When are Anselem Sanyatwe, Owen Mudha and Isaac Moyo getting suspended?

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) September 17, 2021

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By A Correspondent- The High Court has nullified Harare Provincial Development Coordinator Tafadzwa Muguti’s decision to ban some non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) after they failed to submit their work plans as he had directed them to do.

In an urgent chamber application filed on 3 August, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Trust, a mother body of NGOs said the directive was unconstitutional.

Muguti, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Harare Metropolitan Province, Local government minister, Home affairs minister, Public Service minister were all cited as respondents.

In its ruling handed down this Friday, the High Court said the applicants had made out a prima facie case establishing that their constitutional rights had been violated by Muguti’s directive. The ruling read in part:

As already discussed above, the Act has not yet been amended to incorporate the first respondent’s position. Until such a time that is done, the first respondent cannot issue directives to NGOs and purport to police them.
In view of the foregoing, I find merit in the applicants’ application for an interdict pending the return day. They have made out a prima facie case establishing the constitutional rights that are likely to be infringed which NGOs have an inherent interest in.
There is a reasonable apprehension of harm in that the operations of NGOs will be disrupted or stopped as per the press statement of the first respondent.

The balance of convenience favours the granting of the interdict. No prejudice will be suffered by the respondents if the interdict is granted pending the return day.

On the other hand, the applicants and NGOs stand to suffer irreparable harm if the interdict is not granted as operations may be stopped at any time as threatened by the first respondent.

The High Court ordered Muguti to refrain “from enforcing: interfering with, suspending or stopping operations of Non-Governmental Organizations, Trusts, Civil Society Organizations and Faith-Based Organizations…”

By A Correspondent- Police in Chivhu have arrested a local man for farming mbanje.

John Mavuka, was arrested after the police discovered that he had 1 000 plants of mbanje and a seedling bed with 2000 plants.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of John Mavuka (38) on 15/09/21, for cultivating dagga at Gwenhamo Village, Chivi. Police recovered 31 twists, 2 kgs prepared dagga, 2 000 seedlings and over 1 000 mature plants in the suspect’s garden,” Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyati,said.

The arrest comes in the wake of a recent government-sanctioned operation code-named ‘Clean Up Zimbabwe’ to rid the country of drug abuse and cartels.

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says only genuine dialogue can resolve the country’s political stalemate.

Speaking in Matabeleland South at the weekend President Chamisa said:

“What we want is genuine dialogue, not POLAD.
POLAD is a mere choir and we will not join the platform.

They (POLAD actors) are singing from Mr Mnangagwa’s hymn book.

The legitimacy crisis remains the sticking point.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Controversial comedian-cum-preacher, Panganai Java has stunned all and sundry after paying thousands of dollars for one million DNA tests.

The programme will be conducted by Tinashe Mugabe at the weekend.

The timing of the programme has been criticized by concerned citizens who feel the money could have been used to support the country’s ailing health system.

Thousands are battling to access medical assistance across the country- mainly due to lack of adequate facilities.

The health sector urgently need funding…

Observers say Panganai Java and Tinashe Mugabe’s programme will tear apart marriages.

On Thursday Java posted on his official Facebook page:

“My Bath time in chitungwiza 15yrs have made me to be a blessing to the chitungwiza people!!!

My name is Tinashe Mugabe.
I wish to inform all couples in Chitungwiza that Passion Java has paid for one million DNA tests at our offices today. We will start door to door testing on Saturday 18 September 2021
Chitungwiza are you ready?”

Tinashe Sambiri|Tough-taking MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF will be kicked out of power through the ballot box.

The veteran politician urged young people to register to vote in numbers.

Zanu PF bigwigs think that Zimbabwe belongs to their mothers, according to Hon Sikhala.

“Good pple there is need to teach ZANU PF a big lesson once and for all in 2023. They talk a lot of nonsense as if this country belongs to their mothers. They have got arrogance of a coward.

There must be mass demonstration of our sovereign by voting them out in our millions in 2023…

Haa vanhu vazviramba. When I was leaving the High Court today I met a group of pple who greeted me by the gate and said “mudhara rambai makashinga. Nyangwe Mnangagwa akatipa US$1millon each hatichada.”

These are bold declarations I get everywhere I go.
Mnangagwa will be kicked out,” Hon Sikhala wrote on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has been accused of turning away youths intending to register to vote, the MDC Alliance.

Said the MDC Alliance in a tweet:

“The regime continues to stifle citizens constitutional rights. Today, ZEC turned away Sunningdale youths who wanted to register to vote. Harare has only two registration centres. This must stop. #RegisterToVoteZW

?The regime continues to stifle citizens constitutional rights. Today, ZEC turned away Sunningdale youths who wanted to register to vote. Harare has only two registration centres. This must stop. #RegisterToVoteZW pic.twitter.com/w4aJ0sxeVp

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 17, 2021

Press Statement- Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Of Zimbabwe "slam" Tinashe Mugabe's DNA Global pic.twitter.com/D93upRlRXw

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 17, 2021

A Mhangura man who assaulted a driver for talking to his wife has been jailed 60 days.

Mike Banda, 62, of Alpha Farm and a driver at Sino-China Mhangura appeared before Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Melody Rwizi charged with two counts of assault.

The complainants are Mondrick Mungava, 61 and Banda’s wife Shupikai Frank, 40,

He pleaded guilty and was fined $15 000 or spend 30 days in jail for each count.

He will pay $30 000 or spend 60 days in jail if he fails to deposit the money with the clerk of court.

Prosecuting Odrah Chitoro told the court that on August 21 at Alpha Farm, Banda followed his wife who was looking for firewood and saw her talking to Mungava.

He accused his wife of having a love affair with Mungava.

Banda in a fit of rage started assaulting Mungava and his wife with a wooden stick several times.

Mungava sustained injuries and filed a report.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has appointed Commissioner Joyce Laetitia Kazembe as its spokesperson and chairperson of the National Multi-Party Liaison Committee.

In a brief statement on Twitter on Friday, ZEC said Kazembe replaces Commissioner Qubani Moyo whose tenure of office had expired.

The statement read:

ZEC is informing its stakeholders that Commissioner Joyce Laetitia Kazembe is now the Commission’s Media Liaison Person/Spokesperson and Chairperson of the National Multi-Party Liaison Committee following the expiry of Comm Q Moyo’s tenure of office.

By A Correspondent- Aspiring Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson and former Education Minister Lazarus Dokora, Monday survived an assassination attempt in Bindura amid suspicions he may have been targeted by internal party rivals as the race for the influential post intensifies.

Dokora reported the attempt on his life at the Bindura Central police station.

It is alleged the hit-men used claw hammers to smash the former minister’s vehicle before they abandoned the mission after realising he was not in the car.

Dokora is challenging Home Affairs minister and current provincial chair, Kazembe Kazembe.

Although Dokora declined to comment on the matter when contacted by NewZimbabwe Thursday evening, a source close to him said the attempt on the former minister’s life was a sign colleagues in Zanu PF’s Mashonaland Central were determined to “eliminate” him before the provincial elections are held after he emerged as a clear front runner.

The provincial elections are slated for next month before Zanu PF holds its annual people’s congress also in October in Bindura.

“There was an attempt on Dokora’s life on Monday in Bindura. He parked his vehicle and got out. The assailants came and smashed his door with an intention of killing him with claw hammers,” the source said.

“However, unbeknown to them, he had left, but this actually shows there are people who want to eliminate him ahead of the internal elections set for next month.”

Dokora’s ally, Ryan Dhokwani, said he has also faced a similar manner in Madziva, Mashonaland Central. He reported the matter to the police.

Dhokwani confirmed to NewZimbabwe Thursday he was forced to withdraw the case from the police after realising his assailants were Zanu PF members, and an out-of-court settlement was reached.

“A large rock was thrown at my car while I was in Madziva some time back. The people who attacked me knew exactly where I sat in my car as I am always driven,” Dhokwani said.

“The rock missed my glass and hit the door. If it had hit the window, it would have been a different story. I reported the matter to the police at Madziva but eventually withdrew the case after realising the assailants were members of the party.

“I cannot with full confidence say this was because of the upcoming elections but this is what happened to me and my car was indeed damaged.”

The NewZimbabwe source said the attacks on Dokora and Dhokwani were coordinated and there were strong fears in the party, the internal fights would escalate once the Politburo allowed campaigning for posts to start.

Campaigns ahead of Zanu PF’s restructuring process were suspended after internal fissures, in most provinces, rose as party faithful jostled for posts.

However, Kazembe and Energy Minister Zhemu Soda have defied the Politburo order and continue campaigning. Soda is backing Kazembe to be re-elected for the second term.

