Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mugabe’s meeting with war veterans will be held any time this year after the alignment of laws that have to do with matters affecting freedom fighters with the Constitution, a Cabinet Minister has said.

In an interview yesterday, the Minister of War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, said constitutional amendments will take precedence.

The Minister said the meeting is supposed to be held once a year, not necessarily every April, but any month.

He said there are many issues that affect war veterans that need to be addressed prior to their meeting with their patron.

“Alignment of laws to the constitution is one thing that has been holding us. Because we are keen to make sure that these collaborators, the cadres and all other groups, those who were war victims are covered in the Constitution. The laws were put in the Constitution but there hasn’t been an alignment exercise of the laws to the Constitution,” said Rtd Col Dube.

He said his Ministry was planning for a meeting between war veterans and President Mugabe after the alignment of the laws.

“They (laws) have to go to Parliament and we are working on that at Cabinet stage. So I think they should go through Parliament before the great indaba. So by the time we meet up with the President we hope to have finalised all these issues,” said Rtd Col Dube

He said once that has been done, the President’s Office would give them a date when to hold the meeting.

“It doesn’t have to be April all the time, in May or June but once a year the President promised to meet with war veterans. We are already working preparing for the meeting but we don’t have the set date yet,” Rtd Col Dube.

— @nqotshili

Minister Lazarus Dokora

Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE Government has cleared the air over the issue of school fees payment through livestock saying no parent will take their animals to school.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Lazarus Dokora yesterday sent The Chronicle a video in which he was explaining that parents can sell livestock to raise school fees.

He said his statement on payments was widely misinterpreted to mean parents will have to drag goats and other livestock to schools as payment for fees.

The misinterpretations were accompanied by various social media rants and allegations of a new currency, a ‘goat currency’ purportedly introduced by Dr Dokora.

In one of the memes circulating on social media, parents are told that certain teachers are not available for consultation as they are herding goats.

Dr Dokora said no school was a market for goats or any other livestock.

“There are lot of children whose parents had to sell livestock to take them through school. So the parents would sell their cattle, goats and then take the cash to school and that is what we are saying,” said Dr Dokora.

“They must create markets and arrange with local authorities to sell those goats or cattle. Our schools are not the markets but local authorities can organise for such provisions.”

To those criticising the concept, Dr Dokora said they had no better alternative.

Dr Dokora last week told our sister paper The Sunday Mail that parents who cannot raise tuition fees for children can offer livestock in lieu of payment or do chores for learning institutions.

“Our schools have to be flexible and ensure those who do not have money to pay fees can work. For example, if there is a builder in the community, he/she must be given that opportunity to work as a form of payment for tuition fees.

“On the issue of livestock, the community has to arrange a market where everyone participates; from the school authorities, local leadership and parents themselves to avoid parents being duped,” he said.

— @thamamoe

Andrea Zunga

Cynthia Dube, Court Reporter
A THIEF who got stuck for two days in a chimney at Thabiso Youth Centre in Bulawayo while on a mission to steal has been sentenced to 36 months.

Andrea Zunga (33) of Makokoba suburb appeared before magistrate Ms Nyaradzo Ringisai facing a charge of unlawful entry and theft.

He pleaded not guilty.

“Your Worship, I didn`t steal anything. I was just following my friends who told me that they were going to collect their things in an office,” said Zunga.

Ms Ringisai sentenced Zunga to 36 months in prison but suspended 12 months for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime.

“You will serve an effective 24 months in prison. You have to restitute complainant the sum of $400 within six months,” she said.

“You have been found guilty as you are charged. You planned to go and steal with other co-accused persons who are still at large but unfortunately you got trapped. In sentencing you, l considered that you are a first offender but you are a menace in our society and only a custodial sentence is appropriate for you.”

Zunga was part of a gang of three that hatched a plan to enter Thabiso Youth Centre in the same suburb through the building’s two chimneys last month.

Zunga is now widely known as Zungu or Mgijimi, a zombie from popular South African soapie, Isibaya.

The names have stuck after pictures of Zunga looking like the powdered zombie soon after being rescued from the chimney, were posted on The Chronicle website.

Prosecuting, Ms Tarisai Mutarisi said on March 29 at around 9AM, Thabiso Youth Centre official Mr Sibonginkosi Masuku heard a hoarse voice from the chimney and suspected that there was someone who was trapped inside.

“Mr Masuku then informed police and the Fire Brigade. The accused person was rescued from the chimney by the fire brigade team through destroying the chimney,” said Ms Mutarisi.

“The accused person confessed to the police that he had come to steal from the youth centre with his friends who managed to get out using another chimney. He said he used the wrong chimney and he got stuck for two days.”

The prosecutor said Zunga’s accomplices managed to get away with a Lenovo laptop, two computer speakers, two monitors, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a leather jacket.

— @cynthiamthembo1.

Dr Chris Mushohwe

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE digitalisation process will, apart from creating employment for hundreds, go a long way in restoring the country’s cultural heritage and languages, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Dr Chris Mushohwe said yesterday.

The minister was in Hwange yesterday to meet content producers as part of his national tour to mobilise producers in preparation for the launch of the country’s digitalisation project.  He told them that it was their duty to restore the country’s cultural values through various local television and radio programmes.

“This digitalisation project has brought a huge opportunity for us to create employment and make a lot of money. All content producers must therefore take this project seriously and be part of it. This industry is doing well in Nigeria, India, America and other countries. If other countries are doing it, it means Zimbabwe can do it too.

“We have a lot of talent in the country and Government is bringing something that is not expensive for artists to be millionaires. Resources have been made available and there’s no need for machinery to dig out talent because it’s already there among us,” said Dr Mushohwe.

He said the 75 percent local content that will be produced on the 12 television channels to be launched as the country goes digital is aimed at promoting culture.

“This massive programme will help us rediscover ourselves. It’s high time we restored our cultural heritage. We can only do that if we promote understanding of our 16 national languages. We want to see channels dedicated to children, the youths, sports and belief systems so that other people respect us for who we are.

“Our culture is rich just like any other culture in the world and we must give it the respect it deserves. No part of Zimbabwe must be left out in the digital programme,” said Dr Mushohwe.

He urged the people of Hwange to come up with as many programmes as they can, adding that he would be happy if one of the 12 channels will be taken by artistes from the district.

“I want to believe that Hwange has people that have the capacity to run a television channel. Those who’re able to apply for radio licences this is the opportunity to do so. This part of Zimbabwe holds more than 50 percent of the country’s artists and I’m hoping we’ll have a lot of groups from this area participating,” he said.

The minister was accompanied by his deputy Cde Thokozile Mathuthu, Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr George Charamba and senior officials from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (Baz), Transmedia Corporation and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

The digitalisation programme is in line with international trends and the requirement for countries to migrate from analogue to digital television broadcasting in order to avoid cases of interference between countries.

It entails the replacement of all existing analogue equipment with new digital equipment for the country’s television studios and television transmission equipment.

This will see Zimbabweans benefiting from a modern television delivery platform with service capacity to license new television players in Zimbabwe as well as improved reception of television services.

The process will also provide a business opportunity for independent producers to supply content to broadcasters.

Dr Mushohwe and his delegation will meet content producers in Binga today and Plumtree on Monday.

Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by Chief Hwange and other traditional leaders.

— @pamelashunba1

NRZ building

Temba Dube, Deputy News Editor
THE rundown National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is sitting on countrywide real estate estimated to be worth more than $150 million, with the potential to raise at least $5 million in rentals monthly.

According to information The Chronicle has pieced together in an in-depth investigation, the countrywide properties include guest houses in the country’s low density suburbs, thousands of hectares of forest land, vast tracts of idle land, church and residential stands as well as plots, farms to rear livestock and grow crops. (See the list of properties below)

The company also owns thousands of hectares of developed commercial stands, undeveloped commercial bays and land with supermarkets and safari farms.

But sources within the parastatal allege the asset register is in shambles, with claims money raked in from the properties cannot be accounted for.  Some of the properties are said to be idle.

The ailing parastatal has engaged Cabinet for Government approval to canvass for investors to raise about $400 million to finance short to medium term recovery.

In the long run, it needs about $10 billion in 10 years to be fully recapitalised and transformed — permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Mr Munesu Munodawafa told participants at a regional railway forum in 2012.

In 2014, then acting, now substantive general manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada told the parliamentary portfolio committee on transport that NRZ was operating at a loss of $4 million every month.

The parastatal has been acquiring land and property for more than 100 years, since its establishment in 1897 as the Rhodesia Railways.

Its pension fund has been used to build many more properties.

