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Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) says the government should compensate the families of people who were killed by soldiers on 1 August 2018 in Harare as recommended by an international inquiry established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Monday, 1 August 2022, marked the fourth anniversary of the killing of six civilians and injuries to dozens of others when the government unleashed soldiers from the Presidential Guard on MDC people who were protesting delayed presidential election results. CiCZ chairperson Peter Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
There must be payment – through a select committee to be set up by the government – of compensation for losses and damages caused.
… in particular (there is a need for) support and school fees for the children of the deceased and to have electoral reforms.
(we also need) the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems, to among other things enhance the transparent and expeditious announcement of election results.
</blockquote>
The international panel led by former South Africa president Kgalema Motlanthe recommended, among other things, compensation for victims.
Mutasa also demanded the prosecution of those responsible for killing unarmed civilians to ensure there is no repeat of the 2018 post-election killings. He said:
<blockquote>
We need accountability in respect of the alleged perpetrators as well as nation-building and reconciliation, including an initiative for multi-party dialogue and cooperation.
As Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we implore President Emmerson Mnangagwa to honour his pledge for a new dispensation and ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry.
</blockquote>
A report by advocacy group Veritas says families of those who were killed, and people who suffered physical injuries, are yet to be compensated. It said:
<blockquote>
An inter-ministerial committee was set up in 2019 to implement this (compensation) and other recommendations of the Commission, but the compensation fund has not been established.
Compensation has been paid to some victims who suffered property damage caused by rioters, but families of those who were killed, and people who suffered physical injuries, have not been compensated.
This is inexplicable since those who were killed and injured by the military and police were identified and named in the Commission’s report.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/compensate-victims-of-august-2018-army-killings-govt-urged/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Pindula News

Govt Urged To Compensate Victims Of August 2018 Army Killings

The late war veteran and Zimbabwe National Army Brigadier-General Benjamin Mabenge (Retired) has been declared a national hero.
Mabenge died in Harare on Monday at a local hospital where he has been hospitalised for the past two weeks.
His body is expected to be flown this morning to his farm in Kwekwe before it returns later in the day for burial the following day at the National Heroes Acre.
The message of his national hero status was conveyed to family members on Monday night by Defence and War Veterans Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who was accompanied by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe. Said Muchinguri-Kashiri:
<blockquote>
We have been sent to you as a family by the President who is also the First Secretary of our party ZANU PF to convey his, the party and Government’s condolence on the loss of Cde Matanga.
He dedicated himself to joining the family of ZANU PF, so we are equally in mourning together with you.
The President and the Government have said he should be buried alongside his colleagues at the National Heroes Acre.
</blockquote>
Mabenge is survived by his wife, Rosegema Mabenge, and six children and 10 grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at Subdivision 1 Woodlands, Kwekwe and at number 12 Catalina Road, in Belvedere, Harare.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/brig-gen-mabenge-dies-declared-national-hero-2/">The Herald</a>

Mabenge Declared National Hero

The ZANU PF-led government has seemingly backtracked on its earlier promise to give title deeds to thousands of informal settlers in areas around Harare and other parts of the country.
Speaking during an election campaign rally in Epworth in March this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that all people who built houses illegally will be given title deeds.
However, ZANU PF supporters in illegal settlements in Harare South were recently evicted from a Crest Breeders International farm that they had invaded.
In Parliament last week, MP for Mufakose, Susan Matsunga (CCC), demanded to know government policy on the issuance of title deeds to women and children in illegal settlements.
In response, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said there are some procedures that have to be done before the title deeds are issued. Said Kazembe:
<blockquote>
I remember that in the past few days, His Excellency the President (Mnangagwa) promised that such people will be given title deeds. Indeed, as promised by the President, this is something that is ongoing.
However, there are some procedures that are supposed to be done, like surveys, which will be done by the Higher and Tertiary Education ministry under minister Amon Murwira. He informed us that there are some areas which have already been surveyed.
After the survey, then it will be determined where demarcations are and the like. So I would like to promise you that it is just a matter of time, but I believe that if Murwira was in the House, he was going to inform the House that there are some areas which are already done. What is left after the survey is the issuing of title deeds.
</blockquote>
Kazembe then warned council officials who are allegedly collecting money for title deeds from desperate home seekers that they will be prosecuted for corruption.
The majority of illegal settlements in Harare are reportedly created by land barons, most of them affiliated with ZANU PF. They parcel out vast tracks of land with impunity.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/govt-backtracks-on-title-deeds-2/">NewsDay</a>

Informal Settlers To Get Title Deeds 'In A Matter Of Time' - Kazembe

Civil servants say the government has promised to consider increasing the United States dollar component of their salaries and also review the portion paid in Zimbabwe dollars in September this year.
Forty (40) trade unions representing civil servants met Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on Monday to discuss salaries and conditions of service.
In a statement after the meeting, which was also attended by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima and other government officials, Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly the Civil Service Apex Council, said:
<blockquote>
The Minister of Finance in response stressed that government treats the welfare of civil servants as a priority but was unequivocal that government does not yet have the capacity to pay the entire salary bill in US dollars.
Government will, however, review the situation in September to see if there is scope to increase the US and as well the Zimdollar components premised on revenue inflows.
He did not rule out the possibility of part US dollar salaries though but was cautious to commit himself.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are currently getting US$175 in allowances, but their salaries are paid in Zimbabwe dollars.
Last week, the majority of civil servants ignored the call to take part in the two-day national strike that was planned for Wednesday and Thursday.
Union leaders later said the strike failed because civil servants were afraid of reprisals from their employer such as docked salaries and omission from future national programmes, among other reasons.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/govt-to-consider-increasing-us-for-civil-servants/">NewsDay</a>

