Update: Fishmonger killer arrested. The suspect Bright Zhantali 29, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi, he was referred to the High Court for bail considerations.

A Snake Park man was over the weekend dragged to answer to murder charges after he reportedly murdered the fish monger whose corpse was found floating in Lake Chivero last week.

Allegations are that on June 21 at around 3pm, Zhantali was wearing a shirt similar to the ones worn by Parks Rangers when he met now deceased Nester Chiikwengo aged 45 who was self-employed as a fishmonger who intended to buy fish for resale.

The two boarded a private Honda Fit and before they arrived they disembarked on the pretext that that he would be seen by alleged co-workers on duty that he had fish and they used a path which is left of the boom gate.

As they were on the pathway, he allegedly grabbed her and started demanding money before he took her US$30 and her cell phone and r@ped her and as she was screaming he gagged her and she died.

When he realised that she had died, he took her clothes and bucket and burnt them at an anthill and went away. On July 4, the informant Simon Makwansila of Kamba Caravan Park went to the forest for prayers and smelt a stench smell and when he went to investigate he discovered the decomposing body.

Zhantali was identified wearing the same attire by members of the public who apprehended him and handed him over to the police.

Source – H-Metro

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

The suspect, Tashinga Mutengarenga, sped off before being involved in an accident about a kilometre away. A 22-year old Gokwe man has been arrested for stealing a car from one of the mourners at a funeral wake.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident saying the suspect was arrested following a speed chase with the police. The incident occurred on Sunday around 4 pm in Mapfungautsi suburb, Gokwe. Said Insp Mahoko:

Circumstances are that the owner of the vehicle, Desire Pendekwa of Chief Njelele went to Mapfungautsi to attend a funeral.

He parked his vehicle, a Honda CRV and went to attend the funeral and forgot to lock his car, the suspect, who was also part of the mourners then sneaked and jumped into the car and drove off.

Insp Mahoko said police swiftly reacted to calls and gave chase, resulting in the suspect failing to negotiate a curve and crashing the vehicle. He said:

On realising that he was being pursued, Mutengarenga, who was speeding, then failed to negotiate a curve and the car plunged into a culvert. He was immediately arrested at the accident scene.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

What started as an exciting career highlight ended in sadness after a group of actors and crew members shot a movie and never got paid.

Renowned actors Pallance Dladla, Christopher Jaftha, rapper Rouge (real name Deko Barbara-jessica Wedi) and Mpolokeng Chabane are among the actors who are fighting for their hard-earned cash. The production of the movie started rolling in midmay and ended last month.

This is after executive producers Lizette Khan and Justine Strydom of Skinny Chick Productions failed to pay crew and cast members after shooting a movie called Deadly Minds in Durban last month.

The crew spent a month away from their homes.

According to whistle-blowers, actors were promised to get paid, but halfway through shooting the producers changed their tune.

“Halfway through the movie we were told that one of the two funders pulled out, however, we were promised not to worry, they will pay us from the company’s cash flow,” said the source.

To their dismay on the day before the payment, they received e-mails instead citing that they won’t be getting paid. “They told us they can’t pay us because the second sponsor also pulled out,” said the source.

According to the cast and crew that worked on the production, the producers made them shoot the film before securing funding and getting the movie to be commissioned. Instead, they lied that funds were already secured.

“First, they were cagey about who the funders were; we only knew that they were American.

“We left our homes in Jozi during Covid to put food on the table for our loved ones, but instead we got played by greedy and horrible people, who were hoping to sell the movie to either Showmax, Netflix or big screens,” said another source.

The producers also left Durban without paying the catering company, which was feeding the crew on set.

They told us the second sponsor also pulled out.

According to another source, the two also exited the Whatsapp group they created.

“They are not responding to our e-mails and texts messages. We are in the dark, as we speak some of us are looking for legal aid or someone who can help us legally. They can’t mess with our bread and butter and think they will get away with it,” said the source

When contacted for comment, Khan said: “I don’t know what you are talking about, I spoke to everyone and they are fine, I don’t see a story there.”

“I think it’s a bit premature, we finished shooting about three weeks ago, there are some outstanding payments, but most people got paid.”

In other news – Big blow as Ayanda Ncwane quits Real Housewives of Durban

Businesswoman and Real Housewives of Durban star Ayanda Ncwane has quit the show and will not be part of the much-anticipated second season.

The publication has learnt that Ncwane, the widow of multi-award winning gospel sensation Sifiso Ncwane, has decided to walk away from the show because it was damaging her brand and her late hubby’s legacy. Learn More

Source: News365

Police impound a cross-border bus in Marondera. Police impounded a bus belonging to Sable Bus Company in Marondera on Monday as it was offloading goods and some passengers.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the bus was travelling from South Africa and police details are investigating how the bus was allowed free passage from the border to Marondera.