Sources at the national bulk carrier that cannot be named for professional reasons, said the problems at NRZ are man-made.

“A few selfish people are bleeding the company and by extension the country and Southern Africa dry,” said a source.

“The Government has to seriously look into affairs at the company because all hopes of economic revival hinge on a cheap mode of bulk transport to bring down costs of manufacturing so that local products can compete with imports. In a landlocked country, rail is the cheapest way to move raw materials and goods.”

To emphasise the parastatal’s importance to Southern Africa, the NRZ website reads “The NRZ operates a rail network stretching 2 760 route kilometres of 1 067mm gauge track. It sits at the centre of the southern African region and interfaces with contiguous railways on export/import route entries at Mutare/Machipanda for Beira, Sango/Chicualacuala for Maputo, Beitbridge for South Africa, Plumtree for Botswana and Victoria Falls for Zambia. The NRZ’s central position in the southern African Region makes it the ‘hub and gateway’ of the region.”

The rail system has collapsed due to decades of neglect.

The Railway Association of Enginemen (RAE), a union that represents the parastatal’s train drivers, has on several occasions warned that the country rail network has become a death trap.

RAE said derailments have become the order of the day due to the unsafe network.

Memorable derailments include a Harare-bound passenger train that left 22 people injured at Heany Junction about 30km east of Bulawayo on August 23, 2014, a Bulawayo-Victoria Falls train that derailed less than eight kilometres after leaving the main station in Bulawayo on October 19, 2014.

On February 24, 2016, a goods train carrying drought relief grain from Zambia derailed near Thompson Junction just before Hwange.

Speaking in 2014, RAE vice president Mr Juniel Manyere said the dilapidated rail infrastructure was stalling the country’s economic revival.

He said some sections were so bad, especially on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route, that the speed limit is less than 40km/hour.

“This delay in movement of goods and passengers has seen people running away from doing business with us. The Government should urgently intervene and rehabilitate the dilapidated infrastructure,” said Mr Manyere.

The NRZ requires $50 million to lay a new railway line connecting Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

The money, workers believe, can be raised by selling some of the parastatal’s properties or collecting rent from them.

Officials at NRZ said the properties alone, if managed properly could turn around the fortunes of the company and revive the country’s economy.

“Most of these properties have been in the possession of the NRZ before Independence. Before the 1990s when the company was still profitable, some unscrupulous individuals slowly removed some of them (properties) from the system,” said a source.

The sources said the glory days when NRZ was one of the biggest employers with one of the best salary rates in the country could return if the properties are properly utilised. At its peak in the 1990s, NRZ employed about        20 000 people. It now has just about 4 000.

The NRZ is saddled with about $144 million legacy debt with the workers owed $80 million.

NRZ is one of the strategic companies in Zimbabwe’s economy and its demise over the years has been blamed for crippling viability of several downstream industries.

Workers representatives told The Chronicle they knew the company had property that could reverse its spectacular decline, but they could not find a record of the assets.

The Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railway Workers Union (Zarwu) president Mr Kamurai Moyo said workers last year requested the setting up of a taskforce to investigate areas where the NRZ was losing revenue.

“Real estate was one of them. We suspect it could be the biggest loophole. Unfortunately, those who may have information about what the railways actually owns, are not forthcoming,” said Mr Moyo.

Zarwu is suing NRZ for $493 253 that the parastatal was allegedly deducting from members’ salaries but not remitting to the union.

Annually, the parastatal used to move about 18 million tonnes of freight.  This has been reduced to only about 2,8 million tonnes, an 85 percent downscaling of operations.

Last year, Eng Mukwada said the company had cut salaries for workers by 50 to 60 percent.

He said it was a survival strategy caused by viability challenges in the face of declining business volumes.

Workers in Grade A1 to B5 have been paid what they call “the circumcised salaries” only up to November 2015.

The lowest paid (A1) had a salary of about $172 per month before the cuts, while the highest paid (B5) was getting about $485.

Grades C1 to C5 have only been paid up to October 2015.

The lowest paid (C1) used to get about $562 while the highest (C5) got about $1 000.

The salary scale for the D grades which comprise senior managers is a closely guarded secret.

It could not be established if their salaries were also in arrears.

Workers who spoke to The Chronicle on condition of anonymity believe they are not getting paid because of corruption at the parastatal.

In recent years, the NRZ has been selling scrap metal to make ends meet. However, corruption has allegedly infiltrated the operation.

Last year, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) seized three trucks carrying 18 tonnes of wagon wheels allegedly corruptly acquired from NRZ.  The wheels were being smuggled into South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post.  They were destined for Treppo, a South African company.

The parastatal, stood to lose thousands of dollars had the load been successfully smuggled.

“It is suspected some of the company’s assets are being dismantled and carted out of the country at giveaway prices, disguised as scrap metal,” said an official at the time.

Mr Martin Banda, who was NRZ acting spokesperson at the time, blamed Treppo for the extra load.

Recently, some officials claimed every worker has found a way to loot from NRZ.

“Everyone is looting from the company to survive. We are not getting salaries. People are stealing anything they can lay their hands on to survive,” said a senior official who asked not to be named.

“However, the biggest looters are those benefiting from NRZ real estate. These are the people who have destroyed companies like Zisco, Hwange Colliery Company and everyone that relied on cheap rail transport to manufacture and move goods at cost effective rates.”

An official said the abuse of real estate was rampant.

“On December 31, 2013, rent arrears of nearly $10 million were just expunged from the system. There are no updated records of the rent register. It is suspected most of the sitting clients pay rent direct to individuals. As it stands, the value of rent owed is unknown,” said the official.

“The Government does not know the value of property and land owned by NRZ, excluding locomotives and wagons. NRZ should not be asking for donations. At the moment it is difficult to tell who is reaping millions from this mess because the records are in disarray.”

NRZ spokesperson Mr Nyasha Maravanyika disputed the estimated value of real estate owned by the parastatal.

“Only a property evaluator can give a comprehensive answer,” he said.

Asked if the parastatal has ever had the land valued, he said the issue was still under consideration, pending Government approval.

“The land has to be subdivided before it can be valued. Government has to approve first and there has to be a tender process,” said Mr Maravanyika.

Information obtained by The Chronicle and the properties list, seems to suggest subdivision has already been done.

Mr Maravanyika said it was unlikely that the asset register was in shambles because NRZ has a real estate department that collects rent every month and is subjected to regular audits. He said he doubted the company wiped out tenants’ debts in 2013, saying the company needed all the money it could make to overcome challenges.

In November last year, the Government completed a forensic audit at NRZ to investigate revenue collection, real estate and properties and human resources and staffing.

Although the findings have not been made public, the Business Chronicle reported on November 25 last year that a number of managers at the railway firm tendered their resignations in panic, after the audit.

Engineer Mukwada is on record saying heads will roll if the audit reveals wrong doing by management and other staff.

Part LIST OF NRZ PROPERTIES (GWERU TO BEITBRIDGE)

GWERU
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
GWERU
RT  345
Railway Strip Lot Number 1 through the Gwelo Commonage.
Extent:  2.34 hectares

RT   1963
Portion of Lot 3A West Gwelo Block
Extent:  14.23 hectares

Portion of Reserve land stretching from Rail track to Security Block.
Extent:  7.84 hectares.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land

LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
GUINEA  FOWL  SIDING
RT
Northern portion of Guinea Fowl Siding Reserve of Divide.
Extent:  4.55 ha.    Area used for chrome storage and loading by Zimasco and other small chrome miners.
SURPISE  SIDING
RT   270
Surprise Siding Railway Reserve of House.  North East side of siding.
Extent: 2.03 ha.

RT  270
Surprise Siding Railway Reserve of Home.
North West side of siding.
Extent:   2.03 ha.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

SHURUGWI   STATION
RT   1239
Portion of Railway Reserve at Selukwe East of Station.
Extent:

Railway strip outside Shurugwi Town.
Extent:

Railway Reserve on the west of Station Building and bounded by the hills on the western area.
Extent     Vacant land.

Wildex (Private) Limited, a brick making company encroached on to Railway strip.
Total encroached area = 9000m² (0.9) hectares (36m x 250m).

Vacant land

SOMABULA   -   BULAWAYO
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS

SOMABHULA    STATION
Portion of Lot 3 of Waverly on the West of Station.
Extent:   1.66 ha

Portion of Railway Reserve land stretching from Post Office to North west boundary of Reserve.
Extent:  2.34 hectares.

Vacant land.

Vacant land suitable for development of industrial stands.