Govt Says It Will Consider Increasing USD For Civil Servants

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he will visit Mozambique and Zambia in a bid to save the country’s electricity import contracts that may be taken over by South Africa which is also facing a power crisis.
Mnangagwa’s trips follow reports that Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., the South African state-owned power utility, is “putting pressure” on Mozambique and Zambian to replace Zimbabwe as an importer of electricity from Mozambique and Zambia.
Writing in his weekly column in the State-owned The Sunday Mail weekly publication, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
This week I am paying a working visit to Mozambique. In the coming weeks, I am likely to meet president [Hakainde] Hichilema of Zambia in Livingstone. Both sister countries supply us with power.
I will engage my colleagues with a view to ensuring our power imports are secure and uninterrupted.
</blockquote>
ZESA Holdings’ contracts with Mozambique’s Electricidade de Mocambique and Zambia’s ZESCO were due to expire at the end of July and South Africa was ready to replace Zimbabwe.
ZESA Holdings executive chairman Sydney Gata recently warned miners that Zimbabwe “will stand to lose heavily as these contracts are long-term and at a competitive price”.
Zimbabwe’s power utility is struggling to pay its monthly obligation of $6.3-million (R104-million) to ZESCO for the imported power.
More: <a href="https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/zimbabwean-president-in-bid-to-block-sa-from-taking-over-foreign-electricity-deals-2022-08-01">Engineering News</a>

Mnangagwa In Bid To Block SA From Taking Over Foreign Electricity Deals

Some civil servants are reportedly abusing the exemption to pay import duty when they import vehicles.
The government promulgated Statutory Instrument 80A of 2022 which says that Grade B and C in the civil service can import a vehicle with a maximum value of US$3 500, those in D and E US$5 000 and deputy directors US$10 000.
The vehicle must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture at the time of import, as is now the case with all imported vehicles.
However, it has emerged that some civil servants are importing vehicles for other people and charging a “fee” of between US$700 and US$1 500 depending on the type of vehicle.
The vehicles remain registered in the names of the civil servants involved while being driven by others, reported Chronicle.
Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe warned that stern action will be taken against those who are abusing the rebate by importing vehicles for third parties if they are caught. He said:
<blockquote>
That is corruption. It is supposed to be a non-monetary benefit and if one decides to sell his or her car, duty must be paid.
The Government sacrificed its revenue and allowed civil servants an opportunity to own vehicles.
Treasury is being denied revenue for the sake of catering for civil servants.
If any of the civil servants are caught on the wrong side of the law, stern action will be taken.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/civil-servants-abusing-vehicle-rebate/">Chronicle</a>

Civil Servants Abusing Vehicle Duty-free Import Facility | Report

Brigadier General (Retired) Benjamin Mabenge has died aged 67.
<a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/brigadier-general-retd-benjamin-mabenge-dies/">ZBC News</a> reports that Mabenge’s son, Aleck, confirmed that his father died at a local hospital in Harare where he has been hospitalised for the past two weeks.
Mabenge, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Freddie Matanga, has been declared a national hero and will be buried at the national shrine on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said the body of the late national hero will be flown to Kwekwe on Tuesday morning and is expected back in Harare in the afternoon ahead of burial.
The late Brigadier General (Retired) Mabenge is survived by six children (5 boys and a girl) and mourners are gathered at Subdivision 1, Woodlands in Kwekwe.
Mourners are also gathered in Harare at Number 12 Katalina Road, Belvedere.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Brigadier General Benjamin Mabenge Has Died

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> has reported the death of six people who drowned in the Mupfure River after a haulage truck swiped with an excavator resulting in both vehicles falling into the river.
In a report seen by Pindula News, police said the incident occurred on the 29th of July 2022 at the 54km peg along Harare –Masvingo road. Reads the police report issued on Monday 31 July 2022:
<blockquote>
 A haulage truck with four occupants on board side swiped with an excavator with two people on board resulting in both vehicles falling in the Mupfure River.
One person managed to swim to the shore while the other six drowned. On 30/07/22, Police from SubAqua retrieved two bodies of the victims from the river. The body of the other victim is still trapped in the haulage truck while two others are still missing.
</blockquote>
In a different case, police reported a fire incident in which one person died while three others were injured when a Nissan Caravan vehicle with seven people on board caught fire after developing a mechanical fault this afternoon along Harare-Bulawayo Road at the 25 km peg.
Meanwhile, ZRP Gutu is investigating a murder case in which Simbarashe Kufakunesu (51) died on 30 July 2022 after he was struck with a brick on the head and chest by his wife, Mirika Joni (50) at Mawarire Village on 28/07/22.
Police added that Kufakunesu had chased away beer patrons at the homestead where the couple was operating a shebeen and this did not go well with Joni.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Six People Drown As Haulage Truck And Excavator Fall Into Mupfure River

The Civil Registry Department says it is currently processing the 2019 passport applications and aims to clear the backlog by September this year.
Registrar General Henry Machiri told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/passport-backlog-to-be-cleared-by-september/">ZBC News</a> in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Victoria_Falls">Victoria Falls</a> recently:
<blockquote>
We are now working on the backlog. We are now doing the 2019 applications and we are hopeful that by September this backlog would have been cleared.
When we talk of 2019, it doesn’t mean that we have a backlog for 2020 and 2021. Those are the two years under the COVID-19 whereby we were not issuing passports, but we were just dealing with emergencies. Our passport backlog is the last half of 2019.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe missed deadlines previously set.
In October last year, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told reporters during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare that the government <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/10/27/passport-backlog-to-clear-by-december-2021-govt/">expected to have fully cleared the backlog by the end of 2021.</a> She said:
<blockquote>
The nation will recall that during its ninth meeting, Cabinet approved a strategy by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to clear the country’s passport backlog that had accumulated to over 400 000 by August 2020.
It is pleasing to note that the backlog has since been reduced to the current 184 000. It is anticipated that the backlog would have been cleared by the end of December 2021.
</blockquote>
In April last year, the Registrar General’s office has introduced night shifts as a strategy to clear the passport backlog which it attributed to the inadequacy of consumables required in the production of the travelling document.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe on 14 December 2021, launched an e-passport with improved security features to replace the old one. After the launch, members of the public were advised that the e-passport will be usable at all ports of entry and exit with effect from Monday, 7 February 2022. 
Old non-biometric passports Zimbabwean passports will remain valid until they expire in December 2023.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"We're Now Doing The 2019 Passport Applications" - Registrar General

The Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has urged the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to reduce fees for community radio licenses.
This was after the committee went visited Kenya in 2021 to take notes regarding the legislation and operationalisation of community radio stations in the East African country.
The committee said in Kenya, Free-to-Air Community Radio Stations are licensed for a period of 10 years.
It noted that licensees pay an application fee of US$9, an initial license fee of US$132 and an annual operation fee of US$132.
Presenting their findings before Parliament on Tuesday, Sipho Mokone, Chairperson of the committee, said:
<blockquote>
They also have free-to-air community televisions which pay an application, initial license and annual operation fees of US$9 and US$263 respectively.
The delegation was informed that they benchmarked the fees with other countries and their fees were very low and affordable to the licensee as they were paid on an annual basis.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, community radio stations pay an application fee of US$321, a basic license fee of US$646 per annum and a monthly frequency fee of US$26 per month.
The committee also reported on the funding for community radio stations in Kenya.
In Zimbabwe, community radio stations are required to provide sources and proof of funding for the broadcasting Services. Said Mokone:
<blockquote>
The delegation learnt that in a majority of cases, the funding for community radio stations in Kenya came from outside sources in the forms of grants and donations, as opposed to membership fees contributed by the community.
In most cases, funding comes from the community through membership fees and donations.
However, the regulations permit community radio licensees to come up with sponsored programmes for the sustenance of the Radio Station
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, only foreign donations and contributions are prohibited and any funding model is permissible.
More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/baz-urged-to-lower-licence-fees-for-community-radio-stations/">CITE</a>

BAZ Urged To Lower Licence Fees For Community Radio Stations

Australian-based 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman Susan Mutami’s former boyfriend at Loreto Mission School has chronicled his experiences with the socialite during their high school days.
Mutami’s ex-boyfriend from Gweru is now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, running a haulage truck company.
The 34-year-old man, short and dark in complexion, spoke to The NewsHawks on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution and “for the sake of my peace”.
He claimed that he dated Mutami in 2004 when she was in Form 3 until she completed her “O” Level. That is the year she said she was raped by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Said Mutami’s former boyfriend:
<blockquote>
I first met Susan in 2004 when I was in Form 4; she was a stream behind us. We were in the same sports house group called Winter Halder.
She was a good 400 metres athlete and I was in the discus sporting discipline.
She was very good in athletics — the 400 metres race — hence in 2003, we both reached provincial sports finals which were held at Chaplin High School in Gweru.
</blockquote>
Mutami’s high school lover said her erratic behaviour when they were dating now makes sense since last week’s allegations of rape and sexual abuse by Mnangagwa. He said:
<blockquote>
When we were going out, her behaviour was erratic. Sometimes she would become silent in the middle of a conversation like a person in deep thought and from nowhere she would start crying.
I could not understand her at the time; it was strange, but after these allegations, she has made against some people it now makes sense to me.
Again, towards the end of each school term when everyone was excited to be going home for the holidays, she would have a completely different mood marked with sadness and anxiety.
During those days, she would be very aggressive and we would break up often in our relationship.
Sometimes we would break up twice in a week and make amends later. Days before the school holidays were the most difficult in our relationship.
She at one time told me that we could not meet during holidays because she had a personal bodyguard who watched all her movements.
During those days Mutami also told me that during the holidays she would be very busy because there was a farm she would go to work at in order to raise school fees.
It did not make sense because our fees were so high that working at a farm for one month would not raise even a quarter of it.
</blockquote>
The ex-boyfriend claimed that he once accidentally bumped into Mutami in Redcliff where Mnangagwa owns Redcliff Hotel. He said:
<blockquote>
When I met her (in Redcliff) she was so unsettled. She would look numerous times over her shoulder during the brief encounter.
Besides, her language at school was also crude and immoral as she would claim that, in terms of sex, she had ‘big boys’ who did the business on her.
She was living a double life. A happy life on her face, but inside you could feel that she was an emotional wreck and boiling.
Now that she has exploded, I really understand why and hope she may get better. She was also one person who would not forgive.
If you wronged her, the misunderstanding would not end. As for me, I had to deal with that by apologising a hundred times.
</blockquote>
Last week, Mutami claimed she was raped by Mnangagwa and his ZANU PF ally Owen Ncube when she was 15 years old.
She also alleged that she stayed on Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe, where she allegedly suffered abuse from him and his wife, First Lady Auxillia.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has denied the allegations, saying they were mere “rumour”.
Mnangagwa and Ncube have both not commented on the serious allegations.
More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/mnangagwa-rape-scandal-mutamis-high-school-boyfriend-speaks-out/">The NewsHawks</a>

Mutami’s High School Boyfriend Says Her Behaviour Was 'Erratic' And 'Strange'

A pensioner in Harare has petitioned Parliament to repeal Statutory Instrument (SI) 33 of 2019 which he claims caused his destitution.
SI 33 of 2019 was introduced in 2019 by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube.
The regulations converted United States dollar balances to real-time gross settlement dollars (RTGS dollars) thereby severely eroding the value of people’s savings.
The pensioner, Stevenson Mazinefu, addressed his petition to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Part of the petition reads:
<blockquote>
The aforementioned SI 33 of 2019 was implemented without notifying us the poor working class and whose source of living standards depends on pension funds as the only source of living and wealth after being retired from work either by retrenchment or termination of employment contract.
… That the majority of the concerned pensioners, in this bracket, whose pensions were either just about to be paid or thereafter paid prior to the promulgation of the aforesaid Statutory Instrument has subjectively been reduced to mere paupers and destitute, despite contributing towards pension funds throughout their hard-working lives.
</blockquote>
Mazinefu requested the Parliamentary committee to urge the Executive to uphold the country’s Constitution by ensuring that the SI is amended, or repealed.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/parliament-petitioned-over-poor-pensions/">NewsDay</a>

