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Zimbabwe’s Internet: partial freedom persists

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Zimbabwe’s Internet: partial freedom persists

Theresa Takafuma

A recent global survey has exposed limitations hindering the majority of Zimbabwean citizens from enjoying full internet freedom.
The 2023 Freedom On The Net report ranked the country poorly across various parameters, with challenges in access, content restrictions, and user rights violation standing out as dominant concerns.
According to the findings from the annual research conducted by the global Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Freedom House, Zimbabwe maintained its ‘partly free’ status, with a score of 51 out of 100, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 49 out of 100.
This increase was partially credited to a reduction in power cuts towards the end of the assessment period, which coincided with the run-up to the August 2023 harmonized elections.
The survey, spanning from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, exposed how pro-Zanu PF Twitter accounts conducted smear campaigns against local civil society organizations and opposition figures in the lead-up to the elections.
The report also highlighted multiple cyber breaches targeting Zoom and Twitter accounts belonging to Parliament and other state institutions, revealing vulnerabilities in the government’s cyber security measures.
Regarding obstacles to access, where the country scored 10 out of 25 points, infrastructural limitations impacting internet speed and quality, the exorbitant cost of connectivity, legal and regulatory barriers restricting diversity of service providers dominated the category.
The report emphasized how Zimbabwe’s economic crisis severely limited internet access, with rising inflation and costs posing challenges for impoverished rural communities and individuals with lower incomes to afford internet and telecommunication services.
“As Internet Service Providers (ISPs) continue to raise the cost of voice, text messaging, and data to cover their operational expenses, these increased costs are ultimately borne by users, who are already grappling with the country’s broad economic downturn,” part of the report read.
While the country scored relatively higher in terms of content limitations, the report noted that the High Court of Zimbabwe, although it mandated the restoration of connectivity following an internet shutdown in 2019, did not declare internet shutdowns in general as illegal, thereby restricting citizens’ online participation.
It also highlighted self-censorship among journalists, commentators, and ordinary citizens due to government threats, along with the arrest of human rights defenders for their online activism, which led to increased reluctance among users to express their opinions online during the coverage period.
Several violations of user rights, citing some legal constraints that contradicted constitutional provisions on press freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information were again highlighted in the report.
Nompilo Simanje, Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead at the International Press Institute (IPI) emphasized that the report exposed the ongoing violation of internet freedoms in Zimbabwe.
“The 2023 Freedom on the Net report on Zimbabwe depicts how internet freedoms continue to be undermined in Zimbabwe. This includes the increase of prices of data that widens the digital divide but also through arrests, threats, and harassment over online expression,” Simanje said.
Simanje recommended a simultaneous focus on infrastructure development and efforts to increase internet affordability to bridge the digital divide.
“Efforts towards infrastructure development in the telecommunications sector should be complemented by efforts towards internet affordability. The Zimbabwean government should desist from any forms of internet restrictions, be it throttling or internet shutdowns, journalists and ordinary citizens alike should be able to freely express themselves online without fear of reprisals,” Simanje added.
Nigel Nyamutumbu, Head of Secretariat at Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, highlighted the disparity between internet service providers’ charges and subpar quality of connectivity in Zimbabwe compared to other countries in the region.
“There is a need to address the cost of accessing internet, particularly when comparing data costs with other countries and evaluating the accessibility and availability of internet quality,” Nyamutumbu noted.
Nyamutumbu also emphasized state-sponsored disinformation through outfits like VarakashiforED, sponsored by the state and responsible for spreading disinformation online.
“There are reports by fact-checking organizations on WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, where cases of disinformation have been propagated by these outfits. It is a challenge that requires an open conversation on how we can push back against the spread of disinformation,” Nyamutumbu added.
Commenting on recent data tariff hikes, Rosemary Mpofu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), acknowledged the regulator POTRAZ’s approved hikes, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure internet access for all.
“Communication is now a basic need that keeps families together, even though they could be separated for various reasons; students do research, workplaces function, and businesses thrive online so any increment reverse such gains, eroding consumers’ disposable incomes that could be channelled towards other family needs,” Mpofu said.
Mpofu recommended ongoing dialogue between service providers, policymakers, consumers, and the government to ensure a focus on improved internet access.
During an event in Chivi, Masvingo last month, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera highlighted that half of Zimbabwe’s population remains offline, indicating a failure by many citizens to freely express themselves online due to lack of access.
As the nation approached the August 2023 elections, numerous citizens voiced concerns about the interception of their mobile numbers, receiving unsolicited campaign messages from political players through text messages and online platforms, which analysts deemed a clear violation of people’s right to privacy.
Among other countries in the region that also ranked ‘partly free’ but had higher scores were Zambia (59), Angola (59), Malawi (60), and Kenya (66), with Uganda scoring the same 51 points as Zimbabwe.