SHANGANI
Portion of Railway Reserve – land on the Northern side of Station Stretching from Married Quarters (houses)
Extent:  0.92ha

Portion of Railway Reserve between supervisory grades houses commercial area

Vacant piece of land.

Vacant land threat of encroachment by Rural Council Commercial area

CEMENT SIDING
Land extending from corner Bulawayo – Gweru Imbizo Barracks turn off to the boundary with Pig Industry Board.
Approximate extent:  2.2 hectares.

Vacant land.

GREATER  BULAWAYO

WESTGATE
Land between Westgate Vocational Training Centre and the NRZ Westgate Security Camp.
Extent:  6.9 ha.

Piece of land abutting Birkenhead road and stretching from Sizinda Clinic to the road over rail bridge point.
Extent: 2.10ha

Piece of land abutting Birkenhead road on the Southern side and stretching from CMW turn off road to Sizinda Township end.
Extent:

Land stretching from PWM Depot up to Masiyepambili road flyover bridge.
Extent:  89.06 ha.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

BELLEVUE
Portion of Railway strip of Subdivision ‘A’ of Bellevue now disused .Stand 555.
RT   1283.
Extent:  2.78ha

Portion of Lot 17 of Sub-divisional ‘A’ of Bellevue.
RT   502
Ext.  0.28ha

Lots 549,  551 and 548
Extent:  0.66ha

Residential Stand.
Stand Number 10827 Hopton Road
Extent:  0. 12ha

Vacant disused former railway strip

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
MPOPOMA
Land in Railway Reserve stretching from old Khami road to Luveve road and between Mpopoma Marshalling yard and adjacent road on the west of Mpopoma station.
Extent:  60.6 ha.

Vacant land.

NORTHEND
Piece of land (at Northalt) abutting Athlone Avenue stretching from road over rail bridge point.
Extent:  3.5 ha.
Vacant land.
TEGELA
Residential Stands.
Extent:  3597m²

4 x vacant stands.

BULAWAYO   -     VICTORIA FALLS
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
PASIPASI  SIDING
(Siding crossing loop uplifted). Siding Reserve exclusive of railway strip.
RT 1303
Extent:   14.4 ha.

Portion of Reserve leased for animal  husbandry and
Market gardening.
REDBANK SIDING
(Water Right Reserve).
Land between Siding Reserve and Khami river.     RT 1245
Extent (4.8 hectares).

Portion of  RT 439
Siding Reserve excluding rail strip portion
Extent : 6.80ha

Extent RT  440
1.23 Hectares.

Portion of Sub-division A2 of Richardson’s  Farm (former Railway strip)
RT  190
Extent:  3.53 ha.

Vacant Land.

Private round huts under corrugated Iron build in Railway Reserve.

Vacant land.

Cultivated land- an encroachment of abutting plot.
Vacant former portion of Railway strip covered in bushes.
MORGANS SIDING(Uplifted)
Morgans Siding
Reserve ‘A’.
RT 435
Extent:  3.66ha

Morgans Siding
Reserve ‘B’.
RT  436
Extent:  3.66 ha.

Redleaf Water Right Reserve.
SRT 1259
Extent (2.15 hectares)

Leased portion of land.

Vacant land.

Disused Water Right Reserve with overhead Water Tank
NYAMANDLOVU SIDING
Nyamandlovu Station Reserve
Portion South West of Station.
RT  564
Extent: 0.25ha

Portion of land East of Station.
Extent:  3.30ha

Portion of land North East of Station
Extent:

Vacant land used for Illegal seasonal farming by locals.

Land leased for market gardening.

Encroachment by commercial developer.

TENELA  SIDING  (Closed)
RT 1224
Extent:

Disused Railway Siding Reserve
HIGHFIELD SIDING  (Closed)
Portions of RT 216 excluding railway strip.
Extent: 13.00ha

Disused Eastern Side Railway Siding.
Disused Western side Railway Siding Reserve.
SAWMILLS  STATION
RT  1184
Extent:  11.00ha

RT  1185
Extent:   0.5 ha.

Portions of
RT  508
(North  east of Station)
Extent: 1.50ha

Saw Mills Water Right Reserve.

Area adjacent to Triangle Site – South East of station. Land under seasonal farming.

Station Reserve.
NGAMO SIDING
RT 335
Extent : 11.00ha
Siding reserve land portion earmarked for safari operation
GWAAI STATION
Gwaai siding Reserve extension
RT 391portion of land south of rail track.
Extent:  1.12 ha.

Vacant land.
DETE STATION
Portion of Dete station reserve
RT 349.
North of station and West of water plant.
Extent:  3.0 ha.

Dete Township 4 of Railway Farm 42: Portions – 63, 64, 65 and 66.
Extent total7.7 hectares.

Dete Annexe
Extent:

Residential stands.
Extent:  2.73 ha.

Portion of Dete Station Reserve
RT 349 and Portion of Dete Triangle site
RT 523.
Extent:

Land leased to Catholic Sisters Dete for Market gardening.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

22 vacant stands

Vacant land.

MAMBANJE
Mambanje Quarry
RT 241.
Extent:  113.32 ha.

Forested land.
LUKOSI SIDING
Portion of Lukosi siding reserve
RT 330.
Extent: 8.00ha

Lukosi railway reserve number 3
RT 586
Extent : 0.7 ha

Railway reserve at
Lukosi river
RT193
Extent : 4.9 ha

Railway Reserve number 2 at Lukosi river
RT 238.
Extent:1.23ha

Reserve land used by Makomo Resources for storage and loading of coal.

Vacant land.

Vacant land straddled by Lukosi River.

Vacant land (former “E” staff compound which was demolished).
MBARIRA (HWANGE)
Railway strip 238 Mbarira
Triangular land in between rail line to Old Wankie and to Dete and Old Victoria Falls road.
Extent: 2.00 ha.

Portion of stand 260 Wankie Township in railway reserve land.
Extent: 22.48ha

Vacant land.

Two separate vacant pieces of land north east and North West of existing Mbarira Railway married quarters.

NGUMIJA
Area around Ngumija clinic
Portion of Lot B of Wankie farm
RT 510.
Extent: 0.52ha

Land north of St Mary’s Mission bounded by Danhauser Road.
Portion of Lot G of Wankie farm
RT 510.
Extent:1.37ha

Area extreme south of clinic sharing border with proposed commercial stands Portion of Lot G of Wankie farm
RT 510.
Extent:1.49ha

Open spaces (infill’s)
Part of Lot G and J of Wankie farm
RT 510 and 1048 respectively.
Extent: 0.64ha
Vacant piece of land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

8 vacant stands.
HWANGE  RALYTON
Hwange Raylton area:   Residential Stands:-

Residential infills.
Extent : 4.06ha

Six vacant pieces of land along:-

Ponty Pool Street.
Lothian Street.
Motherwell Street.
New Castle Crescent.
Middelburg Road.
Dannhauser Road.
THOMPSON JUNCTION STATION
Portion of Lot 8A Wankie’s Farm
RT 1223.
Old Steam Shed Coaling area.
Extent: 1.10ha

Unoccupied Workshop
Yard being used as Coal loading area.
MATETSI SIDING:  (TOTAL EXTENT 52.32 ha.)
Matetsi Station Reserve of Breakfast
RT 1003
Extent:
Portion of land to the Northern side of Siding.
Extent: 31.28ha

Portion of land South of Siding.
Extent:1610ha

Railway strip 429. Matetsi
RT 2068
Extent:.4.94ha

Matetsi water supply number 2, portion of reserve land
RT 1124.
Extent: 2.49ha

Matetsi water supply number 3, portion of reserve land.
RT 1874.
Extent:1.53ha

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant piece of land between Matetsi River and Railway strip.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
MASUIE SIDING
Railway Reserve land West of
Siding.
RT 356
Extent: 13.8 hectares.

Portion of Railway Reserve land on the East.
Extent:  16 ha.
Vacant Railway Reserve land.

Encroachment of 1.72 hectares onto Railway Reserve land on the south of the rail track. Area under seasonal cultivation.
Vacant Reserve land.

JAFUTA SIDING
Jafuta Siding Railway Reserve
RT 381
Extent.

Vacant land.

VICTORIA FALLS
Railway Reserve at Victoria Falls
RT 1248
Extent: 1.93 Hectares.
Area stretching from Livingstone way to the Railway Station and between Avis Garage and Railway track.

Portion of Railway Reserve Victoria Falls “A”
RT 1367
East of Victoria Falls Hotel
Extent: 1.02 hectares.

Portion of stand 303 Victoria Falls town ship.
RT 1974
Land between loco turning triangle and new houses EL 12-13 stretching from Lawley road to platelayer’s yard.
Extent: 0.8 hectares.