'Destitute' Pensioner Petitions Parliament

Police in Harare are carrying out a crime awareness campaign against drug abuse among youths as part of authorities’ efforts to eradicate the vice.
A team of officers led by the Officer Commanding Harare Suburban District, Chief Superintendent Raudzi Tshuma, on Friday visited some parts of the city and conducted campaigns. Said Chief Supt Tshuma:
<blockquote>
This campaign bears testimony to our commitment to stopping drug and substance abuse.
Our determination as ZRP Harare Suburban is to strengthen the cooperation of all stakeholders towards the achievement of a society free of drug and substance abuse.
Let me hasten to say we have various legislations on drug use control which shows the highest level of commitment to taming the vice.
</blockquote>
The laws include the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.
Chief Supt Tshuma noted that drug abuse among the youth was a growing public health and security problem in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare. She said:
<blockquote>
Drug abuse has continued to claim the precious lives of our people, and that includes able-bodied men and women with the potential of steering national development.
Of concern now, is also the initiation of children as young as nine into drug and substance abuse resulting in juvenile suicides.
We have had reports of kids taking jolly juice, and fermenting cereals such as Cerevita corn and wheat, Movite and Cornflakes into illegal, highly intoxicating brews.
As if it is not enough, boys and girls are also abusing sex-enhancing medicines.
</blockquote>
Some common drugs abused by youths include mutoriro and cough syrups, while the abuse of traditional drugs such as illegal marijuana or mbanje is still rampant.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/police-embark-on-drug-awareness-campaign/">The Herald</a>

Police In Harare Embark On Drug Awareness Campaign

A dual Croatian and Zimbabwean citizen, Joseph Richard Crnkovic, on Thursday fled from a local hotel and sought refugee at the European Union Commission offices fearing “assassination”.
Crnkovic, a director of Fopuld Investments with 49% shareholding in Cadrina, is embroiled in a fight for control of the Glen Forest Memorial Park with his business partners who allegedly have police and political connections.
The matter is yet to be heard at the High Court.
EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkonnen, confirmed that Crnkovic was at the embassy at the guard’s parking lot.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said he had not received any reports regarding the incident.
Crnkovic said he was warned by hotel security of his imminent arrest for undisclosed reasons and had to run for his life.
In his letter to the EU diplomats written from the embassy parking lot, Crnkovic said:
<blockquote>
I request protection and an urgent transfer to the French embassy or another suitable embassy where I may have food and water.
Today (Thursday) I was chased by close to 40 unmarked cars which seem to be of State security agents.
Fearing for my life, I rushed to the EU Council. The vehicles followed in fast pursuit.
I barely made it to the commission in time. I believe if I had been a few minutes later, I would be dead.
The reason for this is I am the representative of the company taking Glen Forest Memorial Park to court to stop its operations.
… I have legally attacked the government to get my civil rights back and I have started civil litigation which is not in the interest of the General or President.
Both these actors, the prime decision makers, have been rumoured to be associated with killing people.
</blockquote>
The dispute between Crnkovic and the other shareholders started when they tried to buy him out of Candrina.
They offered him shares in a subsidiary of Glen Forest known as Chikomo Chemhute, a cemetery where over 40 000 people are buried but he turned down the offer.
Crnkovic refused to sell his shares in Candrina, arguing that Chikomo Chemhute is an illegitimate enterprise which exposed the business to litigation from families of people buried there.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/croat-businessman-sheltering-at-eu-mission-car-park/">NewsDay</a>

Investor Seeks Refuge At EU Embassy After Fleeing Suspected State Agents

A couple and their son were mauled and badly injured by a clan of hyenas in Mapfumo village, Bota communal lands, Zaka District on Monday afternoon as they tried to protect their livestock from the wild animals.
The hyenas attacked Rwatinga Maroyi and pinned him down and as his father, Robert Maroyi, sought to save him, the animals jumped on him.
The mother of the house, Muchanyara Munodya, rushed to the scene and was badly mauled on the hands and lost both palms.
The Maroyis were rescued by other villagers who managed to scare away the hyenas.
All three are now hospitalised at Musiso Hospital where their condition is critical but stable.
Robert’s brother who declined to give his name told The Herald that the trio was badly injured though the doctors expressed confidence all the victims will recover. He said:
<blockquote>
It was a terrible incident and doctors are trying to repair the victims but now all three cannot feed themselves.
They are being assisted to feed. You need a strong heart to look at them. Robert’s face was left tattered and his chest as well. It is terrible.
It is unimaginable that one would sleep today with both their hands but before sunset the following day, they no longer have hands and have to be fed, bathed and clothed by someone.
</blockquote>
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident saying a team of rangers was on the ground to trek the hyenas.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zaka-family-members-survive-horrific-hyenas-attack/">The Herald</a>

Zaka Family Members Seriously Injured In Hyena Attack

The Harare Ximex Mall dealer, Boss Pangolin, real name Tafadzwa Murengwa, has reportedly committed suicide after he shot and killed his former girlfriend on Friday morning after she spurned his overtures for reconciliation.
The Herald reported police sources as saying Murengwa was found unconscious in Harare just after midnight locked in his vehicle after drinking an unknown poisonous substance.
Police officers took him to a local hospital where he died upon admission.
On Thursday, Murengwa caused a commotion in the city when he splashed US dollar notes on people in the streets while driving an unregistered Toyota Aqua vehicle before driving off.
Murengwa of Glen Lorne reportedly visited Ximex Mall on Thursday a few minutes after he was granted bail at the Harare Magistrates Court following his arrest on Wednesday.
He had been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend and the now deceased, Samantha Dzapata (28) of Waterfalls.
Murengwa was facing charges of domestic violence and threats of violence but was released out of custody on bail.
One of his close friends said, following his release, Murengwa also told Samantha that he wanted to kill her.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
Police said Murengwa shot his ex-lover Samantha along Simon Mazorodze Road near Bathroom Boutique around 9 AM on Friday.
According to ZimLive, Samantha, who worked in Beitbridge for the NGO, CeSHHAR had recently ended the four-year relationship.
In a 14-minute voice note recorded hours after the fatal shooting, Murengwa said he used to shower Samantha with expensive gifts while she indulged a married man in Beitbridge. He said:
<blockquote>
We had issues with Samantha since January. I spoke to her mum and we started dating again after a few months.
The problems started again before we went to Victoria Falls for a holiday when she hung up on a video call from her lover. I confronted her but we went ahead with the trip after I forgave her.
We had another nasty fight after I realised she was still chatting with that guy and I hacked her phone. I confronted this man until Samantha decided to dump me for the guy.
Samantha dragged me to court and I was served with a peace order but I kept in touch with her and even bought her a car in Beitbridge just to show how much I loved her, while she was still seeing that man.
They both even told me to back off and I realised then that I had no chance. Today, I took Samantha’s belongings to her workplace.
I then went to Waterfalls where she was staying with her sister along Simon Mazorodze Road.
She started acting all funny, throwing stones around. I tried to reason with her until I became emotional and shot her while she was holding onto her sister.
</blockquote>
In the same voice note, Murengwa apologised to his relatives and also outlined his plans. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m sorry to all the Murengwa family for what I did. Now I’m in Bindura to meet someone. I’ll be crossing the border and starting a new life.
</blockquote>
Samantha said she was emotionally and physically abused by Murengwa for a long time, according to a screenshot of a message she sent to one of Murengwa’s friends.
The message contains a photo Samantha took showing a fresh wound just above her right eye and a swollen lip. She told the person:
<blockquote>
This is what your friend did to me when I told him that I am not able to settle with him because of his behaviour.
He abused me emotionally, he was controlling and manipulative.
When I prayed I asked God for signs before I make any plans. My spirit told me that he won’t change, and the marriage would be hell.
I decided to quit. So he attacked me in the face and head with the jack.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/breaking-news-ximex-mall-dealer-commits-suicide/">The Herald</a>, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/07/jilted-lover-shoots-girlfriend-dead-after-she-dumped-him-for-constant-abuse/">ZimLive</a>