Added the source: “Kazembe and Soda gathered dozens of farmers in the province Thursday under the pretext they were preparing for the winter wheat harvest but it was clear they were campaigning for the coming provincial elections.

“Winter wheat farming is far from their duties as ministers and Kazembe is using his power as Home Affairs Minister to campaign and even harass opponents as what happened when (James) Makamba was arrested recently.”

Makamba was arrested last May on charges of breaking Covid-19 regulations. He had gathered his family and friends to celebrate his welcome from self-exile in neighbouring South Africa.

Soda said could not comment as he was busy while efforts to get a comment from Kazembe were unsuccessful.

Dokora was appointed Education minister by then-President Robert Mugabe before he was dropped by his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa in December 2018.

His sacking came amid strong criticism from Zimbabweans on social media platforms and public media blaming him for poor performance and undermining the country’s education system.

By A Correspondent- Public examinations will start at the end of November for Grade Seven candidates, while Ordinary and Advanced Level pupils will start writing in mid-December overlapping into 2022.

Government has previously stated that it is possible to write public examinations this year, despite disruptions to the school calendar caused by Covid-19.

This year, schools were supposed to open in early January for the first term but ended up reopening in March due to the threat caused by the virus.

Schools then closed on June 4 and were set to open on June 28 but the re-opening was postponed.

Schools were eventually re-opened on August 30 for examination classes and September 6 for the rest of the classes.

Due to the pandemic, school holidays have been prolonged, leaving learners with limited time to have face-to-face lessons with their teachers. Schools have been relying more on virtual lessons and radio lessons which other learners have failed to access.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education introduced catch up strategies to bring learners up to date.

This includes blended learning and teachers can combine some topics and also target certain key topics in order to compress the syllabus, and online learning

Responding to questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo said in the meantime, catch up strategies have been put in place to prepare learners.

He said frantic efforts were being made to ensure that learners will be ready for the exams.

“The examination dates have only been given so far as when they are going to begin and that is end November for Grade Sevens. Mid-December, we are going to have the O and A Levels which are going to overlap into 2022.

“We think our children would have been prepared for examinations by that time. With regards to the point that children have lost time, we are employing catch up strategies to ensure that the children do catch up and one of them is through blended learning where we are using different learning and teaching platforms,” he said.

“Inclusive of that is going to be materials that are going to be given to children. Some of them have been given those materials and e-learning is also underway so that they do catch-up.”

Deputy Minister Moyo said in order to cater for learners that did not have access to online learning, modules and study packs have been distributed to schools which do not have network or signal.

He said the Education Ministry was aware that there was shortage of teaching staff in some schools and efforts to address the matter were underway. Deputy Minister Moyo said a human resources deployment strategy was in place to try and address the challenge.

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has said it is ready for the examinations.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive officer, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu said although the exams could be written starting at the end of November, there was need for exam papers to be set according to what learners would have been taught.

“Learners have to be assessed on what they have covered and exam papers should be set according to that. Another issue is on CALAs (Continuous Learners Assessments), this is a long process of coursework and considering limited learning time learners can be assessed in one activity,” he said

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) President, Dr Takavafira Zhou recently said exams could only be written next year as pupils needed three months of uninterrupted time of learning in order to cover the time lost through lockdown.

He said learners should write exams around mid-January to February next year. He also said exams could only be written when teachers had completed their syllabuses.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Mashonaland West police Armoury officer-in-charge Inspector Clive Kadambure and his three-co-accused facing charges of illegally acquiring and selling firearms to armed robbers and poachers while smuggling some to neighbouring countries have been denied bail at the High Court.

Kadambure, Edmore Manuwere, Wonder Kwaramba and Patrick Chirara had approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.

But Justice Benjamin Chikowero dismissed the application saying the release of the suspects would undermine the public confidence in the criminal justice delivery system.

The three are facing charges of contravening the Firearms Act pertaining to purchasing, acquiring or possessing any ammunition without holding a firearm certificate.

Charges against Kadambure are that on March 16, detectives from CID Masvingo heard that he was wanted by CID Mwenezi in connection with the smuggling of guns through the Sango Border Post.

Some suspects arrested trying to sneak out firearms had implicated Kadambure as an accomplice.

The assortment of hunting rifles comprised of 1 Remmington 700 rifle, 1 Gal 375, 2 HH MAG 375, 1 W/N MAG 458, and 1 CORMKI MAX 375.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- In a dramatic incident a prison officer assaulted his colleague for allegedly having an affair with his wife.

While Philmon Mkombwe (39) and his colleague Bernard Takura (42) were boozing at a friend’s place, Philmon sprung a surprise as he accused Takura of seeing his wife behind his back.

An argument ensued between the two and Philmon grabbed Bernard before he assaulted him with fists all over the body. Philmon did not stop at that as he continued attacking him.

He kicked him all over the body while warning him to stop seeing his wife. The prowling Philmon was restrained by a neighbour who was boozing with them. After that Bernard reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Philmon. Appearing before Western Commonage magistrate Shepherd Mnjanja Philmon pleaded guilty to an assault charge.

He was fined $6 000 and is supposed to pay it by 3o September. If he fails to pay the fine, he will serve a four-month jail sentence.

By A Correspondent- A woman from Cowdray Park suburb recently left people in her neighbourhood shocked after she ran amok and thoroughly assaulted her husband with fists after he asked her why she brings her boyfriends to their home.

Sithandazile Lunga is reportedly in the habit of bashing her husband Masala Zikhali in full glare of the neighbours, a development that has resulted in the latter being a laughing stock in the community.

As if that is not enough, Lunga, who seems to have totally lost affection for her husband, sometimes threatens to poison or stab him.

Efforts to rein in Lunga by her relatives have all gone down the drain, leaving Zikhali with no option but to seek justice from the courts.

“I have been living with Sithandazile Lunga for almost six years. This woman is so violent that she physically assaults me, verbally abuses me and is always insulting me.

“She is always threatening to poison or stab me so that she can inherit my house. She even has the guts to bring her boyfriends to my house and when I confront her she beats me.

“This has caused me emotionally stress. I have on numerous occasions told her to leave me but she says she will leave after I’m dead,” said Zikhali.

He added that their marriage had been full of thorns and that he has been living in misery.

“Lunga once left me in 2018 and went to South Africa for four months and when she came back we sat down and solved our problems which had caused her to leave me.

“But she left me again and went away for one year. Ever since she came back our problems have since gone from bad to worse. I wish the honourable court to help me by granting me a protection order barring her from continuously

staying in my house, physically assaulting me, threatening me and verbally abusing me,” said Zikhali.

Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube granted the order.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- In a dramatic incident, a teacher at Inyathi Mission School in Bubi District assaulted his wife after he accused her of prostitution.

It is understood that Fibion Mkhwananzi resorts to beating his wife, accusing her of prostitution every time they have a misunderstanding.

This was revealed by Mkhwananzi’s wife, Lungisani Ndlovu, who sought a protection order at the courts to seek justice against Mkhwananzi.

“I am applying for a protection order against Fibion Mkhwananzi who is also my husband. He assaults me at any given time and accuses me of prostitution and always says the kids that we have are not his.

“Whenever we have a misunderstanding he resorts to fighting. I no longer feel comfortable because of his behaviour. May the court grant me this protection order so that he stops abusing me,” said Ndlovu.

Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, ordered Mkhwananzi to refrain from physically and verbally abusing Ndlovu.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Nomsa Gonouya, a defiant ex-girlfriend, vowed in court that she will not rest until she gets her married ex-lover back.

But her ex-lover wants nothing to do with her because he is now happily married, so she has resorted to tormenting the couple.

Sources say she regularly visits the couple’s place unannounced and starts destroying their property saying all she wants is her ex-lover.

This has caused her ex-lover’s wife, Milicent Moyo, to live in fear, leading her to seek justice from the courts.

“I am applying for a peace order against my husband’s ex-girlfriend Nomsa Gonouya. She always comes into my place of residence threatening that I dispossessed her of her husband and she wants him back, besides that I will die and leave him.

“She sometimes comes and breaks my window. She can even fight with my husband in my house. She also collected some soil from my yard promising to perform rituals to get him back. I pray that the honourable court may grant me a peace order that will stop her from coming into my place of residence and she must stop threatening me in any manner. I am now living in fear because of her actions.

I want to live a peaceful life,” said Moyo.

In her response, Gonouya said: “She should know that we share a man. I don’t mind not going to her place of residence but what I want is my ex-lover.”

Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube ordered Gonouya not to enter Moyo’s premises and to refrain from threatening Moyo.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- In a real-life drama whose script reads like folklore plucked from Gothic literature, nurses at Tsholotsho District Hospital in Matabeleland North province are being terrorised by suspected goblins which are allegedly stealing their food and underwear before dumping them in any of the rooms occupied by the victims.

