Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted that the rainy season will begin next week with hot temperatures expected to continue.

Isolated and light showers that have been experienced in some parts of Zimbabwe are expected to continue throughout the country.

“The persistence of moisture is in preparation for the onset of the main rains due early November. High temperatures mean high rates of evaporation. Therefore, any rains that have been or are falling have been or are quickly evaporating,” said MSD chief forecaster Mr Tich Zinyemba.

“Thunderstorm activity should continue in all Mashonaland Provinces, Matabeleland North province and northern districts of Manicaland province. For the rest of the country, it should be hot, humid and hazy. As of now, any showers should be very isolated and light.”

He said the country is currently under a hot to very hot and relatively moist weather. “This is causing thunderstorm activity, including for the first time this season in all the three Mashonaland Provinces as well as Manicaland,” said Mr Zinyemba.

“As is expected for October, the rainfall amounts are generally light (less than 10mm). Despite this, there are reports of hail and strong winds in some areas, including Harare and Chitungwiza. This scenario is forecast to continue for most of this week.”

He said of concern are the damaging winds and hail that is characteristic of this period. — @AuxiliaK

John Mangudya

Lloyd Gumbo, Harare Bureau
FOREIGN currencies that will be in bank accounts will not be converted to bond notes when they are finally introduced, Central Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya has said.

In an interview, Dr Mangudya said there was no need for bankers to panic as their money would remain in the currencies that it was before introduction of the bond notes.

Dr Mangudya’s assurance comes after revelations that some shops were no longer accepting plastic money for fear that their money would be converted to bond notes when they are introduced in due course.

It is understood that some shops and service providers are now taking cash payments only.

But Dr Mangudya implored the media to play their role in educating people about the bond notes.

“There is no relationship between plastic money and bond notes,” said Dr Mangudya.

“The two are, instead, alternatives. It is the role of the media to also clarify that there would be no bond notes accounts and there would be no conversion. Any money in the accounts can be spent through plastic money.”

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) chief executive Mr Christopher Mugaga said there was a lot skepticism about the bond notes.

“It is for that reason that as ZNCC we are hosting a breakfast meeting with Dr Mangudya on Thursday (today) so that he can explain the position on bond notes,” he said.

“If you look at the bank transactions at the moment, about 4 percent only at any branch are deposits, which goes to show that there is a serious problem. If people cannot deposit, it means that even the issue of plastic money comes into question.

“Dr Mangudya will have an opportunity to explain to people so that they understand. As we speak, people are moving their cash outside the country because they have not understood what the bond notes seek to achieve. He just has to be clear to business that he will not tamper with people’s money to restore confidence.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president, Mr Busisa Moyo said refusal by retailers to accept plastic money would impact negatively on their clients.

“We have not really heard confirmed reports on that, but what I can say is that there should be no restrictions on payments. If there are such restrictions, they will also have a back stream impact on us. Our point is that we need all the payment options available.

“To be restricted, will negate all the progress we have made in terms of the Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016,” said Mr Moyo.

Dr Mangudya at the weekend said introduction of bond notes early next month was still on course with massive national awareness campaigns expected to start on October 31.

He said the bank was in the process of importing more US dollars, but warned the people not to abuse the money. The notes, with a value of $75 million, will be introduced in $2 and $5 denominations.

Graders level the ground for pitching tents at Masvingo Showgrounds in preparation for the 16th Zanu-PF People’s conference

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 16th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference slated for Masvingo Showgrounds in December are way ahead of schedule, with most targets for the event having been surpassed.

The conference will run from December 13 to 17 under the theme, “Moving with ZimAsset in Peace and Unity.”

The Provincial Local Organising Committee led by the party’s secretary for finance, Dr Killer Zivhu, has already mobilised 52 beasts, two more than the budgeted 50 head of cattle.  The committee has also surpassed the $50 000 target with the welfare sub-committee having already secured 7 000 beds for all delegates.

About 6 000 delegates are expected to throng the showgrounds for the conference which promises to be the second biggest event after the 92nd birthday bash held in February at the Great Zimbabwe monuments where over 50 000 people attended.

Speaking during a progress meeting held at the venue of the conference yesterday, a delegation led by National Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere hailed the PLOC for moving with haste to ensure that the event would be a success.

“I want to thank you members in Masvingo for showing unity of purpose. I think we have made good progress on site,” said Cde Kasukuwere.

He said that his delegation would return to inspect the pitching of tents and expressed optimism that the event would be the mother of all conferences.

Cde Kasukuwere urged the Masvingo City Council to maintain high standard of cleanliness ahead, during and after the conference.

He said the PLOC must make use of the donated money to address some of the emerging needs so that work won’t be stalled.

“We are pleased with the reports from health, security, transport and entertainment committees and we are confident that if it remains like this — things moving according to plan, we will have a very successful conference.

“You successfully hosted the 21st February Movement in February at the Great Zimbabwe monuments and it was well planned. We expect you to keep up the standard,” Cde Kasukuwere said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Transport and Welfare in the Politburo, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said she was satisfied with the state of accommodation in most hotels and lodges save for the fact that some linen and beds had to be changed.

She said schools would also get some funds for the face-lift of their facilities like toilets, adding that some buildings need repairs on doors and windows.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu-PF Secretary for Education, Dr Joram Gumbo, assured the party that the issue of roads would be attended to in time for the conference.

He tasked the District Development Fund to start clearing national roads of bushes especially the Masvingo-Harare Road to avoid accidents as the volume of traffic is expected to increase prior, during and after the conference.