Police said the bus had 38 passengers on board and was impounded at Metro Pitch Marondera. The passengers had no COVID-19 test certificates.

All the passengers were tested for COVID-19 by Ministry of Health and Child Care officials, with 3 registering COVID-19 positive results while the other 35 tested negative.

The bus company is now facing criminal charges while the passengers have been taken to Mahusekwa Hospital for isolation, police said.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

Presidential candidate Peter Ndlovu dragged to court by baby mama over maintenance failure. Peter Ndlovu, who is currently Mamelodi Sundowns team manager, is supporting his children with the R130 000 monthly salary from the Brazilians.

Former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu has sired 13 children with different women and is struggling to maintain them.

The former Coventry City striker recently approached the Johannesburg High Court seeking to overturn the garnishee order by the Joburg Magistrate’s Court to force his bosses to dock his salary for his other two children.

Ndlovu is pleading with the court to set aside the order, which forced his club to deduct over R140 000 in arrears. He said he takes home R82 125.49 after R50 940. 78 deductions and if the amounts continued to be deducted from his salary, his other kids would be prejudiced. He said:

I have 13 children, including the two children I have with the first respondent. I’m obliged to contribute and see to the maintenance needs of all 13 of my children. I can simply not afford a deduction of R29 845 per month from my monthly salary.

Ndlovu said he first heard of the existence of the children in 2016 when their mother filed a maintenance lawsuit against him in the Joburg Magistrate’s Court.

The order also made provision for him to pay school fees, stationery, transport, school uniforms and pay their medical aid and R6 000 for winter and summer clothes. He said since the order was slapped on him, a total of R79 845 was deducted from his salary by Sundowns.

In January, this year, the woman appeared in court again seeking to increase the papgeld amount to R55 000 a month. Ndlovu is now pleading with the court to set aside the order until he sees the arrears.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

Wanted Kadoma man leaves a trail of destruction. In a statement this Monday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the suspect fatally axed his father and aunt, burnt several huts and r@ped and robbed a neighbour before disappearing.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for a man from Kadoma, Evans Chikore, who unleashed a reign of terror in his neighbourhood last week on Friday.

Pindula News is publishing Asst Comm Nyathi’s statement below:

WANTED SUSPECT FOR MURDER AND OTHER CASES: KADOMA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Evans Chikore, a male adult aged 29 of Village 1 Luwana Farm, Kadoma.

The suspect is being sought for two counts of murder, rape, robbery and malicious damage to property which occurred on 9 July 2021 in Kadoma.

On the said date, Evans Chikore who was armed with an axe went to his parents’ homestead in Marimari South where he attacked his father aged 61 with stones before he fatally struck him several times on the head and left shoulder with an axe for unknown reasons.

The suspect threatened to kill his mother and set on fire four round huts and a shade at the homestead.

After the incident, the suspect went to a neighbouring plot where he threatened to kill his parents’ neighbour, accusing him of previously reporting him to the police and causing his incarceration for an assault case in which he assaulted the complainant’s son.

The complainant managed to escape and the suspect struck the complainant’s son once on the forehead with an axe before setting ablaze two thatched huts at the homestead.

The suspect then proceeded to his aunt’s homestead, where he met his aunt and fatally struck her several times on the head with an axe before setting ablaze the kitchen hut and a Ford Ranger vehicle.

The suspect headed to another neighbouring plot where he robbed the complainants US$10 before dragging one of the complainants to a nearby maize field where he raped her once after threatening to strike her with an axe if she resisted.

After raping her, the suspect went to her house where he stole US$40 and a blanket. He set ablaze a hut that was used as a granary and subsequently burning property inside which include, 5 tonnes of maize, 20 buckets of sorghum and 10 bags of cement.

Investigations are in progress and anyone with information to contact any nearest Police station, National Complaints Desk on 0242703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197. The Police urge members of the public to respect the sanctity of life.

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

Harare receives more COVID vaccines. According to the Head of Nursing Services for Harare City Council, Matron Phillomina Chitando, the vaccines have been distributed to all council clinics around the city.

The Harare City Council has confirmed that it has received another consignment of COVID-19 vaccines from government as the country’s vaccination drive intensifies.

“We received 100 thousand doses of the sinovac vaccines and people are being inoculated we continue to urge people to observe social distancing as they wait for their jab and to properly mask up to prevent the spread of the virus,” she said.

Some people who spoke to ZBC News applauded the government for an equitable distribution of vaccines.

