By A Correspondent- A South African truck driver was yesterday fined $80 000 for smuggling goods worth $2,3 million through the Beitbridge Border Post last week.
Kenneth Phila Vilakazi (38) was convicted on his own plea of guilty to contravening a section of the Customs and Excise Act (smuggling) when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Steven Ndlovu.
The goods were forfeited to the State as part of the sentence. If Vilakazi defaults paying the fine, he will be jailed for 14 months.
The prosecutor, Ms Karen Gundani, said last week on Wednesday, Vilakazi, who is employed by a South African company Net Logistics, crossed into Zimbabwe via Beitbridge Border Post driving an Iveco truck towing two trailers. He only declared goods he was transporting as per his employer’s consignment.
The court heard that he then proceeded to Bulawayo en route to Harare. The following day at around 6PM, the truck was intercepted by police along the Bulawayo-Harare Road near Zuva garage while Vilakazi was trying to offload the goods into another truck heading to Kwekwe.
Vilakazi was asked to produce declaration forms for goods in his possession and he failed to do so.
The matter was referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Zimra was engaged. It was discovered that Vilakazi’s truck was transporting both declared and undeclared goods.
The seized goods were 496 cases of Maq washing powder, 335 cases of bar soaps, 40 cases of foam bath, 422 cases of Dragon energy drink,145 cases of corned beef, 30 boxes of sweets, 96 boxes of creamer, 95 cases of Nivea body lotion, 261 cases of Koo beans,156 cases of Mayo yoghurt and two by 20 litres of paint. The total value of the goods was $2,3million.
By A Correspondent- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said pregnant women in communities where the COVID-19 pandemic is widespread could get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
The health mother body said it was necessary for expecting mothers to be vaccinated if the benefits of getting the jab outweighed the risks of contracting the virus.
This followed growing public concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines on pregnant women and lactating mothers.
WHO Africa regional vaccines officer Phiona Atuhebwe in a statement yesterday said: “Pregnant women should get the vaccine when the benefits outweigh the risks. They face a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. We do not yet have enough data on the safety of the vaccine on pregnant women.
“However data from the United States where around 90 000 pregnant women have been vaccinated mainly with mRNA vaccines like Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna have not raised any safety concerns.”
She added: “Pregnant women should get the vaccine to protect themselves if the virus is widespread in their communities or if they have other conditions that put them at more risk of severe illness. These conditions include diabetes, hypertension, obesity and others.”
Atuhebwe urged health workers to provide the necessary information on the vaccines to women, adding that countries have different guidelines based on their situations.
By A Correspondent- Finance minister Mthuli Ncube will tomorrow deliver his mid-term fiscal policy review statement amid growing budgetary demands at a time when the country’s tax base is shrinking, and the economy severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since government announced the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, the economy has been partially opened up and some restrictions eased, while others have been tightened to curb the further spread of the pandemic.
The measures have restricted business to operate for as little as six hours daily, while the country’s borders have been closed, which has affected importation of raw materials.
Industry has also been affected by low disposable incomes for employees, which translates to low aggregate demand by consumers amid rising operating costs.
To curb the spread of the pandemic, industry needs to procure personal protective equipment for its employees, sanitisers and temperature check equipment, a situation which has adversely affected balance sheets of companies.
Economists yesterday told NewsDay that recurrent expenditure such as increases in civil servants’ wages would demand a bigger vote for employment costs, which would be Ncube’s biggest headache.
Economic analyst Batanai Matsika said Ncube should speak to the issue of provision of social safety nets for the vulnerable, and stimulus packages for industry to save it from collapse.
He said Ncube should explain the US$1 billion special drawing rights (SDR), and how they would impact the economy.
“In the wake of COVID-19, we need to know how government is going to deal with the issue of social safety nets. As you know, the lockdown periods have come back again and again, and we need to know what is going to happen in terms of social safety nets, especially for the informal players and small-to-medium enterprises,” Matsika said.
“Secondly, there has been a lot of news around the US$1 billion SDR allocation, and so a breakdown and insights into how that money will be allocated would be imperative. Ncube needs to explain the impact of COVID-19 on government revenues, and also on monetary policy developments.”
Economist John Robertson said the fiscal policy review should be an opportunity for Ncube to announce measures to collect taxes from those that are not paying in order to ensure that taxes for those that are paying are lowered.
“We have very few people being taxed. Out of a population of 15 million, we have about 500 000 being taxed and they are taxed too high. We should open up the economy and have more people to tax and we tax them less,” he said.
Robertson said pay-as-you-earn for the last quarter was high and it affected workers’ incomes as they were overtaxed.
“Ncube must have a re-look at the income tax brackets,” he said, adding that licence fees for informal traders should also be reduced in order to encourage them to formalise.
Robertson said it was cheaper in neighbouring countries like Zambia to set up new businesses than in Zimbabwe.
“There will be pressure to increase wages for the civil service if inflation remains a problem in the second half of the year. Already, Zimbabwe’s civil service head count is too high,” he said.
By A Correspondent- A Rushinga family kept its children’s umbilical cords for seven years. Collen Murefu a polygamist reportedly found two umbilical cords in the wardrobe.
This came out of Chief Makuni’s Community Court where Murefu was clearing his name after being fined for the taboo according to traditions.
Murefu got divorced with his wife Ester Kahwiti who he accused of the shameful act while appealing against the fine saying the offence was committed by his wife and he was the one who discovered it.
Murefu argued that the separation from his wife was unjustified saying his wife reacted emotionally after she suffered embarrassment from guilt about her act.
“She just gave me an abrupt alimony after I found the two umbilical cords of both second and third born children in wardrobe,” said Murefu.
The case first appeared at Headman Magaranewe’s court who ordered the couple to pay one beast for the taboo he committed together with his wife apart from their separation.
The wife had pleaded not guilty and the owner of the home Murefu according to tradition was forced to pay.
Kahwiti told the Chief’s Court that Murefu had given her the umbilical cords to keep since he was the head of his own family.
“I did not divorce him because of the umbilical cords but he has become too abusive and absolutely oppressive against me to the extent of always interrogating me about the time of returning home from our butchery,” said Kahwiti.
Kahwiti added: “The first umbilical cord of the first born child was consecrated in our rural area and those two were kept because we were in town and we wanted to do the same in rural areas again but my husband did not take action in time to execute the process as part of his family’s tradition.”
Chief Makuni said the umbilical cords were under the maternal authority and they were shocked to hear that Kahwiti did not have the power to exercise her authority to conceal the sacred parts of her own blood following traditional confirmation.
“The tradition defines that a child can be doomed or either become impotent if his or her umbilical cord is mysteriously involved in such act.
“This is a serious violation of a baby’s traditional fundamental in the society.
“The case became a stalemate as both of them accused each other so it’s anybody’s case,” said Chief Makuni.
He ordered them to resort to either fortune tellers or traditional healers to establish the truth and anyone between them found guilty would pay a number of beasts to both Headman Magaranewe and him as a fine for committing such an act.
By A Correspondent- Police detectives have arrested five suspected armed robbers who stormed a house in Bikita and stole a gun, ammunition and two cell phones before fleeing.
The five, Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40), Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) were reportedly armed with a pistol, hammer and machetes when they committed the offence.
They also stole cash amounting to US$70 and R700 before they left the complainant’s house.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and warned robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.
“On 19 July 2021 detectives arrested Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40) Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) for a robbery case which occurred in Duma location, Nyika, Bikita, on 10 June 2021,” he said. “The suspects who were armed with an unknown pistol, hammer and machetes stormed the complainant’s house, attacked the complainant and his wife before stealing a safe box containing a malfunctioning revolver, unknown number of ammunition and two cellphones. “Also stolen was cash amounting to US$70 and ZAR700. The ZRP warns robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.” This comes as police in Plumtree are investigating an armed robbery case which occurred on 20 July 21 along Dombodema Road in Plumtree, where five men armed with an unidentified pistol and spikes attacked two victims before stealing R385 000 cash, a Honda Fit, cellphones and wristwatch. “The complainants were travelling in a Honda Fit motor vehicle towards Maitengwe border post along Madlambuzi Road when they were intercepted by the suspects who were driving a beige Toyota Granvia motor vehicle,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. “The Honda Fit was recovered at Hebron, Plumtree.” -State media
Churches that breach the lockdown regulations by holding face-to-face services run the risk of being prosecuted, police have said.
A number of churches have either resumed face-to-face services or never stopped their regular gatherings, in direct violation of national regulations aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19.
The Herald has also established that some especially apostolic sects have also begun holding night vigils despite a curfew that bans people from being outdoors after 6:30pm, except for those offering essential services.
Last Friday, police in Chitungwiza arrested two people, Clyton Makavi (35) and Tendai Zhakata (30), for leading a Johane Masowe church service at an open space in Zengeza 5 Extension with approximately 23 members in attendance.
The church members were also arrested and fined.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said it was worrying to note that people were continuing to engage in such practices countrywide. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against breaching Covid-19 regulations by holding church services.
“On July 23, 2021, police in Chitungwiza arrested Clyton Makavi (35) and Tendai Zhakata (30) for leading a Johane Masowe church service at an open space in Zengeza 5 Extension, Chitungwiza with approximately 23 members comprising men and women,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said criminals were also targeting people holding all night vigils, especially in secluded places.
Under the lockdown regulations, all public gatherings are banned except for funerals where not more than 30 people are allowed to attend. Early this month, Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches and Zionists in Africa (UDACIZA) secretary-general Reverend Edson Tsvakai urged all apostolic members to adhere to the national lockdown regulations.
“We cannot win the fight against Covid-19 when we still gather to worship, we should obey and follow what our Government is saying about this disease which is continuing threatening the lives of majority of people in the world,” he said.- The Herald
FORMER Makumbe Mission primary school headmaster Silas Chitate has been acquitted of raping an orphaned Grade 7 pupil at the school, after serving two years of a 15-year prison term.
Chitate was in September 2018 jailed for an effective 15 years after three years were conditionally suspended.
Aggrieved by the trial court’s decision, Chitate through his legal counsel, Mrs Euchariah Makaka of Zimudzi and Associates, approached the High Court appealing against both conviction and sentence.
Two judges of the High Court, Justices Pisirayi Kwenda and Benjamin Chikowero—sitting as an appeals court – absolved Chitate of any wrongdoing, finding that he was did not commit the offence.
In its ruling, the court accepted Mrs Makaka’s submissions that Chitate was a victim of emotional justice, as the trial court failed to apply its mind to the facts and the law to arrive at an appropriate decision.
Regional magistrate Ms Nyasha Vhitorini presided over the rape case.
However, her verdict did not escape the indignation of the judges who found the entire proceedings to be a travesty of justice and quashed both conviction and sentence.
During trial, the prosecution alleged that in June 2018, the complainant returned to Makumbe Primary School from Marondera with three pupils where they had gone for sports.
Mr Chitate escorted the pupils to their homes but found the gate to the complainant’s house locked.
He persuaded the complainant to sleep at his house and she agreed.
It was alleged Chitate raped the girl around midnight before going to his bedroom. After a fully contested trial Ms Vhitorini ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. The magistrate handed down a longcustodial sentence which was later quashed by the higher court.- The Herald
By A Correspondent- Police In Chitungwiza have arrested Johane Masowe leaders for holding a church service in violation of the enhanced COVID-19 level 4 lockdown regulations.
Police confirmed the arrest which occurred on Friday last week. Said the police: On 23/07/21 Police in Chitungwiza arrested Clyton Makavi (35) and Tendai Zhakata (30) for leading a Johanne Masowe church service at an open space in Zengeza 5 Extension, Chitungwiza with approximately 23 members comprising men and women. The ZRP warns the public against breaching Covid-19 regulations by holding church services. Public gatherings including church services remain banned as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Some members of the apostolic sect have, however, continued to conduct services in violation of Covid-19 regulations.
Over a week ago, Police in Hurungwe arrested two Johane Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect leaders for convening a gathering in violation of the COVID-19 regulations. This is happening when the country is grappling with the third wave of the coronavirus. New infections and deaths have been on the rise for over a month with authorities blaming complacency and the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in India.
A Rushinga woman dragged her father-in-law to Chief Makuni’s Court citing incapacitation and ill-treatment after her husband just left home for no apparent reason.
Emmildah Chokuwamba appeared before Chief Makuni accusing her father-in-law Godfrey Samuel of mistreating, stigmatizing and depriving her of conjugal rights after separating her from her husband.
“Tell your son to come from where he is and I want to talk to him amicably. I say this because you know where he is,” said Chokuwamba.
It is said Chokuvamba never had time with her husband after his father-in-law spoke badly of his daughter-in-law.
“They said they don’t like a black skinned unpresentable daughter in-law. I spent a whole year sleeping together with my husband’s grandmother while they sent my husband away to Harare,” she said.
She said they were not providing any support for the child and ran away to hide in Harare. She said all the grains she harvested were all taken by the in-laws. I am disallowed to speak to my husband on the cellphone I do not even know his phone number but only his parents do.”
The father in law Samuel justified himself arguing that his daughter-in-law had a disagreement with her husband who is in Harare doing a building course. I don’t have many words to say due to the dignity I owe my daughter in law.”
Samuel pleaded guilty and Chief Makuni allowed the marriage to end since it appeared no longer bearable and disharmonious to both parties.
Samuel was ordered to pay two beasts to his daughter-in-law within 21 days. – H Metro
By A Correspondent- According to a report from an online publication, Margaret Samkange, a manager at Robert Mugabe International airport succumbed to covid-19 this afternoon.
The publication alleged that there was panic at the international airport as colleagues who had come into contact with the late manager feared that they had also contracted the disease.
We publich below reactions to the story, where others alleged that the late Samkange had tested negative hence the allegations that she succumbed to covid-19 were not true.
POLITICAL analyst and University of South Africa (Unisa) Professor Tumi “BB” Senokoane said South Africa was fast becoming a military state reflecting the apartheid system which opposed freedom for all.
Senokoane spoke to the Daily News on Monday of his concerns about what he described as an attempt to silence voices raising genuine issues around the government’s failures.
He said the monitoring of people’s interactions on social media was a serious concern that everyone needed to worry about. His concerns included the silence by academics and the media, and he argued that they were intimidated about speaking on issues affecting the country.
“Many writers, scholars, academics and journalists are afraid to put their views on paper, social media, or anywhere because our president has warned us to think twice before we write or press the button on our phones and computers.”
Speaking on the deployment of the military, he said: “The last time I experienced the deployment of soldiers, was in the apartheid era.”
Echoing Senokoane, Professor Sipho Seepe said: “The deployment of naked power and brute force is a clear indicator of weakness. It is not proof of power. Power is with the people and not with the military.”
On the missing voice of the academics and media silence on the challenges the country was grappling with, Seepe said: “This is because a majority of them are in the pockets of politicians with deep pockets.”
Professor of Economics Chris Malikane said: “The more telling thing is that the people as a whole are cowed into silence for fear of being labelled counter-revolutionary or insurrectionist, thereby inviting arrest.”
Approached for comment, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Tyrone Seale, said: “Ramaphosa has on several occasions explained his decisions on the deployment of the army, also deployed last year to assist with our containment of the pandemic. Recently, the army was deployed to attend to an unprecedented attack on our democracy and economy.”- Daily News
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has said the level of idiocy in Zanu PF is unpardonable and appalling.
This comes after frantic attempts by the Zanu PF regime to blame ” regime change agents” for plotting to discredit Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration also known as the new dispensation.
Zanu PF and government officials are at pains to outline the achievements of the clueless “new dispensation.”
According to Hon Sikhala , pursuing regime change is not a crime.
“It is only empty heads like Monica Mutsvangwa & her master ED who think that pursuing regime change is criminal.
Pursuing the change of regime like that of Mnangagwa shld give u pride dear Zimbabweans.
It’s a regime of cockroaches, dullards and swines.
I am a regime change agent,” declared Hon Sikhala.
Emmerson Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is on the cusp of greatness after the country recorded a 56 percent decline in inflation for the first time in two years.
Sharing an article by media house Bloomberg, titled, After two years of three digits, Zimbabwe inflation drops to 56%, President Mnangagwa said this was more good news for the country.
“More good news for Zimbabwe. Inflation dropping, exports rising by 9.5% since April, biggest harvest in 20 years. Zimbabweans – we are on the cusp of greatness,” he posted on his Twitter page.
In its latest report, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) said “Zimbabwe’s annual inflation for the month of July 2021 slowed down to 56,37 percent, latest data show.
The decline, which reflects a 50,27 percentage points from the June 2021 figures of 106,64 percent, is in line with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ’s) target of 55 percent by this month.
“The year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of July 2021 as measured by the all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 56,37 percent.
“This means that prices as measured by the all-items CPI increased by an average of 56.37 percent between July 2020 and July 2021.”
The agency also said the month-on-month rate of inflation in July declined to 2,56 percent from last month’s rate of 3,88 percent.
” This means that prices as measured by the all-items CPI increased by an average rate of 2,56 percent from June 2021 to July 2021,” said Zimstat. -Chronicle
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has said the level of idiocy in Zanu PF is unpardonable and appalling.
This comes after frantic attempts by the Zanu PF regime to blame ” regime change agents” for plotting to discredit Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration also known as the new dispensation.
Zanu PF and government officials are at pains to outline the achievements of the clueless “new dispensation.”
According to Hon Sikhala , pursuing regime change is not a crime.
“It is only empty heads like Monica Mutsvangwa & her master ED who think that pursuing regime change is criminal.
Pursuing the change of regime like that of Mnangagwa shld give u pride dear Zimbabweans.
It’s a regime of cockroaches, dullards and swines.
I am a regime change agent,” declared Hon Sikhala.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leader Obey Sithole has implored Zimbabweans to stop mocking former Studio 263 actress Tino Katsande who is working tirelessly to fend for her family.
Sithole argues Katsande is using her hands to work for hard, instead of stealing.
He wrote on Facebook:
“Venturing into entrepreneurship for survival is commendable especially given the man-made joblessness that we’re subjected to as a nation.
She made a right decision, she’s feeding families & most importantly she’s not stealing from suffering masses like what other men such as Tagwireyi et al are doing.”
Katsande has ventured into the business of selling eggs and her photos went viral on social media- with some Facebook users mocking her.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF is desperate to cause voter apathy to remain in power beyond 2023, MDC Alliance Namibia has said.