Ximex Mall Dealer Commits Suicide After Killing Ex-girlfriend

The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) has written to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) seeking an explanation as to why there were no statistics of people who have left the country for greener pastures.
Zimstat recently released its preliminary 2022 Population and Housing Census report which did not include the number of people who have left the country in the past 10 years.
In a letter dated 28 July 2022, MIHR co-ordinator Khumbulani Mpofu argued that the inclusion of the number of emigrants in the census report is critical. Wrote Mpofu:
<blockquote>
Considering that ZimStat sought to establish, through one of its questionnaire questions, the number of family members who had migrated outside the country, why did the Preliminary Report not give an indication of the number of emigrants per ward juxtaposed with the total ward statistics?
This information is critical for understanding the overall population statistics and it is critical now at a time when Zimbabwe is having policy debates on diaspora remittances and their contribution to the realisation of National Development Strategy goals and targets.
This was also going to be critical in the understanding and appreciation of the Preliminary Census Report. We also wish to understand why it was not included in the preliminary report.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Mpofu corroborated <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/28/zimstat-speaks-on-males-only-in-ward-census-figures/">Zimstat’s explanation on the statistics for Ward 20 in Matobo district, Matabeleland South province</a> after preliminary census results showed that the area had only 85 males and no females.
In a statement released on Friday, Zimstat public relations and communication manager Mercy Chidemo said the Ward had no permanent residents. Said Chidemo:
<blockquote>
Residents from neighbouring communal areas practice partial nomadic life. When feed for their animals diminishes in their usual areas of habitation, some locals take their animals to ward 20 for grazing.
They put up temporary structures as shelter. They will reside in this area for months and then go back to their usual places of residence when summer sets in.
When our enumerators entered the ward, they accounted for 85 males who spent the census night, April 20, in these temporary structures in ward 20 of the Matobo area.
Kindly note that the census was conducted using the de-facto method that entails enumeration of persons who slept at a given place on the census night irrespective of their place of usual residence.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/we-did-not-cook-matobo-figures/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Zimstat Urged To Release Statistics Of Emigrants

A dealer at Ximex Mall in Harare central business district Boss Pangolin, whose real name is Tafadzwa Russel Murengwa, shot his ex-girlfriend dead on Friday.
The shooting incident occurred a day after Murengwa threw thousands of United States dollars through a window in central Harare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the deceased as 28-year-old Samantha Ruvimbo Dzapata of Waterfalls.
Dzapata, who worked in Beitbridge for the NGO, CeSHHAR had recently ended the four-year relationship.
Police said the shooting incident happened along Simon Mazorodze Road near Bathroom Boutique around 9 AM today.
In a 14-minute voice note recorded hours after the fatal shooting, Murengwa said he used to shower Samantha with expensive gifts while she indulged a married man in Beitbridge. He said:
<blockquote>
We had issues with Samantha since January. I spoke to her mum and we started dating again after a few months.
The problems started again before we went to Victoria Falls for a holiday when she hung up on a video call from her lover. I confronted her but we went ahead with the trip after I forgave her.
We had another nasty fight after I realised she was still chatting with that guy and I hacked her phone. I confronted this man until Samantha decided to dump me for the guy.
Samantha dragged me to court and I was served with a peace order but I kept in touch with her and even bought her a car in Beitbridge just to show how much I loved her, while she was still seeing that man.
They both even told me to back off and I realised then that I had no chance. Today, I took Samantha’s belongings to her workplace.
I then went to Waterfalls where she was staying with her sister along Simon Mazorodze Road.
She started acting all funny, throwing stones around. I tried to reason with her until I became emotional and shot her while she was holding onto her sister.
</blockquote>
In the same voice note, Murengwa apologised to his relatives and also outlined his plans. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m sorry to all the Murengwa family for what I did. Now I’m in Bindura to meet someone. I’ll be crossing the border and starting a new life.
</blockquote>
Samantha said she was emotionally and physically abused by Murengwa for a long time, according to a screenshot of a message she sent to one of Murengwa’s friends.
The message contains a photo Samantha took showing a fresh wound just above her right eye and a swollen lip. She told the person:
<blockquote>
This is what your friend did to me when I told him that I am not able to settle with him because of his behaviour.
He abused me emotionally, he was controlling and manipulative.
When I prayed I asked God for signs before I make any plans. My spirit told me that he won’t change, and the marriage would be hell.
I decided to quit. So he attacked me in the face and head with the jack.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/07/jilted-lover-shoots-girlfriend-dead-after-she-dumped-him-for-constant-abuse/">ZimLive</a>

