Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE have said the El Nino-induced drought has resulted in an increase in stocktheft cases countrywide as farmers move their cattle far from their homes in search of pastures.

Police said so far this year, 7 600 cattle have been stolen while 6 700 were stolen under the same period last year. A total of 2 344 stolen cattle were recovered this year, while 2 086 were recovered under the same period last year.

Between January and September this year, police recorded 3 597 stock theft cases against 3 503 that were recorded under the same period last year.

The National Anti-Stock Theft Unit Officer Commanding Operations, Assistant Commissioner Panganai Sande, said a shortage of pastures was contributing to the rise in stock theft case.

“The increase in stock theft cases can be attributed to water and pasture problems. The majority of the cases that we received this year are a result of cattle being moved far by farmers.

“The farmers are taking their cattle far away from their homes in search for water and pastures. They end up leaving their livestock about 20 KM from them which makes it difficult,” said Asst Comm Sande.

He said despite the pasture and water challenges, farmers need to round up their livestock and secure them.

Asst Comm Sande said police have increased the number of officers deployed in the anti-stock theft unit.

He said 551 suspects were arrested this year compared to 522 last year.

“We’re not going to leave cattle rustlers to have a free reign. We’ve beefed up our manpower. We won’t give room to the cattle rustlers,” said Asst Comm Sande.

He said police are confident that the branding exercise that they have been promoting will reduce stock theft cases nationally.

The police working with Registrar General’s Office introduced personal branding and have been conducting campaigns to educate farmers on the importance of this form of cattle identification — @nqotshili.

Justice Priscillah Chigumba

Fidelis Munyoro, Harare Bureau
THE Judicial Service Commission deliberated on the case of High Court judge Justice Priscilla Chigumba, who is accused of soliciting for a $20 000 bribe from a litigant, during a meeting held this week, but declined to make public the deliberations.

JSC secretary Justice Rita Makarau confirmed that the meeting was held on Thursday, but would not give the details.

She said she was not authorised to comment on the matter.

“No comment,” said Justice Makarau, who had earlier on said she needed authority from the JSC chairman Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku.

Two weeks ago, Justice Makarau told our Harare Bureau that the JSC was seized with the matter and that it would discuss it at the meeting, which took place on Thursday this week.

It emerged during the interview last month that Justice Chigumba attempted a bribe-harvest of $20 000 from one of the parties in a case she was presiding over.

Justice Chigumba was grilled by members of the JSC led the Chief Justice over a complaint that it received to the effect that the judge had sent an agent to solicit for a bribe from Mr John Kanokanga who was one of the parties in a case in which she was presiding over.

Justice Chidyausiku said the JSC had received a written complaint from Mr Kanokanga and said while they had asked Justice Chigumba to make a written response, she was obliged to comment on the allegations since the commission was troubled over the allegations given that she was now seeking higher office.

Justice Chigumba strenuously refuted the allegations against her and challenged the complainant to produce evidence instead of mere hearsay.

“I want to place it on record that I deny these allegations. I want to deny that I, myself, or through an agent solicited, a bribe from Mr Kanokanga,” said Justice Chigumba.

“I would like Kanokanga to avail evidence against me because an allegation, which is baseless and without foundation should not be allowed to influence processes.”

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa presents the Njama award to Chronicle Senior Features Reporter Yoliswa Dube while Ms Doreen Chari, Nestle Zimbabwe public relations manager, looks in Harare on Thursday night

Chronicle Reporter
JOURNALISTS from The Chronicle continue to fly the Zimpapers flag high as two of them scooped awards at the National Journalism and Media Awards (Njama) in Harare on Thursday night.

Senior Features Reporter Yoliswa Dube and perennial winner Thandeka Moyo were the only female journalists to get awards at the event.

Dube received the Nutrition, Health and Wellness Journalist of the Year Award sponsored by Nestle Zimbabwe and walked away with a cash prize, a Nestle hamper and a certificate.

Moyo got the gong for Maternal Health Reporter of the year sponsored by UNFPA, pocketing a cash prize and a certificate.

She got her award in absentia as she is out of the country.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) took the opportunity to raise awareness about baby Manqoba Mabhena who needs a new liver in India at a cost of about $43 000.

Corporates immediately responded to the plea for help with NetOne pledging $5 000.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said journalists were an important cog in the country’s economy.

Describing the journalism fraternity as the Fourth Estate, VP Mnangagwa said journalists were key in boosting investor confidence in Zimbabwe.

While their role should be impartial, said VP Mnangagwa, journalists play a critical role towards ensuring the country develops.

Turning to skirmishes between police and journalists where media professionals are sometimes assaulted or have their equipment confiscated, VP Mnangagwa said the actions by police are not sanctioned by the Government.

“Government does not condone violence and I can assure you, the harassment of journalists is not sanctioned by the Government. There is Press freedom in Zimbabwe and journalists should be allowed to discharge their duties freely,” said VP Mnangagwa.