“I was in school in South Africa and as soon as I got back I came for my jab and would really like to commend the government because in other countries they do not have the vaccines,” said one resident.

“II was reluctant at first that’s why it took me this long to get the jab but seeing the way people are dying of Covid-19 I had to come get vaccinated,” said another.

On Thursday last week, Zimbabwe received two million vaccines procured by government with other provinces getting 50 000 doses each, and while Harare received 100 000 doses. Another consignment of 1.5 million doses is expected this Thursday.

Source – Bulawayo24

In other news – Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter

Horror as granny kills teenage granddaughter. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Serima Village under Chief Serima. The woman (78) is expected to appear in court for murder. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rise in murder cases.

An elderly Gutu woman has been arrested on allegations of killing her 19-year-old granddaughter over spending a night out, as police urge the public to use…Learn More.

Lockdown extended, schools reopening delayed further. This means that the extended 6.30pm to 6am curfew remains in place, business hours remain restricted to 8am to 3.30pm, intercity travel remains banned, social and religious gatherings remain banned with a 30-person limit at funerals, and, it was confirmed last night, schools must remain closed until the review in two weeks.

President Mnangagwa yesterday extended by two more weeks the enhanced Level 4 lockdown, and under this level of lockdown schools remain closed, and promised tighter enforcement of rules while committing Government to dramatic acceleration of vaccinations.

The extension of the tighter measures announced two weeks ago, which were built on a tightening a couple of weeks earlier with a ban on social and religious gatherings, were needed because of the recent sharp rise in new infections and deaths with 80 percent of new infections being the significantly more infectious Delta variant.

In the two weeks between June 29 and Monday this week, Zimbabwe saw 23 142 new infections and 487 deaths, figures that back the Government decision to extend the special measures.

Announcing the generally expected extension of existing measures at State House in Harare, the President said Zimbabwe was using a range of measures to contain and mitigate the Covid-19 infections, in line with WHO guidelines, including the ongoing national vaccination programme, which has been hailed as one of the best on the continent.

And he stressed that all Zimbabweans must follow the rules and advice in the lockdown so playing their part in containing the wave of infections. “Unfortunately the many successes recorded in our Covid-19 responses have not been enough to stem the wave,” he said.

“The recent surge in cases and deaths is a reminder that we need to do more. Government had anticipated that the lockdown measures would assist in reducing the spread in infections and ultimately to halt this surge. Instead, the current data are indicating a worrisome trend.”

The present surge in new cases and consequent deaths was due to a number of factors including complacency by communities in adhering to ordinary lockdown measures such as the proper wearing of face masks, hand washing and social distancing, as well as ignoring some of the new measures, such as the extended curfew and intercity travel ban.

A particular new problem was the highly transmissible Delta variant, which now was causing more than 80 percent of fresh cases. This variant, which arose in India some months ago, is marked by being far easier to transmit from an infected person, hence the need for more determined efforts to follow the WHO advice.

While experts do not see it as more deadly than the older variants, and have found out that vaccines help to the same degree, its more infectious nature means there are more infections and so more deaths.

Besides wanting full compliance with older and newer lockdown measures, the Government was accelerating the national vaccination programme using the large deliveries of vaccine doses already in the country and expected shortly.

“The plan to maintain the current Level 4 will make it possible for the immediate acceleration of the vaccination programme throughout the country. The programme will now be taken to communities, making vaccination easily accessible to those seeking this essential service,” said President Mnangagwa.

The two million vaccines received last week were enough to vaccinate one million people, he noted, and the accelerated vaccination strategy needed to be implemented rapidly to protect more people. But vaccination acceleration had to go hand-in-hand with compliance on lockdown measures, he stressed.

“Whilst vaccination roll-out is key during this two-week lockdown extension and beyond, strengthened enforcement of all lockdown measures is going to play a very critical role. All lockdown measures will therefore be stringently enforced,” he said.

Areas of focus, President Mnangagwa, said included enforcement of proper wearing of face masks, sanitising and hand washing with soap under running water, decongestion of all workplaces, avoiding gatherings, controlling the number of customers in supermarkets and trading areas, strict enforcement of the ban on intercity travel and immediate introduction and implementation of deterrent fines and withdrawal of licences of offenders.

“As already stated, the country has made a lot of progress in the fight against Covid-19. We however, need to continue strengthening our implementation and ensure that all prevention measures and lockdown measures are strictly adhered to,” said President Mnangagwa.