The mischievous creatures are also reportedly making strange noises at night and disturb couples whenever they want to have sex.

The ‘reign of terror’ is alleged to have started last month and it’s ongoing.

A nurse, who declined to be named, said the menacing creatures were making their colleagues’ lives a misery as they were stealing food from their fridges and underwear before dumping them in their neighbours’ rooms.

“Some of our colleagues are living in terror and we don’t know what to do as staff members at the hospital.

There are chilling complaints from them that they always hear footsteps of strange creatures which are also taking food from their fridges and sometimes they wake up and the food thrown on the floor.

“The menacing creatures are also taking their underwear before dumping these in any of the victims’ rooms,” said an official who requested anonymity.

The official said for couples they also complained of seeing creepy creatures standing next to the bed whenever they want to have sex and it is believed that the goblins were only visible to their victims. Another source from the hospital who also requested anonymity said: “This thing has been happening for quite a long time.

There are also complaints from the victims that on some days they wake up after they felt that they were being pulled from their ears by those invisible things.

Because of fear some of them are now sleeping with their lights and radios turned on.” It is reported that a sangoma from Binga once came and conducted a cleansing ceremony to try to get to the bottom of the drama but he did not succeed apparently.

“A sangoma from Binga once came and conducted a cleansing ceremony but the torment only stopped for about a week before it started again. The latest incident is that of a 10-year-old boy who was haunted by those mysterious creatures. During the torment the boy was crying while claiming that he was seeing a short and bold creature like a man,” added the source from the hospital.

Tsholotsho District Medical Officer Dr Mbonisi Nyathi confirmed having received reports of the strange happenings at the hospital.

“About last week only a single household that had three occupants were complaining of some funny things that were happening so we sent a team to inquire and among themselves they thought of those things called goblins and they assured us that they will x the problem within two days.

“From what we heard, they axed it and fortunately enough they (suspected goblins) were not terrorising other households except theirs.

“So, the last time I heard is that they had resolved it in an internal manner and I don’t know how it stands as of now but I’m hoping that whatever it is be it games or goblins I’m just hoping that it doesn’t taint our name,” said Dr Nyathi.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The family of late national hero and Cabinet minister Perrance Shiri has questioned the authenticity of documents used by the Master of the High Court Eldard Mutasa to handle his vast empire.

A decorated national hero and ex-Air Force of Zimbabwe commander, Shiri became Agriculture minister soon after President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over in a November 2017 coup and served in that capacity until he succumbed to COVID-19 on July 29 last year.

Some of his children have, through their lawyers, written to Mutasa on several occasions, arguing that the estate administration documents were not authentic.

Shiri’s estate beneficiaries also challenged Mutasa’s appointment of former Attorney-General Sobusa Gula-Ndebele as executor when the late Agriculture minister had a family trust with its own executor.

They claimed that Gula-Ndebele had shown bias in executing the estate as he had un-procedurally given authority to undeserving relatives to use Shiri’s property, namely his nephew Bornwell Chitanda who is now staying at the deceased’s property in Borrowdale after moving out of his Hatcliffe home to occupy the house which had key documents and family safes.

But Chitanda yesterday said: “I was asked to stay at the late minister’s house because there was no relative staying with him at the time of his death. I am just looking after the property. I know nothing about the late minister’s documents to do with his estate. I wouldn’t concern myself with his estate because I am not a beneficiary anyway.”

The matter is now being investigated by police under reference ER5/2021 with the hope that the estate does not fall into wrong hands.

Shiri’s children argued that Mutasa had used a 1995 will, which the late minister had disregarded after registering a family trust with one of his children Rufaro Stephanie Shiri as executor, but who some family members are allegedly wanting to muscle out.

According to documents seen by NewsDay, the late Agriculture minister’s children, Rufaro Stephanie reportedly with the support from sisters Tatenda and Cynthia, accused the Master’s office of using fraudulent documents to deprive them of their inheritance.

“The estate issue has ceased to be a family issue as portrayed to the public and government. People are using government letterheads and offices to execute their fraudulent activities. Mr Gula-Ndebele was appointed executor both dative and testamentary, was the Master’s Office confused on what role to give to him since the family trust has its own executor? His (Mutasa) letter appointing him as administrator was stamped on August 20, 2020, but signed on August 21. Was the stamp stolen on the 20th and someone who was not supposed to sign signed his letters of administration,” Stephanie queried.

The children also questioned the addition of other individuals to benefit from the estate among them Tawanda Zulu and Tanaka Stephanie Shiri who they claimed her real name was Tanaka Musvamhiri, yet they were allegedly not Shiri’s biological children. Zulu has been given Shiri’s farm under unclear circumstances through a letter reportedly signed by the late minister.

“After approaching the Agriculture ministry officials who had worked with our father they happened to confirm the offer letter existed and that the farm had been subdivided, but the question is if the farm was truly subdivided, and if the Agriculture minister chairs the committee for subdivision of farms. Why did he decide to write to himself stating he wanted his farm to be given to Tawanda Zulu, whom he had not given the name Shiri and (though) (he) had stayed with the family for 10 years. The letter can only be read over the phone and had been read on the phone with ministry officials requiring a family meeting to release the letter. No one has ever seen a hard copy of the letter, but what we can confirm is it’s on the ministry’s letterhead,” she said.

But Gula-Ndebele dismissed the allegations in heated exchanges with Stephanie and her sisters’ lawyers.

Shiri’s estate was registered on August 3, 2020 by his daughter Stephanie.

“If Mr Sobusa Gula-Ndebele knew he was an executor, why didn’t he register the estate? Under the laws and statues of Zimbabwe, a family meeting is done to appoint an executor and the decision lies among deceased’s spouse and/or children. Such a meeting was not done,” Stephanie said.

“The Master of High Court has records of all wills and trusts and it is his duty to scrutinise wills and approve if they can be used to administer one’s estate. The 1995 will in particular, has the following grey areas: (for instance) the marital clause states that: In the event of death of any of my daughters, her inheritance will go to her children. If the daughter has no children at the time of her death, her share of the inheritance will be shared equally among her.”

She added: “The clause eliminates Mr Titus Takudzwa Chikerema Shiri. I believe when the will was registered in 1995 according to the document we have only three children listed. Titus being one of them!  How could he have been included in one clause and eliminated in the marital clause.  How did the deceased know that Titus would not be able to marry and would not die, but the daughters would die and clearly states their children were to benefit and or siblings if there were no children?

“Today, Titus is no more, he died in 2013, he had been allocated a house in the will, had no children, what is going to happen to that house since the will eliminated him in the marital clause?  The clauses also suggest that he no longer has male children which people could have derived from the trust and the reason why Titus was eliminated in the new documents is because he doesn’t exist, he died in 2013.”

Stephanie confirmed that Gula-Ndebele was once Shiri’s lawyer, but argued that as an interested party, he should not have drafted and executed the will.

“Witness names are not there, only signatures present, no names with ID numbers. At the time of my father’s death, Sobusa Gula-Ndebele was no longer his lawyer.”

She added that the documents provided to Gula-Ndebele as executor had many disparities.

“The document Acceptance of Trust as Executor MHC 11 on the top left part is printed by Printflow (Private) Limited and the signature used to sign that document is not Sobusa Gula-Ndebele’s.

“The bond of security for the issue of letters of administration to executor also on the top left part is printed by Printflow (Private Limited) on the top right reference number 63911-0 MHC 52 333 (J). Letter of administration is on the other hand printed by the Government Printer, Harare M.H.C.16,” she said, adding that the bond of security document and letters of administration did not have the Master’s signature and stamp.

She also argued that there were two copies of letters of administration — the one with the government emblem date-stamped on August 20, 2020 and deemed to have been signed by one D Gutu (for the Master of High Court) on August 21, 2020.

“These are to certify that ……. (But) how do they certify that he (Gula-Ndebele) has a letter of administration with no official stamp or signature from the Master. This letter was only issued on the 29th of August 2020, while the one with the government emblem was issued on the 21st of August 2020, weren’t they supposed to be done on one day?  The letter to certify him as executor has no stamp and no signatures,” Stephanie questioned.

She added that according to every document provided, Gula-Ndebele was appointed executor dative and testamentary.

“Executor dative is an executor that is appointed by the Master of the High Court where the deceased died without a will (intestate and/or real executor doesn’t wish to accept the appointment).  So on whose behalf was he being appointed executor testamentary on executor nominated by will?” Stephanie asked.

Documents show that Shiri in 1995 appointed Gula-Ndebele as executor of his will and administrator of his estate together with late General Solomon Mujuru in the event that Gula-Ndebele would have failed to perform his duty properly. But Mujuru died in 2011 in a mysterious inferno at his Beatrice farmhouse.