Among those who attended the event were the Minister of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, Dr Chris Mushohwe, Permanent Secretary Mr George Charamba, diplomats, businesspeople and journalists.

Dr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo

Nduduzo Tshuma /Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporters
FORMER People’s Democratic Party (PDP) vice president Dr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo has officially crossed over to the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF), a development that has strained relations between the two parties.

Dr Sipepa Nkomo, who defected with more than 50 former PDP members, was officially presented before party supporters in Bulawayo on Thursday.

He was welcomed by ZimPF national organising secretary Mr Dzikamai Mavhaire.

His defection, according to sources, has not only strained relations between the two parties but also scuppered negotiations for a coalition.

The parties, before the defections, sent members to present solidarity messages at each other’s functions. They were scheduled to meet on Wednesday for coalition negotiations but the meeting was cancelled as PDP felt betrayed by ZimPF as news of Dr Sipepa Nkomo’s defection had started spreading.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Sipepa Nkomo said he joined the Dr Joice Mujuru-led party as he had lost faith in the sincerity of parties negotiating for a grand coalition.

“My humble opinion is that some people are playing to the gallery. There is a lot of talk about this grand coalition but we are at the end of 2016. Do you honestly think that we will be able to organise all the parties into a grand coalition to contest in 2018?

“Already there are pronouncements that this person should lead the grand coalition so you see, there is not enough time to organise that,” said Dr Sipepa Nkomo.

Addressing ZimPF members, Dr Sipepa Nkomo said the day was the “most difficult” moment in his political life.

“It is indeed excruciating and heartbreaking to announce my departure from a party that I played an unstinting role in its formation to join the Zimbabwe People First party,” he said.

There was speculation before his defection that Dr Sipepa Nkomo was eyeing the vice presidency of ZimPF whom he believes has a better future than PDP.

Some said it was untenable for Dr Sipepa Nkomo to remain in the PDP because of his fallout with leader Mr Tendai Biti.

“I personally had a very senior position as vice president in the PDP and those that took the same decision as mine had positions in PDP as well.

This struggle is not about securing influential leadership positions in any party,” said Dr Nkomo dismissing reports that Dr Mujuru had offered him a position in the party.

In a sign that things were not well in PDP, Dr Sipepa Nkomo said: “It is imperative that we do not become so blind with loyalty and meaningless pride not to decipher the stubborn truth when something is unworkable.”

PDP Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Mr Edwin Ndlovu yesterday accused ZimPF of being backstabbers negotiating in bad faith.

“It’s unfortunate the people we’re negotiating with for a grand coalition go behind our backs to entice our members. We frown upon such actions by ZimPF. We are also disappointed that the people we sent as PDP for grand coalition [talks] were negotiating for their new political home,” said Mr Ndlovu.

He said Dr Sipepa-Nkomo led the PDP in the negotiations for a grand coalition.

Mr Ndlovu said the PDP would not be deterred by the defections but would continue with their mobilisation drive and their structures were on the ground recruiting people to replace defected members.

Mr Mavhaire however, downplayed the souring relations between the two parties saying there is a difference between engagement between the two organisations and individual decisions by people to join ZimPF.

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku

Fidelis Munyoro, Harare Bureau
THE Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku’s tenure of office ends in February next year and the Judicial Service Commission is now on a hunt for his replacement.

The new Chief Justice is expected to take occupation of the office on March 1 next year.

The JSC is now inviting interested candidates to apply for the position of the Chief Justice to be advertised in the media starting tomorrow (Sunday).

“The Judicial Service Commission announces that a vacancy of Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe will arise by operation of law on 1 March 2016,” said JSC. It said in terms of Section 180(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, members of the public are invited to nominate suitably qualified persons to fill the position.

Born on February 23, 1947 in Domboshava, Chief Justice Chidyausiku attended Mutake School at Makumbi Mission, and then St Ignatius College in Chishawasha.

He got a place at the then University of Rhodesia from 1968 to 1972 where he read law. He went into private legal practice. At the 1974 general election, Chief Justice Chidyausiku won the Harare African Roll constituency, standing with the unofficial support of the African National Council which had been set up by Zanu, Zapu and Frolizi.

He acted in opposition to the government of Ian Douglas Smith. Chief Justice Chidyausiku stood down at the 1977 election.

In the 1980 election, Chief Justice Chidyausiku was elected as 12th on Zanu-PF’s list for Mashonaland East when Zanu-PF won 14 seats.

He was Deputy Minister of then Local Government and Housing and of Justice from 1980, and was promoted to be Attorney-General in 1982.

Chidyausiku was later promoted to be a judge and served as chair of the constitutional convention charged with drafting a new constitution for Zimbabwe in 2000. He ensured that the constitution accorded with the wishes of the Government, including an executive Presidency; which was rejected through a referendum.