As of Monday, Zimbabwe has recorded 70 426 cumulative cases and 2 236 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Level 4 lockdown measures extended by 2 weeks
• Highly transmissible Delta variant now circulating in communities
• 80 percent of new cases in Zimbabwe due to the Delta variant
• Complacency contributing to spike in cases
• Vaccination going on well, to be taken to communities
• All lockdown measures to be stringently enforced

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

72 people have been killed so far in the #FreeZuma violent protests. This includes 10 people killed in a stampede during looting on Monday night at a shopping centre in Soweto. The BBC filmed a baby being thrown from a building in Durban that was on fire after ground-floor shops were looted.

At least 72 people have now been killed in the violence that has been engulfing parts of South Africa since the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma last week. The military has now been deployed to help the police overstretched since the unrest began last Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called it some of the worst violence witnessed in South Africa since the 1990s, before the end of apartheid, with fires set, highways blocked and businesses and warehouses looted in major cities and small towns in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

Ministers have warned that if looting continues, there is a risk some areas could run out of basic food supplies soon, but have ruled out declaring a state of emergency.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said some 26 people had been killed in the province so far. In Gauteng the death toll is 19, including the 10 who died at the shopping centre in Soweto.

More than 200 shopping malls had been looted by Monday afternoon, Bloomberg news agency quoted the chief executive of Business Leadership South Africa, Busisiwe Mavuso, as saying.

The BBC’s Vumani Mkhize says several shopping centres in Soweto – South Africa’s largest township which was once home to Nelson Mandela — have been completely ransacked, with ATMs broken into, restaurants, stores selling alcohol and clothing shops all left in tatters.

Soldiers working with the police managed to catch a few rioters; in total almost 1 300 have been arrested, but law enforcement remains heavily outnumbered, he reports.

In KwaZulu-Natal — where livestock has also been stolen — the unrest continues with ambulances coming under attack by rioters in some areas, South Africa’s TimesLIVE news site reports. Video footage shows that a blood bank was looted in Durban as Mr Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday night.

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Bus coming from SA impounded and 3 passengers test positive for COVID. After finding that none of the passengers had the required test certificates they were supposed to have presented when crossing the border, the crew and all passengers were sent for Covid-19 testing and three of the 38 passengers tested positive, leading to their immediate isolation.

Police impounded a Sable bus caught offloading passengers and goods in Marondera after entering Zimbabwe without the passengers showing Covid-19 test certificates and then drove most of the way across Zimbabwe in defiance of the intercity passenger traffic ban.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the police had already started investigating how the bus was able to drive into Zimbabwe and then all the way to Marondera before action was taken.

“The ZRP confirms that a Sable bus which had 38 passengers was impounded while offloading goods and some of the passengers at Metro Peech Marondera. The passengers had no Covid-19 test certificates.

“The bus had come from SA in circumstances which are being investigated by the police. Ministry of Health and Child Care officials tested the passengers with three registering Covid-19 positive results while the other 35 tested negative.

The bus company is now facing criminal charges while the passengers have been taken to Mahusekwa hospital for isolation. No to smuggling activities and spreading of Covid-19 pandemic,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Most recently, a total of 49 returnees from South Africa were put into quarantine in Beitbridge following the interception of one of the passengers who had come from India and was travelling with a fake Covid-19 clearance certificate.

The woman, who is reported to have travelled from India (where there is a more virulent Covid-19 variant) via South Africa was busted by the Rapid Response Team aboard a Munenzva bus travelling from Johannesburg.

The bus was intercepted at the border during a routine Covid-19 screening. Police and other security organs are working flat out to enforce the lockdown measures, meant to flatten the curve especially in the wake of the most dangerous third wave the country is battling to contain.

Earlier this year, more than 20 buses were caught leaving Beitbridge carrying goods smuggled across the Limpopo. Some of the buses were reportedly ferrying people entering the country illegally and without Covid-19 test certificates.

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Govt: Additional staff deployed to accelerate vaccination. After a few weeks of slow down in Covid-19 vaccinations, numbers started picking up last week and this week are accelerating swiftly with further improvements expected as the extra staff join the teams at the vaccination centres.

Medical staff from the police and defence forces are being deployed to augment vaccination teams from the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and local authorities and, using the large shipments of vaccines that have now arrived and are expected very soon, accelerate the vaccination programme.

Expectations are that the total of first doses will hit 1 million sometime this week. Just over a fortnight ago 500 000 Sinopharm vaccines arrived with the first dose portion having been distributed and now 600 000 doses of the 2 million Sinovac doses received last week from China has already been assigned to the provinces and the rest being distributed this week to ensure a continuous supply.

More shipments are expected very soon to fuel the accelerated programme. On Monday the upgrade in the vaccination rate saw 30 332 people receiving their first jab while another 10 139 received their second one.