On accreditation of delegates, the deputy Secretary for Security in the Politburo, Cde Lovemore Matuke, said the process would be done in all seven districts of Masvingo province between 6-14 November.

He said Central Committee, Politburo members and the media would be accredited at Masvingo Polytechnic College.

Cde Matuke, who is also Zanu-PF chief whip, said other delegates would get accreditation in their respective provinces.

A visit to the venue revealed that the DDF has covered a lot of ground on site as graders were levelling the ground for the pitching of the tents.

A private organisation, Royal Flair Events, has started constructing a state of the art toilet with the health sub-committee also set to build another toilet to complement the ones in place.

Nine music and dance groups have been selected to provide entertainment during the conference. Sulumani Chimbetu and his Orchestra Dendera Kings ensemble will also entertain guests. — @walterbmswazie2

Jacob Zuma

Innocent Ruwende, Harare Bureau
SOUTH African President Mr Jacob Zuma is expected in the country on Thursday next week to attend the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission where Zimbabwe and South Africa are set to discuss trade, investment, energy, tourism, water, health, regional and global developments.

The Bi-National Commission will be jointly chaired by President Mugabe and Mr Zuma.

The South African President leads a delegation of eight Cabinet ministers and a number of agreements are expected to be signed between the two parties at the conclusion of the meeting.

The BNC was established on April 8 last year following the signing of an agreement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries during a State visit to South Africa by President Mugabe.

During the visit, three landmark agreements and two memoranda of understanding, which are expected to steer bilateral relations and development of the two neighbours to greater heights, were penned.

The BNC is a successor to the Joint Commission for Cooperation signed by Zimbabwe and South Africa on March 2, 1995 and it seeks ways and means of promoting and enhancing cooperation in the various sectors of Government and to coordinate initiatives in this regard as well as to facilitate contact between the public and private sectors of the two countries.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the session to be held in Harare on November 3, would be preceded by a ministerial meeting on November 2 and a senior officials meeting from October 31 to November 1 this year. “It is also expected that a number of agreements will be signed at the conclusion of the meeting.

‘‘On October 21, 2016, the Political and Diplomacy Committee of the Zimbabwe – South Africa Bi-National Commission met in Harare.

“The committee emphasised the importance of political and diplomatic consultations as a forum to enhance bilateral cooperation and an effective mechanism to track progress on the implementation of decisions taken at the BNC and other consultations,” reads the statement.

During President Mugabe’s visit to South Africa last year, the key agreement signed was on the establishment of the BNC, which Zimbabwe Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and South Africa International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane signed off.

The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on Diplomatic Consultations; while Finance ministers Patrick Chinamasa and Nhlanhla Nene signed the agreement on Mutual Assistance Between Customs Administrations.

The agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and establishment and functioning of the Joint Water pact were signed by the then Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and his South African counterpart.

Industry and Trade Minister Mike Bimha and South Africa’s Rob Davies signed an MoU on Economic and Trade Co-operation.

Presidents Mugabe and Zuma both hailed the agreements, MoUs and talks as notable milestones in the development of the two countries’ relations, expressing their desire to see these reflected in greater regional and continental integration for the betterment of citizens’ lives.

President Mugabe said there was much the two countries could learn from each other.

South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner on the continent.

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A MAN from Lupane allegedly stripped and axed a man that he suspected to be having an affair with his wife.

Qinisani Tshuma allegedly attacked Mr Washington Ncube (36) from Mbungu village under chief Masola in Gokwe, striking him with an axe several times on the body after finding him seated at his homestead with his wife.

Mr Ncube is batting for life at St Lukes Mission Hospital and Tshuma has been arrested.

The incident occurred on Monday at around 8PM.

A neighbour who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mr Ncube, who is a shop keeper at Sinqobile Business Centre, was at the homestead to collect a Nokia cellphone that he had left being charged.

“Mr Ncube had taken his phone to Tshuma’s homestead which is adjacent to the business centre and given it to Miss Nyathi for charging sometime in the afternoon,” said the neighbour.

“Upon collection in the evening, Ncube sat on the veranda before he was given the phone. Unfortunately, Tshuma arrived and got furious after seeing the two seated on the veranda,” he said.

“Tshuma did not believe his story. He thought Ncube was having an affair with his 22-year-old wife, Junior Nyathi.”

The neighbour said Tshuma accused his wife of infidelity.

“He rushed into his bedroom and grabbed an axe. He forced marched the two into his bedroom. He locked the door before ordering Ncube to strip naked.

“He then struck him twice at the back of both his knees using the back of the axe and once Ncube was on the ground, he further struck him twice in the head with the sharp end of the axe and once on the mouth,” he said.

Tshuma, villagers said, locked his wife and the injured man in his bedroom.

He went to inform the village head, Mrs Viola Dube, of what had transpired.

Mrs Dube said when she arrived, she was shocked to find a bloodied Ncube naked.

She said she asked him to dress up before she could enter the room.

“While he dressed up, I sought help from other villagers and we rushed him to St Luke’s Mission Hospital. We made a report to the police resulting in Tshuma’s arrest.”

Mr Ncube allegedly suffered a fractured skull, a number of loose teeth and lacerations on the body due to the assault.

It is alleged he also lost $100 and his cellphone.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Sergeant Namatirai Mashona said she had not yet received the report.

@winnie_masara

Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
The Secretary for Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Mr George Magosvonge yesterday said he was not aware of the 100 000 litres of fuel donated to the Zimbabwe Youth Council by Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef).