After the resignation of former Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay, Chief Justice Chidyausiku was named as Zimbabwe’s new Chief Justice in July 2001.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Innocent Ruwende, Harare Bureau
VICE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed the media for exposing corruption saying the scourge must never be rewarded with “impunity, while righteousness is punished with hostile editorials.”

Speaking at the National Journalism and Media Awards in Harare on Thursday night, VP Mnangagwa said it was the responsibility of every Zimbabwean to expose corruption.

“There (exposing corruption) I congratulate you. This is an area where we agree. We all have a responsibility to fight and expose corruption in all sectors of our society in whatever form or fashion it presents itself.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the media, you have an obligation to inform and to educate the reading public while sound, balanced, professional and ethical journalism must be uttermost in your practice. Corruption must never be rewarded with impunity, while righteousness is punished with hostile editorials.

“The era where well-meaning citizens are unduly demonised, simply because they have refused to back up their rectitude by pushing the brown envelope must surely come to an end,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa said the treatment of political stories in the country put the media industry in a bigger dilemma.

He said; “One daily got a sense of “my party, my politician, right or wrong” editorial stance saying it may be that in the eyes of some media practitioners and newsrooms that some parties and politicians never do anything right or the converse.”

He said either way the expectant public suffered, challenging journalists not to abuse their rights which were enshrined in the country’s constitution.

He said Government stood ready and prepared to support the media industry and there were many fiscal concessions, which could be granted to the industry to ensure both ease of doing business and greater viability.

“Duty on media related accessories could be revised downwards, provided you make a case to the relevant ministry. I am aware that many of your members do not have homes of their own. In fact there are instances where some of you get to retirement age without homes of your own.

“Much worse, it makes you vulnerable in your profession. Surely a case must be made to responsible Government Ministry on behalf of your sector,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa implored media practitioners to strive to articulate national policies and aspirations at any given time as enunciated in Zim-Asset.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists president Michael Chideme said the union was unhappy with the harassment of journalists during assignments by the police.

“Our members are beaten up, have their cameras confiscated and sometimes are unnecessarily detained. Cde Vice President, Zimbabwe is in the process of addressing its image. Journalists are part of that campaign because they churn out information.

“In short we want Government to guarantee our safety as we do our work. An injury to one is an injury to all of us. We work in solidarity,” he said.
VP Mnangagwa said it was not Government policy to harass or beat up journalists saying such police officers should be brought to book.

CDE Absalom Sikhosana(right), Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s wife, Laurinda, and Siqokoqela Mpoko follow proceedings during the burrial of Cde Sikhosana’s wife, Monica, at Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane yesterday.

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
LIBERATION war heroine Cde Monica Mguni was buried at the Bulawayo provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane suburb yesterday.

Cde Mguni (56) succumbed to a stroke on Monday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals where she had been admitted on the day before.

Her burial was attended by scores of Zanu-PF members including Acting President Phelekezela Mphoko’s wife Laurinda and son Siqokoqela.

The Acting President was supposed to attend the burial but due to Government commitments he could not.

Speakers spoke glowingly about Cde Mguni describing her as a peace loving, uniting cadre who never spoke ill of                                                            others.

Zanu-PF National Consultative member Cde Molly Mpofu said the high attendance at her burial was a testimony that her life touched those of many in the party.

She said some people who have not seen eye to eye for a long time converged to pay their last respects to Cde Mguni.

Cde Mpofu said ex-combatants should not be used to fan hatred among themselves.

“We’re here united despite our differences. Some of us have never been under the same roof but she made us come together. We’re all here, lets be united for a purpose. War veterans let’s not be used as tools for division,” said Cde Mpofu.

She read Cde Mguni’s biography narrating her political journey and how she was involved in the war.

War veterans who were in attendance decried the divisions rocking their association.

Some of them said it was now even embarrassing to be known as freedom fighters because of the squabbles.

The liberators slammed political leaders for forgetting them saying politicians need to retrace their roots.

Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde David Ndlovu said the party needs to put in power leaders who understand the history of the party.

He said disunity was now cancerous in the party calling for members to learn from Cde Mguni who brought people together.

“We’re divided as war veterans. As long as there is disunity we won’t develop. We need to learn from Cde Mguni. She never said anything ill about anyone.

“She stood her ground even if she had to stand by herself. She was never swayed by what was happening around her,” said Cde Ndlovu. Mguni is survived by five children.

Meanwhile, liberation war hero Cde Jevis Ndebele has died.

He passed on Tuesday at Mpilo Central Hospital and will be buried on Monday. —@nqotshili

President Mugabe

Innocent Ruwende, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday conferred degrees on 1 682 graduates including the first doctoral graduands at the 12th Chinhoyi University of Technology graduation ceremony.

The graduands successfully completed degrees in agricultural sciences and technology, art and design, engineering, business sciences management, hospitality and tourism, wildlife ecology and conservation and lifelong learning.