Railway Reserve at Victoria Falls
RT 1248
Extent :  0.65 hectares
Portion of land along Lawley Road, between Guest House and houses EL 11, EL13, EL 14.

Vacant open piece of land currently maintained by Victoria Falls Hotel as a recreational park.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land

BULAWAYO   -   PLUMTREE
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
KHAMI SIDING
RT   1284
Khami Railway Strip portion of land South East of Station.
Extent:  20.22 ha.

Explosive Siding.
Extent:  6.54 ha.

Land on the Northern portion/ side of Station Reserve
Extent : 20.95ha

Vacant land.

Siding not in use

Vacant land.

WESTACRE SIDING
Land being North portion of Siding
RT 1281 Fig.  1
Extent: :6.9 ha

Abutting current Railway Strip-Located on N.W. side.
RT  1280²
(3.24 hectares)
Disused Mabogutwanene Railway Strip Westacre (Disused former Railway Strip).

Vacant. land

Vacant land.
Consider for market gardening.

FIGTREE SIDING
Figtree Station
RT 1295 Portion of Railway Strip
Extent: 1.20ha

MARULA SIDING
Lot 1 of Subdivision ‘A’ of Wilfreds Hope.
RT  464
Extent: 0.59ha.

Piece of land under lease for market gardening

Vacant land.

SYRINGA SIDING
Portion of Southern portion of Siding Reserve excluding Rail strip .railway strip .Portion of    RT 1273
Extent: 36.37ha   (excluding 91.4metre strip).    .

Vacant land.

PLUMTREE STATION
Portion of
RT 1265.
Extent: 1 ha

Portion of
RT 1264.
Extent:  0.11ha

Vacant prime land.

Part of land leased to Council for long distance rank for Taxis.

SOMABULA -    CHIREDZI – NANDI
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY               FINDINGS
BANNOCKBURN STATION
Portion of Lot 3A Laings Syndicate Block (Land North of Station)
RT 1671.
Extent.  19 Hectares.

Portion of Lot 4 of Laings Syndicate Block.
Land on the North Eastern Side of Station –Compound area.
RT 1401.
Extent: 18ha

Portion of Lot 3A Laings Syndicate Block- West of Loco turning triangle.
RT   1671.
Extent 7 Hectares

Vacant land.

Vacant land excluding part occupied by residential houses.

Vacant land.

ZVISHAVANE
RT   1670
Portion of Railway Station Reserve at Shabani – Area around Loco turning triangle.
(Extent 5.18 hectares)

Portion of Railway Station Reserve at Shabani – Former compound Area with all but 4 houses demolished.
(Extent 2.35 hectares).

Land on Station Building side.
Extent : 0.55ha

Land South East of Station yard, boundaring Shabane Mine Dumps.
Extent:

RUTENGA  STATION
RT  2059
Portion of Lot 2 of Mariotti Estate
Extent: 11.27ha

RT  2048
Portion of Station Reserve on Northern west of Station buildings close to Supervisory area residential area.
Extent: 7.4ha

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant portion of land for possible residential stands.

Land under cultivation.

Vacant land.
Former E Category roundavels and land abutting CMW yard.

Vacant pockets of land.

MBIZI  STATION
Portion of Station Reserve South East.
Extent: 1.2 ha.

Land North West of Station Area.
Extent:  1.6ha

Land on the Northern side of Station
Building
Extent:

RT   1829
Portion of Lot 1 of Nuanetsi Ranche  ‘B
Extent

Sugar Cane loadings ongoing.

Former Roundavels Compound Area

Partially accommodating Supervisory
Grade accommodation.

Vacant land incorporating Railway balloon
TRIANGLE  STATION
RT   196
Portion of Lot 6 of Lot 3 of Triangle Ranch Being land between “E’ Staff Houses and married Quarters.
Extent: 9.81ha

Land between Station yard and Triangle – Chiredzi main road.   Land South of married quarters.
Extent: 1.8 ha.

Portion of Lot 6 of Lot 3 of Triangle Ranch.  Being land West of Rail line and between canal and Station yard.
Extent: 4.34ha

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
LUNDI   SIDING
Portion of Railway Reserve South West of Lundi Siding.

Extent:  21.1 ha

Land leased out (under sugar plantation).
CHIREDZI  STATION
RT   891
Portion of Railway Reserve Lot 1 of Hippo Valley North B – Being land North West of Station stretching from boundary with RMS to Buffalo Road Bag RR7
Extent:   6.6 hectares

Portion of Reserve West of Station behind married quarters and single quarters.
Extent:   7.37 ha.

Residential Stands
Extent:   0.57ha

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Three (3) vacant stands: – 493,498 & 499.
NANDI  STATION
Portion of Railway Reserve land on the West of the Siding.
Extent:   0.2 ha.

Portion of Railway  Reserve land on the north side of siding
Extent: 1.2ha

There is encroachment into Railway Reserve land of 10 metres by Marirangwe National Parks.

Vacant land.

RUTENGA   -     BEITBRIDGE
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
BEITBRIDGE
Former RMS and goods shed yard.
Extent: 0.89ha

Yard abutting former RMS and goods shed area
Extent: 1.70ha

Land located on the right side of the loco turning triangle.
Extent: 3.90ha

Land located on the left side of loco turning triangle.
Extent: 4.00ha

Land on the East of the main water tank boundaring former Sasfuel depot.
Extent:3.5ha

Portion of land stretching from quarters to the main entrance gate to carriage and wagon shop. Former cattle docks area ex Sasfuel.
Extent: 0.65ha

Former cattle Docks area

Yard is vacant.

Yard is vacant.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

.Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Ex SAS Fuel Deport

GWERU -   MASVINGO
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
INDIVA  SIDING
RT  1498
Portion of Indiva Siding Reserve on the Northern side of Siding (excluding Railway Strip)
Extent:  7.1 hectares.

RT  1498
Portion of Indiva Siding on the Southern side of Siding. (Excluding Railway Strip).
Extent:  7. 03 ha.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
LALAPANSI  STATION
RT  1504
Portion of Lalapansi Siding A’ of Lalapansi.
Extent 1.93 hectares

RT   1503
Portion of Lalapansi Siding B’.
Extent 1.23 hectares.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
MVUMA  STATION
RT  1522
Portion of Railway Reserve at Mvuma Siding of Central Estates.
Land on the Northern side of the station.
Extent:  11.5 hectares.

Vacant arable land.

FAIRFIELD  SIDING
RT  1524
Lot B’ Fairfield Siding of Requeza
Extent: 5.30ha

RT  1523
Portion of Lot ‘A  Fairfield Siding
Extent: 5.46ha

Vacant land. Partial encroachment

Vacant land.
FELIXBURG  SIDING
RT 1322
Felixburg Road siding North excluding Railway strip
Extent 3.77 hectares

RT 1323
Felixburg Road Siding North excluding Railway strip
Extent:   3.78 ha.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
CHATSWORTH STATION
RT  1972
Portion of Railway Strip 331 Chatsworth.
Extent:   0.38 hectares.

RT   350
Chatsworth Siding Reserve North West of Station
Extent.  4.03 hectares

RT  1970
Railway strip 347 Chartsworth – being small triangular piece of land on the extreme South of Station
Extent: 0.40ha

Residential Stand between Married Quarters LJ 20 and JV 18.
Extent:   0.37 ha.

Open piece of land.

Vacant land.  However there is encroachment on the western side where a Retail Shop was constructed.
Vacant land dissected by gravel road.

Vacant land.

Vacant stand
ZIMUTO SIDING
RT  516
Zimuto Siding East.
Extent:   7.02 hectares

RT   515
Zimuto Siding West
Extent:   7.02 Hectare

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
MASVINGO STATION
RT   1526
Portions of Victoria Railway Reserve

Land along Oliver Street North of Married Quarters
Extent: (1.61 hectares)

Land stretching from Club to Station Buildings.
Extent:  (0.84 hectares)

Land around low turning triangle straddled by Mushagashi river.
Extent: ( 15.13 hectares)

Land North of Station Area.
Extent:  (2.07 hectares)

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

Vacant land.
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    FINDINGS
ESIGODINI
Old Essexvale Station Reserve
Essexvale Station Reserve South portion of Lots 32 and 33 Portion of Essexvale Estate
Eastern side of rail – line.
RT  975
(6.7 hectares) including the Railway strip.

Old Essexvale Reserve on Western side of disused Station Reserve.
RT  984
Extent:  4.7ha
Disused Essexvale Station Reserve South being Portion of Lots 32 and 33 Portion of Essexvale Estate.
Extent:   4.7 ha.