Giving oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment chaired by Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Cde Justice Mayor Wadyajena (Zanu-PF), Mr Magosvonge said despite him being the accounting officer of the ministry, he was not made aware of such a donation.

Mr Magosvonge’s remarks come as it also emerged that Parliament has rejected an attempt by the ZYC executive director, Mr Livingstone Dzikira to have Cde Wadyajena recuse himself from the inquiry arguing that he was a member of Zanu-PF Youth League, the supposed beneficiary of the fuel.

Mr Dzikira now risks being charged with contempt of Parliament for failing to attend Parliament to give evidence.

In yesterday’s hearing, Mr Magosvonge said while ZYC was a semi-autonomous body, it was supposed to apprise him of any donations and account for it.

“We have an executive director appointed in terms of the ZYC Act. That executive director is a sub-accounting officer at their level and because he is sub-accounting officer, it means I am an accounting officer of ZYC and to that extent, when they undertake their programmes they are supposed to advise us,” said Mr Magosvonge while fielding a barrage of questions from Cde Wadyajena.

Asked if he was aware of any donation made, Mr Magosvonge said: “To the extent that a disclosure has been made, I will be aware. They are supposed to account for the resources that  are at their disposal. If they get funding, they are supposed to disclose how they would have used it. At the end of the day, I am the accounting officer. If they receive any other donation I expect it to be accounted for.”

“Under my tenure, I am not aware of any donation that might have come from Zimdef. I might have to check with my colleagues.”

Asked if Zimdef had made donations to other entities like vocational training centres, Mr Magosvonge said: “Not on my record, sir.”

Meanwhile, Parliament has rejected a bid by Mr Dzikira to have Cde Wadyajena recuse himself from chairing the committee to enquire into how the fuel was utilised.

“There is no legal basis for requesting Hon Wadyajena to be recused from presiding over the inquiry by the Committee. He is chairing the meeting in his capacity as the chairperson of a portfolio committee of Parliament which is constitutionally-mandated to exercise oversight over the Executive, in particular the Ministry of Youth and all bodies that fall under it. He is exercising his role in terms of Section 119 of the Constitution and not as a member of the Zanu-PF Youth League,” wrote counsel to Parliament, Ms Gladys Pise in an advisory opinion to Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda.

In his letter, Mr Dzikira wrote: “We kindly request that the chairperson of this Committee be recused from presiding over this meeting as we feel that he is an interested party and is conflicted. This request comes after the realisation that among items to be discussed on the agenda, is the submission of a detailed report on the 100 000 litres of fuel that the Youth Council received from Zimdef on behalf of Zanu-PF Youth League. It is to this end that we seek the recusal of Hon Wadyajena as he is a member of Zanu-PF Youth League which received this fuel. We are of the opinion that the Chair might be conflicted on this matter.”

The calling of ZYC is expected to culminate in the invitation of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa who allegedly siphoned about $450 000 from Zimdef.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has also indicated that the 100 000 litres of fuel reported to have been channelled towards Zanu-PF Youth might not have reached its intended destination as it could have found its way into the black market.

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A MAN and three donkeys died after they were struck by lightning in two incidents in Matabeleland North.

A bolt of lightning fatally struck Charles Maponda (32) of Nyamandlovu in Umguza District while he was looking for firewood in a bush on Tuesday.

Maponda, a recently promoted farm employee at Waynne Manroe’s Farm, knocked off duty and left alone to fetch firewood in the bush.

Mr Robert Muthethwa, who is a security guard at the Farm, discovered the badly burnt body minutes after he had been struck.

“It started to rain and there was thunder and lightning. I found Maponda in an open space. It looked like he had just been struck by lightning.

“He had sustained serious burns on his right foot, right thigh and forehead. His clothes and the gumboots that he wore had been burnt too,” he said.

Mr Muthethwa said he informed other farm workers who reported the matter to the police and the body was conveyed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for postmortem.

Meanwhile, Mr Ephraim Ngwenya (32) of Ngonyama Village, ward 3 in Tsholotsho also lost three donkeys after lightning struck them in his garden.

He told The Chronicle that he was still in shock.

“It’s like they had been set alight. We saw the lightning strike once and we saw smoke come from the garden. The donkeys died.

“I, however thank the Lord that my family remained safe indoors. One can never avoid such incidents whether indoors or outside. We pray for protection and the safety of human lives during this rainy season,” said Mr Ngwenya.

Village head Johnson Ncube of Ngamo village urged villagers to stay calm indoors during the rainy season, which has just started.

“It is scary to think these are the first rains and they have already killed humans and livestock.

“People shouldn’t stand under trees when it’s raining and they should install tall copper poles in their homesteads to divert the lightning bolts,” he said.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Sergeant Namatirai Mashona could not be reached for comment.

@winnie-masara

Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
ALL minors aged 18 years and below entering Botswana will now be required to produce their birth certificates and passports to be allowed entry in a bid to curb human trafficking.

In a statement, Botswana’s Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs said the move was also aimed at monitoring movement of children across the country’s borders.

“The Botswana government has tightened travel regulations with a new requirement for certified copies of unabridged birth certificates for all minors under the age of 18 travelling through its ports of entry.

“Minors will now be required to produce birth certificates in addition to the standard requirement of a valid passport at all ports of entry and exit,” reads the statement.

The Ministry said in the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to the travel should be produced.

“However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate,” it added.

“Botswana, like other countries is affected by this (human trafficking) problem, and as such, has enacted (legislation to implement) the United Nations Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol, which calls upon governments to come up with deliberate measures aimed at combating human trafficking.”

