengu and Makomborore Haruzishe opened at the Harare Magistrates Court where they indicated that they wanted to make an application for exception to the charges before they plead.
They are all charged with participating in a gathering to promote public violence with an alternative charge of violating the Covid-19 national lockdown regulations. Mamombe and her accomplices, through lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama, told the court that they intend to make written submissions in their application for exception to the charge.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has disconnected 58 Mbare Hostels due to failure to pay bills.
Earlier this month, the power utility announced that it would move to disconnect defaulting customers to improve recoveries of monies owed by several electricity consumers, including individuals, municipalities, organisations, and corporations.
In a statement on Tuesday, City of Harare advised the residents to organise themselves and pay for the arrears.
“Council is urging residents of the 58 Mbare Hostels to organise themselves and pay for their electricity,” reads the statement in part.
“The residents have not been paying and were recently disconnected.
The government has resolved to keep schools open despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in some schools since early this month.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet noted that the increase in infections was insignificant to warrant schools closure.
In a post-Cabinet Press briefing on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said: The meeting, however, noted that out of a total school enrolment of 4,6 million, the number of COVID-19 positive cases detected is insignificant. All cases are being well-managed in line with the standard guidelines for the co-ordinated prevention and management of COVID-19 at all learning institutions in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, most cases among learners are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. Accordingly, Cabinet resolved that schools will remain open. Learners, who are isolated, will be provided with alternative learning platforms.
A number of schools have been hit by COVID-19 infections, with teachers claiming the government prematurely reopened schools before creating a conducive environment in learning institutions.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said the government had resolved to enhance surveillance and contact tracing at schools and the surrounding communities and to increase on-site COVID-19 testing of all suspected cases.
The government will also restrict movement into and out of the schools affected until the outbreaks have been controlled. She added that there will be vaccination of all eligible populations in schools and also in the surroundings.- NewsDay
Warriors caretaker coach, Norman Mapeza has picked the team that will play the Black Stars of Ghana in a back-to-back World Cup qualifier matches scheduled for next month.
Wellington Mpandare, the ZIFA general manager in charge of all national teams, who is also the Warriors team manager, said they had already written to the clubs asking for the release of the players. He said:
The coach has already named the players who will be part of the Warriors team to play against Ghana, in the back-to-back ties, next month.
We have already dispatched letters to the concerned clubs where the players ply their trade.
The squad will be announced in the coming days, after the necessary confirmations are completed.
We are hoping that all the players, who have been chosen by the coach, will travel for the crucial fixtures.
Mpandare said Mapeza included some local-based players. Former coach Zdravko Logarusic overlooked local-based players due to the inactivity in the local game.
Only Dynamos utility player Godknows Murwira, as well as the FC Platinum duo of William Stima and Silas Songani, were unused substitutes during the goalless draw against South Africa.
With the Chibuku Super Cup resuming next Wednesday, local-based players are expected to be match-fit.
Mpandare also said foreign-based players will fly directly to Ghana.
Mapeza will be hoping to have the UK-based players, among them Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, Admiral Muskwe, Brendan Galloway and Jordan Zemura.
They were barred by their clubs, from travelling for the matches against South Africa and Ethiopia, because of Covid-19 complications.
Ghana will host the first leg, on October 9, before the two teams clash again, at the National Sports Stadium, three days later.- The Herald
The Premier Soccer League has released the fixtures for the next Chibuku Super Cup round to mark the return of football in the country.
The games were suspended in June following a surge in coronavirus cases. After the government recently gave the green light for the resumption of the action, the tournament is now set to resume with the remaining group stage encounters.
Clubs have already conducted coronavirus tests, and group training is underway.
The matches will resume on Wednesday 29 September with Group 1 ties. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent- A 21 year old woman who was allegedly rap_ed by her father over a nine-year period has refused to end their se_xual relationship. The woman, who has since fallen preg_nant, identified another man as her baby’s father but it was later revealed that her father had impreg_nated her.
The woman’s refusal to end the affair has caused a rift in the family and a team of social workers has been assigned to investigate the matter with a view to providing counselling to the family and offering ongoing psychosocial support to the woman who has suffered humiliation at the hands of her stepdaughter.
“Our team of social workers will also have sessions with the girl and provide her with psychosocial support,” said KZN MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza.