Nedbank Great Dyke tour goes international

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Nedbank Great Dyke tour goes international

Tinaani Nyabereka

ZVISHAVANE – Tour de Great Dyke cycling event organizers, are set to transform the competition into an international competition, drawing participants from across the world.
The cycling event, which was initiated in 2016, organized by Nedbank was sponsored by companies including Unki, Mimosa, Zimplats, Utande, Econet, Ok Zim , OK Mart, YAFM among others.
The 2023 edition kicked off from Zimplats Complex on 2 November and saw professional and amateur cyclists cover over 300 kilometers while passing through Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Shurugwi and ended in Zvishavane on Saturday October 4 at 12 noon.
Speaking on the sidelines of the just ended tour, Nedbank Tour Secretary Farai Sithole said plans were underway to turn the competition into a global event.
“We are happy to see this cycling event growing. We decided to be part of the Tour de Great Dyke seven years ago and we want to applaud other organizers and sponsors for the continued support of the event which brings together miners from different mining areas within the Great Dyke region.
“Certainly, we want it to become an international event. We want to have international cyclists,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State Marian Chombo applauded Nedbank for coming up with the Great Dyke tour which she said should grow and become an international event.
“We are happy with this development and we are also optimistic that this event will grow and become an international event.
“This cycling event again fills an excellent need for fitness and wellness and dovetails with government’s quest to promote wellness and healthy living to all the citizens,” she said.
Tour de Great Dyke was launched to promote miner wellness and raise awareness on the investment opportunities in the 550km long, 12km wide Great Dyke geological complex. The Foundation has also supported a number of students at various levels of education.
The Great Dyke is a geological feature in Zimbabwe that consists of a band of short, narrow ridges and hills spanning for approximately 550 kilometers.

CCC, Zanu stop taking us for granted

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CCC, Zanu stop taking us for granted