CUT Vice Chancellor Professor David Simbi said there was need for substantial investment in human capital skills development in science, technology and engineering education from design through laboratory research experiments to product commercialisation.

“The current freeze on academic staff recruitment is further denting the many efforts, particularly at graduate or post-graduate levels where science, technology and engineering research results designed for Zimbabwe’s rapid industrial development as defined in Zim-Asset do not reach maturity.

“Furthermore, research by its nature is expensive as it requires the researcher and end user of the results to better define the funding model for sustainability.”

He said the transformative matrix requires academics with a strong science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) foundation.

The current science and engineering education, he said, were designed in principle to support repair and maintain skills development for raw material and primary product extraction for exportation.

“While the establishment of higher education institutions that include National University of Science and Technology, Harare Institute of Technology and Chinhoyi University of Technology is meant to bring forward Zimbabwe’s industrialisation needs, these Universities need more support with respect to appropriately trained science, technology and engineering education academics and the correct teaching and research laboratory environment.”

The university, he said, must create the appropriate research environment with adequate space to house research equipment and pilot scale product manufacturing plants. In these endeavours, our academics and researchers remain guided by National policy imperatives.

“It is most gratifying, Your Excellency and Chancellor, that the student enrolment in the science, technology and engineering disciplines is slowly increasing. To date the University has a total enrolment of 7 135 undergraduates of whom 34 percent are in science, technology and engineering driven disciplines.”

“In a period fraught with limited financial resources, the university through its academic and support staff has been able to produce human capital at the level required for industrialisation,” he said.

He said students in the departments of Mechatronics and Production Engineering, for example, have made their model aircraft, a drone and an automatic liquid bottling machine that senses volume and height before corking respectively.

Prof Simbi said the School of Engineering Science and Technology has made major strides in its postgraduate science, technology and engineering education by adopting learning approaches that bring into focus sustainable utilisation of energy resources without compromising the climate change agenda for sustainable development.

He said the graduation of 1 682 students represented an increase of 19 percent from last years’ figures including the first doctoral graduands all from the science, technology and engineering sector. Prof Simbi urged the graduands to use the knowledge they acquired to transform Zimbabwe for the better.

Among the graduands were The Sunday Mail Assistant Editor Nyakurerwa who graduated with a first class Master of Science Degree in Strategic Management coupled with several accolades.

Also capped were, Mashonaland West Minister of State Cde Faber Chidarikire who also graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Management together with former Herald reporter Tsungirirai Dhambuza.

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
FIVE brothers from Bulawayo have been arraigned for poaching after they were busted with impalas, animal skins and hooves worth over $3 000.

Ndumiso Ndlovu (31), Clement (37), Ngqabutho (33), Gift (33) and Bongani (27) of Grills Farm appeared before Western commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu charged with use of Class 1 traps to snare animals.

They pleaded not guilty and were remanded to October 18 for continuation of trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Kenneth Shava said the five brothers went to Roseburn farm last month and set traps to snare game.

“On September 21 this year at around 7AM, the complainants (84 year-old James Chipfumba, Tawanda Makoni and Vincent Dube who are game scouts), were conducting a routine farm patrol when they stumbled upon copper wire snares,” said Mr Shava.

Mr Makoni told the court the ‘poachers’ held him and argued among themselves on whether to kill him or set him free, when he caught them.

“When I got to them, they wanted to pounce on me with axes. They agreed to kill me. However, I was saved by my colleague’s arrival. When Dube came, they fled, but I remained with one of the accused persons’ shirt as I had removed it while we tussled,” said Mr Makoni.

The court heard that a report was made to the kraal-head who advised the game scouts to notify the police.

The farm manager filed a police report and investigations were carried out leading to the arrest of Gift and Bongani. They implicated the other three who went on the run but were rounded up by police in a raid.

Three wounded impalas, two eland hooves, a zebra hoof and 119 copper wire snares were recovered.

The total value of recovered property was pegged at $3 000.

@andile­_tshuma

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
A 26-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man allegedly pelted a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) worker with stones after he disconnected electricity at his home.

Fidelity Ndimande of Cowdray Park appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube charged with obstructing a public officer.

He pleaded guilty and was remanded to October 22 for sentence.

For the state, Ms Margret Takawira said on Thursday, Mr Phathisa Dube was on duty, going around Cowdray Park suburb disconnecting electricity for non-paying clients.

“On October 13 this year at around 11AM, the complainant was on duty and wanted to disconnect electricity from the accused person’s house as he had been by-passing the meter and not paying,” said Ms Takawira.

“The accused person became angry and turned violent. He grabbed car keys from the complainant’s vehicle.  He forcibly removed a ladder that Mr Dube had used to climb an electricity pole to effect disconnection and threatened to beat up the complainant.”