Furthermore, Khoza has called on police to investigate and charge the father.
“This man should face statutory rap_e since he started to sleep with his daughter while still a minor,” the MEC said.
It is alleged that the girl and her father began a se_xual relationship when she was 12.
It is further alleged that the 52-year-old man began rap_ing his daughter when she would come over to visit him.
Khoza said the girl lost her mother and stayed with her sibling, father and stepmother.
She expressed shock at the incident adding that such acts showed that there were those in communities who had lost their moral compass.
Khoza called on communities to stand together and call out those involved in child abuse, rap_e and gender-based violence.
“If the communities did not keep quiet for so long, such dastardly acts may have been averted earlier. Our communities should understand that ignoring cases of sexual exploitation perpetuates such actions.
“We want to appeal to the SAPS to conduct a thorough investigation and put forward a strong case for prosecution against the man. As a society, we need to send a strong message to perpetrators of such crimes that we have zero tolerance for their disgusting behaviour,” Khoza said.
Below is Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema’s full speech delivered at the UN general assembly yesterday.
Hakainde Hichilema President of the Republic of Zambia
• YOUR EXCELLENCY, MR. ABDULLA SHAHID, PRESIDENT OF THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY; • YOUR EXCELLENCY MR. ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS; • YOUR EXCELLENCIES HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT; • DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
I WISH TO BEGIN BY CONGRATULATING YOUR EXCELLENCY MR. ABDULLA SHAHID, ON YOUR ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY. I AM CONFIDENT THAT YOUR WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND VAST EXPERIENCE IN MULTILATERAL ISSUES WILL LEAD TO A SUCCESSFUL DISCHARGE OF THE IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY THROUGHOUT THIS SESSION.
ZAMBIA STANDS READY TO WORK WITH YOU AS YOU EXECUTE YOUR MANDATE IN PRESIDING OVER THE MATTERS OF THIS SESSION. TO THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY MR. VOLKAN BOZKIR, I WISH TO CONVEY ZAMBIA’S APPRECIATION FOR YOUR COMMENDABLE SERVICE TO THE UNITED NATIONS FAMILY DURING THE 75TH SESSION.
MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE DISTINCT HONOUR TO DELIVER MY MAIDEN SPEECH AS THE 7TH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA FOLLOWING THE ELECTORAL VICTORY OF OUR UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND) IN THE PRESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL ELECTIONS THAT WERE HELD ON 12TH AUGUST, 2021.
I AM PLEASED TO INFORM THIS AUGUST HOUSE THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA ONCE AGAIN ROSE TO THE OCCASION TO USHER IN A NEW GOVERNMENT THROUGH A PEACEFUL ELECTION. THIS HAS ENABLED ZAMBIA TO FURTHER CONSOLIDATE HER DEMOCRATIC CREDENTIALS, WHICH SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT, WHERE THE OUTCOME OF AN ELECTION IS DETERMINED BY THOSE WHO VOTE AND NOT THOSE WHO COUNT THE VOTES.
WE ARE THEREFORE PROUD TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP IN OUR COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE ASPIRE FOR A FREE AND JUST SOCIETY AND WHERE THEY ASPIRE FOR THEIR VOICES TO BE HEARD.
MR. PRESIDENT WE WERE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THIS POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION EVEN AT THE TIME WHEN ZAMBIA WAS GRAPPLING WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AND IN THE MIDST OF DEEP SORROW FOLLOWING THE PASSING ON OF OUR FOUNDING FATHER AND FIRST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT, DR. KENNETH DAVID KAUNDA.
I THEREFORE WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY, ON BEHALF OF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE, TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THIS ICONIC LEADER WHO WAS FONDLY KNOWN AS K.K.
IT IS WITHOUT DOUBT THAT THE LAST REMAINING STEWARD OF LIBERATION STRUGGLES HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON HUMANITY. DR. KAUNDA’S PRINCIPLES, VALUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE IDEALS OF EMANCIPATION AND INDEPENDENCE DID NOT ONLY SPREAD ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT, BUT ACROSS THE ENTIRE GLOBE.