Ladies and gentlemen, if I tell you Mapombi is angry, it will be the understatement of the year. I cannot find the right words to express my displeasure to whatever is happening in the politics of this country, otherwise mungazoti ndadhakwa nemabanana akaora. Ini zvangu ndiri gentleman handivanzi so ndotongokubudirai muchisaga. NaYave munotsamwisa imi mapolitician, mese zvenyu kubva kuZanu yacho, CCC, Changu Chimuti nemi mose vanoda power zvisina mwero. Tell me, toramba tichingovhota here nhandi vedu nhaiwe musorobhangu Chavangu? It seems as if wese anongonzi mayor haasi safe from Tshabangu’s recalls, and dzirikutoda chaiko. Saka vese they got in via dodgy internal politics here nhai Senge? Muface uyu anonzi Chavangu anondifungisa imwe member yainzi Chomu yandaipinda nayo paChirimudombo Primary School rimwe gore. Muface iyeye raiva dofo remakoko, saka one day dzakajumha test yeContent kwakudeedzerwa muclass nateacher kunzi well done for the improvement, nekutoitwa group leader pagroup 5 padzaigara. Dzanga dzisina kumbotsvunha hadzo asi dzanga dzangodarikawo half. Vhiki iyoyo takahwa bhata naye Chomu because dzakabva dzatohijacker huclass monitor, kungopihwa work kungoti nyorei, dzakutofamba dzichicollecta mabook evanhu. Kungopedza kunyora dzakutonodzima board. That’s exactly what Chavangu and his handlers are doing. Ko nhai, chingodzingaika vese tizvitangidze ka1 zvemaelections zvacho kwete kuita mutemarege wembada. You are really taking the electorate for a ride, kutiita zvituta zvenyu chaiko. Munotsamwisa fani. The country is burning, things are not ok, vana vapera kuinda UK neCoS, vamwe vachivhimiwa semakonzo Joni uko while you people are playing with our lives kudaro. Cholera nepaside tahwa nekumanya kuzvimbuzi zvisina mvura izvozvo, apa zvipatara angova madangwaza. This time, all of you are to blame. Chamisa and crew, you know that you can never wish away Chavangu, and you know what you need to do but munononokera zvenyu colgate mazino achiora. Zanu on the other hand, is busy legitimizing this bafoonery receiving Chavangu’s letters every dawning day, zvekuti dzakutozadza 2kg so, Minister Chitando muchingodzinga henyu macouncilor and that is going to be your legacy iyoyo muzvizive. Nekunowo, zvimwe zvikara busy filing triple nominations paward imwechete kunge munopenga, nxaaa! I really think Chamisa nedzimwe shasha dzake know that Chavangu has solid support within the party, and of course not from varimo muParliament vaya vainzi vaakuurayisa phone yake Chavangu ichingogara ichifonewa every hour kuti asavadzinga, no. Musi uno, Tindo’s aide anonzi Zellers Gumbo uya akabuda wani musaga and claimed that some party caucus had happened and resolved that indeed Chavangu’s grievances were valid. No such caucus had happened according to Chamisa sympathizers. Imika, I laughed zvangu because then I knew kuti haa mai vechidhoma chiya vazobuda pachena. I won’t explain further on this because ane nzeve dzekunzwa not for decoration atonzwa. This is Tindo’s man, who is known by all and sundry in Triple C, and him coming out saying that, was a statement and half. No wonder Chavangu is increasingly trigger happy, chero zvazvo if you listen to him speaking unongonzwa wega kuti mvura iya isiri kunaya yakazara mumusoro make, kkkk. Kana ndatuka sorry kwacho. There are a lot of Tshabangus in CCC, and no matter how hard they try to deny him, uya ndewavo and there are records. Zuro ndizuro we saw a Kucaca Phulu shamelessly asking for dialogue with other CCC leaders, apa idzo muface waChavangu. Unongoona kuti kwatiri kubva ndiko kwatakananga chokwadi. Mapombi would normally not give a hoot about it but kana zvaazvekugarisana mumutsetse wekuvhota, haa makuzotijairira manje. Enough is enough, please put your houses in order. Honai ikozvino Prince Dubeko decorum neettiquecy dzese dzehuMP zvakubvuruwara akutukana nevanhu mucourt. Even if it was me ndaiitawo hasha ini, kungogara uchingori panomination court, haa mazomunyanyira, regai akutukei mucourt imomo. On a good day however, Prince Dubeko is the kind of MP you would want