In the will, Shiri bequeathed 50% of his bank savings, insurance policies to his now late son Titus and the other half of savings to his children Tatenda and Cynthia Shiri, and all his other children who were yet to be born and to come.

A death notice filed at the Master’s Offices indicated that three more children Tawanda (adopted son who stayed with his family for 10 years before he reportedly moved out), Stephanie and Tanaka were also listed as beneficiaries of Shiri’s estate.

“So this implies even those that Gula-Ndebele would want to include can only benefit from the savings and nothing else which then nullifies his distribution account which allocates shares to Tawanda Zulu and Tanaka Musvamhiri also in the overall estate distribution,” Stephanie argues.

Yesterday, Tanaka responded: “I do not dispute the documents that are being used by the Master of the High Court. I accept them as authentic. I can’t comment further, but I insist that I am the late minister’s daughter and I have proof to that effect.”

Zulu said: “I can’t comment on the matter. Those who are making claims on the authenticity of the documents are better placed to answer your questions.”

On April 12, 2021, Stephanie wrote to Mutasa requesting to be appointed as executrix dative of her father’s estate, since Gula-Ndebele as the executor testamentary had allegedly failed to register the estate following her father’s death.

On May 17, 2021, she wrote another letter requesting for the removal of Gula-Ndebele as the executor of Shiri’s estate, accusing him of neglecting his duties.

She also accused the executor of a litany of issues including failing to register the estate, read the will on time and to urgently address important issues for estate administration.

Stephanie recommended her lawyer to be appointed as executor of the late Shiri’s properties, in place of Gula-Ndebele and implored Mutasa to carry out investigations on suspected fraudulent acts on her father’s estate.

“Sometime in December 2020, the executor refused me the right to legal representation, violating my constitutional right to legal representation by a lawyer of my choice,” she stated in the letter.

“This is why my lawyers have been writing directly to the Office of the Master of the High Court because the executor refused them the opportunity to represent me. I, therefore, now appeal to your high offices as the Master of the High Court to remove the executor from office in terms of section 116 of the Administration of Estates Act (Chapter 6:01).”

She asked Mutasa to convene a meeting of the beneficiaries, with two sisters, Cynthia and Tatenda to appoint an executor.

But, Mutasa in response stated that there was no need for a meeting to deliberate on the dictates of section 116 of the Administration of Estates Act.

“We note that Ms Rufaro filed an objection to the account, which the executor has already filed. The estate appears to us to be almost finalised,” Mutasa said in a May 17, 2021, letter.

“What remains is to address the issues you raised as the basis for your objection to the account which we have forwarded to the executor and now awaits his responses before the office takes a position.

“On the issue of registration of the estate, please note that any of the interested parties connected to the deceased could have registered the estate and what Ms Rufaro did was completely in order. There was no need to wait for the lawyers to attend to the registration.”

Yesterday, Mutasa said: “I am not allowed to comment to the media without authorisation from the Judicial Service Commission secretary. I have to seek his authority first.”

Stephanie questioned why the Master’s Office had failed to remove Gula-Ndebele as executor of the Shiri estate given Shiri’s children’s misgivings over how the estate was being handled.

“We, therefore, appeal to the leadership of this country to see to it that those involved in these shenanigans are brought to book. This poses a serious security threat to us as beneficiaries if it’s not addressed urgently. We believe we still have a lot to benefit from our father’s colleagues, but there are people who would want to taint them for no reason. All culprits should be brought to book,” Stephanie said.

Gula-Ndebele was recently at the centre of a messy wrangle which erupted over the distribution of another hero’s estate which includes several houses, a farm, residential stands and cash.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Chief Makope of Mazowe district was left with an egg on his face after he tried to swindle five  villagers from Nyandirwi farm, Mvurwi by  ordering them  to pay a hefty combined fine of 40 beasts  for  cutting down trees in his area.

Dave Juna, Kudakwashe Chipura, Dunmore Masangoapera, William Nyoka and Asmaras Makuva did not honour the chief’s sentence and were dragged to Guruve magistrates courts facing a contempt of court charge.

The chief’s sentence was however dismissed after the court evaluated the case.

The suspects’ lawyer Alice N Mujakachi of BChipadza law Chambers told this publication that her clients were not given to argue their case at the chief’s court.

“My clients were exonerated by the magistrate court because the charge was purely defective, the allegations emanated from a ruling that was granted by Chief Makope were he ordered each accused to pay a hefty fine and eight beasts for cutting down trees on their plots citing that it was a scared place,” the lawyer said.

“The accused were not given a chance to argue their case at the chief’s court.They were later surprised to note the chief’s messenger approaching them to execute the order granted by the chief.”

Allegations are that  on 8 August the five were seen by chief’s advisors cutting down trees and were summoned to his traditional court were they were charged and sentenced.

By A Correspondent- The government is prepared to compromise and agree to the inclusion of the payment of lobola as a legal requirement for registering customary unions in the proposed integrated Marriages Act.

This comes after traditional leaders, in the Senate, rejected a clause in the Bill which stipulates that payment of lobola must not be used as a prerequisite for a couple to register any marriage.

The clause says only the couple can make any conditions for marriage and that no one else can grant or withhold permission for a union.

Chiefs, however, insist that bride price was the hallmark of any customary union and have therefore steadfastly rejected the government’s argument that lobola could not be used as an obstacle in solemnising marriage by two consenting adults.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi steered debate on the Bill again in the Senate on Wednesday, proposing that the Bill be passed, capturing the concerns of the traditional leaders over the lobola issue.

Ziyambi said continued deferment of the passage of the Bill over just one point had the effect of prejudicing the nation of other pertinent benefits in the proposed law such as criminalising child marriage which has been a menace in society of late.

Following a protracted debate, there was no headway resulting in another adjournment of the debate on the Bill.

The adjournment would now mean that the Bill would be re-tabled during the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament.

The Constitution provides that where the Senate and National Assembly disagrees on a Bill, it is the view of the National Assembly that will prevail, but Ziyambi said he was reluctant to take that route.

By A Correspondent- A security guard, who shot dead a ZUPCO bus conductor in Dzivaresekwa on Monday night, was first caught red-handed draining 25 litres of diesel from buses at Eagle Liner Coaches garage and fired a gun shot towards the bus company’s two employees who pursued him, a court heard.

Campion Marowa (35) of Dzivaresekwa, Harare was allegedly armed with a 38 Astra Revoler loaded with four rounds of ammunition.

The State led by Mrs Heather Mhlanga had it that on the day in question at around 5pm, Marowa commenced night duty at Eagle Liner Coaches garage while armed with a 38 Astra revolver loaded with four rounds of ammunition.

On the same day, Nqobile Nsingo, who works at Eagle Liner Coaches, knocked off duty and went into Harare’s city centre to buy some items.

Nsingo later realised that he had left his jersey at the workplace and upon arrival, he knocked at the gate expecting Marowa, who was on duty to open for him, but there was no response, which prompted him to use another entrance.

The court heard that while Nsingo was within the premises, he noticed that security lights had been switched off.

Nsingo then switched on the lights and spotted Marowa at the diesel pump trying to reassemble the pump pipes.

It is alleged that there was a 20 litre plastic container and another separate five litre plastic container that had been filled with diesel.

Nsingo then allegedly phoned his employer, Alex Kautsiro, who instructed him to manhandle Marowa.

It is alleged that Marowa then threatened Nsingo with the revolver before he fled from the place towards the CBD. Nqobile Nsingo and Simbarashe Bhaureni then pursued him, the court heard.

Upon realising that he was being tracked, Marowa fired a shot scaring away Nsingo and Bhaureni.

The two backtracked and went to lodge a complaint at Milton Park police station. It is said that at around 8.45pm on the same day, Marowa boarded a Zupco bus (ACL3930) where the late Joy Moyo was a conductor.

Marowa was allegedly armed with the revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition.

The court heard that when the bus reached its destination, Marowa, was among the last passengers to disembark.

Allegations are that when the late Moyo was said to be completing her log sheets, Marowa pulled the trigger and shot her on the head.

Marowa allegedly disappeared into the night.

He was not asked to plead when he appeared before magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, who remanded him in custody to September 30.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- MDC-T national chairman Morgen Komichi has announced the impending pro-MDC-Alliance MPs from both parliament and local councils in October.

Komichi announced this development at the weekend at Harvest house at the anniversary celebrations of the MDC founding.

Video loading…..

By A Correspondent- Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo has approached the High Court to defend a gold mine court challenge.

He is defending a court challenge by a former subordinate he fired last year for trespassing into a gold mine Kwekwe.

Air Marshal Moyo fired Mr Thembelani Ndlovu, an AFZ serviceman, last year in June for allegedly trespassing into Goodhope Mine in Kwekwe sometime last year.