HIS UNTOLD DEVOTION TO PEACE AND UNITY LAID THE VERY FOUNDATION FOR ZAMBIA’S STATURE AS A BEACON OF PEACE, NOT ONLY IN SOUTHERN AFRICA, BUT THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AS A WHOLE. THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT WILL THEREFORE, BUILD UPON KK’S PROFOUND LEGACY TO LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER. AS WE WORK TOWARDS THIS YEAR’S THEME LET US REMEMBER THE IMPORTANT LESSONS THAT DR. KAUNDA TAUGHT US, ESPECIALLY AS WE WORK TOWARDS REVITALIZING THE UN SYSTEM.
MR. PRESIDENT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS HAD A FAR REACHING SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT GLOBALLY, INCLUDING, DISTURBING TRADE FLOWS, SUPPLY CHAINS AND VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION TO LOSS OF LIVES, THE PANDEMIC INCREASED POVERTY LEVELS THROUGH JOB LOSSES, STRESSED HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS AND WORSE STILL, THE DELIVERY OF EDUCATION TO LEARNERS. DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEMS, PARTICULARLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, WAS IN PART, DUE TO INADEQUATE INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT) FACILITIES. IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC, ZAMBIA HAS DEVELOPED A NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN FOR COVID-19, WHICH HAS BEEN USED TO GUIDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE PANDEMIC. THE VACCINE PROGRAMME FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE RESPONSE PLAN. DESPITE OUR PLACING THE VACCINE PROGRAM HIGH ON THE LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES, ZAMBIA HAS ONLY MANAGED TO VACCINATE ABOUT 3% OF ITS POPULATION.
THIS IS AGAINST THE COUNTRY’S TARGET OF VACCINATING 70% OF THE ELIGIBLE POPULATION BY THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022. THIS CLEARLY HIGHLIGHTS THE INEQUITABLE ACCESS TO VACCINES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY THAT MORE THAN 2 BILLION VACCINES HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED WORLDWIDE.
MR. PRESIDENT, IT IS FAIR TO STATE THAT RECOVERY FROM THE PANDEMIC HINGES UPON MASS VACCINATIONS BEFORE CONSIDERING OTHER REFORMS OR FACILITIES THAT TEND TO FAIL WHEN COUNTRIES LOCK-DOWN THEIR ECONOMIES. IT IS, THEREFORE, GRATIFYING THAT THIS SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONSIDER BUILDING ON INITIATIVES SUCH AS THE AFRICAN VACCINE ACQUISITION TRUST (AVAT) AND COVID-19 VACCINES GLOBAL ACCESS (COVAX).
THE TWO INITIATIVES HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES, SUCH AS ZAMBIA, TO ACCESS THE LIFE-SAVING VACCINES, WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY FROM THE PANDEMIC.
I WISH, THEREFORE, TO EXPRESS ZAMBIA’S APPRECIATION FOR THE SUPPORT THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED THUS FAR THROUGH THE COVAX AND AVAT FACILITIES, THE UN SYSTEM AND VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS.
TO FURTHER GUARANTEE RESILIENCE, WE CALL FOR CONCERTED AND ENHANCED GLOBAL EFFORTS TOWARDS PROMOTING INVESTMENTS PARTICULARLY IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING CAPACITY AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ON VACCINES, RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, HUMAN CAPITAL AS WELL AS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R & D).
MR. PRESIDENT THE NEW ADMINISTRATION IN ZAMBIA IS COGNISANT THAT A CONDUCIVE GOVERNANCE ENVIRONMENT IS A PRECURSOR FOR THE COUNTRY’S POLITICAL STABILITY, SECURITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. IT ALSO FOSTERS ENHANCED TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSULTATIVE DIALOGUE. WITH THIS REALISATION, OUR ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK TOWARDS STRENGTHENING OF OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNANCE INSTITUTIONS AND ENSURE THE INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY OF THE THREE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT, PARTICULARLY THE LEGISLATURE AND JUDICIARY.
THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL BE AT THE CENTRE OF OUR TRANSFORMATION AGENDA AND THIS SHALL BE EXECUTED WITH ZERO-TOLERANCE.
WE SHALL ALSO PROMOTE FREE MEDIA AND AN ACTIVE CIVIL SOCIETY AS THEY ARE CRITICAL IN UPHOLDING CHECKS AND BALANCES, HUMAN RIGHTS, LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS.