muParly because akamutsa mutsa, not dzimwe shasha dzatisingambonzwi even kumaportfolio committee, dead silence throughout. Hanzi naMudenda machief whip udzirai vanhu venyu zvekutaura vasati vauya kumamotion uko varikuvhiringika pakuita articulate maissues kkkk. Seka hako Mapombi. Sometimes I just think we deserve the leaders we get because ukatarisa some of the characters that make it into parliament and council unonyatsoti asi vanhu vaivhota vakatsinzinya here shuwa. Indeed if you play stupid games you will win stupid prizes. We vote for these clowns so we must not be surprised if they create a circus mumachambers umo vanaAlaika vevhest biolence uko, alongside Madzvovere Masimba mazhinji. We have a very big leadership crisis in this country, that’s why we continue having these scenarios dzemarecalls and continuous by-elections. And the sad part of it is vanhu vacho vakafanana, hapana risina muswe gonzo. The few people who are actually brave, vanaJob Sikhala, they are languishing in jail. The rest kungorumira muvhu and causing confusion but we see you.
Ko nhai Minister Tate, chero chii chakungonzi ICT here? Hanzi I have handed ICT equipment kuagriculture uko, iwo malaptop iwayo, you would think its some sophisticated agric tech zve. My sister, don’t try too hard to convince people that you’re the right person for that portfolio, you will be making it worse. Kazhinji hazvo zvemichina michina izvi hazvidi kudeepisa if you don’t know because you will expose how dumb you are. Zvichaita, don’t force it. I’m reminded when Mugabe gave Mudhara wedu Hungwe some ministry yainzi psychomotor, chegore iro! Takazvimba zheve nayo psychomotor gore iroro. Kungonzi mamuka sei VaHungwe, vakutorudunuka zvepyschomotor. But Bhobho chaiva nemadrama, chinenge chambofunga hacho kuisa munhu murelegation zone. Zvino ndizvo zvaTate izvozvi. Apa sistran varikuda kusanganisa zvese sovereignty, ICT, internet access, with a sprinkle of ignorance; karecipe kedisaster. Mapombi is surely for women empowerment but it’s meaningless when its just tokenism and nepotism mumapolitical party umo, kungononga chero wavada kwakudzimikira, discouraging people who are actually capable of holding the fort. You political leaders are a disgrace. I don’t want to sound sexist but pamwe pacho ndoona sekuti you do that deliberately kuisa munhu asina kana nekumeso so that the person is your stooge and can do any kind of corruption for you if need arises.
Don’t get me wrong, hapana chakashata pakuita endorse women for leadership, but ngazvichijekaka nhai. I saw on Twitter, yamava kuti X iyo, Mzembi endorsed Shantiel. There are so many who agree with him, chero neniwo Mapombi, but mwanasikana, this is no longer child’s play. Leadership haasisiri magroup ekuchurch or emukando, so you ought to be out there, sounding like a true leader. Zvekusava available zviya behaving like you’re too special will cost you, and I can assure you kuti hunokuvavira hukanzura because vagari vanombozvida here zvevanhu vanoita kunge vakadonha kubva kudenga? I am truly hoping that you have many political lives and you will bounce back, if only Roki naChirairo fail to sail through. It’s obvious that votes will be divided among you three, and Roki waChavangu is in cloud nine hanzi ndapihwa mumwe mukana zve. Let’s hope haungozovi mukana wekuiswa paballot paper and not translate to anything else nhai Roki wee. Chete hako une chipo chekuveza madoor, hauzoshayi mubato wemaoko kana zvemamwe mastand zvaramba kukanzuru.
The person who said politics is a dirty game anga aonera munhu iyeye. Akazongosiirira kuti it’s a game of lunatics because tell me why Chavangu insists that Chamisa’s face is party property asina kana nyadzi kumeso. Huye bodo. Regai ndinokanga maputi angu zvangu for lunch ndimwe mvura.
Ko imi, there was a time yatakambonzwa of former Gamatox crew rejoining Zanu in droves, zvakazodiikowo? VaMphoko havasati vadzoka muPolitburo here? Do you guys remember kuti dzakambogara pahotera zvekusatoda kubvapo muHarare umu? Power so! Mukadziona muti hanzi hesi naMapombi. Mboko imboko!