While Zanu PF is deceitfully crafting ways of consolidating its support base, party activists are subtly discouraging perceived opposition supporters from voting in 2023.
Below is the MDC Alliance Namibia presentation:
Whether held under authoritarian or democratic regimes, elections have a ritualistic aspect, Mdc Alliance Namibia echoes.
26 July 2021
Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Spokesperson seriously responds to the misconception that elections will not change anything in Zimbabwe. The attempt by clueless Zanupf to spread its pathological political lies trying to undermine the functions of democratic elections in transforming the livelihoods of the citizenry must be resisted with equal measure. This misinformation is driven by the party’s desire to discourage Zimbabweans so that they don’t go and register to vote in 2023. What is astonishing is that those who are saying elections will not change anything are seen butchering citizens during campaign and elections, intimidating them to vote them into state power.
Contrary to Zanupf’s futile attempt to create voter apathy ahead of the harmonised elections in 2023, Mdc Alliance Namibia submits that elections make a sound and fundamental contribution to democratic governance. This is because elections are anticipated to promote a form of a constitutional government in which all political decisions are made directly by the entire body of qualified and patriotic citizens. Social democrats in Namibia believe that elections should enable voters to elect leaders freely, fairly and credibly so that they hold them accountable for their performance in office during the given tenure.
In addition, accountability can be undermined when elected leaders do not care whether they are reelected or when ,for historical or other reasons, one party or coalition is so dominant that is effectively no choice for voters among alternative candidates ,parties or policies. Nevertheless, the possibility of controlling leaders by requiring them to submit to regular and period elections aids to resolve the dilemma of succession in leadership and thus contributes to the continuation of democracy. It has become clear that Zanupf leaders in a purported democratic dispensation are reluctant to respect citizens through granting them their fundamental right to One-man–one-vote. It is our moral and revolutionary obligation to finish the unaccomplished business of the liberation struggle where our heroes and heroines sacrificed the last drop of their sweat and blood to usher in Constitutional Democracy.
Moreover, where the electoral process is sophisticated, candidates and parties are compelled to unearth their records and future intentions(election manifestos) to popular scrutiny allowing the electorate to assess and make informed political decisions. Elections also provide political education for citizens and ensure the expected responsiveness of the democratic governments to the will of the people. Mdc Alliance Namibia has the conviction that Zanupf looters don’t respect democratic elections because of their legitimacy crisis emanating from 2002 bloody elections to date. We are quite cognisant of the fact that elections serve to legitimise the acts of those who wield political power, a role that is performed to some extent by elections that are noncompetitive.
Furthermore, we are also conscious to the fact that elections reinforce the stability and legitimacy of the political community. Voting gives people an opportunity to have their say and through expressing partisanship,to satisfy their quest to feel a sense of belonging (nationalistic sentiments). Change seekers should be aware of the self-actualising purpose of democratic elections by confirming the worth and dignity of individual citizens as political human beings. It must be very clear to change agents that whatever other needs and wants voters may have, active participation in a democratic election serves to concretise –esteem and self-respect.
Finally, even nonvoting satisfies the need and appetite of some people to express their alienation from the political community. For precisely these reasons, the long battle for the right to vote and the demand for equality in electoral participation can be viewed as the manifestation of a profound human craving for personal fulfilment against Zanupf shenanigans trying to rob the citizens of their right to vote.
Mdc Alliance Namibia’s message to Mr Mnangagwa and his insensitive regime is that it should ensure that all comprehensive electoral and political reforms are implemented before 2023. As part of our #ReformAgenda, we shall do whatever it takes democratically to demand and get these fundamental changes that will see free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe. The regime should ensure that conditions are conducive for people to vote for candidates of their choice in an environment that is free of arbitrary arrests, intimidation,fear and state-sponsored violence. It is the regime’s dismal failure to carry out legal and electoral reforms that threatens the freeness, fairness and credibility of national elections.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and other groups should provide competent international observers to monitor the campaign period and election. The autocratic regime should ensure that all electoral observers can move freely throughout the country during campaign and can access all legislation, regulations ,and institutions governing the electoral process, consistent with the SADC Principles and Guidelines.
One billion children experience violence and abuse every year.
That shocking figure has risen even higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Violence prevention and response services have been disrupted for 1.8 billion children living in more than 100 countries. 1.5 billion young people affected by school closures lost the protection and support that schools often provide.
Measures to contain the virus, along with economic hardship and family stress, have combined to create ‘perfect storm’ conditions for children vulnerable to observing or experiencing physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Despite the benefits of digital connectivity, a life lived more online for learning, socialising and gaming has significantly increased children’s exposure to those who wish to harm them.
Today, we stand at a critical moment for the world’s children. Unless we act now and with urgency, we risk losing a generation of children to the long-term impacts of violence and abuse that will undermine child safety, health, learning and development long after the pandemic subsides. We cannot let that happen.
As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reimagine and create more peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
Now is the time to redouble our collective efforts and translate what we know works into accelerated progress towards the goal of a world where every child grows-up safe, secure and in a nurturing environment.
We must create a world: where every child can grow up and thrive with dignity; where violence and abuse of children is legally outlawed and socially unacceptable; where the relationship between parents and children prevents the intergenerational transmission of violence; where children in every community can safely take advantage of the digital world for learning, playing and socialising; where girls and boys experience stronger developmental and educational outcomes because schools and other learning environments are safe, gender-sensitive, inclusive and supportive; where sport is safe for children; where every effort is made to protect the most vulnerable children from all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse, including those living in situations of conflict and fragility (including climate-related fragility); and where all children can access safe and child-friendly help when they need it.
The moral imperative and economic case for action to end violence against children are compelling. Action today will not only prevent the devastating intergenerational social and economic impacts of violence on children, families and societies; it will also help to address the wider impacts of COVID-19 and support progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
Together, as leaders of organisations committed to ending violence against children, we urge leaders in government, the private sector, faith communities, multilateral organisations, civil society and sports bodies to seize the moment and be champions of this agenda in their countries, organisations, networks and communities. We call on these leaders to prioritise protecting children in their policies, planning, budgets and communications, and to work together to deliver six game-changing actions to end violence against children:
Ban all forms of violence against children by 2030 Equip parents and caregivers to keep children safe Make the internet safe for children Make schools safe, non-violent and inclusive Protect children from violence in humanitarian settings More investment, better spent
As global organisations working to end violence against children, we will continue to advocate for and invest in effective child protection, promoting solutions that recognise the different ways in which girls and boys experience violence and abuse.
We will collectively develop and share technical resources and guidance for policymakers, practitioners, parents, caregivers and children themselves. And we will support the courageous health, education, child protection and humanitarian professionals working alongside faith leaders, community volunteers, parents and young people to keep children safe during these unprecedented times.
In recent years, we have made significant gains in protecting children from violence.
We must do all we can to keep children safe during the current turmoil, and work together to build back better — to end all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children.
Source: World Health Organization
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Cabinet this afternoon (Sunday) decided that the country should be moved from Adjusted Alert Level 4 and be placed on Adjusted Alert Level 3.
This will take effect later this evening once the regulations have been gazetted.
The hours of curfew will stay the same, starting at 10 pm and end at 4 am. Inter-provincial travel for leisure may resume.
Non-essential establishments like restaurants, taverns, bars and fitness centres may be opened. These establishments will, however, need to close by 9 pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
Gatherings will be allowed but will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. Gatherings include religious services, political events and social gatherings.
The limits on venue capacity also apply to restaurants, gyms, fitness centres, bars, taverns and similar places.
Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed. Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are still not allowed.
The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10 am and 6 pm from Monday to Thursday. Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 8 pm.
Schools will re-open tomorrow, Monday the 26th of July, according to strict health protocols and other measures announced by the Minister of Basic Education.
It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces.
The owners and managers of public buildings, centres, shops, restaurants, taxis and buses all have a responsibility to ensure that people on their premises or in their vehicles wear masks. They must also ensure that the appropriate social distancing measures are in place and are adhered to.
It is important to remember that it is a criminal offence if the number of people on these premises exceeds the maximum number of customers or employees allowed.
As we ease restrictions, we must remember that infections remain high and that we need to continue to exercise caution.
We have now administered more than 6.3 million vaccines, with over 10% of our population having received a vaccine dose. In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination. We are increasing the number of vaccination sites and improving the vaccination registration system. We will also increase our vaccination capacity on weekends. We will now allow people between the ages of 18 and 34 to be vaccinated from the 1st of September 2021. This will be in addition to the age groups that are currently eligible, which is everyone over 35 years of age. We are now able to allow people to present themselves at a vaccination site without an appointment and be registered and vaccinated
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a case of robbery where a vehicle was stolen from Esigodini.
Police confirmed the incident which occurred in Habane Township on Thursday last week. Said the police:
Police in Esigodini are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of theft of a motor vehicle which occurred at number 26 Habane Township. On 22 July the victim discovered that his White Honda Fit motor vehicle had been stolen after he parked it at the yard the previous night. Police are also investigating another case of theft of a motor vehicle where a Toyota Corolla Bubble vehicle was stolen after the victim parked it at the yard on Saturday at Flat 208/210 Second Street Avondale, Harare. In another incident, a blue Honda Fit vehicle and US$1 500 which was in the vehicle, were stolen after the complainant parked the vehicle at a service station near Glenview 8 Complex.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in the investigations to contact any nearest Police Station. Some of the vehicles are altered and sold to unsuspecting customers while some are later dumped.
By A Correspondent- Police have arrested Johane Masowe leaders for holding a church service in violation of the enhanced COVID-19 level 4 lockdown regulations.
Police confirmed the arrest which occurred on Friday last week. Said the police: On 23/07/21 Police in Chitungwiza arrested Clyton Makavi (35) and Tendai Zhakata (30) for leading a Johanne Masowe church service at an open space in Zengeza 5 Extension, Chitungwiza with approximately 23 members comprising men and women. The ZRP warns the public against breaching Covid-19 regulations by holding church services. Public gatherings including church services remain banned as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Some members of the apostolic sect have, however, continued to conduct services in violation of Covid-19 regulations.
Over a week ago, Police in Hurungwe arrested two Johane Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect leaders for convening a gathering in violation of the COVID-19 regulations. This is happening when the country is grappling with the third wave of the coronavirus. New infections and deaths have been on the rise for over a month with authorities blaming complacency and the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in India.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance has fired the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T from the Alliance. In their memorandum to MDC-T, the Alliance partners accused the party of failing to consult the other parties in the alliance before taking substantive decisions.
By A Correspondent- Police In Chitungwiza have arrested Johane Masowe leaders for holding a church service in violation of the enhanced COVID-19 level 4 lockdown regulations.
Police confirmed the arrest which occurred on Friday last week. Said the police: On 23/07/21 Police in Chitungwiza arrested Clyton Makavi (35) and Tendai Zhakata (30) for leading a Johanne Masowe church service at an open space in Zengeza 5 Extension, Chitungwiza with approximately 23 members comprising men and women. The ZRP warns the public against breaching Covid-19 regulations by holding church services. Public gatherings including church services remain banned as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Some members of the apostolic sect have, however, continued to conduct services in violation of Covid-19 regulations.
Over a week ago, Police in Hurungwe arrested two Johane Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect leaders for convening a gathering in violation of the COVID-19 regulations. This is happening when the country is grappling with the third wave of the coronavirus. New infections and deaths have been on the rise for over a month with authorities blaming complacency and the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in India.
By A Correspondent- The recent 50 percent salary hike for civil servants by the government is likely to see prices of basic commodities go up.
Responding to speculation that prices were north-bound following a 50 percent salary increment for Government workers, Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said this was not likely to happen. The exchange rate is a major factor governing inflation but he said the official market constituting around 95 percent of foreign currency trading in the country is stable. The far smaller black market was therefore not a worrying factor when looking at inflationary pressures. “We as Government follow the official exchange rate. This is the exchange rate that is coming out of the auction process, which is a free market. That easily accounts for 95 percent of all the foreign currency trading in the economy. So we cannot base our analysis on the alternative markets. “When we make decisions about supporting our hard-working civil servants, we follow inflation. You have seen that inflation is dropping on both a year-on-year and month-on-month basis and we expect that by year-end it will be anywhere between 25 to 35 percent year-on-year with month-on-month below three percent. “Wages and salaries anywhere in the world are set on the back of inflationary expectations, which are headed downwards in Zimbabwe. Inflation is what erodes salaries. That is what you are confronted with in the shops. So it is about inflation. “Inflation is going down. It is going the right way. It shows that our policies are working. The exchange rate is stable, and the companies will tell you that they are now planning better because there is less price instability and business is booming and we are also positive about economic recovery this year.” In an earlier interview, Prof Ncube talked about the newly introduced $50 note, assuring that it will not have any negative impact on the economy. He said it has no impact, explaining that when the authorities introduce notes on the market, they cancel the equivalent held in the RTGS system at the Reserve Bank so any notes entering the market do not increase money supply. “It has no impact. The way we introduce the note is you swap your RTGS for cash, and the RTGS once we take it at the Reserve Bank we then cancel it. We actually remove it and then substitute it. “So there is a zero net effect on the value of the currency, and the currency remains stable and protected. It has zero impact on inflation,” said Prof Ncube. -State media
By A Correspondent- Police detectives have arrested five suspected armed robbers who stormed a house in Bikita and stole a gun, ammunition and two cell phones before fleeing.
The five, Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40), Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) were reportedly armed with a pistol, hammer and machetes when they committed the offence.
They also stole cash amounting to US$70 and R700 before they left the complainant’s house.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and warned robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.
“On 19 July 2021 detectives arrested Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40) Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) for a robbery case which occurred in Duma location, Nyika, Bikita, on 10 June 2021,” he said. “The suspects who were armed with an unknown pistol, hammer and machetes stormed the complainant’s house, attacked the complainant and his wife before stealing a safe box containing a malfunctioning revolver, unknown number of ammunition and two cellphones. “Also stolen was cash amounting to US$70 and ZAR700. The ZRP warns robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.” This comes as police in Plumtree are investigating an armed robbery case which occurred on 20 July 21 along Dombodema Road in Plumtree, where five men armed with an unidentified pistol and spikes attacked two victims before stealing R385 000 cash, a Honda Fit, cellphones and wristwatch. “The complainants were travelling in a Honda Fit motor vehicle towards Maitengwe border post along Madlambuzi Road when they were intercepted by the suspects who were driving a beige Toyota Granvia motor vehicle,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. “The Honda Fit was recovered at Hebron, Plumtree.” -State media
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance partners say they have fired the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T from the opposition coalition.
In their memorandum to MDC-T, the Alliance partners accused the party of failing to consult the other parties in the alliance before taking substantive decisions.
By A Correspondent- The UK Chartered Flight for COVID positive deportees scheduled for today, Tuesday, has been suspended after the aircraft company complained that the returnees tested positive 7 days ago and that they haven’t completed their 10 day quarantine.
The development comes as ZimEye exclusively revealed two days ago that Britain was set to deport more Zimbabweans after striking a deal with the current country’s leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to deport more nationals days after managing to deport only 14 out of the 55 Zimbabweans who were supposed to be taken back home.
While a direct comments from the home office could not be obtained at the time of writing, impeccable sources in the colonial power’s deportation setup confirmed to ZimEye, ‘the flight has been suspended following complaints from the flight company or raise the issue of covered patients being transported by their employees.’
It could not be established at the time of writing when the next flight out of the United Kingdom will be. Impeccable British Government documents seen by ZimEye reveal Her Majesty’s government is sending thousands of Zimbabwe along with scores others from other nations in an operation planned 2 years before.\, bit now accelerated following COVID-19 concerns due to a rise in asylum boat arrivals from Europe.
ZimEye is monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, we below, we republish our July 25 exclusive article:
Barely days after managing to deport only 14 out of 55 Zimbabweans, Britain has struck another deal with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime to charter a 2nd flight taking more deportees back to Zimbabwe on Tuesday, ZimEye reveals.
The jet is scheduled for the 27th July en route to Zimbabwe, and follows the first which was on the 21st July earlier exclusively revealed by ZimEye over 4 weeks before.
Scores of deportees previously served notice for the 21st July won’t get any further notice. They will be flown out by force.
It was not clear from which airport the jet will depart.
Of those who were saved because of a COVID outbreak at detention centres such as Brooke House, at Heathrow Airport, those who are negative are being flown.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe has agreed that even those who are COVID-19 positive will be taken away and later quarantined in their home country. These will be quarantined at the British taxpayer expense, upon landing in Harare, ZimEye reveals today.
Sources inside the British government told ZimEye there is nothing new, the government is simply following its obligations to the British public. Earlier in the month, a spokesperson for the Home Office told ZimEye,
“The public rightly expects us to remove those who have no right to be in the UK.”
Asked over the method of removals, and why people with no criminal records are being targeted, the Home Office told ZimEye, “We do not comment on operational matters.”
A comment from the Foreign Affairs Ministry was not possible at the time of writing.
ARE THE BRITISH SPONSORING MNANGAGWA?
Simba Chikanza comments: I have been asked for an opinion over this matter and as a journalist who’s interviewed both regimes, my take is:
Yes the British have a history of negotiating with vile dictators but in this case, it doesn’t seem UK is sponsoring Emmerson Mnangagwa other than pursuing its immigration policy like any other country is, and when it needs to remove criminals, it approaches the Zimbabwe Foreign Affairs Ministry, the same way it meets up with hostile nations like Russia, China; and even the most rogue such as Syria, Cuba, Equador etc.
Already Britain is being sabotaged by Mnangagwa’s London ambassador Christian Katsande who refuses to sign travel documents especially for his corrupt family and friends, who are criminals due for deportation.
The only challenge comes when the British plan to remove people who have a right to appeal it labels foreign offenders and the Harare meeting in June 2021 was clear over this which thing we have asked London for an explanation.
Such an agreement was clearly reached, and if UK goes ahead, it will be breaking its own laws.
As for removing dangerous criminals, UK does not seem different from other nations of the world. Let’s not forget, Britain at one time used to ‘deport’ its own citizens, I mean to banish violent criminals to distant islands.
Right now UK is struggling with a record spike in boat arrivals of asylum seekers from France, and by July, the figure has superceded the total for 2020. These people pose a new challenge that’s beyond the problematic COVID pandemic, which matter has caused Priti Patel to look for solutions by changing the law.