Vacant land.
Bush overgrown land dissected by access roads.  .

Vacant land dissected by access roads.

MBALABALA
BallaBalla Railway Reserve
RT  219
Portion of land Northern side of Station area to the Western side of Railway line.
Extent: 1.95ha

Residential Vacant Stands between houses.
Extent:0.86ha

Vacant land.

Four (4) vacant residential Stands in between houses
WEST NICHOLSON
West Nicholson Station Reserve of Olympius block SRT  344
Portion of land on the East side of Married Quarters.

Portion of land former Loco turnaround triangle area.

Two separate blocks of land East and West of compound
Encroachment of 40m into Railway Reserve land by Nicholson Mine. (Also constructed three prefab timber houses for its employees).

Vacant land.

Vacant land.

— @TembaDube

Published with support from the Investigative Journalism Fund

Dr Godfrey Gandawa

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
LECTURERS in universities and colleges as well as teachers in public and private schools who are found guilty of abusing students risk having their degrees and diplomas cancelled by the Government to curb rampant abuse, especially of female learners.

Speaking at a Mkoba Teachers’ College graduation ceremony in Gweru yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Dr Godfrey Gandawa, said there was an urgent need to curb the surge in sexual abuse of learners in schools, colleges and universities.

He said cases of abuse of students were rampant.

Dr Gandawa said punishments such as imprisonment or expulsion from work was not enough since perpetrators always ended up teaching elsewhere using their diplomas or degrees.

As such, he said Government was crafting a law that encompasses all the Acts that are used in the running of teachers’ colleges, polytechnics and universities so that it is able to cancel certificates or degrees of those found in the wrong.

“We are in the process of crafting a new law for higher and tertiary education. All higher and tertiary education institutions, teachers’ colleges, polytechnics and universities, private or public will have the same law governing them. So in that same law, that is where we are putting deterrent measures to make sure that we curb such practices (abuse of learners). It’s actually a comprehensive Act,” he said

“Each university has its own Act at the moment, so we have about 20 Acts governing these institutions and the variation of policies causes some disharmony and disorganisation in these institutions. So we feel that once this policy is done it will control malpractices. Even in lecturers we also have this problem where they are asking for sexual favours from female students for pass marks. All that is going to be included in that Act.”

Dr Gandawa said some teachers have raped or impregnated young girls.

“When this happens we start questioning the training and morality of the teacher. For those graduating today, you are expected to engage in behaviour that meets teachers’ responsibilities in ways expected by learners and the society,” he said.

Dr Gandawa said 417 teachers had graduated with 205 being Early Childhood Development teachers and 212 from the general course programme.

“In pursuance of the STEM initiative, I’m informed that in this graduating class, 15 females and 16 males majored in Mathematics and 19 females and 33 males majored in Science, 19,9 percent specialised in Mathematics and Science and it is not enough to implement a science –technology biased curriculum to achieve our national- socio-economic transformation,” he said.

— @pchitumba1

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Fort Rixon has been arrested for attempted murder after he allegedly grabbed an axe from a man during a fight and axed him in the head.

Bhekithemba Mpofu of Chief Maduna’s area in Filabusi was apprehended by villagers who handed him over to police after he hit the victim only identified as Aleck, once on the head with the axe. Aleck was rushed to Filabusi District Hospital, but was transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where he is battling for his life in the intensive care unit.

The incident occurred at around 2AM last Wednesday.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkosilathi Sibanda confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm a man was arrested for charges of attempted murder after he axed his rival with an axe. He was axed once in the head and because of his worsening condition, he was transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for further management, “ he said.

A neighbour, Mr John Moyo said the two men had earlier been seen drinking beer together at Claremont Business Centre. “The two are not the best of friends but we have seen them drink together on certain occasions. They drank together throughout Tuesday night into Wednesday morning until a misunderstanding arose. We are not sure of what they fought over but we intervened and they stopped,” he said.

“They both left for their homes but a short time later, Aleck armed himself with an axe and followed Bheki to his home. He broke down his bedroom door and went straight to where he was sleeping and the two began to wrestle. Aleck attempted to axe Bheki twice before Bheki managed to grab the axe from him. He instead axed him once in the right side of his head,” he said.

By the time neighbours rushed to the scene, they found Aleck lying unconscious in a pool of blood on the floor. “We detained Bheki and reported the matter to police who arrested him,” said Mr Moyo.

@winnie_masara

Deputy Minister Fred Moyo

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
POLICE have been called to restore order at the recently re-opened Sabi Gold Mine in Zvishavane as artisanal gold miners (amakorokoza), who had thrived on the 24-month-long closure of the mine, have refused to leave.

Reports of armed clashes between mine security personnel and the artisanal miners are said to be continuing, with indications that casualties from both parties have been recorded.

Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC)-owned gold producer, Sabi Gold Mine, resumed operations last month after two years and expects to produce about 25kg of gold this month.

However, the mine may fail to meet the target due to the Amakorokoza menace. Mines and Mining Development deputy minister Cde Fred Moyo confirmed the development.

Cde Moyo said he was going to lead a special delegation to the mine to bring order.

“There are reports of artisanal miners who are refusing to move out of the mine. They are said to be looting gold ore even after the mine resumed operations after a two year closure. This is very sad considering that we found an investor and these artisanal or informal miners are disrupting operations. I hear that the police have been called in to bring order,” he said.

Cde Moyo said he had engaged chiefs, political party representatives and the warring parties for a round table to bring an end to the negative development.

“After having access to the mine for the past two years, they are now being ordered off and I will be going there with the hope of bringing the two parties together for a lasting solution. It is my hope that the artisanal miners group themselves and we find them somewhere to mine so that they do not disturb operations,” he said.

Sources at the mine said the artisanal miners were allegedly throwing explosives at security details from the mine with the latter retaliating with gunfire in mining shafts.

“The police are now doing constant checks at this mine which got about $13million injection from the government and a private partner,” said the source.

Meanwhile, Cde Moyo said the mine is expected to produce 25kg of gold this month. Sabi ceased operations in 2011 due to shortage of working capital and has been under judicial management since 2014.

The mine got a new lease of life after government injected $7 million worth of equipment with a consortium of local investors injecting $6 million.

Baldwin Holdings, a South African company recently completed refurbishment of the mine.

Artisanal miners invaded the mine and have destroyed key infrastructure.

Sabi Gold Mine, the fourth largest mine in Zvishavane after Mimosa, Shabanie and Murowa Diamond mines, used to produce about 50 kilogrammes of gold per month with a total workforce of 420.

@pchitumba1

Cde Dennis Ndlovu

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial executive was yesterday attacked by members who accused them of fanning factionalism and creating confusion in the party during a stormy constituency meeting in Nkulumane suburb.

The party members, in the no-holds-barred meeting at Pasika Church, told the provincial leadership that the misconduct and disloyalty by some in the party was a direct result of disharmony within the top ranks.

The meeting was attended by provincial chairman Cde Dennis Ndlovu, Central Committee members Cdes Violet Zikhali and Ataliya Mangoye, Politburo member Cde Absolom Sikhosana and national executive members.

Nkulumane and Pumula MPs, Cdes Killian Sibanda and Godfrey Malaba also attended the meeting.

Masiyephambili District chairlady, Cde Marian Ndlovu, said the leaders should practice what they preach if the party was to grow stronger and be united.

“We are tired of being told to uphold the values of the party yet our own leaders can’t do that. What is happening in the structures is being inherited from the provincial leaders. Some leaders are in the habit of personalising the party and running it like their own. The party will not go anywhere if we behave like this.

“Our leaders should justify why we elected them and lead by example. You can’t come here and encourage us to be united yet you don’t demonstrate it. We’ll not accept people who come from the provincial structures to the districts just to divide people and create confusion. Instead of concentrating on campaigning for elections, people are busy trying to own party members,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Cde Builder Mahlangu, the Ward 23 chairman, pleaded with the provincial chairman Cde Ndlovu to sit down with the provincial executive and remind one another the principles of the party.

“There is a lot of infighting and this starts with the leaders. It’s the party leaders who are inciting factionalism in the province. We don’t want provincial issues to spill to districts because this creates hatred among the party members.

“The love that our leaders are preaching should start with them. That’s the only way we can have a party that moves forward. Party structures are in shambles because people don’t want to listen to each other. The women’s league or youth league can now hold meetings without telling their chairpersons because someone in power is telling them not to do so,” said Cde Mahlangu.