Air Marshal Moyo argued that Mr Ndlovu’s dismissal was fair and above board.

Mr Ndlovu is challenging his dismissal and accuses his former employers of violating his constitutional right by discharging him without conducting a disciplinary hearing.
Mr Ndlovu has filed an application for review at the Bulawayo High Court citing Air Marshal Moyo and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commission as respondents.
In his founding affidavit, Mr Ndlovu, who is a self-actor, said he was dismissed from the AFZ without notice.
Air Marshal Moyo, through the Civil Division in the Attorney-General’s Office, yesterday filed a notice of opposition challenging Mr Ndlovu’s application.

In his opposing affidavit, Air Marshal Moyo said the termination of the applicant’s service was done in accordance with the law.
“Authority to sit a board and inquire into the applicant’s suitability to continue serving in the AFZ was obtained through a convening order. Moreover, a member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may be subjected to both criminal and disciplinary law in respect of the same set of facts,” Air Marshal Moyo said.
“The applicant cannot therefore exceptionally rely on the outcome of the proceedings in the criminal court without also looking at the disciplinary proceedings.”
Air Marshal Moyo said in discharging Mr Ndlovu, he relied on the reasons that were proffered by the board of suitability in its recommendations.
“The applicant’s behaviour fell short of the required standards of a member of the disciplined force. I, therefore, exercised my discretion judiciously and fairly having taken into consideration the factors in question,” he argued.
Air Marshal Moyo said Mr Ndlovu became aware of his discharge from the AFZ in June 2020 and therefore had ample time to prepare and lodge his application for review before the lapse of time.

“The applicant failed to display a sense of urgency as it took him 14 months to seek condonation. It is humbly submitted that the applicant’s delay was inordinate. His explanation is not at all satisfactory thus the case is doomed to fail on review,” he said.
Air Marshal Moyo said Mr Ndlovu was examined by the board and responded to all its questions. “The applicant was asked if he wanted legal representation to which he declined. This is contrary to his averment that his right to legal representation and to be heard was violated,” he said.
In his application, Mr Ndlovu argued that the respondents’ decision to fire him was arrived at in a malicious manner.
“There was also bias, malice and procedural irregularities in the manner in which the process was conducted,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Mr Ndlovu said he was taken to the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court on allegations of trespassing and the charges were withdrawn before plea.
“Subsequently, the second respondent (Air Marshal Elson Moyo) discharged me from the Air Force of Zimbabwe without any notice whatsoever. Further, he never conducted any disciplinary hearing in terms of the Defence Forces Act and as such his decision is a nullity at law,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent-A self-styled Gweru prophet has been remanded in prison after he allegedly inserted his male organ into a client to cleanse her of period pain.

The matter came to light when the complainant who is aged 21 became pregnant.
Shepherd Mbwazvo (34) of number 54 Ascot Gweru appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Sithabile Zungula facing rape charges on Wednesday and was remanded to 6 October 2021.

The court heard that Mbwazvo took his client to Dunraven Falls in Boterekwa, Shurugwi where the cleansing took place.

On an unknown date in April 2021, the accused took the complainant also from Gweru for rituals to rid her of menstrual pains.
State prosecutor Kwanele Njini said the suspect and the complainant were at Dunraven where many churches carry out cleansing ceremonies.
During the church gathering, the suspect separated the complainant from the rest and took her to a secluded place.
Mbwazvo allegedly ordered the complainant to remove her clothes and lie on the ground to enable him to apply some medicine to her female organ.

While the complainant was in a supine position, the accused applied an unknown substance on her female organ. He then inserted his organ into the complainant without her consent.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for seven men for the murder of a 30-year-old man, who was stabbed for allegedly “showing off” at a bar in Kwekwe’s area of Munyathi.

The now-deceased, David Tembo (30), was stabbed by seven assailants as he tried to buy beer at Dollar Bar on 13 September.
Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emanuel Mahoko confirmed the murder. He said:

It was reported that the now deceased Tembo, of Trafalgar 63 Mine in Kadoma arrived at Dollar Bar in the company of three of his friends intending to buy beer.
They found the bar closed with seven unknown men seated outside the bar.

One of the men then awakened the bar lady who then sold beer to Tembo and his friends.

The seven suspects then confronted Tembo and his three friends, accusing them of showing off and a misunderstanding arose.

One of the suspects drew out a knife and stabbed Tembo in the thigh. He bled profusely until he became unconscious and died in his car, Insp Mahoko said.
The matter was reported to the police and Tembo’s body was ferried to Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raided cross border trucks and recovered 44 000 litres of petrol smuggled from South Africa.

In a statement this Thursday, the ZRP said its officers intercepted two South Africa-registered trucks laden with 43 800 litres of unleaded petrol valued at 149 000 rands on 8 September.
The vehicles belonged to Infinity Fleet Transport and were destined for Nemo Petroleum in Bulawayo.

One of the drivers, Joshua Selowa, was arrested while the other driver, who has not been named, escaped the police dragnet. Police said via Twitter:

The ZRP has intensified operation, ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/ Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’.
On 08/09/21, Police intercepted two SA registered trucks, HMD 437 FS and 319ERB GP loaded with 43 800 litres of unleaded petrol, valued at ZAR 149 000. One of the trucks was being driven by Joshua Selowa while the other driver escaped.
The tankers, belonging to Infinity Fleet Transport were destined for Nemo Petroleum, Byo.

Investigations so far have revealed that the drivers used a fake bill of entry which was already used on 03/09/21.

By A Correspondent-A self-styled Gweru prophet has been remanded in prison after he allegedly inserted his male organ into a client to cleanse her of period pain.

The matter came to light when the complainant who is aged 21 became pregnant.
Shepherd Mbwazvo (34) of number 54 Ascot Gweru appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Sithabile Zungula facing rape charges on Wednesday and was remanded to 6 October 2021.

The court heard that Mbwazvo took his client to Dunraven Falls in Boterekwa, Shurugwi where the cleansing took place.

On an unknown date in April 2021, the accused took the complainant also from Gweru for rituals to rid her of menstrual pains.
State prosecutor Kwanele Njini said the suspect and the complainant were at Dunraven where many churches carry out cleansing ceremonies.
During the church gathering, the suspect separated the complainant from the rest and took her to a secluded place.
Mbwazvo allegedly ordered the complainant to remove her clothes and lie on the ground to enable him to apply some medicine to her female organ.

While the complainant was in a supine position, the accused applied an unknown substance on her female organ. He then inserted his organ into the complainant without her consent.

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says only genuine dialogue can resolve the country’s political stalemate.

Speaking in Matabeleland South at the weekend President Chamisa said:

“What we want is genuine dialogue, not POLAD.
POLAD is a mere choir and we will not join the platform.

They (POLAD actors) are singing from Mr Mnangagwa’s hymn book.

The legitimacy crisis remains the sticking point.”

By A Correspondent- Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo who is being sued by a former subordinate he fired last year for trespassing into a gold mine Kwekwe, has approached the High Court to defend his decision.

Air Marshal Moyo fired Mr Thembelani Ndlovu, an AFZ serviceman, last year in June for allegedly trespassing into Goodhope Mine in Kwekwe sometime last year.
The mine belongs to one Armstrong Mapanga.
Air Marshal Moyo argued that Mr Ndlovu’s dismissal was fair and above board.

Mr Ndlovu is challenging his dismissal and accuses his former employers of violating his constitutional right by discharging him without conducting a disciplinary hearing.
Mr Ndlovu has filed an application for review at the Bulawayo High Court citing Air Marshal Moyo and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commission as respondents.
In his founding affidavit, Mr Ndlovu, who is a self-actor, said he was dismissed from the AFZ without notice.
Air Marshal Moyo, through the Civil Division in the Attorney-General’s Office, yesterday filed a notice of opposition challenging Mr Ndlovu’s application.

In his opposing affidavit, Air Marshal Moyo said the termination of the applicant’s service was done in accordance with the law.
“Authority to sit a board and inquire into the applicant’s suitability to continue serving in the AFZ was obtained through a convening order. Moreover, a member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may be subjected to both criminal and disciplinary law in respect of the same set of facts,” Air Marshal Moyo said.
“The applicant cannot therefore exceptionally rely on the outcome of the proceedings in the criminal court without also looking at the disciplinary proceedings.”
Air Marshal Moyo said in discharging Mr Ndlovu, he relied on the reasons that were proffered by the board of suitability in its recommendations.
“The applicant’s behaviour fell short of the required standards of a member of the disciplined force. I, therefore, exercised my discretion judiciously and fairly having taken into consideration the factors in question,” he argued.
Air Marshal Moyo said Mr Ndlovu became aware of his discharge from the AFZ in June 2020 and therefore had ample time to prepare and lodge his application for review before the lapse of time.