Tonight, UK solicitor Andrew Nyamayaro speaks over this explaining the new legislation, one passed a few weeks ago, and another one drafted a day after the Zimbabwe charter flight.
Appearing on ZimEye at 6pm, Nyamayaro will cover:
1. The New Nationality And Borders Bill.
2. Judicial Review And Court Bill. (announced a day after Zimbabwe flops)
– last minute reprieves to be taken away…
3. What are the blind spots for each bill.
4. WHAT ARE THE HOME OFFICE’S NEW POWERS?
If I am a British Citizen, will the HO knock on my door at any time and take me away?
* Work Employment visa holder. * Leave To Remain. * Student. * Discretionary Holder. * Asylum Seeker
Veteran Zimbabwean midfield linchpin Willard ‘Salt and Vinegar’ Katsande is reportedly wanted by DStv Premiership side AmaZulu.
The former Warriors captain’s contract at Kaizer Chiefs will not be renewed and will leave the Soweto giants after a glittering career spanning ten years.
With Chiefs set to make the announcement of Katsande’s exit this week, AmaZulu, as per reports in South Africa, are interested in the 35-year old enforcer.
The Benni McCarthy-coached side will be looking to bolster their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League and are considering Katsande as part of that process.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
MDC Alliance partners say they have fired the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T from the Alliance.
In their memorandum to MDC-T, the Alliance partners accused the party of failing to consult the other parties in the alliance before taking substantive decisions.
Below is the full letter signed by Mathias Guchutu who is a principal of MCD party…
MEDICAL practitioners have urged government to consider establishing makeshift health centres for COVID-19 admissions as the country’s health institutions are inundated with severe cases needing hospitalisation.
The health experts told NewsDay that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients infected by the respiratory virus, resulting in shortages of beds and equipment required to provide the necessary care.
For almost a month, Zimbabwe has been under level four lockdown, which prohibits public gatherings and intercity travel, among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Government is set to review the lockdown measures today. On July 14, the country recorded 3 110 new infections, and two days later, 102 deaths, the highest figures since the first case was recorded in March last year.
However, there were decreases in both new infections and deaths recorded over the weekend.
The Health and Child Care ministry situational report on Sunday said 617 new cases were recorded, with a slight decrease in the seven-day rolling average of 2 039, while 44 people succumbed to the respiratory disease.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said there was need for an alternative plan to ensure that patients do not succumb to the virus due to failure to access medical care.
He said due to the likely continued requirement for hospital admission for severe cases, more intensive care support was needed, including erection of temporary health centres.
“The vaccination rollout programme is vital for us to win the battle against the virus. Government is working towards ensuring that we achieve herd immunity by October this year and it is commendable,” Marisa said.
“However, the vaccination exercise, (due to) complacency, is ineffective to combat the spread of the virus when we have not yet reached herd immunity to vaccinate 60% of the population.
“With the public failing to adhere to the protocols, new cases will continue to rise, and government should remain alert and consider erecting temporary health centres at stadiums and other public spaces to ensure that those who would be suffering from severe complications will get medical care.”
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya warned of the continued loss of lives due to complacency, adding that reckless citizens were putting health workers’ lives at risk, which could affect service delivery at health institutions.
“Life is increasingly difficult for us. All the extreme complacency ends up in our hands and endangering our lives and our families. The public is putting health workers at risk,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said government should urgently equip health institutions, especially district hospitals, considering that rural areas have now become COVID-19 hotspots.
“COVID -19 has caused mass infections, which has led to mass hospitalisation. In the next few weeks, there will be an even higher demand for hospitalisation,” he said.
“The Delta variant is deadlier as it infects a higher number of people, unlike the previous waves.”
Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo, said: “Health institutions in the country are handling many cases, and what it means when we have more cases and less recoveries, is that health institutions and staff are overwhelmed. We are concerned over this, we have a shortage of staff, beds, medication and have poor infrastructure, and this obviously leads to hospitals being overburdened.”
Dongo said if people observed World Health Organisation preventive protocols, it would reduce the need for hospitalisation.
“If people continue moving around carelessly, attending funerals due to their cultural norms, going to church and partying, the situation will worsen. They must adjust to the new way of life, where one can pass condolences to a relative on the phone when there is a funeral than physically attend,” he said.
Dongo said a significant number of health workers had succumbed to the virus, while others were in isolation after contracting it.
To curb more infections, government targets to procure 12 million vaccine doses.
On Sunday, the country received one million doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.
Speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro said government would utilise police stations as COVID-19 vaccination centres to speed up the inoculation exercise since demand had increased.
“The vaccination is no longer happening at government hospitals only, council clinics are vaccinating, police stations have also been asked to act as vaccination centres,” he said.
“Even if we attain national herd immunity, but many people in a certain community are not vaccinated, that community remains at risk.”
Meanwhile, business operators have pleaded with government to consider easing lockdown measures and extend operating hours so that daily sales improve.
Under the current lockdown measures, business opens at 8am and closes at 3:30pm.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu said there was need to strike a balance and to allow businesses to operate.
“We urge government to relax the COVID-19 measures to increase operating hours for businesses. Some business operators have not been able to resuscitate operations after the hard lockdown imposed early last year,” he said.
Mutashu said failure to run profitably had resulted in businesses failing to settle debts, which saw them being sued.
“We are also advocating for clear modalities on how business will be operating to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in enforcement and compliance,” he said.- NewsDay
MEDICAL practitioners have urged government to consider establishing makeshift health centres for COVID-19 admissions as the country’s health institutions are inundated with severe cases needing hospitalisation.
The health experts told NewsDay that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients infected by the respiratory virus, resulting in shortages of beds and equipment required to provide the necessary care.
For almost a month, Zimbabwe has been under level four lockdown, which prohibits public gatherings and intercity travel, among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Government is set to review the lockdown measures today. On July 14, the country recorded 3 110 new infections, and two days later, 102 deaths, the highest figures since the first case was recorded in March last year.
However, there were decreases in both new infections and deaths recorded over the weekend.
The Health and Child Care ministry situational report on Sunday said 617 new cases were recorded, with a slight decrease in the seven-day rolling average of 2 039, while 44 people succumbed to the respiratory disease.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said there was need for an alternative plan to ensure that patients do not succumb to the virus due to failure to access medical care.
He said due to the likely continued requirement for hospital admission for severe cases, more intensive care support was needed, including erection of temporary health centres.
“The vaccination rollout programme is vital for us to win the battle against the virus. Government is working towards ensuring that we achieve herd immunity by October this year and it is commendable,” Marisa said.
“However, the vaccination exercise, (due to) complacency, is ineffective to combat the spread of the virus when we have not yet reached herd immunity to vaccinate 60% of the population.
“With the public failing to adhere to the protocols, new cases will continue to rise, and government should remain alert and consider erecting temporary health centres at stadiums and other public spaces to ensure that those who would be suffering from severe complications will get medical care.”
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya warned of the continued loss of lives due to complacency, adding that reckless citizens were putting health workers’ lives at risk, which could affect service delivery at health institutions.
“Life is increasingly difficult for us. All the extreme complacency ends up in our hands and endangering our lives and our families. The public is putting health workers at risk,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said government should urgently equip health institutions, especially district hospitals, considering that rural areas have now become COVID-19 hotspots.
“COVID -19 has caused mass infections, which has led to mass hospitalisation. In the next few weeks, there will be an even higher demand for hospitalisation,” he said.
“The Delta variant is deadlier as it infects a higher number of people, unlike the previous waves.”
Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo, said: “Health institutions in the country are handling many cases, and what it means when we have more cases and less recoveries, is that health institutions and staff are overwhelmed. We are concerned over this, we have a shortage of staff, beds, medication and have poor infrastructure, and this obviously leads to hospitals being overburdened.”
Dongo said if people observed World Health Organisation preventive protocols, it would reduce the need for hospitalisation.
“If people continue moving around carelessly, attending funerals due to their cultural norms, going to church and partying, the situation will worsen. They must adjust to the new way of life, where one can pass condolences to a relative on the phone when there is a funeral than physically attend,” he said.
Dongo said a significant number of health workers had succumbed to the virus, while others were in isolation after contracting it.
To curb more infections, government targets to procure 12 million vaccine doses.
On Sunday, the country received one million doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.
Speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro said government would utilise police stations as COVID-19 vaccination centres to speed up the inoculation exercise since demand had increased.
“The vaccination is no longer happening at government hospitals only, council clinics are vaccinating, police stations have also been asked to act as vaccination centres,” he said.
“Even if we attain national herd immunity, but many people in a certain community are not vaccinated, that community remains at risk.”
Meanwhile, business operators have pleaded with government to consider easing lockdown measures and extend operating hours so that daily sales improve.
Under the current lockdown measures, business opens at 8am and closes at 3:30pm.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu said there was need to strike a balance and to allow businesses to operate.
“We urge government to relax the COVID-19 measures to increase operating hours for businesses. Some business operators have not been able to resuscitate operations after the hard lockdown imposed early last year,” he said.
Mutashu said failure to run profitably had resulted in businesses failing to settle debts, which saw them being sued.
“We are also advocating for clear modalities on how business will be operating to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in enforcement and compliance,” he said.- NewsDay
Raphael Varane is close to finalising his transfer to Manchester United from Real Madrid in this window.
Talks between the English Premier League club and the player’s representatives have been ongoing for weeks now, and it is understood there is agreement on the personal terms of the proposed contract.
United will start negotiations for a transfer fee with Madrid, and a deal is expected to be completed in the coming days before an official announcement is made.
This will confirm Varane’s arrival as the club’s third signing after goalkeeper Tom Heaton and forward Jadon Sancho.
The defender, however, may have to quarantine before he is able to start training with United.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Veteran Zimbabwean midfield linchpin Willard ‘Salt and Vinegar’ Katsande is reportedly wanted by DStv Premiership side AmaZulu.
The former Warriors captain’s contract at Kaizer Chiefs will not be renewed and will leave the Soweto giants after a glittering career spanning ten years.
With Chiefs set to make the announcement of Katsande’s exit this week, AmaZulu, as per reports in South Africa, are interested in the 35-year old enforcer.
The Benni McCarthy-coached side will be looking to bolster their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League and are considering Katsande as part of that process.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Warriors defender Jimmy Dzingai has been linked with a move to the South African Premier Soccer League.
The 30-year old is currently in the books of Nkana FC in the Zambian Premier League after signing a two-year contract in October 2020. He was part of the Warriors squad that played at the recently concluded COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
According to Far Post website, Marumo Gallants (formerly known as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila) are pushing to sign the Zimbabwean international in this transfer window.
The interest follows after the PSL side has decided against signing former Polokwane City defender Nicholas Motloung.
Motloung has been training with the club for the past few weeks and was part of the squad that travelled to Lebowakgomo for the Global Top four pre-season tournament. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has said the level of idiocy in Zanu PF is unpardonable and appalling.
This comes after frantic attempts by the Zanu PF regime to blame ” regime change agents” for plotting to discredit Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration also known as the new dispensation.
Zanu PF and government officials are at pains to outline the achievements of the clueless “new dispensation.”
According to Hon Sikhala , pursuing regime change is not a crime.
“It is only empty heads like Monica Mutsvangwa & her master ED who think that pursuing regime change is criminal.
Pursuing the change of regime like that of Mnangagwa shld give u pride dear Zimbabweans.
It’s a regime of cockroaches, dullards and swines.
I am a regime change agent,” declared Hon Sikhala.
It might be early days yet but promising Zimbabwean striker Leeroy Munyorovi has hit the ground running at his new German club 1. FC Merseburg e.V scoring three goals in four pre- season matches.
Munyorovi joined the fifth tier German League side recently from Slovakian side MŠK Púchov and seems to be settling well ahead of the start of the new season next month.
He said is hoping to continue with his pre- season form when the season starts.
“I’m happy with how things are shapping up at the moment, so far so good, I’m adjusting well,” Munyorovi said.
” The coach is deploying me as a centre striker and giving me the responsibility to lead the attack. I’m happy that so far I have managed to make the coach happy with my returns, three goals in four matches.
” It’s not really easy to get to a new club, new country and quickly adjust. German football is tough but I’m impressed with my input so far. I just need to work even extra hard that when the season starts I just continue with this form and score goals that will help my team achieve the desired goals.”
By A Correspondent- Police are investigating a case of robbery where a vehicle was stolen from Esigodini.
Police confirmed the incident which occurred in Habane Township on Thursday last week.
“Police in Esigodini are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of theft of a motor vehicle which occurred at number 26 Habane Township.
“On 22 July the victim discovered that his White Honda Fit motor vehicle had been stolen after he parked it at the yard the previous night.,” said the police.
In another incident a blue Honda Fit vehicle and US$1 500 which was in the vehicle, were stolen after the complainant parked the vehicle at a service station near Glenview 8 Complex. Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in the investigations to contact any nearest Police Station
Police are also investigating another case of theft of a motor vehicle where a Toyota Corolla Bubble vehicle was stolen after the victim parked it at the yard on Saturday at Flat 208/210 Second Street Avondale, Harare.
By A Correspondent- A man was shocked when cops arrested him at a hospital in Oklahoma, US.
He had brought his alleged 12-year-old “girlfriend” to give birth and reportedly was shocked as to why he was bust, even though cops pointed out she was too young.
According to TV station Fox 23, cops arrested him on charges of first degree rap_e as the girl gave birth to a healthy baby in hospital.
Police said the man showed up on Wednesday, 14 July at Hillcrest Hospital only expecting to be a dad, but ended up being taken to jail.
The Mirror reports they had previously posed together at what appeared to be a baby shower, suggesting their families were fine with the situation.
“They walked in just like any other couple would be excited to deliver their newborn child,” the police said.
As required, doctors called the cops when they realised the how old the mother of the baby was.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leader Obey Sithole has implored Zimbabweans to stop mocking former Studio 263 actress Tino Katsande who is working tirelessly to fend for her family.
Sithole argues Katsande is using her hands to work for hard, instead of stealing.
He wrote on Facebook:
“Venturing into entrepreneurship for survival is commendable especially given the man-made joblessness that we’re subjected to as a nation.
She made a right decision, she’s feeding families & most importantly she’s not stealing from suffering masses like what other men such as Tagwireyi et al are doing.”
Katsande has ventured into the business of selling eggs and her photos went viral on social media- with some Facebook users mocking her.
By A Correspondent- A 30-year-old mother with 10 kids says her husband wants more children.
The woman from Kakamega in Kenya is pre_gnant with her 11th child. She said her husband wants 22 children.
She said he believed having few kids made one a laughing stock in their village.
Tuko, a local publication, reports that the woman identified as Gentrix Wekesa gives birth to these children every year.
“As soon as I start getting my menstruati0n, I get another child. My youngest is yet to be a year old,” she said.
Wekesa told the publication her husband refused to use any contraceptive methods due to tradition.
She said she was overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of the children.
“It got to a point that one of the kids dropped out of school at class seven because they kept sending him back home because of school fees or uniform, and I did not know what to do. The second-born, too, has dropped out of school,” Wekesa.
The determined husband, Anthony Wekesa whose age is not identified, said he wants more children so they can help him in future.
“As long as she gives me the number of children that I want. They should be 22 kids,” he said.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF is desperate to cause voter apathy to remain in power beyond 2023, MDC Alliance Namibia has said.
While Zanu PF is deceitfully crafting ways of consolidating its support base, party activists are subtly discouraging perceived opposition supporters from voting in 2023.
Below is the MDC Alliance Namibia presentation:
Whether held under authoritarian or democratic regimes, elections have a ritualistic aspect, Mdc Alliance Namibia echoes.
26 July 2021
Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Spokesperson seriously responds to the misconception that elections will not change anything in Zimbabwe. The attempt by clueless Zanupf to spread its pathological political lies trying to undermine the functions of democratic elections in transforming the livelihoods of the citizenry must be resisted with equal measure. This misinformation is driven by the party’s desire to discourage Zimbabweans so that they don’t go and register to vote in 2023. What is astonishing is that those who are saying elections will not change anything are seen butchering citizens during campaign and elections, intimidating them to vote them into state power.
Contrary to Zanupf’s futile attempt to create voter apathy ahead of the harmonised elections in 2023, Mdc Alliance Namibia submits that elections make a sound and fundamental contribution to democratic governance. This is because elections are anticipated to promote a form of a constitutional government in which all political decisions are made directly by the entire body of qualified and patriotic citizens. Social democrats in Namibia believe that elections should enable voters to elect leaders freely, fairly and credibly so that they hold them accountable for their performance in office during the given tenure.
In addition, accountability can be undermined when elected leaders do not care whether they are reelected or when ,for historical or other reasons, one party or coalition is so dominant that is effectively no choice for voters among alternative candidates ,parties or policies. Nevertheless, the possibility of controlling leaders by requiring them to submit to regular and period elections aids to resolve the dilemma of succession in leadership and thus contributes to the continuation of democracy. It has become clear that Zanupf leaders in a purported democratic dispensation are reluctant to respect citizens through granting them their fundamental right to One-man–one-vote. It is our moral and revolutionary obligation to finish the unaccomplished business of the liberation struggle where our heroes and heroines sacrificed the last drop of their sweat and blood to usher in Constitutional Democracy.
Moreover, where the electoral process is sophisticated, candidates and parties are compelled to unearth their records and future intentions(election manifestos) to popular scrutiny allowing the electorate to assess and make informed political decisions. Elections also provide political education for citizens and ensure the expected responsiveness of the democratic governments to the will of the people. Mdc Alliance Namibia has the conviction that Zanupf looters don’t respect democratic elections because of their legitimacy crisis emanating from 2002 bloody elections to date. We are quite cognisant of the fact that elections serve to legitimise the acts of those who wield political power, a role that is performed to some extent by elections that are noncompetitive.
Furthermore, we are also conscious to the fact that elections reinforce the stability and legitimacy of the political community. Voting gives people an opportunity to have their say and through expressing partisanship,to satisfy their quest to feel a sense of belonging (nationalistic sentiments). Change seekers should be aware of the self-actualising purpose of democratic elections by confirming the worth and dignity of individual citizens as political human beings. It must be very clear to change agents that whatever other needs and wants voters may have, active participation in a democratic election serves to concretise –esteem and self-respect.