The court heard that Mr Dube ignored the threats and proceeded with his mission.

“The complainant took the ladder, climbed up and disconnected power supply after Zesa control loss officers attended the scene. Ndimande started picking up stones and throwing them at the complainant,” said the prosecutor.

The police were called to the scene, leading to Ndimande’s arrest.

@andile_tshuma

Patience Mutsiwi, Midlands Reporter
A 30-YEAR-OLD man from Zvishavane will spend the next 12 months in prison for kidnapping a three-year-old girl.

Abraham Shava, who resides in Escrow Suburb in Zvishavane, pleaded guilty to kidnapping when he appeared before Zvishavane Magistrate Mr Peter Madiba.

The magistrate sentenced him to 12 months in jail.

Prosecuting, Mr Talent Tadenyika told the court that on September 15 in Mandava during the afternoon, the victim was playing outside the house with other children while her mother was asleep in the shade behind the house.

Shava came, took the three-year-old and went away.

He was seen by a woman from the neighbouring house, Mrs Meggie Gwatikona, who alerted the victim’s mother, the court heard.

It is the State’s case that Mrs Gwatikona and the girl’s mother pursued Shava.

The two caught up with the accused person after a distance of two kilometres.

“The accused was holding the victim in his arms proceeding to an unknown destination. Shava was then apprehended by the two and they brought him to the police station,” said Mr Tadenyika.

@patiemtsiwi.

File picture of Cecil the lion

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
LUshabe Primary School in Tsholotsho South is grappling with an exodus of teachers due to water supply problems and fears of being mauled by lions.

This was said by the acting school head Ms Chisina Donga last Friday during the commissioning of two classroom blocks made possible through contributions made by Tsholotsho South MP Cde Zenzo Sibanda.

The school, which is located in Lushabe resettlement area, has an enrolment of 172 pupils and five teachers.

“We have a problem of water, our borehole only pumps out 16 buckets a day and in winter it produces a foul smell. The school has only five teachers and they are forced to take two grades each which is a very serious challenge,” said Ms Donga.

“When teachers come here they immediately leave saying they fear being mauled by lions and that there is no accommodation.”
She said at inception in 2014, the school had pole and dagga structures with no furniture with pupils sitting on the floor and attending lessons under trees.

“ To date, the school has managed to construct two classroom blocks and this was made possible through sheer hard work by the past and present SDCs, parents and donations from well-wishers among them Cde Sibanda,” said Ms Donga.

She commended Cde Sibanda for donating 100 bags of cement, furniture and building material that facilitated the construction of the classroom blocks.

“We also had parents who were owing levies and they pledged to come and mould bricks. They moulded 35 000 bricks for the classroom blocks and toilets,” she said.

In his speech, Cde Sibanda encouraged parents to take a leading role in community initiatives such as the construction of schools.

Cde Sibanda said community support was key for local projects to succeed.

“Parents must take a leading role in the construction of schools because it benefits the local community. No one will come from Marondera or Lupane to construct schools for you.

‘‘You must spearhead such programmes to complement government’s Zim-Asset policy,” he said.

The guest of honour and Minister of State for Matabeleland North province, Cde Cain Mathema, said he was pleased by the unity of purpose that was displayed in the area.

“I am pleased to note this particular development that has taken place here. It is through hard work and unity of purpose that we have development initiatives of this nature,” said Cde Mathema in a speech read on his behalf by Cde Sibanda.

@AuxiliaK

Elita Chikwati, Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe experienced extremely high temperatures yesterday with some areas breaking records that were set in the 1960s.

Some showers are expected in the southern parts of the country today.

Meteorological Services Department senior forecaster, Mr Tich Zinyemba, yesterday confirmed that most areas experienced extremely high temperatures ranging from 35 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius as forecast last week although he could not readily provide comparative figures from previous year.

“The forecast went as predicted. We had anticipated high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday but this has extended to Monday (yesterday). The temperatures are still high but we expect some light showers in Matabeleland North and South, Midlands as well as Masvingo provinces tomorrow (today),” he said.

Mr Zinyemba said extremely high temperatures were recorded in Chinhoyi (38 degrees Celsius), Harare International Airport, 35 degrees Celsius, Hwange 39 degrees Celsius, Chivhu 36 degrees Celsius, Marondera 34 degrees Celsius and Victoria Falls 41 degrees Celsius among other areas.

He said temperatures in Beitbridge fell as the area was cloudy. Beitbridge recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius.

In a statement last Friday, the MSD urged members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the adverse weather conditions.

“People should drink lots of fluids, particularly water, avoid prolonged stay in the sun, avoid outdoor activities between 11:30am and 3:00pm and protect oneself from the sun by using umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats. The danger is extremely high for fires.

“While this is happening, a cloud band is expected to start entering the western and southern areas of the country from Sunday. This should cover much of the country by Tuesday. If the expected weather patterns behave as predicted, then the ensuing rains should be significant over the whole country.