Mafela B chairman Cde Tedius Pombi said it was important for party leaders to control people and tell them when they are wrong.

“The reason why we have people being voted into power today and kicked out in a short space of time is because there’s no unity at provincial level. We’re appealing to the provincial leadership to put its house in order.

“Let’s learn to support one another and protect each other for the sake of the party. We’re now chasing positions instead of the protecting the party,” said Cde Pombi.

Cde Ndlovu acknowledged the leadership was lacking and called on party members not to correct the situation through violence but by voting them out when election time comes.

“I was listening carefully and what has been said is true. It’s unfortunate that some influential positions were taken by the wrong people and this was a mistake on our part.

“Let’s not be violent. All we have to do is to vote them out when the time comes. There are people who don’t value the party. They use money to sway our members and cause a lot of problems for us,” said Cde Ndlovu, adding that party members should concentrate on winning the 2018 elections.

Cde Malaba reminded party members that there was one centre of power in the party.

“We have one President, one party and one centre of power. Let’s therefore work together and stay focused. We don’t want to see our leaders being sold out.

“Right now opposition parties are uniting yet there are people within the Zanu-PF party making frantic efforts to divide people. This is not what our Father, the late Joshua Nkomo taught us. We want to win the elections but this can only happen if we unite and work hard,” said Cde Malaba.

Cde Sikhosana urged party members to shun tribalism and desist from fighting for positions. He said politics should not be about power but about development.

@pamelashumba1

Minister Joseph Made

Elita Chikwati, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE is expecting to receive 80 centre pivots worth over $6 million from Spain to aid irrigation under Command Agriculture, as Government moves to adopt new technologies and strengthen infrastructural development in support of the successful import-substitution programme.

Negotiations are already underway for another facility worth $60 million for bigger equipment from the same country, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said yesterday.

The 80 centre pivots will come in batches of 20 and the first batch has now been prepared for shipment, with installation of the units expected to start next month.

The centre pivots will range in size from those which can irrigate 20 hectares to those for 80 hectares.

Dr Made said the centre pivots from Spain signified a new thrust of embracing new technology in agriculture to complement new programmes being implemented in the sector.

He said more companies manufacturing agricultural equipment from other European countries like Italy, France, Germany, Portugal and Turkey had expressed interest in dealing with the local market.

Dr Made said he was happy with progress taking place in Command Agriculture pertaining to infrastructural development.

“I am pleased that manufacturing of the centre pivots is going on well,” said Dr Made. “I am happy that we are going to have an additional facility. We are negotiating to increase the facility from $8 million to an additional $60 million.”

Dr Made said Spain had seen an opportunity to demonstrate its machinery and equipment in Zimbabwe. “The land reform and Command Agriculture have presented a business opportunity for countries manufacturing agricultural machinery and equipment,” he said.

“The additional $60 million facility will be bringing more and bigger centre pivots.”

Dr Made yesterday held a meeting with one of the major agricultural water management companies concerning French technology and irrigation aspects.

He said he discussed the supply of more agricultural equipment to Zimbabwe with the French firm.

“Every farmer who is going to be facilitated with irrigation equipment under Command Agriculture or any other programme must make sure that they are saving money so that when the time comes to deposit or to make good it is available,” he said.

“It is the confidence of farmers through paying back that we will continue to get lines of credit under Command Agriculture. First recipients should set a good example in maintaining equipment and paying back. It is this confidence we are building under Command Agriculture that we will pay back.”

Dr Made said farmers had already started delivering maize being harvested this season to the Grain Marketing Board.

He said there were lots of inquiries from companies that wanted to supply Zimbabwe with farming equipment.

It is because of the confidence being built in relation to recovery, he said.

“This shows the urgency of setting up a mechanisation and irrigation authority because with that modern and high quality equipment there is need for a specialised institution focusing on assisting farmers and negotiating lines of credit,” said Dr Made.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently said Government wanted to boost agricultural production and productivity through expanding irrigation facilities.

Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
ZANU-PF Matabeleland South has requested the party to confer national hero status on the late Central Intelligence Organisation boss, Cde Zenzo Ntuliki, who died on Friday night.

Cde Ntuliki (57), the Assistant Director in the President’s Department in charge of the Western region, died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after a long illness.

The Western region covers Bulawayo, Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South as well as Midlands.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial executive secretary for administration and Umzingwane legislator, Cde William Dewa, confirmed the development in an interview at the provincial party headquarters in Gwanda yesterday.

“Yes we have made a request that he be accorded national hero status. We haven’t received any response as yet from the leadership. We looked at his work before and after Independence. We think he did a lot for the country and the province, so he deserves such a status,” said Cde Dewa.

He said Zanu-PF had lost a committed cadre who was reliable in doing party business.

“As the Matabeleland South executive we feel so grieved. As a party, we want to send our condolences to the family. We lost one of us who was a very reliable leader and assisted the society and the community within Zanu PF,” said Cde Dewa.

“From the Land Reform Programme he was there. We really lost a hard worker. We sincerely send our condolences to the family and we want them to know we share their loss”.

An accomplished war veteran, Cde Ntuliki whose war pseudo name was Maphekapheka, joined the President’s Department soon after Independence in 1980 where he worked in various portfolios until the time of his death.

Cde Ntukili was born on August 8, 1959, in Gwanda District’s Matshetsheni area in Matabeleland South.

He, however, grew up in Mawabeni in Esigodini where he did his primary education.

For his secondary education he went to Gwanda High School which he left in 1974 when he was in Form 3 to join the armed struggle in Zambia via Botswana.  He was 15 then.

Cde Ntuliki is survived by eight children, three girls and five boys and six grandchildren.

Mourners are gathered at his residence Number 19 Kildare Road in Burnside, Bulawayo.

@richardmuponde

Minister Kasukuwere

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
FORMER Councillor for Ward 21 in Bulawayo who was fired following recommendations by an independent tribunal, has taken the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Cde Saviour Kasukuwere to court challenging his dismissal.

Mr Reuben Matengu was fired in February this year together with Deputy Mayor Gift Banda after the two appeared before the independent tribunal for gross misconduct and mismanagement following their suspension in September 2016.

Mr Banda’s application for dismissal of the charges and the tribunal’s verdict is pending in the courts.

In papers before the court, Mr Matengu cited Minister Kasukuwere, Bulawayo City Council, the independent tribunal and its members Advocate Hilda Makusha Moyo, Mr Midard Khumalo and Ms Lucy Manhokwe as respondents.

Mr Matengu, who is being represented by lawyers TJ Mabhikwa and Partners, seeks an order nullifying the decision of the independent tribunal and clearing him of misconduct.

The axed councillor wants the court to reinstate him without loss of allowances and benefits.

Minister Kasukuwere relieved Mr Matengu of his duties following recommendations made by the tribunal. He was found guilty of selling a residential stand in Southwold suburb, which he had bought under a special facility which gave him a 40 percent discount on the purchase price.

He was not supposed to resell it according to the agreement of sale.

In his founding affidavit, Mr Matengu said the tribunal erred when it found him guilty of gross misconduct, arguing that its decision was premised on irregular and unreasonable findings.

He argued that he paid for the stand in full and sought authority from the council’s director of housing and community services to dispose it.

“The basis of this application is that the decision of the first respondent (independent tribunal ) finding me guilty of an act of gross misconduct in the acquisition of stand number 18784 in Southwold, paying for it in full and having sought authority and permission to dispose it is grossly irregular and unreasonable,” said Mr Matengu.

He said there was enough evidence placed before the tribunal proving that he had been granted permission by relevant council authorities to sell the stand.

“The tribunal proved beyond reasonable doubt that I had been granted permission by the director of housing and community services to dispose the stand before signing the agreement of sale. I wrote a letter to the director of housing and community services informing him of my intention to dispose of the stand as per his advice,” said Mr Matengu.

He said there was no evidence suggesting that he took advantage of his position as a councillor to acquire the stand.

“Of note is that I even specified that I was applying for the stand as a benefit for councillors. It therefore follows that the acquisition of the stand was motivated by the needs and wants to advance myself and upgrade my social standing,” said Mr Matengu.

“I therefore seek a review of the first respondent’s decision, and that it accordingly is set aside and substituted with an order finding me not guilty of any act of misconduct, and reinstating me as Councillor for Ward 21 in Bulawayo with no loss of allowances and benefits.”

@mashnets

Spencer Sithole

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
THE man who allegedly fatally assaulted Bulawayo City Council’s assistant director of Engineering Services, Engineer Mbuthi Gugu Mkhwananzi, after the two clashed at a girlfriend’s house, is out of custody on $100 bail.