MR. PRESIDENT MY GOVERNMENT’S HIGH PRIORITY IS TO RESTORE MACROECONOMIC STABILITY; ATTAIN FISCAL AND DEBT SUSTAINABILITY; PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENHANCE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND MANAGE THE CONTRACTION OF DEBT. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THESE MEASURES WILL RESTORE MACRO-ECONOMIC STABILITY AND PUT THE COUNTRY BACK ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY.
TO SUSTAIN THIS GROWTH, ZAMBIA WILL DEDICATE EFFORTS TO GUARANTEE A STABLE AND PREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL ATTRACT AND PROTECT LOCAL, REGIONAL AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AS WELL AS ENHANCE LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN THE ECONOMY.
THIS IS A PREREQUISITE FOR A VIBRANT PRIVATE SECTOR LED ECONOMY AND THUS CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE.
MR. PRESIDENT, TO COMPLEMENT THESE EFFORTS, ZAMBIA HAS EMBARKED ON AN AMBITIOUS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA WITH A VIEW TO CREATING EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES AND POVERTY REDUCTION FOR THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE YOUTH AND WOMEN.
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, OUR ADMINISTRATION SHALL DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT INTERVENTIONS AIMED AT INDUCING ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY IN AGRICULTURE, MINING, ENERGY, FINANCIAL SERVICES, TOURISM, TECHNOLOGY, HEALTH AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES.
DESPITE THESE WELL THOUGHT OUT INTERVENTIONS, TODAY’S WORLD ECONOMY IS MORE COMPLEX THAN EVER BEFORE.
GIVEN THE NUMEROUS GLOBAL CONCERNS, INCLUDING PANDEMICS, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ILLEGAL HUMAN MIGRATION, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE ADAPT TO THESE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION BY FOSTERING KEY PARTNERSHIPS AND DEEPENING INTEGRATION AT ALL LEVELS . THIS IS CRITICAL TO ENSURE THAT WE REALISE OUR ASPIRATIONS OF RESTORING ZAMBIA ON A PATH TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
MR. PRESIDENT, ZAMBIA IS AWARE OF THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN GUIDING THE WORLD TO FOCUS ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA. IN PARTICULAR, THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HAS SET THE TONE AND BENCHMARKS FOR COUNTRIES TO INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES.
OUR “NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT” IN ZAMBIA IS COMMITTED TO REALISING TANGIBLE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WHILE PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION SO THAT THIS IS NOT ACHIEVED AT THE EXPENSE OF FUTURE GENERATIONS. LIKE MANY OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ZAMBIA CALLS FOR CLOSER COOPERATION AND SUPPORT FOR CAPACITY TO ADOPT BETTER, SAFER, CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITIVE AND MODERN METHODS OF INCREASED PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY.
OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS ESTABLISHED A MINISTRY THAT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ZAMBIA, THE MINISTRY OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT, TO ADDRESS THIS, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. THIS WILL BE CRUCIAL TO BUILD THE ABILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING CLIMATE POSITIVE ACTIONS.
MR. PRESIDENT I AM DRAWN TO THE PROPHETIC INSCRIPTION ON THE WALL OF THE UNITED NATIONS PLAZA, AND I QUOTE “…THEY SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES AND THEIR SPEARS INTO PRUNING HOOKS; NATION SHALL NOT LIFT UP SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE…” ISAIAH 2: 4-5. END OF QUOTE.
THESE WORDS, MR. PRESIDENT, SERVE AS A REMINDER TO THE UNITED NATIONS TO WORK TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION. THOUGH WE HAVE MADE LEAPS AND BOUNDS, IN THE AREA OF PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY, THERE REMAIN POCKETS OF CONFLICT IN MANY REGIONS OF THE WORLD WHERE GUNS HAVE NOT BEEN SILENCED. THE SILENCING OF GUNS THEREFORE GOES BEYOND ADDRESSING CONVENTIONAL WARFARE, BUT ALSO IN ADDRESSING NEW EMERGING THREATS OF OUR CENTURY WHICH INCLUDE: CHALLENGES OF EXTREMISM AND INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, CYBERCRIME, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE PROLIFERATION OF NON-CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS AND ORGANIZED CRIME.
AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF THESE GLOBAL THREATS THROUGH VARIOUS NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL MECHANISMS.
MR. PRESIDENT THE FORMER SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS, THE LATE DR. KOFI ANNAN, LAID OUT AN AMBITIOUS AGENDA BEFORE THE 60TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, WHICH IS STILL PERTINENT TODAY. IN HIS REPORT, “IN LARGER FREEDOM: TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT SECURITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”, HE MADE THE CASE THAT DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CANNOT BE ENJOYED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE OTHER. THESE ARE INDISPENSABLE REALITIES OF A WELL-FUNCTIONING NATION AND INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM.
I HOWEVER, WISH TO GO A STEP FURTHER IN ASSERTING THAT THE FOUNDATION TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IS PEACE AND STABILITY. WITHOUT PEACE AND HARMONY, DEVELOPMENT CANNOT BE ATTAINED.
ZAMBIA WILL, THEREFORE, CONTINUE TO SUPPORT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES AIMED AT PROMOTING PEACE AND SECURITY.
IN THIS VEIN, ZAMBIA REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE SADC MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE AIMED AT RESTORING PEACE TO THE CABO DELGADO PROVINCE.
IN ADDITION, ZAMBIA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE OF THE LUSAKA MASTER ROADMAP TO SILENCE THE GUNS IN AFRICA, AN INITIATIVE BEING IMPLEMENTED BY ALL AFRICAN UNION (AU) MEMBER STATES TO PROMOTE PEACE AND SECURITY, WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN ENDORSED FOR EXTENSION FOR A 10-YEAR PERIOD FROM 2021 TO 2030. WE THEREFORE, WISH TO CALL FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN SILENCING THE GUNS IN AFRICA AND OTHER CONTINENTAL INITIATIVES.
MR. PRESIDENT IN THE QUEST FOR PROMOTING GLOBAL PEACE AND SECURITY, ZAMBIA NOTES, WITH SATISFACTION, THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE TREATY ON THE PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (TPNW), WHICH BECAME OPERATIVE ON 22ND JANUARY 2021. THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE TPNW IS A TANGIBLE FEAT TOWARDS ADVANCING THE CAUSE OF NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE. ZAMBIA ENCOURAGES OTHER STATES THAT ARE YET TO RATIFY THE TPNW TO COME ON BOARD SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE MAKING ADVANCES TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR ASPIRATIONS OF ERADICATING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
ON THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC) REFORM, ZAMBIA IS STILL CONCERNED WITH THE SLOW PACE OF NEGOTIATIONS WHICH HAVE CONTINUED WITHOUT MAKING MUCH PROGRESS.
ZAMBIA, IN THIS REGARD, WISHES TO REITERATE THE AFRICAN COMMON POSITION, THE “EZULWINI CONSENSUS”, THAT CALLS FOR A MORE REPRESENTATIVE AND DEMOCRATIC UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, IN WHICH AFRICA, LIKE ALL OTHER WORLD REGIONS, WILL BE FAIRLY REPRESENTED.
MR. PRESIDENT THE CALL FOR GENDER EQUALITY IS NOW A CENTURY-OLD STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE EQUALLY WITH MEN IN SOCIETY. DESPITE THE REALIZATION THAT WOMEN’S FULL AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE RESULTS IN PROSPERITY, WOMEN ARE STILL, HOWEVER, INVOLVED LESS IN PUBLIC LIFE AND DECISION-MAKING.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO DEMAND FOR THE PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY WHILE PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN, GIRLS, CHILDREN, AND THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES.
FOR US IN ZAMBIA, WE WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, OUR NEW PARLIAMENT ELECTED THE FIRST FEMALE SPEAKER TO PRESIDE OVER ZAMBIA’S SUPREME LAW MAKING ORGAN OF GOVERNMENT. I FURTHER WISH TO STATE WITH PRIDE THAT ZAMBIA’S VICE PRESIDENT, AS WELL AS THE DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ARE WOMEN.