Finally, even nonvoting satisfies the need and appetite of some people to express their alienation from the political community. For precisely these reasons, the long battle for the right to vote and the demand for equality in electoral participation can be viewed as the manifestation of a profound human craving for personal fulfilment against Zanupf shenanigans trying to rob the citizens of their right to vote.
Mdc Alliance Namibia’s message to Mr Mnangagwa and his insensitive regime is that it should ensure that all comprehensive electoral and political reforms are implemented before 2023. As part of our #ReformAgenda, we shall do whatever it takes democratically to demand and get these fundamental changes that will see free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe. The regime should ensure that conditions are conducive for people to vote for candidates of their choice in an environment that is free of arbitrary arrests, intimidation,fear and state-sponsored violence. It is the regime’s dismal failure to carry out legal and electoral reforms that threatens the freeness, fairness and credibility of national elections.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and other groups should provide competent international observers to monitor the campaign period and election. The autocratic regime should ensure that all electoral observers can move freely throughout the country during campaign and can access all legislation, regulations ,and institutions governing the electoral process, consistent with the SADC Principles and Guidelines.
MEDICAL practitioners have urged government to consider establishing makeshift health centres for COVID-19 admissions as the country’s health institutions are inundated with severe cases needing hospitalisation.
The health experts told NewsDay that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients infected by the respiratory virus, resulting in shortages of beds and equipment required to provide the necessary care.
For almost a month, Zimbabwe has been under level four lockdown, which prohibits public gatherings and intercity travel, among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Government is set to review the lockdown measures today. On July 14, the country recorded 3 110 new infections, and two days later, 102 deaths, the highest figures since the first case was recorded in March last year.
However, there were decreases in both new infections and deaths recorded over the weekend.
The Health and Child Care ministry situational report on Sunday said 617 new cases were recorded, with a slight decrease in the seven-day rolling average of 2 039, while 44 people succumbed to the respiratory disease.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said there was need for an alternative plan to ensure that patients do not succumb to the virus due to failure to access medical care.
He said due to the likely continued requirement for hospital admission for severe cases, more intensive care support was needed, including erection of temporary health centres.
“The vaccination rollout programme is vital for us to win the battle against the virus. Government is working towards ensuring that we achieve herd immunity by October this year and it is commendable,” Marisa said.
“However, the vaccination exercise, (due to) complacency, is ineffective to combat the spread of the virus when we have not yet reached herd immunity to vaccinate 60% of the population.
“With the public failing to adhere to the protocols, new cases will continue to rise, and government should remain alert and consider erecting temporary health centres at stadiums and other public spaces to ensure that those who would be suffering from severe complications will get medical care.”
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya warned of the continued loss of lives due to complacency, adding that reckless citizens were putting health workers’ lives at risk, which could affect service delivery at health institutions.
“Life is increasingly difficult for us. All the extreme complacency ends up in our hands and endangering our lives and our families. The public is putting health workers at risk,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said government should urgently equip health institutions, especially district hospitals, considering that rural areas have now become COVID-19 hotspots.
“COVID -19 has caused mass infections, which has led to mass hospitalisation. In the next few weeks, there will be an even higher demand for hospitalisation,” he said.
“The Delta variant is deadlier as it infects a higher number of people, unlike the previous waves.”
Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo, said: “Health institutions in the country are handling many cases, and what it means when we have more cases and less recoveries, is that health institutions and staff are overwhelmed. We are concerned over this, we have a shortage of staff, beds, medication and have poor infrastructure, and this obviously leads to hospitals being overburdened.”
Dongo said if people observed World Health Organisation preventive protocols, it would reduce the need for hospitalisation.
“If people continue moving around carelessly, attending funerals due to their cultural norms, going to church and partying, the situation will worsen. They must adjust to the new way of life, where one can pass condolences to a relative on the phone when there is a funeral than physically attend,” he said.
Dongo said a significant number of health workers had succumbed to the virus, while others were in isolation after contracting it.
To curb more infections, government targets to procure 12 million vaccine doses.
On Sunday, the country received one million doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.
Speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro said government would utilise police stations as COVID-19 vaccination centres to speed up the inoculation exercise since demand had increased.
“The vaccination is no longer happening at government hospitals only, council clinics are vaccinating, police stations have also been asked to act as vaccination centres,” he said.
“Even if we attain national herd immunity, but many people in a certain community are not vaccinated, that community remains at risk.”
Meanwhile, business operators have pleaded with government to consider easing lockdown measures and extend operating hours so that daily sales improve.
Under the current lockdown measures, business opens at 8am and closes at 3:30pm.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu said there was need to strike a balance and to allow businesses to operate.
“We urge government to relax the COVID-19 measures to increase operating hours for businesses. Some business operators have not been able to resuscitate operations after the hard lockdown imposed early last year,” he said.
Mutashu said failure to run profitably had resulted in businesses failing to settle debts, which saw them being sued.
“We are also advocating for clear modalities on how business will be operating to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in enforcement and compliance,” he said.- NewsDay
One billion children experience violence and abuse every year.
That shocking figure has risen even higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Violence prevention and response services have been disrupted for 1.8 billion children living in more than 100 countries. 1.5 billion young people affected by school closures lost the protection and support that schools often provide.
Measures to contain the virus, along with economic hardship and family stress, have combined to create ‘perfect storm’ conditions for children vulnerable to observing or experiencing physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Despite the benefits of digital connectivity, a life lived more online for learning, socialising and gaming has significantly increased children’s exposure to those who wish to harm them.
Today, we stand at a critical moment for the world’s children. Unless we act now and with urgency, we risk losing a generation of children to the long-term impacts of violence and abuse that will undermine child safety, health, learning and development long after the pandemic subsides. We cannot let that happen.
As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reimagine and create more peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
Now is the time to redouble our collective efforts and translate what we know works into accelerated progress towards the goal of a world where every child grows-up safe, secure and in a nurturing environment.
We must create a world: where every child can grow up and thrive with dignity; where violence and abuse of children is legally outlawed and socially unacceptable; where the relationship between parents and children prevents the intergenerational transmission of violence; where children in every community can safely take advantage of the digital world for learning, playing and socialising; where girls and boys experience stronger developmental and educational outcomes because schools and other learning environments are safe, gender-sensitive, inclusive and supportive; where sport is safe for children; where every effort is made to protect the most vulnerable children from all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse, including those living in situations of conflict and fragility (including climate-related fragility); and where all children can access safe and child-friendly help when they need it.
The moral imperative and economic case for action to end violence against children are compelling. Action today will not only prevent the devastating intergenerational social and economic impacts of violence on children, families and societies; it will also help to address the wider impacts of COVID-19 and support progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
Together, as leaders of organisations committed to ending violence against children, we urge leaders in government, the private sector, faith communities, multilateral organisations, civil society and sports bodies to seize the moment and be champions of this agenda in their countries, organisations, networks and communities. We call on these leaders to prioritise protecting children in their policies, planning, budgets and communications, and to work together to deliver six game-changing actions to end violence against children:
Ban all forms of violence against children by 2030 Equip parents and caregivers to keep children safe Make the internet safe for children Make schools safe, non-violent and inclusive Protect children from violence in humanitarian settings More investment, better spent
As global organisations working to end violence against children, we will continue to advocate for and invest in effective child protection, promoting solutions that recognise the different ways in which girls and boys experience violence and abuse.
We will collectively develop and share technical resources and guidance for policymakers, practitioners, parents, caregivers and children themselves. And we will support the courageous health, education, child protection and humanitarian professionals working alongside faith leaders, community volunteers, parents and young people to keep children safe during these unprecedented times.
In recent years, we have made significant gains in protecting children from violence.
We must do all we can to keep children safe during the current turmoil, and work together to build back better — to end all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has said the level of idiocy in Zanu PF is unpardonable and appalling.
This comes after frantic attempts by the Zanu PF regime to blame ” regime change agents” for plotting to discredit Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration also known as the new dispensation.
Zanu PF and government officials are at pains to outline the achievements of the clueless “new dispensation.”
According to Hon Sikhala , pursuing regime change is not a crime.
“It is only empty heads like Monica Mutsvangwa & her master ED who think that pursuing regime change is criminal.
Pursuing the change of regime like that of Mnangagwa shld give u pride dear Zimbabweans.
It’s a regime of cockroaches, dullards and swines.
I am a regime change agent,” declared Hon Sikhala.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF is desperate to cause voter apathy to remain in power beyond 2023, MDC Alliance Namibia has said.
While Zanu PF is deceitfully crafting ways of consolidating its support base, party activists are subtly discouraging perceived opposition supporters from voting in 2023.
Below is the MDC Alliance Namibia presentation:
Whether held under authoritarian or democratic regimes, elections have a ritualistic aspect, Mdc Alliance Namibia echoes.
26 July 2021
Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Spokesperson seriously responds to the misconception that elections will not change anything in Zimbabwe. The attempt by clueless Zanupf to spread its pathological political lies trying to undermine the functions of democratic elections in transforming the livelihoods of the citizenry must be resisted with equal measure. This misinformation is driven by the party’s desire to discourage Zimbabweans so that they don’t go and register to vote in 2023. What is astonishing is that those who are saying elections will not change anything are seen butchering citizens during campaign and elections, intimidating them to vote them into state power.
Contrary to Zanupf’s futile attempt to create voter apathy ahead of the harmonised elections in 2023, Mdc Alliance Namibia submits that elections make a sound and fundamental contribution to democratic governance. This is because elections are anticipated to promote a form of a constitutional government in which all political decisions are made directly by the entire body of qualified and patriotic citizens. Social democrats in Namibia believe that elections should enable voters to elect leaders freely, fairly and credibly so that they hold them accountable for their performance in office during the given tenure.
In addition, accountability can be undermined when elected leaders do not care whether they are reelected or when ,for historical or other reasons, one party or coalition is so dominant that is effectively no choice for voters among alternative candidates ,parties or policies. Nevertheless, the possibility of controlling leaders by requiring them to submit to regular and period elections aids to resolve the dilemma of succession in leadership and thus contributes to the continuation of democracy. It has become clear that Zanupf leaders in a purported democratic dispensation are reluctant to respect citizens through granting them their fundamental right to One-man–one-vote. It is our moral and revolutionary obligation to finish the unaccomplished business of the liberation struggle where our heroes and heroines sacrificed the last drop of their sweat and blood to usher in Constitutional Democracy.
Moreover, where the electoral process is sophisticated, candidates and parties are compelled to unearth their records and future intentions(election manifestos) to popular scrutiny allowing the electorate to assess and make informed political decisions. Elections also provide political education for citizens and ensure the expected responsiveness of the democratic governments to the will of the people. Mdc Alliance Namibia has the conviction that Zanupf looters don’t respect democratic elections because of their legitimacy crisis emanating from 2002 bloody elections to date. We are quite cognisant of the fact that elections serve to legitimise the acts of those who wield political power, a role that is performed to some extent by elections that are noncompetitive.
Furthermore, we are also conscious to the fact that elections reinforce the stability and legitimacy of the political community. Voting gives people an opportunity to have their say and through expressing partisanship,to satisfy their quest to feel a sense of belonging (nationalistic sentiments). Change seekers should be aware of the self-actualising purpose of democratic elections by confirming the worth and dignity of individual citizens as political human beings. It must be very clear to change agents that whatever other needs and wants voters may have, active participation in a democratic election serves to concretise –esteem and self-respect.
Finally, even nonvoting satisfies the need and appetite of some people to express their alienation from the political community. For precisely these reasons, the long battle for the right to vote and the demand for equality in electoral participation can be viewed as the manifestation of a profound human craving for personal fulfilment against Zanupf shenanigans trying to rob the citizens of their right to vote.
Mdc Alliance Namibia’s message to Mr Mnangagwa and his insensitive regime is that it should ensure that all comprehensive electoral and political reforms are implemented before 2023. As part of our #ReformAgenda, we shall do whatever it takes democratically to demand and get these fundamental changes that will see free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe. The regime should ensure that conditions are conducive for people to vote for candidates of their choice in an environment that is free of arbitrary arrests, intimidation,fear and state-sponsored violence. It is the regime’s dismal failure to carry out legal and electoral reforms that threatens the freeness, fairness and credibility of national elections.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and other groups should provide competent international observers to monitor the campaign period and election. The autocratic regime should ensure that all electoral observers can move freely throughout the country during campaign and can access all legislation, regulations ,and institutions governing the electoral process, consistent with the SADC Principles and Guidelines.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leader Obey Sithole has implored Zimbabweans to stop mocking former Studio 263 actress Tino Katsande who is working tirelessly to fend for her family.
Sithole argues Katsande is using her hands to work for hard, instead of stealing.
He wrote on Facebook:
“Venturing into entrepreneurship for survival is commendable especially given the man-made joblessness that we’re subjected to as a nation.
She made a right decision, she’s feeding families & most importantly she’s not stealing from suffering masses like what other men such as Tagwireyi et al are doing.”
Katsande has ventured into the business of selling eggs and her photos went viral on social media- with some Facebook users mocking her.
MEDICAL practitioners have urged government to consider establishing makeshift health centres for COVID-19 admissions as the country’s health institutions are inundated with severe cases needing hospitalisation.
The health experts told NewsDay that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients infected by the respiratory virus, resulting in shortages of beds and equipment required to provide the necessary care.
For almost a month, Zimbabwe has been under level four lockdown, which prohibits public gatherings and intercity travel, among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Government is set to review the lockdown measures today. On July 14, the country recorded 3 110 new infections, and two days later, 102 deaths, the highest figures since the first case was recorded in March last year.
However, there were decreases in both new infections and deaths recorded over the weekend.
The Health and Child Care ministry situational report on Sunday said 617 new cases were recorded, with a slight decrease in the seven-day rolling average of 2 039, while 44 people succumbed to the respiratory disease.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said there was need for an alternative plan to ensure that patients do not succumb to the virus due to failure to access medical care.
He said due to the likely continued requirement for hospital admission for severe cases, more intensive care support was needed, including erection of temporary health centres.
“The vaccination rollout programme is vital for us to win the battle against the virus. Government is working towards ensuring that we achieve herd immunity by October this year and it is commendable,” Marisa said.
“However, the vaccination exercise, (due to) complacency, is ineffective to combat the spread of the virus when we have not yet reached herd immunity to vaccinate 60% of the population.
“With the public failing to adhere to the protocols, new cases will continue to rise, and government should remain alert and consider erecting temporary health centres at stadiums and other public spaces to ensure that those who would be suffering from severe complications will get medical care.”
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya warned of the continued loss of lives due to complacency, adding that reckless citizens were putting health workers’ lives at risk, which could affect service delivery at health institutions.
“Life is increasingly difficult for us. All the extreme complacency ends up in our hands and endangering our lives and our families. The public is putting health workers at risk,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said government should urgently equip health institutions, especially district hospitals, considering that rural areas have now become COVID-19 hotspots.
“COVID -19 has caused mass infections, which has led to mass hospitalisation. In the next few weeks, there will be an even higher demand for hospitalisation,” he said.
“The Delta variant is deadlier as it infects a higher number of people, unlike the previous waves.”
Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo, said: “Health institutions in the country are handling many cases, and what it means when we have more cases and less recoveries, is that health institutions and staff are overwhelmed. We are concerned over this, we have a shortage of staff, beds, medication and have poor infrastructure, and this obviously leads to hospitals being overburdened.”
Dongo said if people observed World Health Organisation preventive protocols, it would reduce the need for hospitalisation.
“If people continue moving around carelessly, attending funerals due to their cultural norms, going to church and partying, the situation will worsen. They must adjust to the new way of life, where one can pass condolences to a relative on the phone when there is a funeral than physically attend,” he said.
Dongo said a significant number of health workers had succumbed to the virus, while others were in isolation after contracting it.
To curb more infections, government targets to procure 12 million vaccine doses.
On Sunday, the country received one million doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.
Speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro said government would utilise police stations as COVID-19 vaccination centres to speed up the inoculation exercise since demand had increased.
“The vaccination is no longer happening at government hospitals only, council clinics are vaccinating, police stations have also been asked to act as vaccination centres,” he said.
“Even if we attain national herd immunity, but many people in a certain community are not vaccinated, that community remains at risk.”
Meanwhile, business operators have pleaded with government to consider easing lockdown measures and extend operating hours so that daily sales improve.
Under the current lockdown measures, business opens at 8am and closes at 3:30pm.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu said there was need to strike a balance and to allow businesses to operate.
“We urge government to relax the COVID-19 measures to increase operating hours for businesses. Some business operators have not been able to resuscitate operations after the hard lockdown imposed early last year,” he said.
Mutashu said failure to run profitably had resulted in businesses failing to settle debts, which saw them being sued.
“We are also advocating for clear modalities on how business will be operating to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in enforcement and compliance,” he said.- NewsDay
MEDICAL practitioners have urged government to consider establishing makeshift health centres for COVID-19 admissions as the country’s health institutions are inundated with severe cases needing hospitalisation.
The health experts told NewsDay that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients infected by the respiratory virus, resulting in shortages of beds and equipment required to provide the necessary care.
For almost a month, Zimbabwe has been under level four lockdown, which prohibits public gatherings and intercity travel, among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Government is set to review the lockdown measures today. On July 14, the country recorded 3 110 new infections, and two days later, 102 deaths, the highest figures since the first case was recorded in March last year.
However, there were decreases in both new infections and deaths recorded over the weekend.
The Health and Child Care ministry situational report on Sunday said 617 new cases were recorded, with a slight decrease in the seven-day rolling average of 2 039, while 44 people succumbed to the respiratory disease.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said there was need for an alternative plan to ensure that patients do not succumb to the virus due to failure to access medical care.
He said due to the likely continued requirement for hospital admission for severe cases, more intensive care support was needed, including erection of temporary health centres.
“The vaccination rollout programme is vital for us to win the battle against the virus. Government is working towards ensuring that we achieve herd immunity by October this year and it is commendable,” Marisa said.
“However, the vaccination exercise, (due to) complacency, is ineffective to combat the spread of the virus when we have not yet reached herd immunity to vaccinate 60% of the population.
“With the public failing to adhere to the protocols, new cases will continue to rise, and government should remain alert and consider erecting temporary health centres at stadiums and other public spaces to ensure that those who would be suffering from severe complications will get medical care.”
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya warned of the continued loss of lives due to complacency, adding that reckless citizens were putting health workers’ lives at risk, which could affect service delivery at health institutions.