Ximex Mall Dealer Kills Ex-girlfriend A Day After Throwing Away US Dollars

ZESA Holdings has raised power tariffs for exporters by nearly 8 per cent with effect from 1 August 2022.
Exporters such as mining firms will now US10.63c per KwH from US9.86c. In a letter to the chief executive of Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe Isaac Kwesu, explaining the country’s power situation, ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata:
<blockquote>
ZESA has been charging an average tariff of USс9.86/kWh for exporting customers other than Ferrochrome smelters, which however is below cost and hence has been failing to capacitate the Utility to ensure the security of power supply and efficient service delivery.
ZESA is no longer able to continue supplying electricity to exporting customers at USс9.86/kWh, as it is unsustainable.
The exporter’s tariff will therefore be USc10.63/kWh with effect from 1 August 2022.
</blockquote>
Speaking in an interview with Business Weekly on Thursday, Richard Musara, a Harare-based economist, said the electricity tariff hike will badly affect the mining sector. He said:
<blockquote>
This tariff increase, coupled with a power crunch will have an impact on the operations of many exporters including curtailing the expansion projects. Worse still, there will be no guarantee that they will get frequent supplies.
Already, Zesa has warned that import contracts with Zambia and Mozambique may be discontinued at the end of this month as the power utility is failing to pay for the supplies.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., the South African state-owned power utility, is reportedly seeking to replace Zimbabwe as an importer of electricity from Mozambique and Zambia to help ease rolling blackouts.
More: <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/exporters-to-pay-8pc-more-for-power-supplies/">Business Weekly</a>

ZESA Hikes Electricity Tariffs For Exporters

Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube, on Friday, revised 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets to 4.6% from 5.5%.
Presenting the 2022 mid-term economic review statement and supplementary budget, Ncube said the downward revision of the growth targets arose from supply chain disruptions globally, a volatile currency and high inflation and low agricultural output. He said:
<blockquote>
Economic performance during the first half of 2022 reaffirms the positive growth trajectory as projected in the 2022 national budget.
GDP growth in 2022 is, however, now projected to slow down to 4.6% from the 5.5% initially projected.
The downward revision is mainly arising from a reduced output from the 2021/22 agricultural season, compounded by continued depreciation of the local currency and rising inflation.
The impact of geopolitical developments is also weighing down on the growth potential of the economy.
</blockquote>
Ncube also revised downwards growth projections for the manufacturing sector to 3.6% from 5.5%. He said:
<blockquote>
Despite the increase in manufacturing capacity utilisation to 56.5% from 47% in 2021 and increased availability of domestically produced goods in the supermarkets, growth of the sector is now expected to slow down to 3.6% in 2022 compared to an initial projection of 5.5%.
The downgrade is mainly due to the high cost of production, attributable to rising in prices of imported raw materials and a poor agricultural season.
</blockquote>
Ncube said the mining sector was expected to grow at 9.5% in 2022 up from the initially projected 8% following increased output in gold, platinum group metals, chrome, nickel, diamonds and coal.
More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2022/07/29/growth-target-cut-to-46/">Zimbabwe Independent</a>

Mthuli Ncube Cuts Growth Target To 4.6%

Unions representing civil servants have conceded that the majority of their members ignored the call to take part in the two-day national strike that was planned for Wednesday and Thursday.
In a statement, all the federations that organise in the Public Sector, namely FEUZ, FOZEU, NFOZ and PSA said most civil servants did not take part in the exercise due to various reasons. The reasons, according to the unions, include the following:
<ul>
<li>Many indicated that they were docked part of their salaries pursuant to the incapacitation declared by education sector unions in February 2022. This instilled fear in some civil servants, with the result that some, despite the obvious incapacitation, still failed to exercise their constitutional rights to collective job action.</li>
<li>Members who took part in the same incapacitation exercise were excluded from the 2022 Census and ZEC exercises. This reduced the number of participants in the exercise as some still hope to be included in future national programs purely for financial reasons.</li>
<li>Membership bemoaned the little time accorded to them to be involved in the job action. There was little time for most people to activate their structures to participate in the two-day job action.</li>
<li>Social media was awash with insinuations that those who would participate the industrial action are anti-government and this really intimidated members, especially those in political hotbeds away from the urban areas.</li>
<li>In some sectors like education, some have continued to report for work based on the argument that they are marking mid-year examinations, and would still find their work waiting for them after two days.</li>
<li>Others also survive from the lessons they hold in schools, and the snacks they sell to learners.</li>
<li>For most in the rest of the civil service, they did not participate due to lack of the dense cover enjoyed in the education and health sectors. In some cases, there are very few civil servants and therefore many fear being easily identified to have taken part in action.</li>
</ul>
The unions warned that if the Government does not address their grievances, massive industrial action is imminent in September.
<h2>What are the civil servants’ demands?</h2>
<ol>
<li>Immediate restoration of the value of our wages to pre-October 2018 levels, to be paid in USD and not in ZWL.</li>
<li>An immediate halt to the wave of suspensions, summary dismissals, illegal disallowances and victimisation of teachers and nurses for exercising their constitutional right to organise and to a fair and reasonable wage.</li>
<li>The payment of a medical allowance to all civil servants without discrimination.</li>
<li>The employer should desist from bashing union leadership for exercising their representative roles as messengers of their voiceless membership.</li>
<li>The employer should speedily implement all prior collective agreements fully, including but not limited to timeous school fees payment for the children of educators, regrading, sectoral allowances and performance advancement.</li>
</ol>

Civil Servants Warn Govt Of "Massive Strike" In September

Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rose to 256.9 per cent in July 2022, data released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) on Friday showed.
In June, the country’s annual inflation stood at 191.6 per cent. 
The July inflation rate has almost doubled from May. Inflation is now at its highest since February 2021, when it hit 321.59 per cent.
Meanwhile, the month-on-month inflation rate in July 2022 was 25.6 per cent shedding 5.1 percentage points on the June 2022 rate of 30.7 per cent.
ZIMSTAT said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month ending July 2022 stood at 10,932.83 compared to 8,707.35 in June 2022 and 3,062.93 in July 2021.
On the Blended Consumer Price Index, ZIMSTAT said the month-on-month inflation rate in July 2022 was 16.1 per cent shedding 1.9 percentage points on the June 2022 rate of 18.0 per cent. ZIMSTAT added:
<blockquote>
The year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of July 2022 as measured by the all items blended Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 96.1 per cent.
The blended CPI for the month ending July 2022 stood at 238.43 compared to 205.39 in June 2022 and 121.61 in July 2021.
Poverty Datum Lines – July 2022 The Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person in July 2022 was $17,909.00
The Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person stood at $23,479.00 in July 2022.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe’s Annual Inflation Jumps To 256.9% In July