Second doses are administered four weeks after the first so that number depends on what happened a month ago. These vaccinations saw the cumulative figures for the first dose rise to 926 312 and for second doses to 605 556.

The increased demand for the Covid-19 vaccines seen over the past few weeks has resulted in long queues at most vaccination centres with people sometimes spending hours waiting although some centres now book people on an initial visit so that they are vaccinated quickly when told to turn up.

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Government would deploy extra staff at vaccination centres to ensure that people did not spend too long in the queues.

“Cabinet is pleased to note that citizens across the country continue to present themselves for vaccination in large numbers. In order to minimise the time spent in queues, extra personnel from security and defence forces have been harnessed to increase the numbers of personnel at the vaccination centres,” she said.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, working with relevant Government departments, is taking measures to ensure that vaccination, rapid response and case management teams are supported with vehicles, fuel and subsistence allowances to ensure that the country achieves herd immunity.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said every province had so far received 50 000 first doses from the latest shipment with the exception of Harare and Bulawayo which had received 100 000 doses each. Vaccination is now open to all Zimbabweans although frontline workers are still being prioritised at centres.

Government last week launched a vaccination blitz aimed at ensuring that people in all border towns, hotspot areas, tobacco, cotton and GMB depots as well as market places receive the vaccines quickly.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the initiative was now in full swing in all hotspot areas and border towns while teams are moving into rural areas identified as hotspots.

“The nation is advised that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has printed adequate stocks of vaccination cards with security features and is expediting the distribution process to all provinces,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The country is expecting an additional 1,5 million vaccine doses this week to complement the 2,5 million received in the past two weeks and 1,2 million purchased in April. Besides these commercial orders expected to total 5,2 million doses within days, another 560 000 more doses were donated by China, India and Russian diamond producer Alrosa.

Zimbabwe is expecting to receive more vaccines under the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (Covax).

“Cabinet reports that Sinopharm and Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines are now available on the Covax Platform and the Government will take advantage of the African Union Facility to boost local supplies of the vaccines,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The overwhelming bulk of the Zimbabwean programme in commercial orders and gifts, all but 60 000 doses, uses the two Chinese inert vaccines which are not only regarded as exceptionally safe and fully effective, but can be stored and distributed using the cold chains already in place for the child vaccination programmes against other diseases, allowing rapid use of the shipments as they arrive.

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Lockdown: Police review roadblock schedule“Between 1000 and 1530 there will be roadblocks whose purpose is to enforce the lockdown and keep people safe. Curfew remains 1830-0600,” tweeted Mr Mangwana.

Roadblocks will start after the rush hour to facilitate the movement of essential workers, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said yesterday.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that people with genuine business in the city centre will be able to travel.

“People willing to conduct genuine business can still come into the city centre, but are expected to observe Covid-19 regulations to curb the spread of the pandemic. “The issue of roadblocks has been addressed at a policy level,” he said.

Commuters travelling into Harare city centre using Seke Road and Mutare Road were yesterday stranded as the roads were heavily congested due to police roadblocks mounted to check on adherence to Covid-19 regulations.

In Chitungwiza, most commuters were forced to disembark from buses and cars they were using and walked a distance to cross the Manyame Bridge on foot to look for alternative transport.

Some employees had to call their employers to explain their delays, while others ended up returning home. Many commuters complained that the roadblock had become an inconvenience as they spent over three hours on the road.

The situation was more stressful for the elderly who had to walk to catch lifts after the bridge. Mr Tencern Jambe said he was on the road as early as 6.30am, but was still at the roadblock by 8.45am.

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga said this yesterday during a virtual address of the 16th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership.

African governments have a role to play in expanding and modernising healthcare architecture to guarantee health security to the continent’s populace in light of a projected doubling of the continent’s population by 2050.

“This session, whose focus is on setting the new milestones for India-Africa partnership, provides a unique platform to deliberate on innovative ways of buttressing Africa’s healthcare system. “It is pertinent to note that Africa’s population of 1,3 billion is projected to double by the year 2050,” said VP Chiwenga.

“The population increase beckons the continent to expand and modernise its healthcare architecture to guarantee health security of its member states. The 16th edition of the conclave comes amidst a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The impact of the pandemic has left most of the globe and indeed Africa’s health care systems overstretched. The vulnerability is a real challenge to the provision of public health to our citizens,” said VP Chiwenga.

He noted that Africa was yet to produce its own Covid-19 vaccine, urging the continent to emulate India and grow its production capacity.

VP Chiwenga has consistently challenged local pharmaceutical companies to look beyond their largely retail role and invest in the production of medical consumables.