“Life is increasingly difficult for us. All the extreme complacency ends up in our hands and endangering our lives and our families. The public is putting health workers at risk,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said government should urgently equip health institutions, especially district hospitals, considering that rural areas have now become COVID-19 hotspots.
“COVID -19 has caused mass infections, which has led to mass hospitalisation. In the next few weeks, there will be an even higher demand for hospitalisation,” he said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has advertised the Primary Care Nurse Training September 2021 Intake saying applications will be accepted not later than 30 July. Said the ministry in a statement:
Ministry of Health and Child Care Primary Care Nurse Training September 2021 Intake
Applications for the Two-year Certificate Primary Care NUM Training to be conducted by the Ministry of Health and Child Health Care (MoHCC) are invited from suitably qualified Adders of the following qualifications:
A minimum of 5 ‘0’ Level subjects with a grade C or better including English and a science subject (practical subjects such as Fashion and Fabrics, Metal Work, Graphic Art, Art and Woodwork are not acceptable) obtained from not more than three sittings with full certificates as Examination Result Slips are not acceptable.
• Must be aged between the ages of seventeen (17) and thirty (37) seven years on the date commencement of training which is 06/09/2021.
• Candidates should not be less than 17 years and not more than 37 years by 06 September 2021.
• Nurse Aides and General Hands already working in the health care delivery system have an added advantage and their applications should be submitted through the Provincial Principal Nursing Officers.
• Only candidates who meet the recruitment criteria will be shortlisted for interviews. Accepted candidates will be deployed to where training posts exist throughout the Country and upon having a full medical examination by a registered Government Medical Doctor.
All applications should be addressed to: The Secretary for Health and Child Care, Attention: Director Nursing Services, P 0 Box CY 1122, Causeway, Harare
The envelope should be clearly marked, “PCN Training September 2021 Intake
Application letters should be posted or dropped at the Ministry of Health and Child Care,3rd Floor, Office Number 100 or in the office of the Principal Tutor/Tutor-In-Charge at the nearest training schools.
Closing date: 30 July 2021
NB: The Ministry does not advertise through any other source except the newspapers.
NO THIRD PARTIES HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO RECRUIT ON BEHALF OF MoHCC
“Zero Tolerance to Corruption in Student Nurse Recruitment’
The president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Monday deployed troops to Mozambique as part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force.
Masisi saw off the troops at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport north of Gaborone on Monday morning as Commander-in-Chief of the Botswana Armed Forces and Current Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence & Security.
He said:
A total of 296 BDF soldiers will be deployed in Mozambique, and 70 of them departed yesterday.
Mozambique has for years been grappling with Islamic insurgents who recently killed hundreds of people in Palma in the Northern Cabo Delgado Province
Botswana is sending troops following Rwanda’s deployment of a 1 000-person contingent of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to help Mozambique fight off the terrorists.
By A Correspondent- Stranded National University of Science and Technology (Nust) students have resorted to begging for food as they are stuck in Bulawayo.
The government recently imposed travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic leaving students stuck in the second-largest city.
The university’s student representative council (SRC) has since launched a campaign aimed at seeking food donations for the stranded students.
Nust SRC legal and constitutional affairs minister, Caleb Ncube told Southern Eye that the stranded students were starving. Ncube said:
Our fellow Nust students in Bulawayo, who did not manage to go home during the lockdown period, are in need of food aid. The pandemic’s devastating effects on the economy have resulted in a severe and sustained level of need in charitable food support.
Currently, there are students that do not have access to basic day-to-day requirements.
There are also people who have excess food such that if they donate it can solve many problems.
A student who spoke to Southern Eye said they were finding it difficult to survive outside the campus as they needed more than US$70 per month. A student who refused to be named said:
We have to buy groceries and data bundles for our online lessons, and so we are struggling.
We are appealing for help, in terms of donations for food, and right now our SRC has managed to get a few food hampers from well-wishers.
Nust spokesperson Thabani Mpofu said the university was yet to receive complaints of students being stranded and as all students are now back home. Mpofu said:
There is no way our students are struggling.
What we know is that currently the university is closed and students are doing their online classes in the comfort of their homes.
He added that the lockdown was introduced when examinations had been suspended.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced that there will be a planned interruption of power supply in the Harare region. ZETDC said the power interruption will be for the purpose of carrying maintenance works.
Date
Time
Areas affected
Wednesday 28 July 2021
0600 to 1800 hours
Lower Hillside, Craneborne, Queensdale and Wilmington
Wednesday 28 July 2021
0600 to 1800 hours
Hellesvale, Greystone Park, Elshaddai, Blue Roof area, Borrowdale Brooke, Blue Hessel, Quinnington and the surrounding areas
Wednesday 28 July 2021
0600 to 1800 hours
Greendale: parts of Donnybrook, Athlone shopping centre, Victory avenue, Hopley, Ferguson, Milbrook, Prue close, Fallon, Vernon, Abel, Michael, Latimer, Gelcon, parts of Harare Drive, Cleveland road, Wyler, Terry and Louis road. Msasa Industrial area: Pick n Pay msasa, Danhiko college, GMB msasa, Beta Concrete plant, Redan Gas msasa, Loreley close, N Richard’s msasa, Cleveland game park
The ZESA subsidiary urged users to treat all circuits as LIVE during that period as power may be restored without notice.
By A Correspondent- Gweru City Council is failing to cope with the demand for graves as Covid 19 takes toll on the country’s third largest city after Harare and Bulawayo.
The Mayor Josiah Makombe expressed the grim picture during his state of the city address delivered to the media. He said the situation is worsened by the fact that the council uses manual means to dig graves. As a result, the ground is sometimes hard or rocky.
He said that the City Council is now planning to buy automated equipment to use in the digging of graves.
He told The Mirror that in June alone 50 bodies were buried in the City’s three cemeteries. This is three times the increase compared to the same period in 2020.
“Covid-19 has raised the demand for graves. We have three cemeteries and our main challenge is that grave digging is done manually and the ground is sometimes hard rocky.
We are still in the process of trying to automate grave digging if funds permit,” said Makombe in a statemen.
Gweru is Covid-19 hot stop with all it’s tertiary institutions having to close down after a number of students tested positive.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Makoni District Elections Officer, Mr Joel Mugwagwa Mutambiranwa (61) has died.
Mr Mutambiranwa succumbed to prostate cancer and was buried at Silverbow Cemetery in Rusape on Monday.
He was described by colleagues and stakeholders as a professional and astute leader who will not be easily replaced.
Mr Mutambiranwa earned respect across the political divide for his professional conduct during elections.
Family spokesperson and young brother, Mr Mupfururi Mutambiranwa, said the family was robbed of a unifier, counselor and a mentor who was God-fearing.
“Joel passed on Sunday at his Tikwiri plot. He had been battling prostate cancer since 2018. He went for an operation at Karanda Mission Hospital and we thought he would recover, but God had other plans. He has left behind a wife and three children,” said Mr Mutambiranwa.
Mr Mutambiranwa was born in 1959 and trained as teacher at United College in Bulawayo.
He later acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zimbabwe.
He taught at Mavhudzi High School before being promoted to be a headmaster at Mugoti Secondary School in Makoni North.
He later moved to Chiundu High School before being promoted to be an Education Officer in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
By A Correspondent- Two Christ Ministries High School employees today appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on allegations of stealing US$25 000 that was paid as debts to the school.
Lazarus Nhau Makoni (71), who doubled as a cashier and clerk and Eustace Makoni (55), who was employed as a bursar, were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi charged with fraud.
Mr Anesu Chirenje, appearing for the State, alleged that between January and July this year Makoni, on behalf of the school, collected US$25 000 from people who owed it.
He then allegedly handed over the money to the cashier.
On July 23, Christ Ministries’ headmaster requested for a reconciliation of the cash transactions and discovered that there was no money in the cash box and took the matter to the police.
By A Correspondent- Police detectives have arrested five suspected armed robbers who stormed a house in Bikita and stole a gun, ammunition and two cell phones before fleeing.
The five, Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40), Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) were reportedly armed with a pistol, hammer and machetes when they committed the offence.
They also stole cash amounting to US$70 and R700 before they left the complainant’s house.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and warned robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.
“On 19 July 2021 detectives arrested Wonder Mahuni (42), Wirimai Gatsi (37), Christopher Danda (40) Evidence Damu (34) and Peter Jodo (35) for a robbery case which occurred in Duma location, Nyika, Bikita, on 10 June 2021,” he said.
“The suspects who were armed with an unknown pistol, hammer and machetes stormed the complainant’s house, attacked the complainant and his wife before stealing a safe box containing a malfunctioning revolver, unknown number of ammunition and two cellphones.
“Also stolen was cash amounting to US$70 and ZAR700. The ZRP warns robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing.”
This comes as police in Plumtree are investigating an armed robbery case which occurred on 20 July 21 along Dombodema Road in Plumtree, where five men armed with an unidentified pistol and spikes attacked two victims before stealing R385 000 cash, a Honda Fit, cellphones and wristwatch.
“The complainants were travelling in a Honda Fit motor vehicle towards Maitengwe border post along Madlambuzi Road when they were intercepted by the suspects who were driving a beige Toyota Granvia motor vehicle,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
“The Honda Fit was recovered at Hebron, Plumtree.”
JOHANNESBURG – Health experts are warning that while the COVID-19 vaccine programme has picked up pace, we could still face a fourth wave of infections in the lead up to the Christmas holidays.
Due to a number of delays related to stock and vaccine hesitancy, government’s rollout programme was only gaining momentum now, although many in the most vulnerable group are yet to get their jabs.
Government has aimed to vaccinate more than 35 million people by December.
“It’s a concern to us and we have to get the herd immunity up as fast as possible, and we also have to protect the most vulnerable people in the community. And that’s why we started with the roll out to older people, and not enough have come forward and that’s why we are now messaging the younger population, please bring the elderly amongst your family and your friends, your community, for vaccination,” the Health Department’s Nicholas Crisp said.
By A Correspondent- The recent 50 percent salary hike for civil servants will increase purchasing power but will not result in price increases as the auctions govern the cost of foreign currency used for productive purposes and other inflationary pressures are receding, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said.
Retailers agreed, saying the only effect they saw from the increase was better business as a very large block of consumers now had more money to spend.
The Consumer Protection Commission cannot see the increase triggering price rises and agrees with the retailers that the measure will be totally positive in increasing business.
Responding to speculation that prices were north-bound following a 50 percent salary increment for Government workers, Prof Ncube disagreed.
The exchange rate is a major factor governing inflation but he said the official market constituting around 95 percent of foreign currency trading in the country is stable.
The far smaller black market was therefore not a worrying factor when looking at inflationary pressures.
“We as Government follow the official exchange rate. This is the exchange rate that is coming out of the auction process, which is a free market. That easily accounts for 95 percent of all the foreign currency trading in the economy. So we cannot base our analysis on the alternative markets.
“When we make decisions about supporting our hard-working civil servants, we follow inflation. You have seen that inflation is dropping on both a year-on-year and month-on-month basis and we expect that by year-end it will be anywhere between 25 to 35 percent year-on-year with month-on-month below three percent.
“Wages and salaries anywhere in the world are set on the back of inflationary expectations, which are headed downwards in Zimbabwe. Inflation is what erodes salaries. That is what you are confronted with in the shops. So it is about inflation.
“Inflation is going down. It is going the right way. It shows that our policies are working. The exchange rate is stable, and the companies will tell you that they are now planning better because there is less price instability and business is booming and we are also positive about economic recovery this year.”-Statemedia
At least 300 vehicles are held at Beitbridge Border Post after eight import licence books were stolen at the Industry and Commerce ministry.
This has resulted in Industry ministry officials intercepting applications for licences from individual importers despite that the vehicles had been processed by Customs officials and their import licences passed as legit.
Industry ministry secretary Mavis Sibanda admitted to the inhouse theft of licences through a letter dated June 30, 2021 to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) acting commissioner-general Rameck Masaire.
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is writing to inform Zimra about those following internal investigations. We have discovered that more import licences were fraudulently issued. Further, we have discovered that eight licence books were stolen,” Sibanda said.
She said licence books with serial numbers 059351-049500, 059451-059500, 059701-059750, 059851-069900, 059951-060000, 060001-060050, 060101-060150 and 061451-061500 were missing in their inventory.
Sibanda also said 36 licences bore forged signatures.
At the weekend, the affected importers were planning to make formal complaints saying it was misdirected punishment.
“We applied for our licences and deposited money into the account of the Ministry of Industry and we got our licences,” one of the affected people said.
“Who will foot those storage bills? Why should an error by civil servants affect importers who are paying their duties? The Ministry of Industry and Commerce should deal with its employees and not inconvenience innocent people,” another importer said.
The Industry and Commerce ministry has not yet responded to questions sent to it on Friday.
Of late, only commercial vehicles attracted duty in foreign currency, with the lowest duty paid being US$1 300 per car.
In March this year, the Industry ministry banned the importation of vehicles that are 10 years saying they now require import licences.
Government lost US$3 billion in duty in the first three months after it banned the importation of the old cars.
Chirundu – ZIMRA intercepts three transit fuel trucks in Chirundu that are accused of smuggling fuel into the country which was meant to be transported to Zambia potentially prejudicing the country of potential revenues through organized crime.
During the period from 17 July 2021 to 23 July 2021, three tankers that had declared fuel at Forbes Border Post en route to Zambia were intercepted at Chirundu One Stop Border Post all loaded with water instead of fuel as per the declarations made at Forbes Border Post.
The tankers had respectively declared 44 924 litres of diesel, 39 932 litres of diesel and 45 800 litres of petrol destined for Zambia however the three tankers after physical inspections turned out to be carrying water.
“The three fuel tankers were flagged for physical inspection and with the assistance of police, two drivers were arrested and have already appeared in court. The driver of the third tanker is still at large as he disappeared during the physical inspection of the vehicle.
The Authority is currently capacitating the intelligence management unit and will continue leveraging on technology and data matching to fish out fuel smugglers”, explained ZIMRA’s Head Corporate Communications, Francis Chimanda.
The arrested drivers for the two fuel tankers, Godfrey Nyamukondiwa and Joseph Guveya, who appeared in court on Monday the 26 th of July were granted bail worth $30,000 each and are set to reappear in court on the 24 th of August 2021. The bond for the Clearing Agent involved has been recommended for suspension until the duty due for the fuel has been secured.
“Intelligence at hand points to possible connivance between transporters and their drivers as well as some unscrupulous agents. The transit fuel does not exit Zimbabwe and is consumed locally against customs regulations.
The smugglers off-load and sell the fuel in Zimbabwe. Thereafter they load the trucks with water and proceed to Chirundu for the acquittal process. Once acquitted, they enter Zambia where they drain the water and buy cheaper fuel for delivery to their customers.
This ensures that they make a hefty profit in Zimbabwe since they would have brought the fuel into Zimbabwe duty-free,” said Mr. Chimanda.
Transit shipment of fuel occurs when transporters ship fuel from outside Zimbabwe, which passes through the country destined for another country. Since this fuel is not for local consumption, no duty is paid on importation. The fuel trucks are sealed at the port of entry and the seals are removed at the exit point after the acquittal process.
Sealed fuel trucks that transit through Zimbabwe, are monitored by an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) operated by ZIMRA’s Customs and Excise Division. The trucks use dedicated routes and any departure from these routes attracts a fine of US$2 000.00. Removal of seals is a serious offence, which also attracts a hefty fine.
By A Correspondent| State prosecutor Michael Reza recently exposed Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro and other court attendees to the deadly COVID-19 after allowing opposition legislator Tendai Biti inside the courtroom despite an earlier communication that he had been in contact with an infected person.
This happened last week when Biti was expected to attend trial in a case where he is being accused of insulting a Russian woman Tatiana Aleshina.
Biti’s lawyer Alec Muchadehama told Magistrate Muchuchuti that Biti could not attend the court as he had been in contact with COVID-19 positive person at his offices.
“Your worship my client is in isolation and he is also present at this Court premises , he is observing World Health Organisation and government’s prescribed guidelines as the world grapples to fight covid 19 pandemic”, said Muchadehama.
But prosecutor Reza could not have any of it pushing the court to slap Biti with a warrant of arrest for defaulting trial.
“COVID-19 positive or not, we do not know any of that at all… in fact section 194 (2) of the Criminal Procedures and Evidence Act says if the accused person absents himself during the trial without leave of the courts, I did not hear this court excusing the accused not to be here all we have is a letter from a law firm which is saying certain things.
“Your worship that letter from a law firm cannot be a substitute for COVID-19 positive results, this is a lawyer who is just saying has been in contact with somebody who has turned out to be COVID-19 positive. What we do not know is for a fact whether the person mentioned to be COVID-19 positive is indeed positive. This person was warned to appear before this court at 0900hrs, leave has not been granted to absent himself so therefore a warrant of arrest must be issued,” charged Reza.
Sensing trouble, Biti who was in the vicinity of the magistrates court had to get into the courtroom in a move that saw Magistrate Muchuchuti adjusting her mask in fear of being infected with the deadly disease.
The Harare Magistrates Court has since closed doors as part of efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
According to a practice direction document from the Chief Justice, all the courts from the magistrates to Constitutional court are only open to initial remands; urgent applications and processes; and bail applications.
The Heart of Humanism award recognizes an individual who exemplifies humanist values. This year the recipient is Leo Igwe.
Leo has been a friend of FBB for many years, having been pivotal in helping develop the program that became Humanist Action: Ghana. Leo is a Board Member of Humanists International and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Humanist Association of Nigeria.
For decades, Leo has been a human rights advocate in Africa, focusing on the rights of women and children accused of witchcraft and protecting people against harmful superstitious practices. He has continued this work in the face of persecution, harassment, and attacks.
Leo has been working tirelessly to secure the release of Mubarak Bala since his arrest in April 2020, and has provided support to Bala’s wife and son. His work on this campaign has included starting dialogues with religious groups for assistance; liaising with the media; and developing a campaign strategy with Humanists International. Most people in the US or UK who know about Bala’s case have heard about it as the direct result of this work.
Leo’s dedication to securing human rights on both individual and societal levels is an irrefutable example of humanist values in action. His endeavors take place in a context unimaginable to many people in the US, as Leo repeatedly risks his own safety in a quest for a more humanist world. FBB is honored to recognize him for his commitment to justice.