“This may signal the start of the 2016/17 rainfall season for Matabeleland North and South, Midlands as well as Masvingo provinces,” said MSD.

The MSD also warned the public that the combination of this moisture together with heat could trigger violent storms that may be accompanied by hail and damaging winds.

Already this month, the country has had weather-related disasters in some parts. These disasters are forecast to increase in frequency as the rain-bearing weather systems become more organised.

Cynthia Dube, Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO woman, who allegedly dumped her eight months old baby at her husband’s house before fleeing to South Africa after being granted maintenance in 2011, has returned demanding about $4 000 in maintenance arrears.

Ms Nqobile Ncube, from Old Pumula  suburb told a court she expected her estranged husband to have deposited $70 monthly into her account during her five year absence.

She said she was disappointed after she found that there was no money in her account.

Ms Ncube dragged Kelson Zulu, a Bulawayo City Council employee, to court demanding maintenance arrears that she said had accumulated to $4 130.

“Your worship l first brought my husband to Maintenance Court on November 28, 2011 because he wasn`t supporting his daughter. The court ordered him to pay $70 but he didn’t pay. I was forced to leave the country and search for a job in South Africa,” said Ms Ncube, in a Zulu accent.

She said Zulu, a messenger at the municipality was supposed to deposit the maintenance money into her bank account.

Zulu hit back at her saying she was an irresponsible mother who does not care about their child.

He said after being dragged to court in 2011, he went out of his way to ensure that his family was well taken care of.

“The court ordered me to give her $70 in hand every month. But because of the love l had for her, l gave her my bank card so that she could withdraw the money she needed. However, she dumped me with our eight months old baby for South Africa. I have been looking after the child by myself,” he said

Presiding magistrate Mr Manasa Musiiwa ordered Zulu to pay maintenance of $150 per month effective this month end.

He ignored the five year period that Ms Ncube was contesting.

“The garnishee is directed to deduct $150 per month to applicant`s bank account with effect  from October 30, 2016,” he said.

@cynthiamthembo1.

Patience Mutsiwi, Midlands Reporter
A Form Two pupil has died of typhoid in Redcliff, Mayor Councillor Freddy Kapuya has confirmed.

The disease allegedly broke out in the town about three weeks ago.

Redcliff gets water from Kwekwe, which often cuts supplies when the town fails to pay.

Three weeks ago, there were two confirmed typhoid cases. Clr Kapuya confirmed the typhoid reports recorded in Rutendo high-density suburb, which he attributed to the acute shortage of water being experienced in the Midlands town. “We received a report that a Form Two pupil who had been referred to Harare for treatment died from the disease. Doctors confirmed that the lad had died as a result of the water borne disease,” he said.

“We have serious problems with water supply owing to the debts on water, which Redcliff owes to Kwekwe City Council because our residents are failing to service their bills.”

He said residents had resorted to using water from unprotected sources. “In the past three weeks, we recorded two cases of typhoid owing to the water challenge. The two were treated and this was a third case which has unfortunately claimed one life. The situation has since normalised,” said Clr Kapuya.

@patiemtsiwi.

Joice Mujuru

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
OPPOSITION parties’ plan to gang up against Zanu-PF in the next harmonised elections are hanging in the balance as the parties accuse each other of backstabbing and being the ruling party’s projects.

In May five opposition parties formed what they called a grand coalition, which they said would give them a better chance against Zanu-PF.

The five are Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD) led by Simba Makoni, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) fronted by Elton Mangoma, the Professor Welshman Ncube-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment (DARE) led by Gilbert Dzikiti and Zimbabweans United for Democracy (ZUNDE) whose president is Farai Mbira.

Dr Joice Mujuru’s ZimPF has, lately, been included in the coalition talks.

However, negotiations seem to have hit a snag as the groups do not trust each other.

This comes following defections to ZimPF by PDP vice president Dr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo who took 50 members with him.

The party’s Bulawayo provincial assembly met over the weekend to reflect on the defections and map the way forward.

PDP’s provincial spokesperson Mr Edwin Ndlovu said the assembly resolved that the national leadership should not join the coalition without learning of ZimPF’s motives.

“Even though the party is known to be leading in coalition talks, the Bulawayo province is now wary of ZimPF and now believes it’s a Zanu-PF project to destabilise the opposition. The province has asked the national executive to scrutinise ZimPF thoroughly before signing anything with them as they might be working for Zanu-PF,” said Mr Ndlovu.

He said the party’s provincial leadership expressed dissatisfaction over the inclusion of ZimPF in the grand coalition.

Mr Ndlovu said the provincial assembly were worried that Zanu-PF rejects Dr Mujuru and Messrs Dzikamai Mavhaire and Didymus Mutasa could be working for the ruling party.

Mr Ndlovu said the provincial assembly recommended to the party’s national leadership to continue working with other parties on the fizzling grand coalition.