@thamamoe.

Minister Lazarus Dokora

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE new education curriculum which Government plans to implement in January next year has already attracted attention from Sadc countries with South Africa preparing to send its pupils to attend school in the country to tap into the new system.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora on Wednesday told about 1 700 headmasters attending the 26th National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH) conference here that Namibia had also requested to have a look at the curriculum with a view to adopting it.

“I had a meeting with South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education (Angie Motshekga) who said her country will be sending pupils to learn in Zimbabwe from Form 1 up to Form 4 because they want to tap into our new curriculum,” he said.

Dr Dokora said South Africa, whose education sector is filled with Zimbabwean teachers, wants to train teachers locally as the neighbouring country seeks to benefit from the quality of the local education system.

“South Africa wants to participate in our curriculum and if they start training their teachers here, don’t you see opportunities in that? Namibia also took the document for perusal because they are interested in it and you hear some of you saying they don’t want to implement it,” he said.

Dr Dokora said the crafting of the new curriculum was a long journey which started with a mere budget of $1,3 million out of the required $18,7 million.

He encouraged school heads to “lead from the front because it’s essential that we get its implementation right the first time.”

With a literacy rate of 92 percent, added Dr Dokora, Zimbabwe has an asset that should be utilised and all stakeholders should strive to push that rate to 100 percent.

“Learners are excited and we shouldn’t fail them because this is their opportunity.

“It is therefore imperative for all school heads to give priority to the implementation of the new curriculum which should be your guide every day.

“Government has given you the stewardship of the new curriculum so you should have the ability to communicate with all partners involved,” he said.

NAPH president Mrs Cynthia Khumalo said the conference is meant to reflect on challenges and opportunities coming with the new curriculum as they draw closer to implementation period.

She said school heads were ready to implement the new concept and take education to another level.

“This is the 26th conference which is wholly about the new curriculum as we look at challenges and opportunities it brings.

“Some of the challenges coming up are to do with resources and the Ministry is saying let’s use available resources to equip ourselves and learners to attain skills,” Mrs Khumalo said.

The conference started yesterday and ends today.

@ncubeleon

Temba Mliswa

Harare Bureau
Newly-elected Norton MP, Mr Temba Mliswa was yesterday sworn in by Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda in the National Assembly.

Mr Mliswa, who contested as an independent candidate, won the constituency beating Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Ronald Chindedza and Mr David Choga of the National Constitutional Assembly in a by-election held last weekend.

The former Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson garnered 8 927 while Cde Chindedza got 6 192 with Mr Choga securing 89, paving way for Mr Mliswa to clinch the seat.

The seat fell vacant following the expulsion of Mr Christopher Mutsvangwa after he continued to denounce Zanu-PF leadership.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Cde Mabel Chinomona directed Mr Chokuda to administer oath of office in terms of the Constitution.

Mr Mliswa took his oath amid cheers from MDC-T legislators .

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Felex Share, Harare Bureau
The Government is formalising operations of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) for investors to be able to evaluate their businesses and make decisions, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.

He said most SMEs were not registered and lacked accounting records and investment into them was considered high risk.

VP Mnangagwa made the remarks in Harare yesterday while opening the 2016 SMEs International Expo and launching the Virtual Business Incubation Centre for SMEs.

The SMEs International Expo is an annual exhibition which affords small businesses and corporates a platform to showcase their products and services.

The Virtual Business Incubation Centre grooms small businesses through a mentoring programme that provides business planning, marketing, quality assurance, effective costing and reporting on performance.

“Government is seized with the development of a formalisation strategy to address the informality of these businesses,” VP Mnangagwa said.

“The strategy is designed to facilitate registration and licensing of these operations, provision of infrastructure, accessing banking products and tenders. There are tax rebates and allowances which can be claimed by businesses which are regularly assessed by Zimra. Moreover, unregistered SMEs continue to lose out on the 25 percent tender value issued to Government that is reserved for SMEs.”

He said in some countries, registered SMEs were offered export incentives.

“They get paid a certain percentage of the tax invoices as a ‘Thank You’ by Government for successfully penetrating foreign markets,” he said.

“Government, in an effort to promote exports, is considering such incentives. Formalisation of SMEs allows them to do business with other companies and businesses or enter into joint venture arrangements with local or foreign investors and be able to export their products.”

VP Mnangagwa said because of their informal status, most SMEs were failing to borrow from banks.

He said SMEs had kept Zimbabwe’s economy alive, accounting for about 70 percent of the country’s economic activities.

“Despite the dominance of small business enterprises in Zimbabwe, most of them have failed to realise full potential due to a number of impediments that constrain their growth,” he said.

“These include lack of finance and appropriate technology, low business management skills, weak business linkages and lack of markets. For these reasons, it has been difficult for SMEs to grow beyond what they are now and to export into the regional and international markets.”

He said there was a need for Government, through the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) to work with small businesses to develop quality products.

“Quality is the hallmark of market-success for every organisation,” VP Mnangagwa said.

“Quality allows for penetration of both domestic and foreign markets, constituting a major driver of industrialisation. In that regard, every effort meant to improve quality must be nurtured and supported by all. The ISO-certification, being an international quality-seal, enhances market confidence of the said products, resulting in increased domestic and export sales.”