The production, marketing and usage of charcoal are crimes unless the charcoal is made from exotic trees, an official has said.
Zimbabwe’s forests are under threat as charcoal has become a substitute for electricity and liquefied gas for low-income households.
Charcoal is produced from wood and its increased usage results in increased deforestation and soil degradation.
Indigenous trees such as musharu or mopani, msasa, mutondo, muunze and mupfuti fetch a higher price on the market compared to exotic trees.
Forestry Commission Manicaland provincial manager, Phillip Tom said the charcoal trade has a devastating impact on the environment. He said:
<blockquote>
It is illegal, just like cutting down trees for firewood. Even importation of charcoal into Zimbabwe is not allowed as it triggers local illicit production, marketing and consumption of the product.
Issuance of special import licenses has been suspended and we have not been issuing any such permits.
A lot still needs to be done to combat the production, marketing and consumption of charcoal, given its devastating impact on the environment.
We conduct raids but some of the poachers devise new strategies to evade arrest.
The charcoal is being supplied from Gudo area bordering Chiredzi where there are a lot of Mopani trees.
The poachers are now operating during the night to evade arrest.
</blockquote>
A 50kg bag of charcoal is sold for US$12, a bucket of charcoal fetches US$4 or its equivalent, while a plastic bag full costs US$1.
According to the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, the country is losing about 60 million trees — about 33 000 hectares of forests to illegal deforestation each year.
More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/charcoal-production-depleting-forests/">The Manica Post</a>

Illegal Charcoal Production Threatens Zimbabwe's Forests

The Zimbabwe National Organisation Of Associations Of Residents Trust (ZNOART) has criticised the ongoing rebasing of budgets being undertaken by local authorities in Mashonaland West Province and described the move as “hurried budget tampering”.
In a letter dated 29 July 2022, and addressed to The Town Clerk, Chinhoyi Municipality, ZNOART Mash West Chairperson Liberty Chitiya said a budget is an agreed plan for 12 months or a financial year and therefore, the local authority cannot tamper with willy-nilly without residents’ input.
Chitiya argued that residents stand to lose if local authorities went ahead with rebasing budgets. He said:
<blockquote>
Rebasing is not in sync with central Government SI 118A of 2022 therefore Local Government cannot dollarize the local budget. In the process measures taken must reflect the National Budget thresholds and principles.
While the USD is a legal tender in Zimbabwe, let us remember a BUDGET is a legally binding instrument that is not optional when it is approved.
“USD ONLY” principal principle is anti- developmental in that residents will fail, for instance, to pay the USD building inspection fees thereby failing to develop stands.
The negative impact of such a move is that some residents will have their stands repossessed for failure to develop their stands as mandated in their contracts with council.
</blockquote>
Chitiya said councils must first engage residents and get their approval and input in principle when intending to review an approved budget.
He warned that ZNOART is not going to support “rebasing” without Ministerial approvals according to the Urban Councils Act or Rural Councils Act.

ZNOART Condemns "Rebasing" Of Budgets By Councils

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., the South African state-owned power utility, is reportedly seeking to replace Zimbabwe as an importer of electricity from Mozambique and Zambia to help ease rolling blackouts.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, ZESA Holdings executive chairman Sydney Gata said Zimbabwe’s contracts with Mozambique’s Electricidade de Mocambique and Zambia’s ZESCO are set to expire at the end of July.
Gata said ZESA Holdings is failing to pay the US$6.3 million monthly import bill to Zambia and Eskom is now “putting pressure” on Mozambique and Zambian utilities to take over the contracts. Said Gata:
<blockquote>
ESKOM is in unprecedented trouble with over 18 000MW of capacity shortfall and is putting pressure on ZESCO, HCB and EDM to take over the same contracts ZESA had secured.
ZESA now has up to 31 July 2022 to draw the supply or else the contracts will be cancelled and the supply re-allocated to other utilities in the SAPP.
Zimbabwe will stand to lose heavily as these contracts are long-term, and at a competitive price.
</blockquote>
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said this week Eskom will turn to its neighbours to purchase surplus power to ease power cuts in that country.

SA 'Putting Pressure' On Zambia To Acquire Zimbabwe's Electricity Contracts

The government of Japan has donated another US$500 000 to the World Food Programme (WFP) towards the provision of food aid to Zimbabweans.
In a statement on Tuesday, Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Satoshi Tanaka, said:
<blockquote>
In collaboration with WFP, the people of Japan continue to support the most vulnerable in Zimbabwe to address their immediate food needs during the lean season.
</blockquote>
WFP’s representative and country director, Francesca Edelmann, welcomed the donation saying it has come at the right time. Said, Edelmann:
<blockquote>
Not only has poor rainfall during the recent growing season resulted in widespread crop failure, but prices of food, fuel, and fertiliser have also surged due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Families are now being forced to sell off livestock and other precious belongings to be able to buy food.
</blockquote>
Since 2019, Japan has contributed over US$24.6 million to WFP-supported food assistance and resilience-building for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.
The Asian country, which is the third-largest economy in the world, has also provided nutrition support for pregnant women in maternity waiting homes.
In 2021, Japan contributed US$5.75 million through the WFP to support vulnerable, food insecure communities in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/japan-releases-more-funds-to-boost-food-security/">The Herald</a>