“The applicant failed to display a sense of urgency as it took him 14 months to seek condonation. It is humbly submitted that the applicant’s delay was inordinate. His explanation is not at all satisfactory thus the case is doomed to fail on review,” he said.
Air Marshal Moyo said Mr Ndlovu was examined by the board and responded to all its questions. “The applicant was asked if he wanted legal representation to which he declined. This is contrary to his averment that his right to legal representation and to be heard was violated,” he said.
In his application, Mr Ndlovu argued that the respondents’ decision to fire him was arrived at in a malicious manner.
“There was also bias, malice and procedural irregularities in the manner in which the process was conducted,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Mr Ndlovu said he was taken to the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court on allegations of trespassing and the charges were withdrawn before plea.
“Subsequently, the second respondent (Air Marshal Elson Moyo) discharged me from the Air Force of Zimbabwe without any notice whatsoever. Further, he never conducted any disciplinary hearing in terms of the Defence Forces Act and as such his decision is a nullity at law,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for seven men for the murder of a 30-year-old man, who was stabbed for allegedly “showing off” at a bar in Kwekwe’s area of Munyathi.

The now-deceased, David Tembo (30), was stabbed by seven assailants as he tried to buy beer at Dollar Bar on 13 September.
Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emanuel Mahoko confirmed the murder. He said:

It was reported that the now deceased Tembo, of Trafalgar 63 Mine in Kadoma arrived at Dollar Bar in the company of three of his friends intending to buy beer.
They found the bar closed with seven unknown men seated outside the bar.

One of the men then awakened the bar lady who then sold beer to Tembo and his friends.

The seven suspects then confronted Tembo and his three friends, accusing them of showing off and a misunderstanding arose.

One of the suspects drew out a knife and stabbed Tembo in the thigh. He bled profusely until he became unconscious and died in his car, Insp Mahoko said.
The matter was reported to the police and Tembo’s body was ferried to Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raided cross border trucks and recovered 44 000 litres of petrol smuggled from South Africa.

In a statement this Thursday, the ZRP said its officers intercepted two South Africa-registered trucks laden with 43 800 litres of unleaded petrol valued at 149 000 rands on 8 September.
The vehicles belonged to Infinity Fleet Transport and were destined for Nemo Petroleum in Bulawayo.

One of the drivers, Joshua Selowa, was arrested while the other driver, who has not been named, escaped the police dragnet. Police said via Twitter:

The ZRP has intensified operation, ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/ Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’.
On 08/09/21, Police intercepted two SA registered trucks, HMD 437 FS and 319ERB GP loaded with 43 800 litres of unleaded petrol, valued at ZAR 149 000. One of the trucks was being driven by Joshua Selowa while the other driver escaped.
The tankers, belonging to Infinity Fleet Transport were destined for Nemo Petroleum, Byo.

Investigations so far have revealed that the drivers used a fake bill of entry which was already used on 03/09/21.

By A Correspondent- A 38 year old Mukumbura man is in soup after he tried to sell a live pangolin for US$2000 to Zimbabwe National Parks officials.

Moses Mabhande of Gomo village in Mukumbura was arrested on Friday after he fell in a trap by a team of Zimparks and police.

Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Dhliwayo confirmed the case.

“I can confirm the arrest of Mabhande who was in possession of a live pangolin and  was looking for a buyer before being arrested following a tip off,” Dhliwayo said.

Mabhande is alleged to have been called by the team and went to Harare where they finalized the alleged deal.

He demanded cash upfront but the team demanded the product first upon releasing the pangolin he was then arrested.

The police warned people against hunting protected animals.

“It is prohibited to hunt ,possess, sell or buy of protected animal as it requires a special permit from conservative committee hence those who are found on the wrong side will be prosecuted.”

By A Correspondent- The gay community in Zimbabwe continues to live in fear their lives in a country intolerant to freedom of association.

Samuel Matsikure, a senior officer with the gay rights lobby grouping, Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) was in 2014 left for dead by state security agents at their (GALZ) private party in the capital.

Matsikure this week posted a disturbing picture of him after the attack and commented that they were still under siege.

“My Narration of #LGBTIQ experiences & struggles in #Zimbabwe is through my own eyes and ears. The reality and perception of what life is & could be for #Queer folk. It is a narration of those I have journeyed with, interacted with, those who have shared their stories with me. It doesn’t tell a full story but one chapter of one among millions. It can never be representative but rich in its own way in the struggle for #recognition #equality #Justice #KnowYourConstitution #munhumunhu #OurScarsZw #OurLivedRealities #ourdata (2014 Image)”, he posted on his Facebook page Tuesday.

https://www.facebook.com/smatsikure

By A Correspondent- Seven men are on the run for the murder of a 30-year-old man, who was stabbed for allegedly ‘showing off’ at a bar in Kwekwe’s area of Munyathi.

The now deceased David Tembo (30), was stabbed by seven assailants as he tried to buy beer at Dollar Bar on September 13.

Police confirmed the incident saying the assistants were now on the run after committing the heinous act.

“It was reported that the now deceased Tembo, of Trafalgar 63 Mine in Kadoma arrived at Dollar Bar in the company of three of his friends intending to buy beer. They found the bar closed with seven unknown men seated outside the bar,” said Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emanuel Mahoko.

One of the men then awakened the bar lady who the sold beer to Tembo and his friends.

The seven suspects then confronted Tembo and his three friends, accusing them of showing off and a misunderstanding arose.

“The suspects withdrew knives and one of them stabbed Tembo on the thigh. He bled profusely until he became unconscious and died in his car,” he said.

The matter was reported to the police and Tembo’s body was ferried to Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary where it awaits post-mortem.

Inspector Mahoko appealed to members of the public who might have any knowledge of the assailants to report to the nearest police station.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Music sensation Jah Prayzah says the one million facebook followers milestone he has achieved will see him dump the traditional methods of advertising his music.

The music sensation, who this year released eight videos off his latest album Gwara, was ecstatic at the feat which he described as a milestone on Zimbabwean terms.

“In other countries like Nigeria who have huge populations of over 200 million, one million Facebook followers is nothing but in Zimbabwe with our population of less than 15 million, having one million followers who are all organic is huge!” said the dreadlocked musician.

He stressed that having organic followers on social media will give an artiste an idea on what direction to follow.

“This milestone means we now know where our people are and we no longer need to stick to the traditional advertising methods like posters and billboards.

“We can now directly talk to the people that love us through our social media pages like Facebook,” he said.

Jah added that there are a number of advantages of using social media for artistes.

“What I love about social media is communication with the fans is instant and we get to view their feedback almost immediately. Dialogue is also possible because social media came and changed the game.

“We are happy with our followers not just on Facebook but other social media networks like Twitter and Instagram. We are also very happy with our YouTube numbers and subscribers,” he said.

Jah even shared some tips for artistes on how to grow their following on social media.

“If you want followers, you have to entertain people. You cannot just start a page and expect it to grow when you are not posting anything to engage your audience. You have to put some effort. You have to feed your followers with regular content, be it a funny picture, a skit or video.

“That is the strategy we have used and it is working as shown by these one million followers. I do not take them for granted for they each took their time to click ‘like’ on my Facebook Page so I’m always thinking of ways to entertain them and make it worth their while,” he said.

The response from Jah’s fans and corporate partners was overwhelming and below are some of the comments that appeared on social media.

Congratulations Jah Prayzah on hitting one million Facebook followers! It takes hard work, persistence and determination to find such loyalty from your audience. Keep shining, keep going Mwendaz, you are a shooting star. We are proud to have you as our brand ambassador.

Well done, Sahwira! #SahwiraMukuru #UmnganeOmkhulu – Nyaradzo Group

Thank you so much my Sahwira Mukuru. All glory be to God for the fan loyalty, talent and ambition to succeed – Jah Prayzah’s response

I’m your number one fan jah Jah Prayzah, may you continue to make me feel at easy when nothing else can, your songs has a way of calming me down, they give me hope and strength, thanks mukoma Jah – Debra Sibara

Congratulations Varwizi nekupinda muchiuru chechiuru. To Sahwira mukuru I say next time also acknowledge fans (audience) in your message – Dickson Bandera

Only God can lead the way …….rangarira kwabviwa …….tinoda sungano….sorry mama vana venyu tadzoka ……it was God since day one #jahprayzah# – Tinashe Chinodakufa

You are one in a million may you continue to succeed and be known globally lots of love to you – Resca Chisahwira

Ndini the 1 millionth follower saka follow back yangu pano sixzw, whatever inspired the song SOJA RINOSVIKA KURE, was spot on – Robert Mugobi

Music yako I original mune talent mdra – the African child

Meanwhile, Norton Independent Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa has accused Jah Prayzah of sleeping around with married women.