He said small businesses were operated by “first generation entrepreneurs” hence the need for training and technical support.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development Cde Tsitsi Muzenda reads a plaque after commissioning the Mathabiswana and Hlanganani Schools Electrification Project in Insuza yesterday. Looking on among the guests are from left, the Senator for Umguza Mrs Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu, Member of House of Assembly for Umguza Constituency Dr Obert Mpofu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development Mr Patson Mbiriri, , the Umguza District Administrator Mrs Ennety Sithole and REF board members and staff. (Picture by Eliah Saushoma)

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Rural Electrification Fund (REF) has electrified 8 685 rural institutions in the country, with 754 institutions in Matabeleland North province benefiting from the project since its inception in 2002.

Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister Tsitsi Muzenda yesterday commissioned a rural electrification project that cost $216 317 at Mathabiswana and Hlanganani schools in Umguza District, Matabeleland North province.

Two primary schools, one secondary school and adjacent communities are set to benefit from the project, which is part of the Government’s efforts to provide power in rural areas.

Deputy Minister Muzenda said she was happy that the fund has made significant strides in the electrification of rural areas in the country.

“The fund has electrified 8 685 rural institutions countrywide using both grid and solar technologies. In Matabeleland North province alone, REF has electrified 754 institutions, of which 97 are in Umguza District.

“The institutions include 32 primary schools, 14 secondary schools, 10 rural health centres, three chiefs’ homesteads, three government extension offices, two business centres, eight villages, 13 small scale farms and 12 others,” said Deputy Minister Muzenda.

She said the project commissioned yesterday will also benefit the business centres, surrounding rural institutions and villages as they can now have access to the grid.

Provision of electricity, the Deputy Minister added, is in line with Zim-Asset, which was crafted to achieve sustainable development and social equity in the country.

“Many other benefits will accrue from the electrification of our rural areas, among them the reversal of rural-urban migration and economic activities in downstream industries.

“The rural electrification programme has potential to improve the quality of life in rural areas. Teachers who used to shun working in the rural areas will now be happy to work at these schools while the child mortality rate has been reduced at rural health centres,” said Deputy Minister Muzenda.

She urged authorities at the institutions to take advantage of the infrastructure and raise the standard of education and health through maximum utilisation and guard the grid infrastructure against vandalism.

She said despite the commendable progress made by REF in the electrification of rural areas, the programme has not been spared from the economic challenges.

“One of the major challenges is lack of generation capacity in the region in general and at Kariba Power Station in particular. However, the Government, in collaboration with Sadc countries, is exploring all avenues to alleviate the severe power shortage in the region.  The Government embarked on the Kariba South Power Station expansion project in 2014 and it has progressed well,” said Deputy Minister Muzenda.

She said there was a need to develop decentralised energy systems based on renewable energy sources, especially for rural areas.

REF deputy board chairperson, Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo commended the fund for its efforts, saying electricity is an engine for economic development.

“Rural areas were neglected for a long time by successive colonial regimes. REF is doing a good job in extending the electricity grid to these areas.

From January to September this year, the fund has completed grid projects leading to 335 institutions countrywide and additional grid projects leading to 158 rural institutions were in progress during the same period.

“Further to this, three biogas digesters were completed in Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces while eight are in progress as we strive to meet Zim-Asset targets,” said Mrs Chitiyo.

She added that REF was committed to electrifying with grid network, all public institutions within 15km to 20km from the existing grid by 2018.

“We also plan to provide those institutions which are far away from the grid network, with solar systems and biogas digesters,” said Mrs Chitiyo.

Among those who attended the switching on ceremony were Umguza Member of Parliament, who is also Minister of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Dr Obert Mpofu, Energy and Power Development Permanent Secretary Mr Partson Mbiriri, traditional leaders, councillors, officials from REF and Zesa Holdings, civil servants and the community.

@pamelashumba1

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
TWO police officers who were arrested for soliciting a bribe from a man and allegedly later went to his home where they threatened to kill him if he testified in court, have been acquitted.

Malvin Ndlovu (36) and Trymore Gore (34) yesterday appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu charged with extortion and criminal abuse of office.

Delivering his verdict, Magistrate Ndhlovu cited lack of credible evidence as a state witness had lied under oath about his identity.

The State witness said he was Claudius Chauke but his real name is Claudius Manamela.

“How then can this court rely on his testimony since he lied under oath about his name and national registration particulars? The State witness is unreliable because he took an oath under a non-existent name,” said the magistrate.

“The State also failed to call other witnesses who saw the exchange of money, a Sibongile and a Bongiwe Ncube.

“It is therefore the ruling of this court that the testimony was unreliable and fatal. The accused persons are therefore found not guilty and acquitted.”

Manamela told the court that he was popularly known as Chauke as it is his totem and very few people addressed him as Manamela.

Ndlovu and four other alleged police officers armed with knives were accused of raiding the home of a State witness, Mr Mathias Moyo, in a bribery case and beat him up in an effort to stop him from testifying against them in court.

The cops, a court heard last month, allegedly threatened to kill Mr Moyo during the mafia-style attack at midnight. They allegedly told him that they were members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).

The cop gang allegedly advised Mr Moyo that it would be good for his well being if he kept away from the witness box. Although he insisted all five were policemen, only Malvin Ndlovu (36), an Assistant Inspector, admitted he was a police officer in court.

He appeared alongside an accomplice, another police officer, Trymore Gore (34), who allegedly demanded a bribe together with Ndlovu from Mr Chauke (Manamela) but did not go to threaten the witness at his home.

The cops were accused of demanding and getting $150 from the complainant to release him from police custody.

Ndlovu and Gore were represented by Mr James Dhliwayo of Pundu and Company Legal Practitioners.