Japan Releases More Funds For Food Aid In Zimbabwe

Power cuts in some parts of Matabeleland South Province are threatening this year’s winter wheat crop as farmers are unable to pump water for irrigation.
Matabeleland South provincial agricultural officer Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said while farmers that rely on solar power and gravity are not affected, those that rely on the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for electricity to pump water are struggling due to load shedding. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
Some farmers are managing the crop well, however, where the source of power to pump water is electricity from the country’s power utility, ZPC (Zimbabwe Power Company), there are some challenges due to load shedding.
Load shedding has affected the rate of top dressing and the frequency of irrigation. We’re hopeful it’s going to improve so that we achieve a good harvest.
At the likes of Guyu and Mtshabezi irrigation schemes where we usually rely on the ZPC for electricity, there are challenges because of load shedding. Those who are using solar and gravity are okay.
This includes areas like Arda Ingwizi and Arda Antelope where farmers resort to the use of generators which is very expensive.
Beitbridge is also facing the same challenge in terms of power supply at irrigation schemes. Commercial farmers around ward 14 are also affected.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/power-cuts-threaten-winter-wheat/">Chronicle</a>

Load Shedding Threatens Winter Wheat

The baby of Anna Machaya, the girl who died at the age of 14 while giving birth at a Johane Marange Apostolic Church Shrine in Mafararikwa, is dead.
Contrary to reports claiming that Anna left behind a baby boy, the infant died on the same day his mother passed away.
Alice Mabika, Anna’s aunt who exposed her niece’s death last year in July, first announced the child’s death on her WhatsApp status last Saturday before she confirmed the development in a telephone interview with The Manica Post. She said:
<blockquote>
It is true that Anna’s son died on the day his mother passed on. The coincidence left us devastated.
We are still to gather more details regarding the child’s death as the Machayas were away attending the church’s annual Passover gathering in Mafararikwa.
We heard that the child was in the custody of Anna’s aunt at their Kwekwe plot when he died.
We are not privy to details on the cause of his death as well as his burial as the Machayas are yet to furnish us with them.
What hurts most is that we wanted to celebrate the baby’s first birthday, only to receive the news of his death.
We do not know the whereabouts of the child’s father since his release from remand prison last year.
</blockquote>
The baby’s father, Hatirarame Evans Momberume (27), was arrested and charged with murder and having a sexual relationship with a minor.
He, however, absconded after being granted $50 000 bail by the Mutare High Court.
As a result, Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboa, issued a warrant of arrest for Momberume following his failure to appear in court.
Momberume’s lawyer, Brian Majamanda of Khupe and Jara Law Chambers, said he last spoke to his client last year in September when he informed him about the bail and his next court date.
Meanwhile, Anna’s parents, Edmore Machaya and Shy Mabika are facing charges of obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
The couple allegedly lied about the girl’s age and identity and gave the investigation officers someone else’s identity card.
They told the police that Anna was born on January 2, 1999, and the mother went on to give the investigators a national identity card belonging to a relative, Memory Machaya.
However, the police managed to obtain the late Anna’s correct birth certificate copies and also established that Memory Machaya was alive and married to Lameck Makonye.
More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/anna-machayas-baby-dies/">The Manica Post</a>

Anna Machaya’s Baby Dies

ZANU PF has reportedly requested civil servants to contribute US$3 each towards the Heroes Day celebrations to be held in August.
Reports claim that nurses, teachers and other government workers working in rural areas are usually asked to contribute money toward national events presided over by ZANU PF officials.
A notice that was seen by NewsDay, which was sent to civil servants, soliciting cash read:
<blockquote>
We are required to contribute towards Heroes’ celebrations to be held on August 8. Every civil servant contributes US$3… Due date is 1/8/22.
</blockquote>
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima denied any government involvement, saying this was a scam.
In a telephone interview with NewsDay on Thursday, Mavima said anyone who received such messages should report them to the police. He said:
<blockquote>
There is nothing like that in government. Heroes’ celebrations were allocated a budget by Treasury and we will be using that.
</blockquote>
However, some of the messages require civil servants to submit their contributions to their station heads.
The contributions will then be paid to the district or regional government departments.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said the practice was widespread, especially in the rural areas but he urged teachers to seek protection from the police. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
We have heard about these issues and as we have already said, this is not a forced thing, but voluntary and our members should never be forced to subscribe to Heroes Day celebrations. It’s happening nationwide; particularly in rural schools.
As an association, we encourage our members to make formal reports to us. If that happens, then both the headmasters and line ministries must seek protection from the police and protect teachers from these politicians.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/zanu-pf-squeezes-broke-civil-servants/">NewsDay</a>

Civil Servants Asked To Contribute US$3 Toward Heroes Day | Report

Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has rejected preliminary 2022 population census results released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and said it will soon conduct its own census in southern Zimbabwe.
According to the ZIMSTAT report, Zimbabwe’s population grew by 16.2 per cent from 13,061,239 in 2012 to 15,178,979 in 2022 with an annual growth rate of 1.5 per cent.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province’s population grew by just 12, 603 people in the past 10 years. It was 653,337 in 2012 and now stands at 665,940.
Speaking to CITE, MRP president Mqondisi Moyo alleged that the census results released by ZIMSTAT are extremely “flawed.” Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We have always argued about the population results of Matabeleland and the Midlands, alias Mthwakazi.
I analysed these results after the 2012 results looking at 2002 figures as well. The margin of it was similar for 2002 and 2012.
When I wanted to challenge this in 2013, I engaged the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and by then they projected that the population of Bulawayo was over 1.2 million.
They (BCC) had even said the biggest suburb in Bulawayo was Cowdray Park which they said had about 150, 000 people followed by Nkulumane which had 60, 000 people.
How many new suburbs have been built after that? Cowdray Park keeps on extending, Emganwini and other suburbs. So, their figures do not add up.
We are going to conduct our own population census on our own time using chiefs and village heads in rural areas because these are the people with the right statistics on the subjects that they have in their localities.
In Bulawayo and other urban centres, we are going to use local authority administration because these are the people with proper figures about the number of schools, households and how many people live in each household and all those things. It is easier for us to verify statistics using that information.
</blockquote>
Moyo further alleged that ZIMSTAT deliberately suppressed Matabeleland figures to perpetuate the region’s underdevelopment and marginalisation.
More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/we-will-do-our-own-census-mrp-rejects-zimstat-population-results/">CITE</a>

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