Recalls confusion: 3 CCC candidates file for nomination in Masvingo

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Recalls confusion: 3 CCC candidates file for nomination in Masvingo

Beverly Bizeki

Confusion is reigning supreme in Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) after the party literally has three candidates who successfully filed for nomination for the by election in Masvingo West’s Ward 2.
The ward fell vacant following the recall of ward 2 councilor and Masvingo Mayor Shantiel Chiwara by Sengezo Tshabangu who claims to be interim CCC secretary general.
The trio are Chiwara, former Councillor Roki Kamuzonda and Frank Chirairo who filed as Independent though he was a CCC member who contested in the party primaries earlier.
The three are igniting their June 2023 battle where they clashed at primaries, with Kamuzonda and Chirairo, despite leading the Bereka Mwana stage, failed to succeed in other stages of the election.
After the party announced Chiwara as the official candidate, Chirairo went on to file for nomination and was reported to police for allegedly forging signatures but went on to withdraw his candidature after the party promised to withdraw charges which they went on to do.
On the other hand Kamuzonda filed as independent accusing Chiwara of sleeping her way up and said if the party had considered Chirairo he was not going to contest.
He however went on to withdraw after allegedly being offered US$500 as compensation and was accused of secretly working with Zanu PF candidate Benson Hwata in a bid to make sure Chiwara lost the seat.
Interestingly, Kamuzonda and Chirairo have swapped positions; Kamuzonda filed under CCC which locals have termed CCC Tshabangu while Chirairo is now the independent candidate.
Speaking after the nomination on Tuesday November 7, Chiwara said her papers were signed by her party led by Chamisa’s local signatories and said she was confident of a resounding victory.
“I have successfully filed my nomination papers as the candidate to represent CCC led by Chamisa on the December 9 by election following my recall by Tshabangu who claim to be SG though we do not have such structures in our party.
“I am grateful to the leaders for giving me another opportunity to represent the party and I am confident that ward 2 residents will support me as they did in the previous election,” said Chiwara.
Commenting on the recall, Chiwara said she was not disturbed that much as she was recalled by an impostor not her party which she said was still behind her.
“I am not disturbed by the recall though it came unexpectedly, knowing the recall did not come from our leadership I was not disturbed very much because they have assured me that we are on track and that whatever is happening is politics and should be expected.
“Now I am confident that whether in power or not, in office or not, the leadership of the movement that I work with is on track and we are in good books so I do not have a problem with that,” said Chiwara.
On the other hand, Kamuzonda said he was happy to be back in the game and was grateful to God for answering his prayers saying his papers were signed in Harare
“I have filed my papers signed from Harare so that I can be able to participate in the coming by election where I will be representing CCC. I am happy because God has remembered me ever since the time I was let down, my prayers have been answered.
“I want to promise ward 2 residents that I will address the challenges they were facing recently, the destroying of stall markets and harassment of widow and orphan vendors in the streets. I will try to negotiate with responsible authorities to find a better solution than chasing people and destroying properties,” said Kamuzonda.
On social media platforms, Chiwara seems to have an upper hand over others by the mere fact that she has Chamisa’s endorsement.
In the many Ward 2 WhatsApp groups, Chiwara enjoys support while a few sympathize with Kamuzonda, who showed interests of retaining the seat since the recall of Chiwara.
Soon after the recall, Kamuzonda has been giving updates to residents on council operations which he was likely getting from his previous contacts in council.
On the other hand, Chirairo who was silent on social media and could have been campaigning silently said his chances of winning were excellent saying he was still loyal to CCC and the work he was doing before the August 23 elections.
“My chances of winning are high, I have been campaigning before the August 23 elections and my promises to people are still the same. I still have the support I had last time though I failed to get a chance to represent the party,” said Chirairo.
He said his decision to stand as independent was because of the push he got from people in the ward.
Sources say Chirairo could benefit if Tshabangu decides to stop Chiwara from contesting on the technicality that she is not a party member.
Faced with that situation, CCC may support Chirairo as a better candidate as supporting Kamuzonda will be seen like endorsing Tshabangu though Kamuzonda claims that he has Chamisa’s blessing.
Zanu PF will be represented by Benson Hwata who lost to Chiwara in the August 2023 elections and he could probably be smiling that the CCC impasse could work in his favor.