@andile_tshuma

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
THREE men from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo are in trouble with the law for having sexual relations with a Grade Seven pupil.

The illicit affairs were exposed after the girl — who is 14-years-old — was caught watching pornographic videos on her phone at school.

Two of them have since been sentenced to perform community service.

The third one, Desire Siziba (23), a vendor, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu on Thursday.

The magistrate expressed concern that the girl had directed one of the accused persons to a lodge where she previously had sex with another man.

“I have dealt with this child in two different cases before. I cannot preside over this matter. Can I please refer this case to another court? However, I think the parents also have a case to answer here. Guardians should keep a tight leash and close eye on their children,” said Mr Ndhlovu.

“If you keep on sleeping around with these older men, even with your consent, we will arrest them but you will be susceptible to so many sexually transmitted diseases and at worst, HIV. Suppose you fell pregnant, you will not even know who the father of the child is.”

The magistrate continued: “In the last case, you actually admitted to have led your 36-year-old boyfriend, who can actually father you, to a lodge where you had previously gone with another man. So much experience for such a young girl. I think social workers need to be engaged so that you can get some counselling or assistance to get you thinking straight”.

Mr Ndhlovu lashed out at Siziba for having sex with the minor saying children are meant to be protected not exploited.

“It is a crime to have a sexual relationship with a minor who has not reached the legal age to consent to sex,” he said.

The magistrate said he could not deal with the case and magistrate Ms Tancy Dube ended up presiding over it.

Before Ms Dube, prosecutor, Mr Kenneth Shava said Siziba and the complainant fell in love sometime in July this year and had a sexual relationship.

“On an unknown date in July this year, the accused person invited the complainant to his residence. He dragged the complainant into his room and locked the door. He started caressing her and they ended up indulging in sexual intercourse. The complainant consented to indulge,” said Mr Shava.

He said the matter came to light when the minor was caught by her teacher watching pornographic videos on her phone at school.

A police report was made leading to Siziba’s arrest.

Appearing before Ms Dube, Siziba pleaded guilty to the crime.

She sentenced him to 12 months in prison but suspended six months of the sentence on condition of good behaviour for the next five years. The other six months were suspended on condition that he performs 210 hours of community service at Entumbane Police Station.

On October 10, a 36-year-old man from Entumbane suburb was also sentenced to community service for having sexual intercourse with the juvenile. Last month, a 29-year-old man also from the same neighbourhood was ordered to perform 205 hours of community service for sleeping with the minor.

@andile_tshuma

Simon Khaya Moyo

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
THE Minister of Policy Co-ordination and Promotion of Socio-Economic Ventures in the President’s Office, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, has donated R3 000 towards repairs for Mangwe District’s Dukwe Primary School which was destroyed by a hailstorm early this month.

The school needs $4 300 to replace the roofing and $1 400 to replace textbooks.

Mangwe District Administrator Mrs Felicity Gangada handed over the money to the school’s headmaster on behalf of Ambassador Moyo who is also Bulilima and Mangwe Senator on Friday last week.

The school’s headmaster, Mr Khumbulani Ncube, said pupils were in desperate need of learning space since the rainy season had started.

“We received R3 000 from Ambassador Moyo and we used the money to buy asbestos. We are grateful for this assistance as it is a starting point but there is still a lot that has to be done.

“Grade 7 pupils have completed writing their exams which has helped ease congestion a little bit.

“However, pupils are still crowded in classes while ECD pupils are learning outside. This isn’t a good set up considering that we are now in the rainy season,” he said adding that community members were also trying to mobilise resources towards repairing the school.

Mr Ncube appealed to well-wishers to assist.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Cde Obedingwa Mguni recently donated 1 000 exercise books to the school and urged stakeholders to contribute towards rebuilding the school.

He lamented the poor learning conditions which pupils at the school were now exposed to.

About 10 homesteads and shops at Dukwe Business Centre in Madabe Centre were also destroyed by the hailstorm.

Two villagers sustained injuries after they were struck by flying debris.

@DubeMatutu.

Tanaka Mrewa, Court Reporter
FIVE Bulawayo men allegedly attacked three cops at a police base, stripped one of them and attempted to rape her before robbing the trio of $80.

Two of the assailants, Mbonisi Moyo (31) and Edmore Moyo (30) both of Old Pumula Suburb yesterday pleaded not guilty to robbery and attempted rape.

Thumani Sibanda and Bhekimpilo Khumalo have already been convicted of the offence while another gang member, Menzi Dube is still at large.

Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya remanded the duo in custody to November 9 for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Taurai Hondoyemoto said the gang of five approached the cops on February 26 at around 1AM as they manned a police base near Amakhosi Cultural Village.

“The accused persons alleged that they wanted to report a robbery that had occurred at corner Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue and Lobengula Street. They advised the complainants to light their torches since it was dark. They further asked them to take their fire arms since their alleged assailants were armed,” said Mr Hondoyemoto.

He said upon realising that the police officers had no guns and their lighting was poor, they drew okapi knives and two sets of handcuffs before attacking them.

“One of the officers ran out of the tent and Mbonisi chased him. As they wrestled, Edmore came wielding an okapi knife which he used to cut the officer’s pocket. He took $20 and a Huawei cellphone. The officer managed to break loose and fled towards Makokoba Township.”

Mr Hondoyemoto further alleged that Sibanda and Khumalo dragged the female officer to a thicket at a nearby drainage ditch.

They threatened to stab her if she screamed and ordered her to remove her anti-riot police trousers but she refused.