In a threaded tweet, motormouth Mliswa called out the Mudhara Achauya singer on twitter and cautioned him to stop bedding married women and ladies who are engaged to other men. Read more …

By A Correspondent | As ZANU PF gears up for provincial elections, some of the CIO minister’s WhatsApp messages have leaked, embarrassing his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.
The communications show a sabotage-mission by the minister against a group of members he calls, ZAPU members. The development could worsen relations between the party leadership and the ZIPRA wing of members, in what throws suggestions Mnangagwa wants to weaken that section and widen the rift between the tribes.

The head of Al Shabaab, Ncube together with Midlands warlord July Moyo, are up in arms against McKenzie Ncube and his executive.
The chats are between the minister Owen Mudha Ncube with a member of the militant Al Shabaab, More Muzwira.
Ncube wants to be appointed provincial party Chairman.
Mudha, as he is affectionately called, is greeted as the discussion follows-
More Muzwira: Maswera sei Shefu
Mudha: Hesi More. Urisei.
More Muzwira:
Ndandapera kugadzira chiya chamai Zhou saka ndandakamirira mundiudze ndodii ne screenshot yacho shefu
More Muzwira:
07:51 ✓1 Ichocho chovaparadza manje chero kwavo kwavanogara kumunda
07:51 Mudha: Chibata Vamwe vako.
NaChikwanda Chiisei kwese.

By A Correspondent- Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchutu-Guwuriro on Thursday acquitted pro-democracy campaigners Namatai Kwekweza and Vongai Zimudzi of charges of promoting public violence.

The duo was being represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Rudo Bere and Tinashe Chinox.

Kwekweza and Zimudzi were on trial after police arrested them in June 2020 for allegedly gathering at the New Government Complex. They intended to hand a petition to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.

The duo was protesting against the holding of public hearings into proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Magistrate Muchuchutu-Guwuriro ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against the two and that the placards they allegedly held during the protest were not produced in court to show that a crime was committed.

By A Correspondent- ZAPU and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) are demanding the immediate release of their properties which Zanu seized in the 1980s.

Zipra was the military wing of Zapu during the armed struggle.

Zapu and Zipra have been demanding the release of farms and buildings that were listed as caveats in the title deeds for years, but without success.

Government seized the properties under Unlawful Organisation Act under (Caveat number 15 of 82) alleging that it had discovered arms caches on them precipitating the Gukurahundi mass killings.

Last week, Defence and War Veterans minister Oppah Muchunguri told Parliament that the properties issue was a “legacy issue that is being looked at”, but without giving any timelines when “an amicable solution will be found”.

Sibangilizwe Nkomo, the son of the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua, said they had had enough of government’s false promises, adding that authorities did not want to release the properties.

“They are just not serious at all. It is very clear that they just do not want, and have never wanted to release those properties. They have never been genuine on this subject. They have the power to ensure the quick return of the properties, but just because they do not want to, they keep dilly-dallying,” Nkomo, who is eyeing the Zapu presidency, said.

John Gazi, the chairperson of Nitram Properties, in an emailed response to Southern Eye, said: “It takes only 48 hours for the caveat to be lifted. We do not want any more speeches, but the return of the properties. We have met President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa on this subject, but there is still no movement despite assurances. This leaves us questioning their seriousness.”

Zipra veterans bought several properties across the country with contributions from their demobilisation payouts.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi once said that government would not return the properties because PF Zapu joined Zanu to form Zanu PF under the Unity Accord of 1987.

But Zapu contends that it pulled out of the Unity Accord when it cut ties with Zanu PF in 2008.

Former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko once promised to facilitate the return of the properties, but nothing materialised.

According to a Zapu inventory, the seized properties include farms and hotels, among them Castle Arms in Bulawayo, Green Haven — a huge entertainment facility along Victoria Falls Road — and several residential properties.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has refused to release properties they seized from Zapu in the 1980s.

Zipra was the military wing of Zapu during the armed struggle.

Zapu has been demanding the release of farms and buildings that were listed as caveats in the title deeds for years, but without success.

Government seized the properties under Unlawful Organisation Act under (Caveat number 15 of 82) alleging that it had discovered arms caches on them precipitating the Gukurahundi mass killings.

Last week, Defence and War Veterans minister Oppah Muchunguri told Parliament that the properties issue was a “legacy issue that is being looked at”, but without giving any timelines when “an amicable solution will be found”.

Sibangilizwe Nkomo, the son of the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua, said they had had enough of government’s false promises, adding that authorities did not want to release the properties.

“They are just not serious at all. It is very clear that they just do not want, and have never wanted to release those properties. They have never been genuine on this subject. They have the power to ensure the quick return of the properties, but just because they do not want to, they keep dilly-dallying,” Nkomo, who is eyeing the Zapu presidency, said.

John Gazi, the chairperson of Nitram Properties, in an emailed response to Southern Eye, said: “It takes only 48 hours for the caveat to be lifted. We do not want any more speeches, but the return of the properties. We have met President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa on this subject, but there is still no movement despite assurances. This leaves us questioning their seriousness.”

Zipra veterans bought several properties across the country with contributions from their demobilisation payouts.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi once said that government would not return the properties because PF Zapu joined Zanu to form Zanu PF under the Unity Accord of 1987.

But Zapu contends that it pulled out of the Unity Accord when it cut ties with Zanu PF in 2008.

Former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko once promised to facilitate the return of the properties, but nothing materialised.

According to a Zapu inventory, the seized properties include farms and hotels, among them Castle Arms in Bulawayo, Green Haven — a huge entertainment facility along Victoria Falls Road — and several residential properties.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent | As ZANU PF gears up for provincial elections, some of the CIO minister’s WhatsApp messages have leaked, embarrassing his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.

The communications show a sabotage-mission by the minister against a group of members he calls, ZAPU members. The development could worsen relations between the party leadership and the ZIPRA wing of members, in what throws suggestions Mnangagwa wants to weaken that section and widen the rift between the tribes. 

 

The head of Al Shabaab, Ncube together with Midlands warlord July Moyo, are up in arms against McKenzie Ncube and his executive.

The chats are between the minister Owen Mudha Ncube with a member of the militant Al Shabaab, More Muzwira.

 

Ncube wants to be appointed provincial party Chairman, in what cheapens and politicizes his senior role as State Security Minister.

Mudha, as he is affectionately called, is greeted as the discussion follows-

More Muzwira: Maswera sei Shefu

Mudha: Hesi More. Urisei.

More Muzwira:

Ndandapera kugadzira chiya chamai Zhou saka ndandakamirira mundiudze ndodii ne screenshot yacho shefu

More Muzwira:

07:51 ✓1 Ichocho chovaparadza manje chero kwavo kwavanogara kumunda

07:51 Mudha: Chibata Vamwe vako.
NaChikwanda Chiisei kwese.

READ THE FULL CHATS BELOW (order last one to first)…

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Efforts to get a comment from Minister Ncube failed as he did not pick up his calls.

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says only genuine dialogue can resolve the country’s political stalemate.

Speaking in Matabeleland South at the weekend President Chamisa said:

“What we want is genuine dialogue, not POLAD.
POLAD is a mere choir and we will not join the platform.

They (POLAD actors) are singing from Mr Mnangagwa’s hymn book.

The legitimacy crisis remains the sticking point.”

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says only genuine dialogue can resolve the country’s political stalemate.

Speaking in Matabeleland South at the weekend President Chamisa said:

“What we want is genuine dialogue, not POLAD.
POLAD is a mere choir and we will not join the platform.

They (POLAD actors) are singing from Mr Mnangagwa’s hymn book.

The legitimacy crisis remains the sticking point.”

By A Correspondent- High Court Judges Justice Sunsley Zisengwe and Justice Garainesu Mawadze on Wednesday 15 September 2021 quashed the conviction and 16-months imprisonment of Shilla Chisirumunhu, a Masvingo-based teacher, who was convicted in 2020 for participating in a protest demanding improved salaries and working conditions for teachers.

The two Judges upheld the 53-year-old Chisirimunhu’s appeal against both conviction and sentence after his lawyer Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights appealed against Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu’s ruling wherein she was found guilty of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Chisirimunhu, the Masvingo Provincial Gender Secretary for Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and who had been out of custody on ZWL$2 000 bail, had been arrested in June 2020 together with Obert Masaraure, the leader of ARTUZ, after they allegedly participated in a demonstration held in Masvingo, where teachers protested against poor salaries and unfavourable working conditions and demanded to be paid a monthly salary amounting to US$520.

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While Chisirimunhu was jailed, Masaraure, who had also been on trial facing the same charges of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, was acquitted by Magistrate Ndlovu.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

By A Correspondent| Ex-girlfriend to outspoken Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, Suzan Mutami has taken to micro-blogging site Twitter to tell the world that the former Zanu PF central committee member is not supporting her twin children born early this year.