The low production capacity is at just 12 percent of the country’s total medical consumables, a threshold which he said was at variance with the country’s industrialisation strategy as espoused by President Mnangagwa.

VP Chiwenga said a modern country should not rely on medical consumables from other countries, a situation he said was a huge risk factor.

“A modern state should not mortgage its health security to external players because health security has a bearing on the national security of individual states.” “This is a tremendous summit bringing together key stakeholders from the African continent, the Indian government and industry on one platform.

“The event seeks to expand and deepen long standing trade cooperation between our countries and India. The development will help us realise our common visions and aspirations of enhancing the quality of our health care systems,” said VP Chiwenga.

He urged African countries to leverage on excellent relations with India to boost local production. The summit, which is being held virtually in compliance with Covid-19 containment measures, started yesterday and is expected to end tomorrow.

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Outrage as Warriors suffer more humiliation at the COSAFA Cup. Mbwando feels the model, used by successful countries like Italy, when it comes to the appointment of their national technical teams, should be considered by countries like Zimbabwe.

Former Zimbabwe international, George Mbwando, feels there are lessons which ZIFA should pick from countries like Italy when it comes to national team appointments. The Azzurri, under the guidance of their former players, headed by Roberto Mancini, won Euro 2020, in England, on Sunday night.

Mancini’s assistants at Euro 2020 included Alberico Evani, who represented the Azzurri, at the 1994 World Cup. There was also Gabriele ‘‘Lele’’ Orali, who represented the country at Euro ’80 and the ’82 World Cup, and Gianluca Vialli, who featured at the ’86 World Cup, Euro ’88 , ’90 World Cup and Euro ’92.

‘‘In other countries, former players are given the chance to do what they know best . . . Italian Job . . . done and dusted big up,’’ said Mbwando.

The 45-year-old has just returned into the trenches of football coaching, after a lengthy time on the sidelines, following his recent appointment to coach the youth team of a fourth-tier side in Germany.

A member of the pioneer group of Warriors, who featured at the AFCON finals in Tunisia in 2004, Mbwando was appointed head coach of the Under-19 side at VfB Eichstatt, earlier this month. And, it appears, after the Warriors crashed out of the COSAFA Cup as the bottom team, in their group, many football pundits and fans want coach, Zdravko Logarusic, fired from his job.

Others pointed their guns at the ZIFA board, accusing the game’s leaders, of taking a gamble, by appointing a greenhorn like Loga, which was now backfiring on them.

Here are some of their responses:

Makomborero Mutimukulu (Zimpapers Television Network) — ‘‘Is he (Loga) still in the job? If yes, maybe, it’s time we call for those who employed him to go. At times, you need a Phillip Chiyangwa-like attitude . . . Make a decision, deal with the consequences after. The most popular call (ZIFA president Felton) Kamambo can make is firing Loga NOW!’’

Marshall Gore — ‘‘It looks like the gamble has backfired. The results have been seriously poor. It’s a shame. Someone has to take responsibility.’’

Innocent Gore — ‘‘I hear this Loga guy is not a football coach but a plumber, Cry my beloved Warriors.’’

Maimba Mapuranga — ‘‘Statistics tend to come out right. Red flags hardly ever turn green. ZIFA must do the honorable thing and fire this guy.’’

Alois Bunjira — ‘‘We have a coach (who) has six months left in his contract saying he does not worry about winning at the COSAFA, as he is still assessing players. How does a coach whose contract is expiring soon be busy assessing players, while the nation is losing matches, and dropping valuable FIFA ranking points? Where does he get this comfort from? What has been his mandate? Was he assured that his contract would be renewed hence he should not worry about winning matches in the first two years? We cannot continue with the downward spiral of our Warriors brand.’’

When ZIFA confirmed, on their Twitter account, the Warriors had been eliminated, following their 1-2 defeat to Senegal yesterday, this is how people responded:

Davidson Kaiyo — ‘‘Loga is a joke, one win in 12 matches, that’s the worst run by a national team coach. Do the honorable thing and fire that guy.’’

Elphas Tovereyi — ‘‘It’s now a simple decision after today’s lose. I wished we would lose today, so that we sort this once and for all.’’

@EsqSimba — ‘‘Sacking a coach won’t change Zim’s fortunes. When a house is on fire, you don’t save it by renovating the garden. I’m not defending Loga but you can’t expect miracles from players who haven’t played in two years. Football is more than coaching.’’

Tamuka Chihota — ‘‘Serves us right. It was gonna be a disaster going to AFCON with this comedian masquerading as a coach.’’

@stavoc1 — ‘‘Sack Loga the fraud, problem solved.’’