“The two accused had already lowered their shorts and underwear to knee level. They assaulted the complainant using a log claiming that they would kill her if she kept refusing to comply. Edmore approached the three and tried to throttle the officer with a stick. He stole $5 from her pocket and snatched her necklace.”

Mr Hondoyemoto told the court that the third officer managed to flee and called the mother station which dispatched a dog section squad and managed to arrest Sibanda and Khumalo at the scene where they were still trying to rape the officer.

Dube, Edmore and Mbonisi escaped.

An okapi knife and a size eight shoe belonging to Khumalo were recovered at the scene.

@tannytkay

Brighton Ndove

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
A TOP Bulawayo lawyer, Brighton Ndove, allegedly connived with an unidentified accomplice using a fake identify card and forged title deeds to sell a residential stand for $16 000 without the owner’s knowledge.

Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya heard this when Ndove of Burnside suburb appeared before him facing fraud charges.

Ndove, who is a senior partner at Ndove, Museta and Partners law firm in the city, allegedly connived with an accomplice who claimed to be Sikhanyisiwe Phiri to defraud the complainant of his money.

He was remanded out of custody to November 3 on $100 bail following an application by his lawyer, Mr Mlweliwenkululeko Ncube of Ndove, Museta and Partners.

The State did not oppose bail, although it had proposed bail of $250 which the magistrate reduced.

Prosecuting, Miss Leanne Nkomo said on January 16 last year, Ms Simangaliso Muringi and Mr Edmund Makonese went to Ndove’s offices where the accused person introduced Mr Negion Majahana Moyo to a woman they said was Sikhanyisiwe Phiri, the registered “owner” of a residential stand which was on sale.

She said Ndove allegedly told Mr Moyo that Phiri was his long time client.

Phiri was in possession of a fake national identity card, registration number 66-295251-L-66, the court heard.

Miss Nkomo said the unsuspecting Mr Moyo was hoodwinked into believing that it was a genuine deal and out of trust, he paid Ndove $16 000 for the stand.

She said Ndove allegedly processed the change of ownership using forged documents.

“The actual value of the stand was $30 000,” said Miss Nkomo.

On realising that he had been duped, Mr Moyo reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Ndove.

Ndove was found in possession of fake title deeds and the fake identity card in the name of Phiri.

Earlier this month, another Bulawayo lawyer, Russell Dzete, was hauled before the courts for allegedly ganging up with three accomplices to sell a house in a fraudulent deal.

They allegedly forged title deeds which they used to sell a house in the city’s leafy Suburb residential area for $50 500 without the owner’s knowledge.

They allegedly placed an advert in a local newspaper purporting to be the owners of the property and put it up for sale.

The gang allegedly produced fake deeds of transfer and the unsuspecting complainant fell prey to the fraudsters and signed a memorandum of agreement of sale. The complainant transferred $50 500 into the law firm’s trust account.

Last year another prominent lawyer with the now defunct Cheda and Partners Law firm in Bulawayo, Mlamuli Ncube and three accomplices, allegedly forged powers of attorney and used them to sell two houses in the leafy suburbs of Burnside and Fortunes Gate for $75 000.

Ncube is now on the run after committing a series of fraud cases.

Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the Government is worried about an increase in bogus and unscrupulous lawyers who are defrauding the public.

The VP, who oversees the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, said the Government had noted worrying reports of people who have lost money and properties to rogue lawyers.

@mashnets.

President Mugabe

George Maponga in Masvingo
PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday capped 2 078 graduands at the 10th Great Zimbabwe University graduation ceremony held at the university’s sports arena in Masvingo.

Those who were awarded degrees and certificates at the colourful ceremony were drawn from the faculties of Arts and Humanities, Culture and Heritage Studies, Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Education and Social Sciences.

The graduands comprised 1 450 who successfully completed undergraduate studies and 622 who were in the post-graduate category.

Out of those who were capped by the Great Zimbabwe University Chancellor yesterday, 49,5 percent of them were female.

The total number of graduands this year represented an 82 percent increase from the 1 916 who were capped by President Mugabe at the institution last year.

Among those who graduated, 21 were awarded first class degrees across the various faculties.

Before graduation proceedings started the congregation led by Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo observed a minute of silence in memory of the late former Finance and Economic Development Minister Dr Samuel Mumbengegwi who died this year.

He was a senior lecturer at the university’s Faculty of Education. In his address, Professor Zvobgo said the institution continued to grow.

The university started with 4 000 students in 2012 but enrolment now stands at 15 000.

He said GZU continued to excel in the academic arena as evidenced by the number of local and international accolades won by students at the institution’s Herbert Chitepo School of Law.

“The development projects at the university have made it very attractive nationally and regionally and this year our enrolment stands at 15 000, a quarter of these are out on work related learning across the country and in the region. Of those in the region, 77 are Namibian students currently doing teaching practice in their home country,’’ said Professor Zvobgo.

‘’Our Moot Law Team from the Herbert Chitepo Law School has brought marvel upon marvel. In March this year the team was invited to the Annual International Mediation Tournament held at the Chicago Law School of Loyola University in the USA where they came a credible fourth out of 51 teams from across the globe. A little later, in July, the same team came fourth out of 25 competing world Law Schools at the prestigious Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Competition which was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.’’

Professor Zvobgo said it was worrying that enrolment of females was declining at the university.

He attributed the situation to the current harsh economic enviornment.

The institution also lost many of its students in a very short space of time owing to road carnage.

The VC said as part of its contribution to the country’s economic blueprint Zim-Asset, the university, through the Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, was taking an active role to boost sugar cane production by resettled farmers in the Lowveld through an initiative dubbed ‘’greenbelt.’’