Mutami said she will be filing for child support from Mliswa while accusing him of being an irresponsible parent.

“I just wanted u guys to know that next week my lawyers will be filing for child support from Temba Mliswa. He hasn’t been looking after his children as he claims to people. My 4yr old son bought preparation for Temba’s kids w his savings. Temba Mliswa is an irresponsible parent,” said Mutami.

By Nomusa Garikai- “It is quite clear that several of the sitting and current Chairpersons across ZANU PF Provinces are afraid of a free and fair district and provincial election and are doing everything they can to try and run away from the democratic path by wanting to block all potential challengers,” observed Paul Ndou. 

“Is president Mnangagwa going to protect the moribund Chairpersons and move against his trademark campaign signature that “The voice of the People is the voice of God?” 

It is the norm for Zanu PF leaders to rig their own party elections just as they have gone to blatantly rig the national elections. It is blasphemous, to say the least, for Mnangagwa to evoke the name of the Lord knowing fully well Zanu PF rigged the 2018 elections and thus the people were blatantly denying a meaningful say in the governance of the country.

There are countless way Zanu PF leaders have rigged elections and one way is to state the election rule, make a big song and dance about it. The opponent will campaign for election within the constrains of the rule. Come the election, the dishonest leader will ignore the rule and go on to win the contest! 

Zanu PF made a big song and dance about Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system to be used in the 2018 elections, for example. Millions of dollars were spent buying the equipment, the UN contributed a staggering US$ 75 million. Come voting day ZEC used the old printed voters’ roll and did not even bother to explain why! 

With no verified the printed voters’ roll all the vote rigging shenanigans, justifying the need for the BVR, were allowed back in the process.

Another vote rigging move is to introduce a new rules the very last minute! Mnangagwa was set to win and replace the late Simon Muzenda at the 2004 Zanu PF congress. Mugabe introduced a new party rule the last minute demanding that one of the four top positions in the party must to be a woman. And so Joice Mujuru became the new VP. 

Ten years later, 2014, Joice Mujuru was poised to be elected VP in her own right at the party congress. Mugabe accused her of “witchcraft, factionalism” (new crimes never heard of before) and attempting to assassinate Mugabe. She and some of her supporters were booted out of the party. This time it was Mnangagwa who benefited from the Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli shenanigan. The need for at least one female in the Zanu PF presidium was conveniently forgotten.

Zanu PF leaders have no respect for rule of law or the party’s and nation’s laws and constitution. None! 

Many Zimbabweans thought the approved the 2013 constitution would restore the rule of law. It failed its first acid test; Zanu PF went on to blatantly rigging the 2013 elections. 

The truth is the 2013 constitution was “dictated by Robert Mugabe”, boasted Paul Mangwana, the Zanu PF MP and co-chairperson on the parliamentary committee that drafted the document. 

Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends had wasted the five years of the GNU enjoying the trapping of high office, they were desperate to present the new constitution as their achievement. Mugabe, cuckoo style, let MDC claim his dictator’s creed as their own. Morgan Tsvangirai even called the 2013 constitution an “MDC child!”

Zanu PF emerged out of the 2008 to 2013 GNU with all the party’s carte blanche dictatorial powers it had before the GNU. The 2008 elections remain the watershed reference elections in which Zanu PF gave a graphic demonstration of its dictatorial powers. 

Morgan Tsvangirai garnered 73% of the popular vote in the March 2008 vote, according to Mugabe’s Freudian slip.Zanu PF stopped the results being made public and spent the next six weeks whittling down the 73% to 47%, enough to force a run-off. In the run-off, Zanu PF unleashed the war veterans, the party’s youth militia, the green bombers, backed by all four of the state security services branches to punish the people for daring to reject the party in the earlier vote. 

Mugabe won the June 2008 run-off with a run away 84% of the votes; his victory was never in doubt! The people of Zimbabwe know better than test providence and dare reject Zanu PF ever again, not whilst the party continues to enjoy its dictatorial powers. 

Nelson Chamisa and his fellow MDC leaders have no choice but to participate in these flawed and illegal elections they cannot demand the implementation of reforms without admitting they had the golden opportunity to implement the reforms during the GNU and they sold-out. 

Chamisa and company are hoping to be propelled into power on the back of mass street protests and they have been fishing for it at every turn. And meanwhile they have to settle for the few gravy train seats Zanu PF gives away to entice the opposition to participate. 

For their part, Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies need the opposition to participate in the flawed and illegal election to give the process some modicum of credibility and, by extension, give the vote rigging Zanu PF regime legitimacy. 

The most important lesson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies have since 2008 is to continue enjoying the party’s dictatorial powers to blatant cheating and to use wanton violence but to be very subtle; they were not subtle in 2008 and were forced into the 2008 to 2013 GNU as a consequence. And making sure the opposition participate in large numbers will secure legitimacy; allowing them to win a few gravy train seats is a small price to pay for legitimacy.

“You have heard about the golden rule, haven’t you?” asked, rhetorically, the evil sorcerer Jafar in Walt Disney’s Aladdin. “He who has the gold makes the rules!” 

To paraphrase Jafar, “Zanu PF has the dictatorial power and makes all the rules!” 

How long are we going to allow ourselves to live in a Banana Republic ruled by the whims of a dictator? 

The idea of participating again and again in an election process so flawed the opposition cannot win even after polling 73% of the votes is the very essence of insanity! 

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), organisers of the annual tourism fair, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo yesterday opened registration for exhibitors for this year’s event.

The 15th edition of the fair will be hosted virtually from October 27 to 29, 2021 owing to the COVID-19-induced restrictions.

Speaking at a Press conference yesterday, acting ZTA chief executive Givemore Chidzidzi said there was optimism that new exhibitors would participate at this year’s event.

“We have taken into account the challenges that the industry has gone through during the past two years and we shall be offering the exhibition platform for registered industry players free of charge,” he said.

“Only those who are interested in enhancing their exhibition through taking 2Definition and 3Definition booths will pay a nominal fee for the booths. We encourage the industry to make use of this opportunity and remain connected to the markets through this platform.”

Chidzidzi said the expo remained relevant despite being held virtually.

“We switched to virtual expos last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and saw the need to embrace the ‘new normal’ as we could not continue to be absent in the various key source markets,” he said.

“We did an online survey and most of our source markets preferred the virtual exhibition due to travel restrictions. Going forward, due to the inoculation exercise underway, we shall be hosting hybrid exhibitions.”

Chidzidzi said Zimbabwe remained connected to the market through various platforms and membership of international associations from key source markets such as Japan Association of Travel Agents, African Travel and Tourism Association, Anerkannte Spezialisten fuer Afrika-Reisen Germany, hence the wider array of quality buyers.

About 190 exhibitors took part in the fair last year, including 29 foreigners.

ZAPU and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) veterans yesterday accused the government of “playing games” with its properties seized in the 1980s.

Zipra was the military wing of Zapu during the armed struggle.

Zapu and Zipra have been demanding the release of farms and buildings that were listed as caveats in the title deeds for years, but without success.

Government seized the properties under Unlawful Organisation Act under (Caveat number 15 of 82) alleging that it had discovered arms caches on them precipitating the Gukurahundi mass killings.

Last week, Defence and War Veterans minister Oppah Muchunguri told Parliament that the properties issue was a “legacy issue that is being looked at”, but without giving any timelines when “an amicable solution will be found”.

Sibangilizwe Nkomo, the son of the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua, said they had had enough of government’s false promises, adding that authorities did not want to release the properties.

“They are just not serious at all. It is very clear that they just do not want, and have never wanted to release those properties. They have never been genuine on this subject. They have the power to ensure the quick return of the properties, but just because they do not want to, they keep dilly-dallying,” Nkomo, who is eyeing the Zapu presidency, said.

John Gazi, the chairperson of Nitram Properties, in an emailed response to Southern Eye, said: “It takes only 48 hours for the caveat to be lifted. We do not want any more speeches, but the return of the properties. We have met President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa on this subject, but there is still no movement despite assurances. This leaves us questioning their seriousness.”

Zipra veterans bought several properties across the country with contributions from their demobilisation payouts.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi once said that government would not return the properties because PF Zapu joined Zanu to form Zanu-PF under the Unity Accord of 1987.

But Zapu contends that it pulled out of the Unity Accord when it cut ties with Zanu-PF in 2008.

Former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko once promised to facilitate the return of the properties, but nothing materialised.

According to a Zapu inventory, the seized properties include farms and hotels, among them Castle Arms in Bulawayo, Green Haven — a huge entertainment facility along Victoria Falls Road — and several residential properties.