To everyone who received an award this year: we thank you deeply. We believe the effects of your work will ripple out father than you may ever know. You are the Heart of Humanism.
We look forward to recognizing another extraordinary group of humanists next year.
By A Correspondent- Two Zimbabwean armed robbers and their South African accomplice were on Saturday re-arrested by police in the neighbouring country following a shootout after they had escaped while being taken to court.
Clifford Mutonhori and John Fine, both Zimbabweans and Figos Madisha, a South African were re-arrested near the city of Polokwane along the N1 highway.
The accused persons along with Denis Hove who is still at large ran away after overpowering and disarming a police officer along the R101 road south of Polokwane.
The incident occurred while the accused persons were being moved from Polokwane to Mokopane for sentencing on a charge of armed robbery, which they committed in 2019.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said Madisha, Mutonhori, and Fine were re-arrested on Saturday after hijacking two commercial trucks.
“Two truck hijackings that took place along the N1 road on two consecutive days, one on Thursday night, 22 July 2021, next to the area where these convicted criminals escaped and the other on Friday 23 July 2021 at Nyl Plaza, led to the dramatic re-arrest of the escapees,” he said.
Brig Mojapelo said four suspects fitting the description of the ones who earlier escaped from the police van along the R101 road south of Polokwane allegedly hijacked a truck and later abandoned it at Ysyerberg on the N1 road.
“The same suspects allegedly hijacked another truck the next day at Nyl Plaza toll gate and drove it towards Modimolle, with the victims inside. The truck hit one of the barricades at Kranskop tollgate and the suspects jumped off and fled into the bushes,” he said.
Brig Mojapelo said a well-co-ordinated search operation involving members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol (LHP), SAPS Airwing, several SAPS Units, members from the neighbouring stations assisted by trackers from the Heritage Protection Group (HPG), Private Pilot and ordinary community members led to the apprehension of the fleeing suspects.
He said one of the escapees allegedly shot at the police when he was spotted, prompting the police to return fire.
The official said the man was found on top of a tree later during a search in the area.
“He was immediately arrested. The other two suspects were arrested in the vicinity. A search operation continued and a police firearm that was stolen during the escape was recovered in the bushes,” said Brig Mojapelo.
The four suspects were facing several cases of armed robberies and possession of illegal firearms that were allegedly committed along the N1 road under Belabela, Modimolle, Mookgopong, and Mokopane policing areas, targeting motorists.
Zimbabweans have called for the decentralisation of the process of issuing national identity cards which is still a nightmare in Harare.
It is an agonising call of patience for these three gentlemen who are making their 6th attempt at acquiring national identity cards at the registrar general’s office in Harare.
From the information gathered by ZBC News, only 25 people are served per day, a number that is way below the hundreds who brave the cold winter mornings to acquire the important document
Unfortunately for these gentlemen, they will need to make a 7th attempt, because today is just like the previous attempts.
“I first came in June and was told to come back on the 23rd of July. I have been told to keep trying everyday as they don’t know when my name will be called. Those who have not booked were told to come in September,” said a Form 4 student.
“I have come here 5 times, they took 25 and closed the gate and we were told to come back,” another said.
Considering the huge backlog and growing population in Harare, some of the national identity card seekers believe a target of 25 people per day is not sufficient.
Another commented: “If we look at how big Harare is and they take just 25 people a day, you wonder. They should also visit the high-density areas and give people ID’s there. Decentralisation will ensure that at least they deal with the back log.”
The latest development has resulted in growing calls for the decentralisation of the exercise for more people to be served.
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has asked United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) to reinstate a nurse who was suspended from a training programme after a pregnancy test returned a false positive result.
Authorities at UBH on 17 May 2021, suspended Sibongikosi Jacoline Dube from participating in a nurse training programme after a pregnancy test conducted on her as a requirement of the programme reportedly returned a positive result.
In a letter written to UBH Chief Executive Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, Jabulani Mhlanga of ZLHR protested against the discrimination and ill-treatment of the aspiring nurse.
Mhlanga said Dube had advised him that on the day the pregnancy test was taken, a certain Ms. S Moyo had informed the group of nursing trainees of a “mix-up” in the test results conducted at a UBH laboratory.
Mhlanga said after receiving the pregnancy results Dube conducted a self-test whose results were negative and she informed officials at UBH of this development.
Dube, Mhlanga said, also undertook further testing at Mpilo Central Hospital and the results were negative.
But despite the outcome of the second set of the pregnancy test results and numerous engagements with some UBH officials as well as some officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dube has not been reinstated to continue with the nurse training programme.
Mhlanga charged that the decision taken by UBH to keep Dube out of the training programme was grossly unreasonable and unfair and in violation of section 68 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to administrative justice and also in violation of section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act.
The human rights lawyer said UBH’s policy is contrary to the national objectives of the Constitution in particular section 17 which provides that the State must promote the full participation of women in all spheres of the Zimbabwean society on the basis of equality with men.
Furthermore, Mhlanga said section 56 of the Constitution affords women to enjoy the right to equal treatment including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres and prohibits unfair treatment or discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy.
Mhlanga asked UBH to reinstate Dube to continue with the nurse training programme with immediate effect and also urgently align its policy to the provisions of the Constitution.
The human rights lawyer said if UBH fails to respond favourably to Dube’s request, he will institute legal proceedings against the state-run hospital to assert and protect her constitutionally enshrined rights.
By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has asked United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) to reinstate a nurse who was suspended from a training programme after a pregnancy test returned a false positive result.
Authorities at UBH on 17 May 2021, suspended Sibongikosi Jacoline Dube from participating in a nurse training programme after a pregnancy test conducted on her as a requirement of the programme reportedly returned a positive result.
In a letter written to UBH Chief Executive Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, Jabulani Mhlanga of ZLHR protested against the discrimination and ill-treatment of the aspiring nurse.
Mhlanga said Dube had advised him that on the day the pregnancy test was taken, a certain Ms. S Moyo had informed the group of nursing trainees of a “mix-up” in the test results conducted at a UBH laboratory.
Mhlanga said after receiving the pregnancy results Dube conducted a self-test whose results were negative and she informed officials at UBH of this development.
Dube, Mhlanga said, also undertook further testing at Mpilo Central Hospital and the results were negative.
But despite the outcome of the second set of the pregnancy test results and numerous engagements with some UBH officials as well as some officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dube has not been reinstated to continue with the nurse training programme.
Mhlanga charged that the decision taken by UBH to keep Dube out of the training programme was grossly unreasonable and unfair and in violation of section 68 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to administrative justice and also in violation of section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act.
The human rights lawyer said UBH’s policy is contrary to the national objectives of the Constitution in particular section 17 which provides that the State must promote the full participation of women in all spheres of the Zimbabwean society on the basis of equality with men.
Furthermore, Mhlanga said section 56 of the Constitution affords women to enjoy the right to equal treatment including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres and prohibits unfair treatment or discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy.
Mhlanga asked UBH to reinstate Dube to continue with the nurse training programme with immediate effect and also urgently align its policy to the provisions of the Constitution.
The human rights lawyer said if UBH fails to respond favourably to Dube’s request, he will institute legal proceedings against the state-run hospital to assert and protect her constitutionally enshrined rights.
By A Correspondent- Three Mwenezi teachers are demanding for the exhumation of the remains of an alleged thief they believe stole their household property worth over R50 000 and was buried together with the property.
The three, Taurai Sithole, Caroline Mlambo and Lamedy Matavire from Dinhe Primary School under Chief Neshuro claim their houses were reduced to empty grounds by the late Tarisai Chihisani of Mashavele Village during school holidays in March this year and they managed to positively identify their property during Chihisani’s burial.
During Chihisani’s burial in May, the three claim, some mourners managed to positively identify some of the stolen blankets and utensils as part of Chihisani’s loot, when they were being placed in the grave, a ritual commonly performed in the area.
Upon seeing some of the teacher’s stolen property being placed in the grave, eyewitnesses allegedly tipped off Sithole, who is one of the teachers, who pursued the matter until he recovered some of their property from some villagers who had bought Chihisani’s loot.
Speaking to TellZim News, Sithole said he is now pushing for the exhumation of Chihisani’s remains so that they recover some of their property which he was buried together with.
“After being tipped off by some mourners at Chihisani’s burial that some of our property was buried together with him, I initiated some thorough investigations and managed to track down some of the people whom the deceased had sold some of the property to which included mattresses, pots, electrical gadgets and several other kitchen utensils.
“We lost property worth R50 000 and so far we have managed to recover only something worth around R15 000,” said Sithole.
Sithole also claimed that flowers that were put on Chihisani’s grave were also stolen from his kitchen, and he is now pushing for the matter to be heard at Chief Neshuro’s traditional court after the matter proved too heavy for the local headman.
“The blankets and several property which Chihisani was buried with are our belongings which he stole. The flowers which are currently decorating his grave were stolen from my kitchen and I bought that flower in Harare sometime last year.
“We are pushing for his exhumation because we need our belongings. We presented our case before Headman Madhongi but we failed to reach a common ground thrice with some of Chihisani family members and the matter is now due to be heard at Chief Neshuro’s Court,” said Sithole.
Chief Neshuro’s secretary Pinias Shoko confirmed the case and said the matter is due to be heard any time soon.
“We received the case from Sithole, whose property was stolen and is said to have been stolen by Chihisani. As a traditional court, we are specifically going to deal with the issue whereby someone was buried with the stolen property.
“On any other issues like that of the exhumation of the body and compensation issues, Sithole can approach the Magistrates Court for redress. The case is due to be heard at Chief Neshuro’s Court anytime soon,” said Shoko.
By Nomusa Garikai- “Masiyiwa challenges entrepreneurs to solve problems in their communities” screamed the headline. When you are rich, Strive Masiyiwa, is filthy rich and so when he speaks even the rich and powerful sit-up and listen. I did, but then only to be disappointed.
“At the beginning of the COVID pandemic in 2020, I was told that one of the biggest problems was testing for the virus,” revealed Masiyiwa, in the article.
“African countries had no access to test kits and masks (used in hospitals). We have probably already forgotten how hard it was to get them. But it was not that long ago that African governments were paying crazy prices for these things. Corruption erupted across the continent, as unscrupulous thieves moved in to take advantage. Some ministers and civil servants even joined in!
“I was asked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to solve the problem.”
Masiyiwa went on to describe how he and three other Africans went to build Africa Medical Supplies Platform, “within 6 weeks”; an eCommerce platform on which many African countries (was later expanded to include some countries in the Caribbean) pooled their orders to take advantage of bulk order and African Export Import Bank (AfriEximbank) facilitated the payments.
Well done Strive! Well done everybody!
“Not every problem out there is screaming for a political solution. Leaders need to trust those with the right skills to step forward and help them,” concluded Masiyiwa.
“Now here is something that might surprise you: Today, the AMSP is the largest eCommerce platform in Africa by volume of products sold and by value.
“This should inspire you to go out and solve problems in your community, particularly those you complain about.”
Frankly, I for one, and the overwhelming majority of ordinary Africans, the impoverished and powerless povo; are not not inspired, not in the least!
Mr Masiyiwa it is hard enough to be a successful entrepreneur even in a country like the UK, Japan South Korea as many a citizen from the said nation will readily testify because everyone else wants the same thing – success.
In the above-named countries the entrepreneur gets a leg-up; it is relative easier raise the working capital from the Bank or own resources, the country’s stable and booming economy creates many opportunities for all, etc.
In Zimbabwe and many other African countries, the entrepreneur does not get any help from anyone or anywhere. Decades of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption have left many countries with a few ruling elite and their cronies who are filthy rich. Their appetite for looting and good life is insatiable and like all looters their criminal waste of human and material resources knows no bounds.
Africa has become synonymous with such dichotomous contradiction as a nation being the breadbasket a whole region during colonial days finding itself total dependent of important food aid or face starvation after independence.
The overwhelming majority of ordinary African are wallowing in abject poverty; they do not dream of becoming an entrepreneur because they have no money, no education. They are hoping to get a job, God knows there are no employment opportunities given the economic meltdown due to decades of gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and rank lawlessness earning the country the pariah state label and forcing would-be investors to shy.
An entrepreneur in UK is like a salmon fish in a salmon fish-farm; there is competition for food with the fish of all sizes but there is enough for all.
In Africa most people are poor, are the kapenta fish in a pool that is shrinking fast by the day. They share the pool with catfish and crocodile and these have been joined by the herons, marabou stock, etc.; all have kapenta fish on their menu!
The way out of the trap of poverty and hopelessness for millions of Africans is for them to find a job; they are not dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur. Anyone serious about ending poverty in Africa must therefore address the root cause of poverty – the curse of rigged elections that have allowed corrupt and incompetent leaders to remain in office.
“If I were a rich man, Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum. All day long I’d biddy biddy bum. If I were a wealthy man. I wouldn’t have to work hard.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
The most important men in town would come to fawn on me! They would ask me to advise them, Like a Solomon the Wise. ‘If you please, Reb Tevye…’ ‘Pardon me, Reb Tevye…’ Posing problems that would cross a rabbi’s eyes! And it won’t make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you’re rich, they think you really know!”
Chaim Topol: Fiddler on roof
Well, Topol was right, the rich can be arrogant and patronising! Mr Strive Masiyiwa you can biddy biddy bum with Africa’s Godfathers of corruption and tyrannical oppression all day every day.
We must address the problem of rigged elections and bad governance because it is the root cause of why millions are wallowing in abject poverty and their ticket out of poverty. Mnangagwa and his cronies’ insatiable greed for power and wealth are the reason millions are poor and their future is grime and will remain so until we end dictatorship.
At the heart of Zimbabwe’s economic and political nightmare is rigged elections and bad governance to suggest that the country can somehow get out of this mess and even thrive with a strong entrepreneurial spirit is a damn lie!
Government has postponed Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) examinations as a containment measure for the Covid-19 pandemic.
The exams were scheduled to start today ending on Friday, but will now be held on a date to be announced, likely when it is safe to do so.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Professor Fanuel Tagwira made the announcement in a memo yesterday.
“This memo serves to notify the July 2021 Theory Trade Testing Examinations registered candidates, that HEXCO examinations which were scheduled for 27-30 July 2021 have been postponed to a date to be advised.
“This is in line with Government Covid-19 lockdown regulations.”
Zimbabwe has implemented guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) anchored on minimising social contact as a response to the global pandemic.
This has won the country plaudits across the board from WHO and other countries for the way it has confronted the pandemic.- The Herald
By A Correspondent-A total of 81 people, among them 29 who are Covid-19 positive, escaped from the Beitbridge Quarantine, Isolation and Transit Centre last week under unclear circumstances.
Sources close to the case today said the group included 71 Malawian border jumpers who were arrested by the police last week while en-route to South Africa.
Ten other members of the group were Zimbabweans who had just been deported for violating South African immigration laws.
Beitbridge district medical officer Dr Lenos Samhere confirmed the escape, but he was yet to get a full report on the nationality of those who have absconded.
“We are having a challenge of people absconding from quarantine or isolation,” he said. “However, I cannot give you any figures at the moment, we still need to carry out further verifications.
“Some are absconding after testing positive for the Covid-19 condition, while others are disappearing pending the processing of the results of the tests.”
The Herald understands that issues of absconding at the Beitbridge isolation centre have been on the rise since February following the withdrawal of the Zimbabwe National Army that was offering security since its opening in March last year.
So far, a total of 1 391 people have escaped from the centre between March 2020 and this month.
Some have been escaping under the cover of darkness, while others bribe security personal at the point.
Over 18 000 people, including Zimbabwean returnees, deportees and Tanzanian and Malawian border jumpers have passed through the isolation centre in the last 14 months.
A total of 81 people, among them 29 who were Covid-19 positive, escaped from the Beitbridge Quarantine, Isolation and Transit centre last week under unclear circumstances.
The group included 71 Malawian border jumpers who were arrested by the police last week while en-route to South Africa.
Ten other members of the group were Zimbabweans who had just been deported for violating South African immigration laws.
The District Medical officer Dr Lenos Samhere confirmed that cases of people absconding from isolation and that he was yet to get a full report on the nationality of those who have escaped.
“We are having a challenge of people absconding from quarantine or isolation,” he said.
“However, I cannot give you any figures at the moment, we still need to carry out further verifications. Some are absconding after testing positive for the Covid-19, while others are disappearing pending the processing of the results of the tests”.
Cases of people absconding at the Beitbridge centre have been on the rise since February following the withdrawal of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldiers who were offering security since its opening in March last year.
So far, a total of 1391 people have escaped from the centre between March 2020 and July 2021.
Some have been doing under the cover of darkness, while others were bribing security personal manning the point.
Over 18 000 people including Zimbabwean returnees, deportees and Tanzanian and Malawian border jumpers have passed through the last 14 months.- Chronicle
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF has cancelled its Annual National People’s Conference which was scheduled for October in Mashonaland Central province, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The party’s national chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the conference will now be held virtually.
She said delegates will be vaccinated and strict World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations will be observed.
Sad to hear about the death of Legendary player and coach Steve “Bla Steve” Kwashi. He was also known as “The Cool Dude”
Many of us might not know that I played with Steve Kwashi at Dynamos, he was my number 7 after Shaya retired. He used to call me “Tafi…” and I wondered what that meant.
Years later, I went to his shop In Sport and again he called me “Tafi..” I decided to ask him what the nickname meant.
“You are tough, so I call you Tafi..!” That was Bla Steve for you, always humorous. He was a a good man and easy to relate with.
He played for Chibuku, Black Aces, Zimbabwe Saint’s ( he lived in Harare then Salisbury and travelled to Bulawayo for matches). This shows what a special player he was.
It is such a shame that the horrific accident took away a large part of his football life. Without the accident, he would have become one of the best coaches that Zimbabwe ever produced.
We thank the family for standing with him and looking after him to the best of their abilities. Could we as a Football family have done more to help? I think so but as is usually the case in all football matters.. It is out of sight, out of mind.
We should do better as a football community, stick together in dark times. We should not forget our heroes.
Go well Bla Steve, you fought a good fight. Your football story will live on.
The seizure of a Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) top of the range vehicle central to police investigation was lawful, the High Court has ruled in the case in which the church wanted an order compelling the police to release the vehicle.
The vehicle, a Toyota Hilux D4D twin cab was seized by the police last month on the basis that it was an exhibit in a criminal case of kidnapping and extortion reported by one Marufu Chipondoro.