CONSISTENT WITH OUR COMMITMENT, ZAMBIA IS IMPLEMENTING VARIOUS INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO HARMONISE THE DEVELOPMENT, PROGRAMMING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT EFFORTS TARGETING WOMEN AND THE YOUTH ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
IN DOING ALL THIS, OUR AIM IS TO ELIMINATE HUNGER AND RURAL POVERTY. FURTHER, ZAMBIA EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING THAT COMMUNITIES HAVE WOMEN AT EVERY LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING, AS DOING SO WILL TRANSLATE INTO A DISCOURSE THAT WILL BE INCLUSIVE, REPRESENTATIVE AND THUS MORE HOLISTIC AND INSIGHTFUL. OUR GOVERNMENT WILL FOCUS ON INCREASING SUPPORT FOR WOMEN THROUGH CREATION OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS AMONG OTHERS. WE WILL ALSO FOCUS ON INCREASING ACCESS TO SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS FROM IMPOVERISHED HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH FINANCIAL AID AND GRANT SCHEMES.
MR. PRESIDENT I WISH TO STRESS THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND MULTILATERALISM, TO CONSOLIDATE GLOBAL EFFORTS THROUGH PROMOTING OPEN AND CORDIAL RELATIONS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, IN ORDER TO ENSURE COLLECTIVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
MR. PRESIDENT, AS I CONCLUDE, I WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT IT IS THE DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL OF US IN THE GLOBAL DEMOCRATIC COMMUNITY, TO MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK FOR OUR PEOPLE. WE CAN DO THIS BY DELIVERING DEMOCRACY DIVIDENDS THROUGH ACCELERATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BALANCED DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES AND OUR PEOPLE ACCESSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER LIFE.
THIS IS WHAT WILL MAKE DEMOCRACY ATTRACTIVE TO OUR PEOPLE IN THE INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES. THIS IS WHAT WILL MAKE DEMOCRACY SUSTAINABLE AND KEEP AWAY AUTOCRATIC AND HEAVY HANDED ALTERNATIVES FROM LEADERSHIP. THIS IS WHAT WILL FOSTER A PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS AND A MORE UNITED WORLD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.
Police in Bulawayo have increased their visibility to curb crimes that are usually associated with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair due to an influx of visitors.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube told Southern Eye yesterday that law enforcement agents were more than ready to deal with criminals that often cash in on the increase in the number of visitors in the country’s second largest city during the annual trade extravaganza.
“We have realised that there is an influx of visitors in Bulawayo, we are glad to receive them, we want to tell them that they are safe,” Ncube said.
“We have deployed enough police officers to deal with those who will be engaged in criminal activities. Some criminals would have travelled from afar, we want to warn them that Bulawayo is not a hunting ground for criminals and does not tolerate lawlessness.’’
He added: “We urge the public to co-operate with police and that they should not leave their luggage in their cars.’
Of late, Bulawayo has been hit by a spate of armed robbery, resulting in exchange of gunfire between police officers and armed robbers.
Last month, armed robbers were cornered by police in Bulawayo. One was shot dead, while two were injured when the six armed robbers, who had come all the way from South Africa, pounced on a house along Franklin Drive in Fourwinds, Bulawayo.
Four firearms were recovered at the scene. –Newsday
The government has resolved to keep schools open despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in some schools since early this month.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet noted that the increase in infections was insignificant to warrant schools closure.
In a post-Cabinet Press briefing on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said: The meeting, however, noted that out of a total school enrolment of 4,6 million, the number of COVID-19 positive cases detected is insignificant. All cases are being well-managed in line with the standard guidelines for the co-ordinated prevention and management of COVID-19 at all learning institutions in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, most cases among learners are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. Accordingly, Cabinet resolved that schools will remain open. Learners, who are isolated, will be provided with alternative learning platforms.
A number of schools have been hit by COVID-19 infections, with teachers claiming the government prematurely reopened schools before creating a conducive environment in learning institutions.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said the government had resolved to enhance surveillance and contact tracing at schools and the surrounding communities and to increase on-site COVID-19 testing of all suspected cases.
The government will also restrict movement into and out of the schools affected until the outbreaks have been controlled. She added that there will be vaccination of all eligible populations in schools and also in the surroundings.- NewsDay
No Going Back – President Chamisa On Struggle For Democracy
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has thanked the people of Zimbabwe for showing determination to fight for change despite incessant efforts by enablers of the regime to frustrate the people’s struggle.