Road to PSL: Derby fever grips Masvingo city

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Road to PSL: Derby fever grips Masvingo city

Bright Zhou

MASVINGO – All roads in Masvingo City will this Sunday lead to the province’s ceremonial home of football Mucheke stadium where FC Wangu Mazodze affectionately known as the Kingdom Boys will be taking its city rival Masvingo United FC popularly known as Una Una in the soccer circles.
The match which generated much interests among football lovers in the city is expected to attract a legion of fans as FC Wangu Mazodze will be playing to collect maximum points from the 9th placed Masvingo United FC which will be playing to defend the city’s pride.
FC Wangu Mazodze has 55 points and is tracking behind log leaders, Bikita Minerals with 56 points while Masvingo United has 31 points.
Football fans who spoke to TellZim News are optimistic that their teams are to offer them a classic show over the weekend
Stanely Mare, a staunch FC Wangu Mazodze fan said the derby is generally a platform to shine and urged players especially in the midfield going forward to take the risks and put training tactics into practice.
Mare said FC Wangu Mazodze should score more goals and win all the remaining two games.
“The game will be more interesting if FC Wangu Mazodze scores more goals because the team has only two games left to play. We need an entertaining match to make sure that us as fans we regain interest and confidence in the team. As a fan I wish to see my team securing a slot in the PSL”, said Mare.
Another fan, Simbarashe Dube said on Sunday, FC Wangu Mazodze is going to prove major highlights of football to the fans by dominating the game.
“Masvingo derby is one of our major highlights of Masvingo football and I have a feeling that this is going to be a thrilling game and as usual we will be giving the moral support needed by our team. I am confident that we will simply win the game, we cannot afford losing this one”, said Dube.
Masvingo United supporter David Mpofu said Una Una will complete a double over their rivals on Sunday saying the team was in good form so there was no reason to lose.
“It has always been difficult to pick which team would do well in the derby but i have always supported the team that would be having the better chance of winning and Una Una is in better form than FC Wangu Mazodze so I’m rooting for them to win,” said Mpofu.
Tariro Magwizi a staunch Una Una fan concurred with Mpofu saying his team has more experience and on the derby stage it should count and win by 2 goals to nil.
Wangu Mazodze is left with only two games and winning them all would widen chances for them to be promoted while their major contender for promotion Bikita Minerals is also left with two games.
If Bikita Minerals wins all its games then it will be over for the Kingdom boys who have been on top of the log for the better part of the season.

Women, youths live in fear as political violence escalates ahead of by-elections

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Women, youths live in fear as political violence escalates ahead of by-elections

By Own Correspondent

MASVINGO – Women and youths, mostly in rural communities particularly Gutu, confided to TellZim that they are living in fear due to escalation of political violence ahead of by-elections to be held on November 11, 2023 and December 09, 2023 respectively.

The November 11 by-election came into effect following the death of another candidate during the run up to the August 23 general elections, whilst the December 09 by-elections are as a result of recalls of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change’s (CCC) Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general.

In terms of Section 50 of the Zimbabwe Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, who was an independent candidate for Gutu West Constituency, died before the commencement of polls, and accordingly, the election for the constituency was terminated.

Incidences of political violence against young women and youths have since been reported in Gutu West, while online violence and hate speech is said to be rampant in Masvingo West’s Ward 2 where four candidates are battling it out to replace the recalled Shantiel Chiwara.

Technically, CCC has fielded three candidates – Chiwara, Roki Kamuzonda and Frank Chirairo who opted to file as independent candidate after he was frustrated by his party which, unjustly, denied him opportunity to contest at the general elections. The fourth candidate is Benson Hwata of Zanu PF.

In Gutu West, cases of political violence targeting youths and women are on the increase with the latest having occurred at Chiriga Business Centre where six people were left for dead on November 08.

No arrests have since been made so far. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi once said while addressing the media that the delays in the arrests are sometimes because the said victims would not have reported the cases to the police or investigations will be still on-going.