ZAOGA had sued the police, Chipondoro and Tinotenda Shumba involved in the sale of the vehicle, arguing that the church was not party to the criminal investigation which led to the confiscation of the vehicle.
It was also the church’s contention that delays in completion of the criminal process would expose the vehicle to the vagaries of the weather during the time it would be under police custody.
According to the church, the car was bought for use in its ministry work during the period of the Covi-19-induced lockdown and was prepared to avail the vehicle as and when it was required by the police for the ongoing criminal proceedings.
But the police, through its legal counsel implored the court not to interfere with a process that was lawfully carried out.
It argued that granting the relief sought by the church would be tantamount to defeating the course of justice.
The criminal allegations made against the suspects implicated in the kidnapping and extortion cases went to the root of the legality of the disposal of the vehicle to the unsuspecting church.
The court was called to determine whether the court could grant relief that effectually upsets a lawful process.
Justice Paul Musithu could not agree with the church’s submissions, saying the court cannot interdict a lawful process. He dismissed the application.
“Doing so would be undermining the very law in terms of which the process was carried out,” he said. “The law is presumed to constitutionally valid, until declared unconstitutional by the courts.
“The courts will only interfere where the process which found the complaint was not carried out in terms of the very law that permits it.”
Justice Musithu noted that it was not refute that the police action was lawful.
What up-stretched the church’s indignation was the apparent inconvenience that it was likely to suffer as a result of the confiscation of the vehicle.
The vehicle had been acquired for a definite purpose. Its confiscation meant that the objectives behind its acquisition had been defeated. The church was also concerned about the delays in the conclusion of the criminal proceedings and deterioration of the vehicle as a result of its exposure to the unfriendly weather conditions.
This, Justice Musithu, said such complaints could not make a basis for the court to interfere with a lawful process. The seizure was carried out in terms of the provisions of the criminal law procedure and evidence law.- Herald
Cabinet this afternoon (Sunday) decided that the country should be moved from Adjusted Alert Level 4 and be placed on Adjusted Alert Level 3.
This will take effect later this evening once the regulations have been gazetted.
The hours of curfew will stay the same, starting at 10 pm and end at 4 am. Inter-provincial travel for leisure may resume.
Non-essential establishments like restaurants, taverns, bars and fitness centres may be opened. These establishments will, however, need to close by 9 pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
Gatherings will be allowed but will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. Gatherings include religious services, political events and social gatherings.
The limits on venue capacity also apply to restaurants, gyms, fitness centres, bars, taverns and similar places.
Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed. Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are still not allowed.
The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10 am and 6 pm from Monday to Thursday. Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 8 pm.
Schools will re-open tomorrow, Monday the 26th of July, according to strict health protocols and other measures announced by the Minister of Basic Education.
It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces.
The owners and managers of public buildings, centres, shops, restaurants, taxis and buses all have a responsibility to ensure that people on their premises or in their vehicles wear masks. They must also ensure that the appropriate social distancing measures are in place and are adhered to.
It is important to remember that it is a criminal offence if the number of people on these premises exceeds the maximum number of customers or employees allowed.
As we ease restrictions, we must remember that infections remain high and that we need to continue to exercise caution.
We have now administered more than 6.3 million vaccines, with over 10% of our population having received a vaccine dose. In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination. We are increasing the number of vaccination sites and improving the vaccination registration system. We will also increase our vaccination capacity on weekends. We will now allow people between the ages of 18 and 34 to be vaccinated from the 1st of September 2021. This will be in addition to the age groups that are currently eligible, which is everyone over 35 years of age. We are now able to allow people to present themselves at a vaccination site without an appointment and be registered and vaccinated
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | The Government must approve a legislation, which will provide for the tagging of murderers and sex offenders who are being returned to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom. The monitoring and tagging would apply to offenders considered to be high risk. There are those who present a risk to the public. As shown by some who have been successfully deported from the UK Zimbabwe must consider the safety of its citizens and put in place measures to protect them.
One of the deportees from the UK posted a video boasting that he only killed one person yet the British have killed many. His boasting showed that he will re offend. The lessons from different international contexts should be carefully considered if the Government is to avoid an expensive folly. In the UK where these criminals are coming from murderers are supervised and forced to meet with probation officers Zimbabwe must adopt the same system where murderers are monitored for a decade.
The ministry of Justice must work on legislation to authorise the monitoring of these criminals being deported if their cases are so gross as to pose danger to the Zimbabwean public.
Murderers who are released back into the community could be strictly monitored for up to a decade. Those who had been given life in prison the so-called ‘lifers’ are supervised and forced to attend regular meetings with probation officers when they are freed on licence after completing their minimum tariff or sentence in jail.
In safeguarding the people Zimbabwe must monitor these deportees with murder and rape convictions. But after just four years they can apply to the minister to have their monitoring suspended if they can show they are behaving out of prison. The stubbornness shown by one of the deportees who killed his wife and chopped her into pieces is a clear warning sign that he will surely do it if he is not controlled in one way or the other.
This means they do not have to check in with the authorities and are only recalled before the courts or sent back to jail if they breach the conditions by committing an offence. We must realise that protecting society is the main objective of any government.
The way we deal with those who break the law is fundamental to the health of our society. Making sure that those who commit crime are punished helps to build a fair society which protects and rewards the law-abiding citizen. This then must stretch on how to deal with those who have served their prison terms but still pose clear and present danger.
It also allows us to live in a society based on the rule of law, where other forms of revenge or retribution are outlawed and unnecessary, and it complements our efforts to prevent crime in the first place.
Keeping the public safe is the first duty of the government and our Criminal Justice System. We must do all we can to protect the public from serious, violent and dangerous offenders. This means using prison better, reserving it for more serious offenders but keeping the most dangerous in prison or in case of these coming from England monitoring them for longer.
But although punishment and imprisonment are necessary to protect the public and serve justice, we must do more. As well as needing offenders to be punished, a healthy and safe society needs them to be given every opportunity to reform – to get back onto the straight and narrow and become constructive contributors to the good of society as a whole.
So the deportees must not just be accepted without a thorough background check. This is not just because it is morally right to enable people to change their lives for the better and overcome their failures and mistakes. It is also a practical recognition that more than half of all crime is currently committed by people who have been through the system and have not yet changed their behaviour. The video sent by one deportee who killed his wife and still sees that as a lighter crime. With no shame he boasts and said “I only killed one”. If no action is taken we will have blood flowing in the streets of our towns with little vampires walk with their hands dripping of blood of the innocent souls which will have been murdered. It is the duty of our government to put a law which must protect our people. Monitoring these criminals will help in Reducing re-offending and make Zimbabwe safer. This strategy sets out how we will reshape our system to make sure that time in the criminal justice system is as effective as it can be in turning lives around and stopping people offending again, rather than serving as a brief interlude in a criminal career.
Amongst deportees there are child rapists. Some have rapped minors and infecting them with STI. We must have a strategy of protecting the public and punish offenders, but at the same time tackle the linked factors that make them more likely to commit crime again. That necessarily involves ever closer joint working with a wide range of partners beyond the criminal justice system. Zimbabwe needs to have the criminal records disclosed as a condition of accepting the deportees home. Taken seriously this law will transform the way we punish and manage offenders, reduce re-offending, and cut crime. It will support the law-abiding citizen and the rule of law, and make our country safe.
Crime will down, and at the same time we will succeed in catching more criminals. This legislation if accepted will extend to those offenders who are not the deportees. It should be noted that more than half of all crime is committed by people who have been through the criminal justice system before. We need our prison and justice system to work far better – and with a wider range of partners – to cut re-offending.
We must keep the public safe from violent and dangerous people who just think that one murder and mutilation is not a serious crime. We need to make sure that we are keeping the right people in prison, and that dangerous people are imprisoned for as long as necessary; that we are protecting the public effectively; and that our prisons are fit for purpose. So our murderers from the Uk must be rehabilitated. Some offenders who have been returned to Zimbabwe did not re offend in Zimbabwe because they were afraid of being deported. Now that they are deported there is no reason for them not to reoffend. There is no motivation to stay safe and free.
There must be indeterminate sentence for public protection, which means that seriously dangerous offenders will not be released until the minister of Justice or his team assess that it is safe to do so.
There should be a Continuous improvement in the way offenders are supervised in the community, with better management of risk and offender managers working jointly with police, the Prison Service and others to supervise dangerous offenders from the UK armed with Changani bags. It is important that offenders are properly punished for their crimes. Some very minor offenders can be processed swiftly, fairly and effectively without being monitored.
So the law must be made to manage offenders through monitoring to stop them re-offending Whether offenders are in prison or in the community, we need to manage them better to stop them re-offending. We need to offer them the chance to change, and address the multiple problems that many of the most persistent offenders face. This is the central aim of our legislation because it is key to reducing crime and keep the peace in our society.
If budget allows offenders details must be kept in a register. The minister will appoint a manager for every offender, who will be responsible for making sure that they are both punished and rehabilitated properly; and who will get involved as early as possible in managing the offender. As we put more focus on the individual offender – looking at the risk they pose, and at the support and challenge they need to stop re- offending – we need to make sure that the way our system is designed helps us bring in the best possible people and organisations to support every offender and protect our country. This is not to make the deportees suffer double jeopardy but to make sure that they are fully rehabilitated before they are unleashed into our society.
For some convicted deported criminals, punishment doesn’t end when they walk through Robert Mugabe airport. This monitoring should start when they step out of the plane.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said the struggle for democracy is not instant coffee.
President Chamisa made the remarks on Saturday…
Commenting on attempts by the Zanu PF regime to force people to get vaccinated, President Chamisa said persuasion should be used- not coercion.
Said President Chamisa: “Nothing comes without a fight. Easy come easy go. We are almost there. Struggles are not instant coffee …
Command vaccination is wrong! Vaccination must be a choice. It must be voluntary…
Vaccination can be achieved through effective communication and persuasive encouragement.”
He added :” NEW POLITICS..We must get rid of the politics of propaganda, violence &looting.We must fix what is broken& rotten in our politics.Fresh ideas & accountable leadership built around the community and citizens is essential. It’s time for COMMUNITY EMBEDDED LEADERSHIP.
The best revenge is to resist enmity! Resist the temptation to hate, hurt and hit back.”
Masvingo – Moneymaking and disguised political actors have invited the wrath of millions of peace loving Zimbabweans to the fore at a time the crisis in the country is escalating.
Posting on various platforms, Zimbabweans openly questioned the morality of chiefs in the country.
“Where is one chief who assists a physically changed or vulnerable person?”
“These chiefs are an extension of Zanu PF ideologies. They are serving their masters only not to masquarade in public as charity givers.
“You hear some saying $10 USA! What for? They are inaccessible these so called chiefs. No one local person can board their cars even in dire need” fumed one observer.
One politician who requested anonymity concurred with the sentiments saying chiefs are failing the people they lead.
“True to type, chiefs are actively involved in politics rather than being custodians of traditional customs.
Zunde raMambo is a personal programme even though they are given inputs by government. These chiefs have benefited more than war veterans, but they continue requesting more” he said.
A survey across provinces shows that chiefs have become number one enemies of rural people because of this Zunde raMambo programme.
Scores of people have blamed chiefs for various corrupt activities involving dethronement and installation of kraalheads and looting of resources that are given to people.
In a major milestone, a medical oxygen plant has been built in Mutare by a company under the Harare Institute of Technology to ensure Zimbabwe has adequate supplies, especially as demand has risen with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The plant, expected to be formally commissioned by President Mnangagwa, will ensure that there are enough supplies of medical oxygen, which is used for first aid resuscitation for emergencies, during anaesthesia, giving life support for patients who can’t breathe on their own, and oxygen therapy.
Athletes also use medical oxygen at high altitudes or training. Mutare-based Verify Engineering, a technology development agency under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, constructed the medical oxygen plant.
The company is mandated to create efficient technology-based companies to feed new ideas into the economy as well as take advantage of opportunities. It was established in 2005 and is now an integral part of the Harare Institute of Technology.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira spoke of the new plant when he appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education yesterday.
“The plant is now ready and will be commissioned by His Excellency the President at a date to be advised,” he said.
Further details on the plant would be availed when its commissioned. To ensure the medical oxygen reaches the hospitals and others who need it, the company had already imported 5 000 cylinders with a further 5 000 set to arrive in the country soon.
Prof Tagwira also told the Committee that the company was also working on other projects that include the establishment of a coal-to-fertiliser plant and coal-to-fuel plant in Lisulu, Hwange.
The company has designed a pilot plant capable of producing 5 000 litres of fuel a day, synthesized using an iron based-catalyst. It has commissioned an air separation unit and is now constructing an acetylene plant.
Oxy-acetylene welding is common when electricity is not available for arc-welding and is critical for a great deal of metalwork done in areas not on the national grid, while being useful in other areas. – Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF propaganda network is working round the clock to discourage citizens from voting in the 2023 elections because of fear of a humiliating defeat.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma says Zanu PF is unelectable.
Responding to attempts by the regime to discourage citizens from voting, Chuma said:
“It is a naked lie being peddled by an election phobic and weak ZANU PF that is bent on blocking citizens from exercising their right to vote.
ZANU PF knows very well that it is unelectable hence the only way they can survive the political tide is through voter apathy hence they propagate this lie that elections will not change anything.
ZANU PF came to power in 1980 as a result of elections.”
He added: ” In 2008 and 2018, the same ZANU PF was brushed aside by MDC in elections.
Elections reflect the will of people and if people participate in their numbers, it makes it difficult for ZANU PF to rig.
Without social contract with the masses it is difficult for the country to move forward and that is why Emmerson Mnangagwa is struggling in all fronts right now.
Critically that social contract is only obtained through elections.”
Police in Midlands have impounded over 170 pirate taxis and Kombis following the launch of an operation code named Chishika-shika Chapera.
Some of the drivers were arrested and fined for violating the Covid-19 rules and regulations.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the operation started at the weekend and was still going on aimed at bringing back normalcy on the roads amid reports of wanton disregard to the Covid-19 rules by motorists.
He said the operation was across the province and by yesterday his office was still compiling numbers of impounded vehicles in other cities and towns in the province so far.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police in the Midlands Province on realisation of rampant disregard of Covid-19 prevention measures and the moratorium on continued intercity public travels by transport operators and private pirate taxis, have launched a blitz targeting these vehicles.
“All motor vehicles found violating the widely pronounced measures are being impounded while persons operating them are being arrested. The operation is ongoing for as long as the measures are in force,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said over the past weekend, the police had impounded 171 motor vehicles. Traffic Police officers profile key tags for impounded vehicles at the station.
“The motor vehicles are currently being held at different police stations while some are being referred to Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) depots across the province,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said Gweru Urban District alone impounded 115 motor vehicles and warned the police were out in full force to arrest Covid-19 rules violators “May the public take hid and comply with the law. We are of the view that members of the public should voluntarily observe the measures to safeguard themselves from contracting the deadly disease which we hear, infections are on a steep increase. They should not wait for police enforcement,” he said. -Herald
Serial armed robber, Peter Mushipe, who was part of the seven dangerous criminals arrested recently under a special operation during which two of the suspects were killed in a shoot-out with police had his left leg amputated after it deteriorated due to gunshot wounds.
Early this month, police first arrested the ringleader Godfrey Josi who then revealed that his other accomplices were Zvidozvashe Zuda, Mushipe, Valentine Mutasa, Decide Rice of Devon Farm in Kadoma and the now deceased Benjamin Craig Musasa and Richard Mutanga.
Mushipe was then arrested in Stoneridge area, Harare, where he tried to run away while armed with a 12 Bore shot gun loaded with one live round of ammunition. He was subsequently shot on the left leg and live rounds of ammunition were recovered from his pockets.
Most of these robbers are understood to have been behind the March 28 raid at Gateway High School in Harare where they made off with US$250 000, who have been in and out of prison on bail pending trial for committing violent crimes.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed that Mushipe had his leg amputated after it had deteriorated when he was shot during his arrest.
Sources close to the investigations said Mushipe was amputated on July 13 at Parirenyatwa Hospital and is now in a stable condition. Mushipe was wanted by police for masterminding and committing a spate of armed robberies countrywide.
In May last year, Mushipe and his three accomplices — Alfred Mangwiro, Wonder Mahuni, and Tendai Jongwe Dzoma appeared in court facing six counts of armed robbery and attempted murder charges.
The cases occurred in Borrowdale where the gang together with their other accomplices — Edmore Ronald Chigwada, Christopher Danda, Terrance Nyakudyara and Joseph Hazvinei — forced their entry into the house and stole R200, US$300, a Samsung S9, two television sets, suitcases and bed sheets.
In Vainona, they stole two HP laptops, $85, an iPad, iPhone 6 and jewellery valued at US$5 919, while in Hatfield, a complainant arrived at his residence driving aToyota Prado and stopped at the gate before the gang confronted him when he was about to open the gate.
The robbers first fired a shot and it hit the victim on his right hand middle finger and he fell down.
They went on to manhandle him before they knocked at his door, claiming to be police officers. They ordered his wife to open the door. While inside the house, they demanded safe keys and forced the complainant’s wife to go and get the safe keys in the car.
When they got the safe keys, they stole US$10 000, $3 500, R15 000, a 9mm Star Pistol with a magazine of eight rounds of live ammunition, iPhone cell phone, Samsung S3 and Samsung S5.
They took the complainant’s car which they later dumped in Chitungwiza. The gang also raided a house in Tynwald South where they held the occupants hostage before stealing US$40 000, R13 000, $2 000 coins, Samsung Galaxy J6Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, iPhone 6, two gate remote controls and two car keys. They also pounced on a house in Eastlea where they stole jewellery, 32-inch television set, a suitcase with clothes while armed with knives.
Using the same method of operation, they grabbed the house maid at around 7am and threatened to stab her before they tied her hands and taking the loot.
The owner of the house returned around 2pm from work and upon entry into the house she was pointed at with a knife and threatened with death if she resisted their demands.
She surrendered a hand bag and they took US$300, $1 000, 38 Special revolver and car keys. They took her car and drove away.
In Waterfalls, the gang who were armed with knives entered into another complainant’s yard and fired a shot in the air to instil fear.
They went on to manhandle the complainant and physically assaulted him demanding cash. They forced him into the house and took $1 500, US$4 500, PI pistol and iPhone 8 before they escaped. -Herald
One billion children experience violence and abuse every year.