The inaugural group of Lowveld sugar cane farmers undergoing the training led by Retired Police Commissioner Edmore Veterai was shown to President Mugabe.

Professor Zvobgo said the university was waiting for land promised to set up a research station in the arid Chivi district with emphasis on livestock that thrive in dry regions, like donkeys, as well as small grains.

The graduation ceremony was attended by top Government officials including Higher and Tertiary Education, Technology and Science Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa, Psychomotor Activities Minister Senator Josaya Hungwe, Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Shuvai Mahofa, Chiefs Council President Chief Fortune Charumbira and eminent members of the academia.

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO chiefs have clashed over self-proclaimed witch-doctors, also known as tsikamutandas, who are allegedly causing havoc in the district.

The tsikamutandas allegedly accuse villagers of practising witchcraft and force them to pay in livestock to be cleansed.

They allegedly go on to sell the cattle to businesspeople — who are suspected to be their partners — for as little as $100 per beast yet on average one animal fetches as much as $400.

Matabeleland North Senator, Chief Gampu, said he is against witch-hunting in his area and warned headmen and village heads against inviting them.

He said he has names of businesspeople and some Government officials who are taking advantage of gullible villagers and threatened to name and shame them to end the activity.

The chief said villagers have petitioned him demanding the removal of “the daylight robbers” from the district.

“It is reported that they are demanding livestock and other property from villagers whom they accuse of practising witchcraft.

“It is alleged that they are in turn, selling those cattle for as little as $150 to business people at Tsholotsho Business Centre,” said the chief.

“I have since engaged police and human rights officials to help the desperate community. When I summoned Chief Magama, in whose area of jurisdiction the practice has intensified, he admitted to having invited them into his wards for cleansing purposes. He said it was a normal traditional practice,” he said.

Chief Gampu said indicating that someone was a witch or wizard is unlawful.

“Besides swindling people, they are creating hatred among villagers, resulting in violence. Villagers have reported to me that they are tired of these people and they don’t want to see them anymore.

“This group of men who came from out of our province, claim to be in the district on invitation by some Government officials such as the heads of police, courts and other traditional leaders,” he said.

Chief Gampu said he had reported the matter to police at local and district level and was prepared to take it up to provincial level if no corrective measures were taken.

“It was even raised and discussed on Thursday at a Chief Council’s meeting that was held in Gweru. Chiefs agreed that tsikamutandas should be banned in Zimbabwe,” said Chief Gampu.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Cain Mathema said witch-hunting divided communities as it caused misunderstandings among the people. He said many of the witch-hunters were charlatans out to steal people’s money and livestock.

“I have said this before and I will continue to say it, these people only bring disharmony into our communities. They work with a few unscrupulous community leaders.

“In my view, they should be totally banned from society, but then, our society tends to believe that all black people are witches and wizards. This is Rhodesian socio-psychological education among blacks to hate themselves and each other and it should come to an end,” said the minister.

Villagers told The Chronicle they were too afraid of tsikamutandas to resist them.

“We are being forced to attend the tsikamutandas’ witch-hunting ceremonies by our local leaders. I lost two cattle, while my neighbour lost his biggest ox and two donkeys after we were accused of possessing goblins.

“Our cattle are then sold for as little as $100 to $150, which is daylight robbery but as villagers, we have no choice but to oblige,” said the villager who spoke on condition of anonymity.

@winnie_masara

Lawson Mabhena, Harare Bureau
NO evidence has been provided to support claims that Chinese companies mining diamonds in the Marange fields of Manicaland province were smuggling the gems, a senior embassy official has said.

In fact, Charge d’affairs Mr Zhao Baogang said, the Zimbabwe Government was realising more from diamond sales during the tenure of eight companies that lost their mining contracts than from Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC).

ZCDC last year took over the mining operations of Anjin, Mbada Diamonds, Marange Resources, Diamond Mining Company (DMC), Rera Diamond, Jinan, Gye Nyame and Kusena Diamonds, in a bid to plug leakages in the sector.

However, the decision to consolidate operations was not taken lightly by foreign investors who were partnering Government in various companies.
Addressing journalists at the Chinese Embassy yesterday, Mr Zhao said evidence is needed to bring finality to the matter.

Mr Zhao, who was addressing journalists during a media workshop on promoting China-Zimbabwe co-operation, said there is a need for investor-friendly policies.

“We need the chain of evidence. With no evidence you can shout and talk but what is the rationale behind that (the consolidation)? Investments worth millions were made but all of a sudden were lost. We have to make the comparison: which is better (ZCDC or the companies)? The production was making profit but now it is down,” he said.

“We hope we can have good co-operation then we can have good policies; not policies that can scare away investors.”

ZCDC made $3,5 million profit in March from the sale of 218 278 carats; $2,2 million from 222 528 carats in April and $900 000 from the sale of 72 563 carats in May from two production portals. Of this, about $1 million went to Treasury with the rest being re-employed to capitalise the company. This was against the projections made in March that ZCDC would be selling 500 000 carats every month worth an average $30 million.

Meanwhile, Mr Zhao hailed relations between Zimbabwe and China saying the increase in Chinese tourists visiting the country and the Asian country’s rise in Afrobarometer rankings as a development model in Zimbabwe, is testimony of the good work being done by journalists in promoting co-operation.

According to the survey, most Africans believe that China is the best development model for their countries, after the United States of America. In three of five African regions, China either matches or surpasses the United States in popularity as a development model.