@philip_c — ‘‘Loga should just back to wherever he came from, no need to come back here, just DHL his remaining stuff.’’

Tawanda Musonza — ‘‘Loga out that’s all I can say. #LogOut concerned Warriors Fan.’’

Kudakwashe Saruchera — ‘‘Hold on to that Log and you will be embarrassed come AFCON.’’

Charlotte Ndlovu — ‘‘While you at it, also fire that coach of yours.’’

Real Deal @TCHARtNDO — ‘‘We need serious action, and preparations from ZIFA House, before we embarrass the nation in World Cup qualifying games and AFCON finals. I don’t blame the coach, our football administration is not up to standard at all.’’

@LeoPstr — ‘‘Please, can we quickly change our coach, (Norman) Mapeza is far much better.’’

Nomore Mahove — ‘‘Loga must go.’’

Munashe Dube — ‘‘Disappointing team.’’

@brian300981 — ‘‘We deserve it 100%, that coach was never the right person for the job from the word Go.’’

@addieytapoutZW — ‘‘COSAFA was the one thing we always won or, at least, gave a decent show out, this is just ridiculously unacceptable.’’

@Docta177 — ‘‘This coach must go, please terminate his contract, we not going anywhere.’’

Boss Ishe — ‘‘There is no way we can win COSAFA when we haven’t had a functional league for over a year now whereas other countries are playing in secure bubbles, these are the results.’’

Chitandare Makombe — ‘‘Fire the terrible coach and give (Lloyd) Chitembwe a chance. He can start with the dead rubber. What a terrible record: one win out of 12.’’

Timothy Gumbi — ‘‘Zim Warriors need a better coach than this one.’’

@Mitchy83733142 — ‘‘To be honest, Loga must go, he is not a good coach, please.’’

@desertwarrior — ‘‘Loga, is, a, sick joke to the nation . . . Why insult us, ZIFA?’’

Peter Mwanetsa — ‘‘I suggest you, and all the boys, be in isolation for 18 months, we may come up with a better something, without your influence.’’

@blesseedhoks — ‘‘The type of coach leading Warriors reflects the type of leadership in ZIFA, l rest my case.’’

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

African Union speaks on the #FreeZuma violent protests. The protests have since degenerated into chaos as demonstrators are burning vehicles, blocking the roads and looting shops.

The African Union has spoken condemned violent protests that erupted in South Africa following the arrest and incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma last week Wednesday.

13 July 2021, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemns in the strongest terms the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa.

The Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a rapid and full recovery to the wounded.

The Chairperson calls for an urgent restoration of order, peace and stability in the country in full respect of the rule of law. He stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the Region as a whole.

The Chairperson reiterates the full and unwavering solidarity of the African Union Commission with the government and people of South Africa.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Veteran Journalist Sandra Nyaira dies. Veteran Zimbabwean journalist Sandra Nyaira died Tuesday in Harare reportedly of Covid-19 related complications.

She was 46 years old. Nyaira had a distinguished career as a journalist in and outside of the country and worked for the Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (Ziana) and The Daily News.

She then moved to the United States where she joined Voice of America’s Studio7. At the time of her death, she was working as a public information officer at the United Nations station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

She had more than 20 years of journalism experience in Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States and was known to be a prolific writer and editor for print, broadcast and website communications.

Funeral arrangements are still to be announced.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Teachers cashing in on online extra lessons. Formal face-to-face classes were supposed to resume on 28 June before the government postponed the dates indefinitely. This has proved a boon to underpaid teachers who have set up private online classes targeting pupils from both their schools and elsewhere.

Most of Zimbabwe’s primary and secondary school teachers are cashing in on the indefinite closure of schools by offering online tutorials for learners desperate to prepare for the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations.

Teachers are reportedly charging an average of US$15 per month for primary school students, US$10 per subject for Ordinary Level students and US$15 per subject for Advanced Level learners.

A Harare-based teacher who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com said the coronavirus is proving to be a blessing in disguise. He said:

While COVID-19 has affected our lives, it has brought with it some good fortune. Online classes are raking in good money for me. I teach Advanced Level Chemistry and my online class has 27 students.

Pupils refer their colleagues to me because they know I am good at what I do and the fact that I am a ZIMSEC certified Chemistry examinations marker works in my favour.

Another primary school teacher told the publication that parents are desperate for their children to acquire the best education and were willing to pay in US dollars. She said:

I charge US$10 per child per month for my online Grade Seven class of 32 students. I will continue with these lessons even when the government gives the nod for schools to reopen because I am getting way more than my salary from these lessons.