He said they resolved that the party should swiftly replace Dr Sipepa Nkomo.

Mr Ndlovu declined to name the candidates that were targeting Dr Sipepa Nkomo’s post but sources within the embattled opposition party said six members were eyeing the VP’s post.

“The party is ready to replace him. We’ve candidates that have shown interest in taking up his position. These include Patrick Thaba Moyo who is former Bulawayo Mayor and the party’s national executive member, George Mkhwananzi the party’s deputy spokesperson, Prof Philani Moyo a national executive member, Kucaca Phulu former provincial chairman, Sikhumbuzo Ndiweni national executive member, Pastor Dumiso Matshazi national executive member, Mqondobanzi Magonya another national executive member,” said the source.

ZimPF spokesperson Mr Methuseli Moyo declined to reveal his party’s position regarding the grand coalition.

Mr Moyo said those political parties who have been commenting about the grand coalition should continue doing so.

@nqotshili

Mr Winos Dube

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO residents have said council should reverse its decision to introduce water shedding in two weeks’ time saying it would not only waste water but also destroy infrastructure.

They say the local authority should tighten water rationing instead.

The local authority decided to introduce a 24 hour water shedding schedule for all the city’s suburbs at the beginning of next month.

Water shedding is a system of conserving tap water by cutting supplies for a fixed period.

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo last week warned that a 48-hour schedule may be implemented if residents do not conserve water.

A resident of Cowdray Park, Mr Wisdom Sibanda said water shedding resulted in residents actually using more water.

“When council announces its water shedding time table, residents fill up drums some of which exceed what they normally use on a daily basis.  When water supplies are restored they then water their gardens with that water and fill up their containers with fresh water. This leads to wastage of water. Water rationing is the best option,” said Mr Sibanda.

Ms Lisca Phiri from Pumula North said water shedding destroyed water infrastructure in the city as it has been blamed for pipe bursts and sewage overflows in the past.

“It’s more costly to council to introduce water shedding because they say when water is switched back on, the pressure causes pipe bursts. We end up going for longer periods without water as council struggles to fix burst pipes,” said Ms Phiri.

Another resident who declined to be named said thousands of litres of purified water are lost through pipe bursts.

Mr Kudzai Masendu of Gwabalanda suburb said: “We have bad memories of water shedding. We will be having overflowing sewers here and there as well as more mosquitoes.”

He said although he understood the reasons for water shedding, he preferred water rationing where offenders are penalised for using excess water.

At the height of water shedding in 2013, Bulawayo residents went without water for up to four days in a week.

Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said he could not comment on the residents’ fears.

“It’s true that water shedding leads to water wastage and pipe bursts but I am not in a position to comment as we would discuss those issues in the water crisis committee next week,” said Mr Dube.

The local authority has embarked on a massive water disconnection exercise to force defaulting residents to settle their bills.

Mr Dube said the municipality was disconnecting water supplies with immediate effect.

He said the exercise was meant to encourage residents to make payment plans.

Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson, Mr Winos Dube encouraged residents to pay or make payment plans with the local authority.

“It’s a really tricky situation. The residents are struggling economically but as a residents association we are saying they must make an effort to pay what they have and approach the council for payment plans,” said Mr Dube.

“At the same time residents expect services from council so they have to pay something in order to keep our council running. As we speak council has a backlog in salary payments to its employees so we have to pay the little we get.”

The city is battling to conserve water as it struggles with what has been said to be its worst water crisis in five years.

The city’s six supply dams, Insiza, Mtshabezi, Umzingwane, Inyankuni, Upper and Lower Ncema are holding about 30 percent of their cumulative capacity.

Around this time in 2012 and 2013, the dams averaged 43,1 percent and 42,8 percent respectively.

@AuxiliaK

President Mugabe

Morris Mkwate in Antananarivo, Madagascar
President Mugabe arrived here last night to attend the 19th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Heads of State and Government Summit that begins today.

He was welcomed at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo by Madagascar President Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina and Zimbabwean Government officials who were part of the advance team.

The President travelled with senior Government officials and then linked up with Ministers Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Foreign Affairs) and Mike Bimha (Industry and Commerce) who were attending preparatory meetings here since last week.

He was seen off at Harare International Airport by Vice-Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Cabinet Ministers, senior civil servants and service chiefs.

Meanwhile, VP Mnangagwa is Acting President.

Minister Bimha said:

“The summit will mainly look at inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. The industrialisation agenda is now the major focus in Africa; even regional integration is revolving around the same subject. It is the way to go, and Africa is saying, ‘Let’s utilise our people and resources towards value-addition and beneficiation’. If we industrialise and export, our economies will grow.

“This trajectory runs through the entire regional thrust and across Africa. And when we say inclusive, we are involving everyone: governments, women, businesses; etcetera.”