Spencer Sithole (33) of Hillside suburb in Bulawayo allegedly punched his rival suitor Mkhwananzi several times before striking him using a dressing table and a wooden stool two weeks ago at the woman’s house in Four Winds.

Mkhwananzi died a few days later at Mater Dei Hospital, allegedly due to the injuries sustained as a result of the attack.

Sithole on Friday last week appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya facing a murder charge. He was remanded out of custody to May 2 on $100 bail. Sithole was also ordered to report twice a week at Hillside Police Station as part of the bail conditions.

Sithole is being represented by Mr David Mhiribidi of Mutuso, Mhiribidi and Partners. When the accused person initially appeared in court, he told the magistrate that he suffered from arthritis and a fractured wrist which required medical attention.

The magistrate gave him the green light to be examined by doctors for the ailments.

Prosecuting, Mr Alfonce Makonese said on April 11 this year at around 7AM, Sithole went to his ex-girlfriend, Josephine Morrow’s house in Four Winds suburb intending to collect his car keys.

The court heard that on arrival, Sithole opened the front door of the house using spare keys and stumbled upon Mkhwananzi and Morrow in bed.

“The deceased was with his girlfriend when the accused person stormed into the house and found them in bed. Sithole got angry and started assaulting the deceased with fists, dressing table and a wooden stool and he sustained three fractured ribs,” said Mr Makonese.

Mkhwananzi fled the house as he bled profusely through the mouth and nose.

He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital where he died three days later as a result of multiple injuries sustained during the attack.

A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of Sithole.

@mashnets

Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga

Tendai Mugabe, Harare Bureau
THE Zanu-PF Youth League has added its voice to calls for the ouster of the party’s national commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere for plotting to unseat President Mugabe by setting up parallel structures.

The Youth League joins the party’s 10 administrative provinces, which have since endorsed the sacking of the embattled Cde Kasukuwere on a litany of charges by passing a vote of no confidence on him.

The party’s Women’s League raised the red flag on Cde Kasukuwere whom it accused of being the brains behind its expelled members Cdes Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo and Sarah Mahoka, who were accused of undermining the head of the wing, First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe.

The Youth League had been silent over the matter, but Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga, who heads the wing, told our Harare Bureau yesterday that they had no objections to charges being levelled against Cde Kasukuwere.

He said they were alive to developments taking place in the party and the youths had been actively participating in all provincial activities calling for Cde Kasukuwere’s expulsion.

“All youths are participating in the provincial activities that are taking place against Cde Kasukuwere countrywide,” he said. “All youths are supportive of that and we have not heard of any province which is against that. They are speaking without any influence and it is their democratic right.”

Cde Chipanga’s remarks put to rest claims in some quarters that those demonstrating against Cde Kasukuwere were either coached or not Zanu-PF members.

He said Cde Kasukuwere’s matter would be tabled for discussion at the next Politburo meeting. “Cde Kasukuwere’s matter is not a Youth League affair, but a party issue and as such it will be tabled before the next Politburo meeting,” said Cde Chipanga.

“We will make a decision as a party and not as a wing. We are observing developments taking place in the provinces and we are waiting for their submission to the Politburo to be deliberated at its next meeting.”

Zanu-PF UK and Europe branch yesterday also weighed in, supporting the resolution to fire Cde Kasukuwere.

In a statement, the branch’s chairperson Cde Nick Mangwana said: “Zanu-PF UK and Europe executive resolves that Cde Kasukuwere’s matter be subjected to due process as enshrined in our constitution. All antagonistic parties stop internecine fights and focus on service delivery as well as preparation for 2018 elections as directed by the First Secretary and President.”

Cde Mangwana continued saying they agreed: “To express solidarity with any decision that is taken by Mashonaland Central Province which is regular and taken in accordance with our party constitution, practices and customs of the party.”

Cde Kasukuwere is accused of trying to unseat President Mugabe by creating parallel structures to support his machinations at an extraordinary Zanu-PF congress.

He is said to be working with Cde Dickson Mafios (suspended Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central acting chairman), and petitions recommending their expulsion have been transmitted to the party’s headquarters.

President Mugabe has since advised that all grievances be dealt with formally through party structures instead of public demonstrations.

This followed demonstrations held by the party structures in Mashonaland Central against Cde Kasukuwere and his half brother Cde Dickson Mafios, who is the acting provincial chairperson.

A high level Zanu-PF delegation is expected in Mashonaland Central tomorrow on the instructions of President Mugabe to meet the Provincial Co-ordinating Committee.

The delegation, led by Secretary for Administration Cde Ignatius Chombo, was supposed to have gone to the province on Sunday, but the meeting was postponed after some Politburo members who were supposed to attend became committed elsewhere.

Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Dr Christopher Mushohwe (centre) exchanges notes with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cde Obedingwa Mguni, while deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Cde Sithokozile Mathuthu follows proceedings during a ZimDigital content producers meeting in Plumtree yesterday. — (Picture by Eliah Saushoma)

Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE Government is working towards revising broadcasting laws which will make it mandatory for radio stations both public and private to broadcast in the 16 official languages, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Speaking during a digitalisation tour in Plumtree yesterday, Information, Media and Publicity Minister Dr Chris Mushohwe said embracing local languages will preserve Zimbabwean culture which was suffering erosion.

“We need to revive the respect for our local languages which for a long time have been eroded by western standards. I wish our youngsters would emulate how the Chinese take pride in their language. The country has no social media headaches where citizens post anything about the Government,” said Dr Mushohwe.

“We even have some youths who were afforded a chance to go to university through the Presidential scholarship fund but when they cross the border into South Africa, they even change names and speak ill of the same Government.”

He urged members of the public to take advantage of the digitalisation project to create jobs as they add value to culture and languages.

His deputy Cde Sithokozile Mathuthu said imported programmes have led to social degradation and compromised standards of dressing.

“I have seen how big figured women shamelessly wear tight things nowadays and walk as if nothing is wrong. This is the time we have to gather local content which will restore order and respect in our communities,” she said.

“I was very disappointed when we advertised for a Plumtree radio station and no one from this end took advantage of that. We will not stop broadcasting because of such tendencies therefore I urge you to maximise this chance and create content in various languages.”

Mr George Charamba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said they would push for the amendment of laws to accommodate all languages.

“We have realised that there are some radio stations which are only broadcasting in three languages while sidelining many which are recognised by our Constitution.

“We are also working towards ensuring that our rural members of the public get the set-top boxes for free. These boxes will help them access programmes even with old television sets,” he said.

Home Affairs deputy minister Cde Obedingwa Mguni said sidelining other languages in broadcasting caused tribalism.

“As an official from Home Affairs we are careful of anything that threatens peace and security which includes tribalism. We therefore call on all operators to at least ensure all languages are catered for in their programmes,” said Cde Mguni.

Dr Mushohwe on Sunday officially launched the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) television news bulletins for nine languages.

He said the introduction of the formerly marginalised languages on national television underlined the Government’s commitment to ensure that all national languages were accorded due respect and recognition in line with the constitution.

“We are here for the launch of television news bulletins in nine national languages that were formerly marginalised. In fact, with this occasion we are giving such languages the respect they deserve as Zimbabwean languages as well as fulfilling the dictates of our constitution, which recognises 16 national languages,” he said.

Of the nine languages, four were introduced on television in 2016 while five were brought in yesterday.

The languages that were introduced yesterday in the ZBC television news bulletins are Chewa, Ndau, Kalanga, Xhosa and Shangaan. Venda, Nambya, Sotho and Tonga news bulletins were introduced in September last year.

Previously, the public broadcaster’s news bulletins were only done in English, Shona, Ndebele and Sign Language.

Dr Mushohwe said the remaining languages Chibarwe, Tswana and Khoisan will soon be included in news bulletins.

@thamamoe

Namibia President Hage Geingob

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
THE 58th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) kicks off in Bulawayo today with local and foreign exhibitors expected to meet for high level deliberations focused on trade and the economy.

President Mugabe will lead top Government executives to the City of Kings this week where he will be joined by Namibian President Hage Geingob, who will officially open the prime trade showcase on Friday.

The five-day event is packed with a series of meetings, presentations and engagements between various stakeholders under the theme, “Harnessing Linkages for Industrial Development”.

Yesterday, Bulawayo was already a hive of activity as scores of exhibitors trooped in ahead of the event.

By last night, exhibitors were still flocking to the venue as some made a last minute rush to spruce up their stands. A majority of the exhibitors in Halls 4, 5 and 3 had finished their displays.