President Chamisa is satisfied with the overwhelming support from citizens in and out of the country.
Read statement below:
TODAY, I wish to thank all of you who support the struggle for a free Zimbabwe.
The support is from all ages & corners of Zimbabwe including the diaspora.
You guys are awesome! Most of you we’ve never met but you invest and have believed in the promise of a NEW GREAT ZIIMBABWE even at great cost and personal risk.
I will never let you down!Together we Will WIN Zimbabwe for total and real change.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has thanked the people of Zimbabwe for showing determination to fight for change despite incessant efforts by enablers of the regime to frustrate the people’s struggle.
President Chamisa is satisfied with the overwhelming support from citizens in and out of the country.
Read statement below:
TODAY, I wish to thank all of you who support the struggle for a free Zimbabwe.
The support is from all ages & corners of Zimbabwe including the diaspora.
You guys are awesome! Most of you we’ve never met but you invest and have believed in the promise of a NEW GREAT ZIIMBABWE even at great cost and personal risk.
I will never let you down!Together we Will WIN Zimbabwe for total and real change.
Police officer commanding Mashonaland West province, Commissioner Coneli Dube, was today denied bail by a Mashonaland West provincial magistrate in a case he is accused of obstructing the course of justice.
Ms Ruth Moyo remanded Dube in custody to October 6 this year.
Dube spent last night in custody after appearing unrepresented in a bail application attempt.
The State led by Ms Teveraishe Zinyemba, yesterday, opposed the bail application on the basis that the accused would interfere with witnesses and was a flight risk who was also likely to abscond.
ZACC’s senior investigations officer, Mr Patrick Madiye said if granted bail, the accused could influence or intimidate some of the witnesses who were his subordinates.
Mr Madiye also told the court that the accused had influenced the transfer of two senior officers from the province.
In his bail application, Dube had averred that he was not a flight risk as he was willing to surrender his travel documents.
He said he was not familiar with the witnesses hence he would not interfere with them, but Ms Moyo consented to the State’s decision and advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.
Dube is accused of trying to protect four Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers, Detective Assistant Inspector Moses Million, Detective Assistant Inspector Newton Musende, Detective Sergeant Never Muchekawaya and Detective Constable Justice Mapfanya who are facing charges of extorting money from one Washington Ongorani.
He allegedly withheld the criminal docket for the four, thereby contravening Section 184 (1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23. – Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF regime is planning to eliminate human rights activist and MDC Alliance Youth Assembly secretary for labour and social welfare Makomborero Haruzivishe, ZimEye.com has learnt.
Makomborero Haruzivishe complained of being choked by men pretending to be in a trance at night. The same men also attempted to slit open his throat.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly secretary general, Gift Ostallos Siziba has accused of the regime of sending its secret agents to torment Makomborero Haruzivishe.
“Mako was attacked last night…the regime is callous.
We call for his immediate release,” said Siziba.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said: “We have received very unfortunate reports that Makomborero Haruzivishe’s life is in danger at Harare Remand Prison.
Mako complains that there are inmates who wanted to slit his throat under the fake impression that they were under some hallucinations or trance.
This is a clear attempt on our comrade’s life by the regime. History has taught us that Harare Remand Prison is a guillotine for activists and opposition members.
In the past we lost Learnmore Jongwe and so many cdes under unclear circumstances.
It is in that perspective that we demand for unconditional release of Mako because the regime has failed in its duty to protect him as a citizen in line with constitutional provisions and rights of prisoners.”
Tinashe Sambiri|Fearless MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has vowed to confront the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa over the deepening political crisis in Zimbabwe.
The hard-hitting politician said he would soon lose his temper due rampant abuse of human rights and muzzling of democratic space in Zimbabwe.
“If this situation continues to throttle our democratic space, some of us will lose our temper very soon.
Ndokuvharisirai chinyika chose ichi zvandandakuitirai gore rapera muna July.
Rambai muchiita matoto iwaya.”
Hon Sikhala also described Mnangagwa as the worst dictator on earth.
“Uyu pama evil dictators ose amunoziva put together havasviki kana quarter yake pahutsinye nehumhondi.
He is evil personified. He must fall by any means necessary.”