Themed “Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation”, the summit will discuss regional peace and security, customs and trade, homing in on the Comesa, Tripartite and Continental free trade areas.

It will also consider the Medium Term Strategic Plan (2016-2020) adopted by the Comesa Council of Ministers on October 15, 2016 with a view to spurring structural economic transformation via trade, investment and infrastructure development.

The Comesa FTA provides duty and quota – free market access to member states on products originating in the region.

Criteria known as Rules of Origin ensure processed goods or those wholly manufactured within the 19-member grouping get preferential tariffs across borders.

Zimbabwe and 14 other member states are participating in the FTA whose benefits and impediments will soon be assessed and published annually.

That assessment will cover trade in goods and services, logistics and trade facilitation, industrialisation and infrastructure development.

A recent study by the Comesa secretariat established that the region trades more externally than internally.

It determined that the trade potential value that could enhance intra-Comesa product trade was US$82.3 billion, and that trade within the region would increase by $41.15 billion if 50 percent of external business were channelled inwards.

The Tripartite FTA operates along similar lines, integrating three of Africa’s regional blocs – Comesa, Sadc and the East African Community – and a continental FTA has been proposed to accommodate all 54 African Union states.

At the inter-government committee meeting here last week, Madagascar’s Trade and Consumption Minister Armand Tazafy said industrialisation was key to integrated trade. “Without sustainable industrialisation, our region cannot adequately respond to the ever-increasing needs of high value products with the rising middle class in our continent, which has been forced to source elsewhere.”

The late Apostle Charles Chiriseri and Pastor Pertunia Chiriseri

Nqobile Tshili, @nqotshili

PASTOR Pertunia Chiriseri of His Presence International Ministries has been discharged from hospital about a month following an accident that claimed the life of her husband Apostle Charles Chiriseri in Mbembesi.

Her discharge has paved the way for the holding of a memorial service for her husband tomorrow in Harare ahead of his burial in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Pastor Chiriseri, who is a member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, was admitted to Bulawayo’s Mater Dei Hospital following the fatal accident.

The Chiriseri family spokesperson and founder of Harvest House International Ministries, Bishop Colin Nyathi, said Pastor Chiriseri was discharged from hospital on Saturday.

He expressed gratitude to members of the public for standing with the family during their difficult time.

“Once again we are filled with gratitude for all the love and support we have received at this time. Commissioner Snr Pastor Pertunia Chiriseri has been discharged from hospital and is recovering speedily in Bulawayo. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness,” Bishop Nyathi said.

He said following requests by members of the public, the family has agreed to have a funeral service in Harare.

“The service in Harare will be held on Thursday 20 October 2016 at Celebration Church in Borrowdale, beginning at 11AM. Friends and family are welcome to then pass their condolences to the family thereafter at the Chiriseri residence, 37 Southam Road, Greystone Park, Harare,” said Bishop Nyathi.

He said Apostle Chiriseri would be buried at Bulawayo’s Lady Stanley Cemetery on Saturday after a service to be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair’s Hall number 3.

“The Bulawayo service will be streamed live on the ‘Apostle Charles Chiriseri’ – YouTube channel for those outside the country from 8AM,” said Bishop Nyathi.

Apostle Chiriseri founded His Presence Ministries International which has branches in the United Kingdom, South Africa and 10 branches across Zimbabwe.

He was a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) and Council of Apostles.

He is survived by his wife, four children and an adopted niece.

Cynthia Dube, Court Reporter
A MAN from Bulawayo’s Gwabalanda suburb yesterday said his wife beats him up sometimes using a belt and when he reports the domestic violence to the police, they ridicule him.

Walter Banda said this when he appeared in the Maintenance Court.

He told magistrate Mr Manasa Musiiwa that sometimes his wife Ms Constance Tinhayi beats him up and has scars emanating from the beatings.

Banda’s wife dragged him to court demanding $180 maintenance for the upkeep of two children aged seven and four.

Banda interjected before Ms Tinhayi could explain why she needed the money saying she was abusive.

“This woman beats me up almost every day and today she dragged me to court thinking that l can give her my money. This is ridiculous! Last week, l was working night shift and I didn`t sleep at home, instead of her asking for my whereabouts she clobbered me with fists in front of our children,” he said.

He said he reported the matter to the police who laughed at him.

Banda said there is no peace in his home due to his wife’s violent nature.

“This other time l felt like l was going to die when she was hitting me with a belt and l ended up biting her on the chest to free myself. Your worship l can even show you scars as evidence.  She is an abusive woman,” said Banda.

He said he cannot afford to pay $180 and his wife was aware of that.

“Your worship, she knows that after all deductions my salary is $44 per month. I have deductions for medical aid, funeral policy and a loan. Where can l get $180 if l may ask?” he asked.

Mr Musiiwa ordered Banda to pay $70 per month for the upkeep of his minor children.

@cynthiamthembo1