A senior teacher in Zimbabwe is getting a salary of $22 000 which fetches around US$169 on the black market. Meanwhile, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) recently said an average family of six in Zimbabwe requires $40 680 per month.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Zimbabwe will soon start feeling the pain of the #FreeZuma looting demos. Moyo, who is Chief Executive Officer of United Refineries and chairman of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair company, said the disturbances in South Africa will affect the entire Southern African region considering the fact that the country’s major highways linking the hinterland to Durban Port have been blockaded.

Prominent local industrialist Busisa Moyo has advised Zimbabweans to stock on cash, food and other necessities as these could be in short supply in the next few days following the ongoing riots in South Africa, the country’s major trading partner. Moyo tweeted:

The disturbances in SA will affect the entire region. We will all feel it in the next few days. Conserve cash, food, raw materials and other necessities.

The region especially Zimbabwe is not ready for a life without a functional Durban Port and key roads the N3 and N1. Award-winning journalist and filmmaker, Hopewell Chin’ono, also sounded the alarm on looming shortages. Chin’ono also tweeted on Tuesday:

Zimbabwe will soon start feeling the pain of the looting and violence in South Africa. We are embarrassingly reliant on South Africa for things like toilet paper and toothpicks. The supply chain has been brought to a halt, so expect shortages & price increases. Stock up if you can.

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday warned that recent violence and damage to infrastructure caused by criminals participating in riots in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng since Saturday is soon going to lead to severe food and healthcare shortages, with trucks and supply chains, as well as businesses have fallen victim to vandalism and looting. He said:

[The violent riots] started with the burning of trucks at Mooi River on Saturday, and was followed by the blockading of roads and looting of shops in the north of KZN.

Our sick cannot get help from pharmacies, food doesn’t reach shelves, and health workers cannot get to work. We are facing food and medication insecurity within a matter of weeks.”

Source – Pindula News

and trading areas, strict enforcement of the ban on intercity travel and immediate introduction and implementation of deterrent fines and withdrawal of licences of offenders.

“As already stated, the country has made a lot of progress in the fight against Covid-19. We however, need to continue strengthening our implementation and ensure that all prevention measures and lockdown measures are strictly adhered to,” said President Mnangagwa.

As of Monday, Zimbabwe has recorded 70 426 cumulative cases and 2 236 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Level 4 lockdown measures extended by 2 weeks
• Highly transmissible Delta variant now circulating in communities
• 80 percent of new cases in Zimbabwe due to the Delta variant
• Complacency contributing to spike in cases
• Vaccination going on well, to be taken to communities
• All lockdown measures to be stringently enforced

Source – The Herald

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Humanity: Chiredzi residents bail out broke ZRP with US$2 200. The Lowveld Business Development Association (LOBDA) and Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHRRA) raised the money and ensured that the police vehicle was repaired.

Chiredzi residents have pooled their meagre resources together to bail out a broke Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with US$2 200 to repair an accident-damaged vehicle.

The development was confirmed by the LOBDA chairperson Venancio Kurauone in an interview with Masvingo Mirror.

Chiredzi West legislator Farai Msikavanhu who is also a member of LOBDA said they made the donation in order to capacitate the police to perform its duties. Musikavanhu said:

When the police vehicle was involved in an accident, Dispol Robert Chihwereva called me for assistance and we sat down with other business people and residents associations and we decided to chip in.

Chief Superintendent Robert Chihwereva said a police vehicle used for operations by the criminal investigation section was involved in an accident on 15 May 2021. Since then the section, which is the most critical in fighting common crime, was incapacitated without a vehicle.

The development is a cause for concern as it comes at a time when the government has been bragging of a surplus running into billions of dollars. Moreover, it is a norm worldwide that a country’s police force and military cannot be funded by private enterprises lest they get compromised or captured.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.

Another Masvingo accident involving a Honda Fit kills 2 on the spot. Two people died on the spot when a Honda Fit collided head-on with an Iveco truck at the 110km peg along the Masvingo – Beitbridge Highway on Monday night.

The deceased were occupants of the Honda Fit vehicle which was travelling towards Beitbridge. Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the accident to Two Nations.

He, however, said the names of the deceased will be released once the next of kin are informed. Said Insp Dhewa:

We have the name of the deceased driver. However, I cannot reveal it until the next of kin are informed. We are still looking for the details of the passenger.

Police have not yet revealed the cause of the accident but it is understood that the driver of the Honda tried to overtake in front of oncoming traffic resulting in the fatal collision.

Source – Pindula News

In other news – AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks

AAG President Mike Chimombe distances himself from Passion Java remarks. Passion Java, last week, endorsed Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka as his choice for the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson post.

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by controversial preacher, Passion Java. The post became vacant last month after the…Learn More.