“As the ZRP, we are committed to swiftly deal with any case reported. However, most of the cases involving political violence would have not been reported to the police. So I want to urge members of the public to swiftly report their cases to the police instead of just sharing their stories on social media,” said Asst. Comm. Nyathi.

In Gutu West, a helpless woman Loveness Gwatidzo was beaten up by allegedly Zanu PF supporters and she is currently admitted at Gutu Mission Hospital where she is battling for life amid reports that she suffered spinal cord injuries.

Whilst Zanu PF has distanced itself from the political violence, the CCC candidate Morudu confirmed the incident and said other several injured people were afraid to go to hospital because the security agents, who are also being accused of terrorising opposition members, may follow them there.

“Some of the people who got injured have not gone to the hospital as they are afraid of being followed by security agents in hospital. Gwatidzo has since been admitted at the hospital because she is said to have sustained spinal cord injuries,” said Morudu.

One of the political violence victims Tapiwa Chiro said the Zanu PF supporters unselectively started beating up people at the business centre.

“There were about eight people in the shop who were doing stock take; and we heard a hard knock on the door before it was kicked open. They started beating everyone including my wife. I also received a thourough beating before I escaped to the other room and subsequently into the nearby bush. My wife is currently admitted at the hospital. I still don’t know the reason why we were beaten,” said Chiro.

Despite them correctly identifying some of the perpetrators, no arrests have been made so far.
“We managed to identify one Zanu PF member (name supplied) and his brother and we reported the case to the police but no arrests so far,” said Chiro.

Other victims were identified as Brian Sithole, Privilege Goremushandu, Ephraim Tavarwisa and Sydney Mashiri have reported the matter to the police at Chatsworths.

There have been series of political violence cases were reported in Gutu and other parts of the Zimbabwe during the run up to the August 23 elections and now as the nation prepares for the pending by-elections.

Political violence rears ugly head in Gutu ahead of by-election

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Political violence rears ugly head in Gutu ahead of by-election

Beverly Bizeki

As the date for the Gutu west by election draws closer, violence cases have started to be reported with the latest being of the six members who were injured during a violence storm that occurred at Chiriga Business Centre on November 8, 2023.
Though no comment could be obtained from the police by time of writing, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Gutu West candidate Ephraim Morudu confirmed the incident saying he was told that a number of people were injured.
“I have heard of the happenings at Chiriga Business Centre, I was told that people were injured in the attack and Loveness Gwatidzo is currently admitted at Gutu Mission Hospital and is said to have sustained spinal cord injuries.
“However, some of the people who got injured have not gone to the hospital as they are afraid of being followed by security agents in hospital,” said Morudu.
Allegations are that on the given day, a group of about seven people alleged to be Zanu PF members stormed Soweto Spot shop at the centre which belongs to Tapiwa Chiro at around 8:00 pm where he was doing a stock take together with his wife Loveness Gwatidzo.
Sources who spoke to this publication said a group of people who were in the shop intended to buy food as they were going to guard the venue where Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was going to hold its rally ahead of the November 11 by election.
When contacted for comment, Chiro said he heard a strange knock on the door before it was forced open and the suspects entered the room and started beating people in the shop.
“There were about eight people in the shop when we heard a hard knock on the door before it was kicked open. They started beating my wife, and I managed to escape into another room.
“I managed to get out but I got a beating before I fled into a nearby bush and heard my wife screaming before the group left the scene,” said Chiro.
He said they managed to identify one ward 6 Gutu West Zanu PF member and his brother among the perpetrators.
“We managed to identify one Zanu PF member (name supplied) and his brother and we later reported to the police,” said Chiro.
Other victims were identified as Brian Sithole, Privilege Goremushandu, Ephraim Tavarwisa and Sydney Mashiri have reported the matter to the police at Chatsworths.
A series of political violence cases were reported in Gutu and other parts of the province in the run up to the August 23 elections.