That shocking figure has risen even higher during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Violence prevention and response services have been disrupted for 1.8 billion children living in more than 100 countries.
1.5 billion young people affected by school closures lost the protection and support that schools often provide.
Measures to contain the virus, along with economic hardship and family stress, have combined to create ‘perfect storm’ conditions for children vulnerable to observing or experiencing physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Despite the benefits of digital connectivity, a life lived more online for learning, socialising and gaming has significantly increased children’s exposure to those who wish to harm them.
Today, we stand at a critical moment for the world’s children. Unless we act now and with urgency, we risk losing a generation of children to the long-term impacts of violence and abuse that will undermine child safety, health, learning and development long after the pandemic subsides. We cannot let that happen.
As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reimagine and create more peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Now is the time to redouble our collective efforts and translate what we know works into accelerated progress towards the goal of a world where every child grows-up safe, secure and in a nurturing environment.
We must create a world: where every child can grow up and thrive with dignity; where violence and abuse of children is legally outlawed and socially unacceptable; where the relationship between parents and children prevents the intergenerational transmission of violence; where children in every community can safely take advantage of the digital world for learning, playing and socialising; where girls and boys experience stronger developmental and educational outcomes because schools and other learning environments are safe, gender-sensitive, inclusive and supportive; where sport is safe for children; where every effort is made to protect the most vulnerable children from all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse, including those living in situations of conflict and fragility (including climate-related fragility); and where all children can access safe and child-friendly help when they need it.
The moral imperative and economic case for action to end violence against children are compelling. Action today will not only prevent the devastating intergenerational social and economic impacts of violence on children, families and societies; it will also help to address the wider impacts of COVID-19 and support progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
Together, as leaders of organisations committed to ending violence against children, we urge leaders in government, the private sector, faith communities, multilateral organisations, civil society and sports bodies to seize the moment and be champions of this agenda in their countries, organisations, networks and communities. We call on these leaders to prioritise protecting children in their policies, planning, budgets and communications, and to work together to deliver six game-changing actions to end violence against children:
Ban all forms of violence against children by 2030 Equip parents and caregivers to keep children safe Make the internet safe for children Make schools safe, non-violent and inclusive Protect children from violence in humanitarian settings More investment, better spent
As global organisations working to end violence against children, we will continue to advocate for and invest in effective child protection, promoting solutions that recognise the different ways in which girls and boys experience violence and abuse.
We will collectively develop and share technical resources and guidance for policymakers, practitioners, parents, caregivers and children themselves. And we will support the courageous health, education, child protection and humanitarian professionals working alongside faith leaders, community volunteers, parents and young people to keep children safe during these unprecedented times.
In recent years, we have made significant gains in protecting children from violence.
We must do all we can to keep children safe during the current turmoil, and work together to build back better — to end all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Tinashe Sambiri| Madam Boss, Mai Titi, Panganai Java and the two Mercedes Benz donations, the stage is set…
Passion Java could not buy his own mum a simple TV – she confessed in leaked audios that she had to scrounge for scraps at Parliament as a Mwonzora-Senator to stitch up her debt with the TV Sales and Hire company.
This was at a time her own son was splurging thousands to buy a Mercedes Benz for socialite Madam Boss a few months before.
A year later, he buys another car and a third one for another socialite, Mai Titi. Where is he getting the money from, and what is the agenda, notoriety, foolery[kupusisa vanhu], or both?
The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plot to use social media influencers to gain political points, has been boosted.
Intelligence sources in Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party have disclosed that social media influencers who include Panganai Java, Madam boss and Mai Titi are already in the game calculated to drum up support for Mr Mnangagwa for the 2023 polls.
Java, who has become Mr Mnangagwa’s social media frontrunner, blessed both Mai Titi and Madam boss with brand new Mercedes Benz vehicles on Friday.
This also comes at a time Madam Boss is collecting mobile numbers of her supposed followers under the guise of a promotion.
“This( the purchasing of vehicles for Madam Boss and Mai Titi) is a scheme calculated to sway social media users’ views as both ladies are seen as great influencers.
It is believed that their influence can therefore contribute to victory in the 2023 polls.
As you know Panganai Java is already campaigning for Number One and the two ladies are expected to join the scheme very soon,” Zanu PF intelligence sources told ZimEye.com.
However, political observers feel Madam Boss and Mai Titi could ruin their respective brands by reflecting allegiance to Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
” I strongly feel the two ladies should not fall into the Zanu PF trap. The gimmicks and gymnastics we are seeing are meant to neutralize the perceived opposition’s influence on social media. Sadly the two ladies are about to ruin their brands. I sincerely urge them to distance themselves from Zanu PF,” said one political analyst.
By A Correspondent-A total of 81 people, among them 29 who are Covid-19 positive, escaped from the Beitbridge Quarantine, Isolation and Transit Centre last week under unclear circumstances.
Sources close to the case today said the group included 71 Malawian border jumpers who were arrested by the police last week while en-route to South Africa.
Ten other members of the group were Zimbabweans who had just been deported for violating South African immigration laws.
Beitbridge district medical officer Dr Lenos Samhere confirmed the escape, but he was yet to get a full report on the nationality of those who have absconded.
“We are having a challenge of people absconding from quarantine or isolation,” he said. “However, I cannot give you any figures at the moment, we still need to carry out further verifications.
“Some are absconding after testing positive for the Covid-19 condition, while others are disappearing pending the processing of the results of the tests.”
The Herald understands that issues of absconding at the Beitbridge isolation centre have been on the rise since February following the withdrawal of the Zimbabwe National Army that was offering security since its opening in March last year.
So far, a total of 1 391 people have escaped from the centre between March 2020 and this month.
Some have been escaping under the cover of darkness, while others bribe security personal at the point.
Over 18 000 people, including Zimbabwean returnees, deportees and Tanzanian and Malawian border jumpers have passed through the isolation centre in the last 14 months.
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba, has pleaded with the government to assign police officers at magistrates residence.
Chinotimba said this during a question and answer session in the National Assembly last week.
He suggested that magistrates and judges live are in danger due to the nature of their job where those aggrieved by either convictions or sentences might decide to seen vengeance.
“Our judges or magistrates are renting accommodation. Is it not possible for them to be given security. Those people are exposed due to the nature of their job which involves convicting and sentencing people to imprisonment,” Chinotimba said.
“The safety of the judicial officer in those communities will not be guaranteed. Is it not possible for each magistrate to have a well-equipped police officer to guard him/her?” he asked.
But Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi dismissed Chinotimba’s idea saying: “As government, we have heard Hon. Chinotimba’s views but our thrust is on building houses at secure areas for our judicial officers and then provide security,” Ziyambi said.
Ziyambi however admitted that indeed the judicial officers were having challenges in securing their own accommodation.
“We have several of our magistrates who live within the community and some and some in rented accommodation which is not ideal. What we are doing is that we are coming up with a plan in conjunction with Housing Ministry to have institutional accommodation for our magistrates as well as our judges so this is now work in progress and we are going to remove them from shared accommodation,” said Ziyambi.
Zanu PF MP for Chegutu West Dexter Nduna chipped in and requested that Ziyambi should consider places that can accommodate magistrates provision for personal security.
“A complex housing development place such as a prison complex would be ideal. Would it please the minister to go and have such complexes with security for our magistrates,” Nduna said.
Ziyambi dismissed the idea preferring the construction of new houses.
“It is not possible. We are having accommodation challenges for our staff at prison complexes as well so the only way is to have institutional houses for our officers.
By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, seemed to have given in to Douglas Mwonzora’s greediness, and now contemplates changing the name of his party.
Mwomzora, last week hinted to fight Chamisa, should he chooses to use the name MDC in the 2023 elections.
MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere yesterday told NewsDay: “One thing that I can assure everybody is that the MDC Alliance is the party for the people and goes back to the people who will make decisions. I can assure you that we are building something new, something fresh and that question will ultimately be answered by the citizens themselves. “We never make elite decisions, and what I can assure you is that the people know their leaders. We can call the MDC Alliance the Anything Party, Peace Party or whatever it is, but people know who we are, and there is no confusion in the minds of the people on who the legitimate opposition is. All I can say is watch this space and that question will soon be answered.” Mahere said the party was pushing for electoral reforms that included the demilitarisation of Zec. “This is the time for us to go into elections when we have dealt with all necessary reforms. We want all the reforms; freedom of association, assembly and holding rallies freely. We want people to make sure Zec is fully independent, no older Zec,” she said. “We want to deal with all those issues. We have our 20 key asks before elections are held; for example, we would like Zec to demilitarise its secretariat, we want alignment of the Electoral Act to the Constitution. We also want the Constitution itself to be implemented, for example, media reforms. “We want the de-politicisation of traditional leaders, de-politicisation of food aid and all those things that make the electoral playing field fair so that in 2023, we have reforms before elections; but yes, we will participate because we have the people and that is what is Important.”
The MDC Alliance has suffered a lot of setbacks after the MDC-T, with the assistance of the police and the army, took over the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House headquarters of the party in Harare, and several other party assets before recalling over 40 MPs and more than 80 councillors countrywide.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pardoned the late former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Philip Chitangwa and appointed him to lead his party 20230 election campaign fundraising committee.
Zanu PF First Secretary President Mnangagwa has set up a fundraising committee as a way of mobilising resources for the operations of the party.
The six-member committee is chaired by Zvimba South Member of Parliament Cde Phillip Chiyangwa.
Members of the committee include Cdes Elder Everisto Mudhikwa, Scott Sakupwanya, Zodwa Mkandla, Tafadzwa Musarara and Antony Pote.
The mobilised resources will also fund the party’s cell restructuring and data capturing exercise that will lay a firm foundation for modernising the administration of the party.
The committee will report and account directly to Zanu PF’s secretary for Finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa.
By A Correspondent- Tobacco worth R10 million has been found in South Africa and other countries in a suspected smuggling syndicate of connected Zimbabweans.
The unlicensed tobacco from Zimbabwe was last week found in an East London warehouse in South Africa, confirming fears of smuggling and underhand dealings.
Last month, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture raised similar fears during a tour of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) offices in Harare.
South African officials, including the police working with customs officials, confirmed the recovery of unprocessed tobacco worth R10 million at a warehouse in the town’s Thorn Park area, suspected to have been smuggled through the Beitbridge Border Post.
A 31-year-old male suspect has since been arrested for possession of unprocessed tobacco and bribery after customs officials stopped a truck with a cargo of unlicensed tobacco. South African police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana said about 1 279 boxes weighing 200 kilogrammes of both raw and cut rag tobacco were found during the raid.
The suspect is due to appear at the East London Magistrates’ Court charged with possession of unprocessed tobacco and bribery.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture chairperson Justice Mayor Wadyajena yesterday said: “These are the issues we have always been raising as a committee and we have received several reports of massive underhand dealings in the industry. It is something we are determined to stop and thanks to this revelation, it points to exactly what we have been saying though most people are either corrupted or scared of the cartels and mafia controlling this multi-billion-dollar tobacco industry. The cartels and mafia are well-known and nothing will stop the committee from cleansing and dealing with this rot until the farmer and country benefit.”
Harare North MP Norman Markham added: “I have never seen a rich surrogate buyer. You can’t have a country sponsoring inputs and the tobacco is bought by someone else. Those surrogates are detrimental to the tobacco industry, to the farmer and also to the country.”
By A Correspondent- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has, with the help of the community, re-arrested three of the four armed robbers who escaped from a police van while being taken to court last week. Only one of the suspects, Dennis Hove, has not been accounted for, while South African robber Figos Madisha, and two Zimbabweans Clifford Mutonhori and John Fine were re-captured. The notorious robbers were arrested after committing a spate of carjackings, including hitting on two haulage trucks on the N1 Highway between Johannesburg and Beitbridge. “Police hail the total commitment and unwavering support displayed by ordinary community members and other organised community structures today, Saturday July 24, 2021, in assisting the police to rearrest three of the four dangerous criminals who escaped from a police motor vehicle on Wednesday July 21, 2021,” SAPS Limpopo provincial Commander Thembi Hadebe said. “The criminals escaped last Friday while on a police truck which was taking them to court for sentencing along the R101 Road, south of Polokwane. They allegedly hijacked a truck and later abandoned it at Ysyerberg on the N1 Road,” the South African police said. Earlier, the suspects had allegedly hijacked another truck at Nyl Plaza tollgate, but ran into a police checkpoint as they were driving it, resulting in their arrest.
By A Correspondent- The late socialite- and businessman, Genius Kadungure’s wife, Zodwa Mkandla has joined Zanu PF.
Zodwa’s affiliation to Zanu PF was announced Monday by the party’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa when he placed her in a six-member Zanu PF fundraising committee.
The fundraising committee, according to state media would mobilising resources for the operations of the party.
The development comes barely a few months after her cousin in law, Mary Mubaiwa revealed to ZimEye that Zodwa was the first to state that she was in trouble with Constantino Chiwenga and that Zodwa had leaked these details to Ginimbi before his sudden death.
The six-member committee is chaired by Zvimba South Member of Parliament Phillip Chiyangwa.
Other members of the committee include Elder Everisto Mudhikwa, Scott Sakupwanya, Tafadzwa Musarara and Antony Pote.
Mnangagwa said the mobilised resources will also fund the party’s cell restructuring and data capturing exercise that will lay a firm foundation for modernising the administration of the party.
The committee will report and account directly to Zanu PF’s secretary for Finance, Patrick Chinamasa.
Passion Java is being used by Zanu Pf to defocus the young generation from the failures of Zanu Pf under the Mnangagwa “stop making noise on the streets,,make money” banner.
The cars bought for Mai Titi and Madam Boss are not a present from Java but a Zanu Pf contact to capture the Zimbabwean youth.
Buying expensive cars for rich individuals in a community where there are no functional hospitals, no functional schools, no employment, no food security for over 90% of the population seriously defies common sense and defines pure hypocrisy.
It’s high time as youths we stand against corporate politics and plundering of National resources for the best interest of politicians and government activists.
This kind of mendicious politics is undermining our rights as the youths of Zimbabwe.
It is our choice to defend ourselves and the future of our country as the youths.
UNREPENTANT ZANU PF PARTY CAUGHT RED HANDED DAILY ON ZBCTV NEWS, VIOLATING COVID 19 WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND ZIMBABWEAN HEALTH MINISTRY RULES AND REGULATIONS!!!!
By Paddington Japajapa
There is an English Saying that says, What is Good for the Geese must apply also to Gander,this natural law must apply “Mutatis Mutandi” Latin for applying Everywhere, Always and at all times. This must be the case with the Laws, that Govern and Regulate the Covid 19 Rules, according to WHO and Ministry of Health and Childcare requirements.
With the Pandemic threatening to anhillate and wipe out Human life from the face of the Universe, with frightening statistics of daily deaths figures of 80-102 cases, around Zimbabwe,surely this Pestilence is devastating,contagious,infectious and virulent. Even the hard hearted vendors with Hearts of Oak,who previously never bothered to use PEPs, are now complying on their own.
The biggest Problem is emanating from the unrepentant Zanu Pf Party, whose insatiable appetite for dying in Power is so irritating and neusiating.The Regime, s Vice President who is the Minister of Health and Childcare, a retired ZDF Commander and Army General, who is well known for making serious threats to any Citizen who violates the Covid 19 rules and regulations. Surprisingly just under his nose, several Zanu Pf National Youth League Members are buisy conducting Cell restructuring meetings in preparation for the 5 million Youth voter registration exercise, accross the Country. Tendai Chirawu the Deputy National Secretary for Youth appeared on ZBCTV News two days ago addressing more than 500 Zanu Pf members in Party Regalia, in Violation of Strict Covid 19 Regulations,The law stipulates that only thirty People are allowed to gather only at funerals. Even the Worshiping of God Almighty, the Creator of Everything has been banished. Zanu Pf rallies and several meetings are being done willy nilly without following Covid 19 protocols.When Chamisa, s MDCA Party tries to do the same, it will be taken as Treason by the Regime, s ruthless Riot Police “Mangongongo”, supported by CIO, ARMY and the biased Law and Order Section, who have caused the unwarranted arrests and illegal detentions of thousands of MDCA Members.
Zanu Pf Party Structures, from Central Committee level, down to Youth league,all are actively participating in rallies and meetings addressed by their senior Party Members eg Patrick Chinamasa,Monica and Christopher Mutsvangwa, in violation of Covid 19 rules.The Zanu Pf Leadership foolishly advertise every meeting they hold on ZBCTV News, due to their insatiable appetite for publicity,not knowing that they are Violating the same Covid 19 rules and regulations which they themselves put in place.Shame on you Zanu Pf hypocrites,for not practicing what you Preach and teach others.
Poor MDCA Party, the law is always very harsh and tough on your part,even when you try to mourn and burry your dead.May God Judge between the two Parties, Zanu Pf and MDCA, the truth shall come out one day, our lord God is Jehovah “El Roi” He sees everything, Jehovah El Shaddai,the Almighty who discerns everything Spiritally. He is a fair God who Judges impartially!!!
Zanu Pf Oppressors must not cry foul one day when the Opposition MDCA takes over power and use the same Draconic laws to rule the country,so that the cruel Regime can have a good test of its own Medicine!!!!
What is Good for the Geese must be the same for the Gander!!!
THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE IS A NC/NEC MEMBER MDCA/SOCCER ADMINISTRATOR/CIVIC SOCIETY ORGANISATION LEADER/POLITICIAN/EVANGELIST AND TEACHER OF GOD’S WORD/ HOLDER OF BSC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE!!! ????????????????
Passion Java is being used by Zanu Pf to defocus the young generation from the failures of Zanu Pf under the Mnangagwa “stop making noise on the streets,,make money” banner.
The cars bought for Mai Titi and Madam Boss are not a present from Java but a Zanu Pf contact to capture the Zimbabwean youth.
Buying expensive cars for rich individuals in a community where there are no functional hospitals, no functional schools, no employment, no food security for over 90% of the population seriously defies common sense and defines pure hypocrisy.
It’s high time as youths we stand against corporate politics and plundering of National resources for the best interest of politicians and government activists.
This kind of mendicious politics is undermining our rights as the youths of Zimbabwe.
It is our choice to defend ourselves and the future of our country as the youths.