Some regular exhibitors such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe National Army and Airforce, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which is the host, had their colourful stands ready for the trade showcase. The business community has expressed readiness for this year’s event and said it is optimistic of making fruitful deals.

ZITF Company chairperson Mrs Ruth Ncube has reported that foreign participation at this year trade fair is encouraging with 14 countries confirming their presence. Among these are Botswana, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, South Africa, Turkey, Malawi and Mozambique.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) vice president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe said industry captains expected this year’s trade fair to improve local manufacturers’ linkages with potential partners on the back of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016.

“We hope to meet international raw material suppliers and also equipment suppliers that we will work with in terms of retooling as we focus on promoting the country’s industrial agenda,” he said.

In June 2016, the Government through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce promulgated SI64, which removes several goods from the Open General Import Licence as part of measures to control imports entering the country.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha clarified that listed products would only be imported when local companies are not able to meet demand at specific intervals.

As such Mr Jabangwe said this year’s trade fair creates an opportunity for local companies to meet and negotiate with international buyers in different economic sectors.

“We also look forward to meeting both inward and outbound business partners that we can work with to re-industrialise the country,” he added.

Economist, Dr Gift Mugano, said the ZITF was a platform for local companies to continuously engage with foreign investors to unlock fresh capital as well as investment opportunities through models such as joint ventures.

“This is a trade fair where in the past we have seen traditional exhibitors from countries such as China participating and such a trend provides an opportunity for continuous business engagement with foreign investors. Also first time exhibitors will be able to  negotiate for business deals,” he said.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Mr Christopher Mugaga said businesses looked forward to the trade fair to open floodgates of potential investment opportunities.

He said his organisation was upbeat about the exhibition space taken by exhibitors which was at 90 percent.

Highlights of the five-day event include the ZITF International Business Conference tomorrow. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour at the crucial conference which will draw the presence of top domestic and foreign business executives and key stakeholders across the economic sector. There will also be a forum for original equipment manufacturers on Thursday held in conjunction with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.

The trade fair will also run concurrently with sector-specific expos; A’sambeni Africa Business Tourism Expo, Ultimate Home, Pakprint and Scholastica.

@okazunga

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a home seeker of $15 000 after selling him a house belonging to someone else.

Zenzo Sibanda (47) of Nkulumane suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ncube and pleaded not guilty to fraud charges.

Magistrate Ncube remanded him in custody to tomorrow for continuation of trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Jeremiah Mutsindikwa said Sibanda placed a newspaper advertisement in 2015, purporting to be an agent selling a house on behalf of someone else.

The complainant, Mr Michael Nyoni, saw the advertisement and went to view the house that was purported to be for sale in Old Luveve suburb.

“On March 10, 2015, the complainant met the accused person and one Sitemamalus Ncube, who was said to be the seller of the house, at Nicoz House building in Bulawayo. It was however, in the name of Ntombana Ncube, who is late and was sister to Ncube,” said the prosecutor.

The court heard that an agreement was drafted by the accused person for the two parties.

Sibanda allegedly received $15 000 from Mr Nyoni as payment for the house under the pretext that he would deduct his commission and surrender the remainder of the money to Ncube.

He allegedly promised to transfer the ownership of the house to Nyoni’s name and said all documents were in order. He then took his share of the money.

“The accused person took $4 000 and gave Sitemamalus Ncube $11 000 as payment for the house and they parted ways. He however, returned and demanded the money under the pretext that he had checked with Bulawayo City Council and discovered that the house was not in the name of Sitemamalus, hence could not be transferred to the complainant’s name,” said Mr Mutsindikwa.

The court heard that Sibanda was given the $11 000 but did not return it and converted it to his own use.

Mr Nyoni discovered the offence two weeks later when he went to the house, intending to move in. He contacted Sibanda, who admitted that he had taken back the money from Ncube and promised to compensate him.

Sibanda allegedly disappeared leading to Mr Nyoni reporting him to the police in October 2015.

The total money lost by Nyoni was $15 000 and was not recovered.

@andile_tshuma

Tanaka Mrewa, Court Reporter
A POLICE officer stationed at Luveve Police Station has been arrested for allegedly using a pair of handcuffs to assault a motorist at a roadblock in Cowdray Park suburb.

State allegations are that Lawson Sinothile Makandidze (33) assaulted Ms Siphathisiwe Ncube (30) and damaged her car’s windscreen.

Prosecutors said the police officer and Ms Ncube argued after he realised that her vehicle’s handbrake was not working and he ended up assaulting the woman who was travelling with her baby.

Makandidze pleaded not guilty to malicious damage to property and assault charges.

Western commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube remanded Makandidze out of custody to  May 3.

Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on February 11, at around 12noon, Makandidze was on duty at a roadblock near a rail level crossing in Cowdray Park suburb doing spot checks.

“Accused checked the complainant’s car and discovered that the car’s handbrake was not working. An argument arose between the pair. In the heat of the argument, accused hit complainant with a pair of handcuffs on her lower lip,” said Mr Mageza.

He went on to damage complainant’s auto shield valued at $35.

Complainant sustained a swollen lip as a result of the assault, the court heard.

@tannytkay

Dr Nyasha Masuka

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has said the anthrax outbreak affecting people in Binga is now under control, but there are reports of fish dying.

Anthrax-infected hippos started dying from March 27 and some people ate meat from their carcasses after the animals were found dead in Binga’s Mlibizi area.

Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by bacteria that normally affects animals.

One person and 16 hippos died following the anthrax outbreak.

Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Nyasha Masuka said the human anthrax disease was under control.

“We are pleased to confirm that we have managed to contain the human anthrax outbreak as the number of infections hasn’t increased and that of deaths too,” he said.

Dr Masuka said they have adequate medicines and were treating the infected and those showing signs and symptoms of the disease.

“We are continuing to educate the community about not eating meat from animals that die on their own. We are also disinfecting areas where hippo meat was disposed or buried,” he said.

Binga District Administrator Mrs Lydia Ndethi-Banda said they had partnered the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Binga CPU, Binga RDC, the Environment Management Authourity and ZimParks as well as traditional leaders to control the outbreak.

“I believe we have enough resources as well as manpower to curb and control the outbreak both in humans and in animals. With the people, so far so good, all seems to be totally under control now.

“As I speak, I’m on the ground in the villages where we are holding awareness campaigns. Areas have been quarantined on meat; especially, beef, goat and we are destroying all biltong being sold at any market,” said Mrs Ndethi- Banda.

Zimparks acting public relations officer, Mr Simukai Nyasha said they had received a report on fish dying in Mlibizi River at the same spot were hippos reportedly died.

He said investigations to establish the cause of the latest reported deaths were underway.

“We have discovered dead fish in Mlibizi River at the same area where hippos died due to anthrax. Apparently 27 dead fish were picked up and samples were collected and sent to the Department of Veterinary Services for analysis.

“During our intensified awareness campaigns, we are also discouraging people from consuming the dead fish. The cause of the deaths is not yet known and we will only know the cause when the tests are concluded,” he said.

“In our study, there are less chances of anthrax being spread from hippos to fish as it is spread through hooves and the soil. We suspect poisoning either by fishermen or lack of oxygen in the river during its life cycle.”

@winnie_masara

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A group of daring thieves allegedly stole 38 goats from a farm in Gutu and drove away with them in an unregistered commuter omnibus.

Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said the incident occurred on Monday afternoon.  He said the suspects are still at large.

“We have received a report of stock theft involving 38 goats belonging to Mrs Henerika Takaona (76) of Farm 98 Nyazvidzi Resettlement area in Gutu. The goats could have strayed from the paddocks and investigations are in progress,” said Asst Insp Dehwa.

However, a distraught Mrs Takaona alleged that her animals were stolen from a pen by a group of men who had been drinking beer at a nearby bottle store.

She said the gang drove the goats into an unregistered commuter omnibus parked some distance from the farm before driving away along the Gutu-Buhera Road.

She said she had earlier warned children in the community about the suspicious-looking men.

“Before my goats were stolen I had spotted a group of men drinking beer at Nyazvidzi Bottle Store from about 1 PM up to around 5PM. The men looked suspicious and I warned some children in the community about them. The men later connived to drive 38 of my 60 goats from a pen into an unregistered kombi and drove away,” said Mrs Takaona.

She said, an 11-year-old girl from the community saw the men opening the goat pen and confronted them but they threatened her with unspecified action.

“This girl said she went to them and asked their identities but they threatened her saying what they were doing was none of her business. The girl rushed to report the incident to me but the gang had already disappeared along Gutu-Buhera Road,” she said.

She said the matter was reported to the police on Tuesday.

@walterbmswazie3