Environmental arteries poisoned, choked: reality of local rivers

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Environmental arteries poisoned, choked: reality of local rivers

Courage Dutiro

As the country joined other African countries in commemorating Africa Environment Day, the plight of environmental arteries which are rivers and streams that meander through both urban and rural areas has become increasingly worrying.
Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Nqobizita Mangaliso Ndhlovu in his speech commemorating Africa Environment Day said the day was set aside in recognition of environmental challenges that the continent is facing and the need to bring nature-based solutions to the challenges.
“The day was designated in 2002, on recognition of the numerous environmental challenges confronting the African continent and the need to establish lasting, innovative nature-based solutions to these challenges,” read the statement.
As rivers meander and cascade from the source to the mouth, they provide life to biodiversity and ecosystems during the process.
Rivers and their tributaries are the arteries and veins of the environment, lifeblood and the cradle of human civilization.
Communities, plants and animals that live in and along rivers depend on them for a living, they are a critical component of the ecosystem.
The continuous suffocation of rivers through unsustainable human activities pose threat to the ecosystems.
Siltation of the great Save River that winds its way from the South-Western part of Marondera to Mahenye is a sign that the environmental arteries are under the strain.
Save River Restoration Trust project coordinator Joseph Mutsvaidzwa said people are suffering from a huge burden of the siltation of Save River.
“Save River on its 400km stretch from Wedza to Mahenye as a perennial river was home to many amphibians, wildlife and a source of livelihood for surrounding communities.
“People are facing deadly effects of climate change and siltation of Save River,” said Mutsvaidzwa.
About 20 km up from the iconic Birchenough Bridge, Save swallows Odzi River which pushes brownish water allegedly polluted by Chinese mining activities in Chiadzwa Diamond fields 15 km up from the confluence.
Matsvaidzwa said in conserving the river, Save Restoration Trust members are planting trees to restore forests lost due to unsustainable wood harvesting along the river.
“Lower Save East and West Members are planting trees in their individual capacities until resources become available for other programmes,” Matsvaidzwa said.
On September 7, 2021, Chiredzi West Member of Parliament Farai Musikavanhu raised a motion in parliament asking the August house to set aside a day that can be dubbed ‘Anti-siltation’ day.
“I rise on a point of national interest, having noted that as a nation we need to set aside an anti-siltation day. Our water bodies are choking up at an alarming rate of siltation. In view of climate change our food security as a nation is progressively going to be underpinned by irrigation,” read part of the September 7 2021 Hansard.
Anti-siltation day will help in sensitizing members of the public and policymakers on the importance of rivers, dams and waterways in both urban and rural areas.
Rivers that meander through urban areas are not spared as they are being choked with pollutants from residential, industrial, and farming areas and also from other effects of land degradation.
Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province Ezra Chadzamira in October 2022 during the Global Environment Fund (Gef-7) launch in Masvingo said about 130 kilometres of rivers are affected by stream bank cultivation.
“Human activities such as illegal mining, wetlands cultivation, stream bank cultivation, deforestation and invasive alien species are largely to blame for land degradation in the province.
“Assessments in the province reveal that approximately 131.6 kilometres are affected by stream bank cultivation and 716 hectares under wetland cultivation,” he said.
As if that is enough rivers are also facing another challenge from alien plant species such as the water hyacinth.
Mucheke river in Masvingo Urban is among some of the rivers that are being choked by the results of both unsustainable human activities and alien plant species.
In 2022 Masvingo City Council acknowledged the discharge of raw sewerage into Mucheke and Shagashe rivers which coincidentally met with the death of various amphibians and other Marine life in the rivers.

The global SDG 6 targets to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
Following the discharge Masvingo Provincial Environmental Management Agency (EMA) issued a statement encouraging people to live in hygienic environments.
“Let us all uphold our rights to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment,” read the party of the statement.
Masvingo City Council statement on pollution of Mucheke River
However, 3 weeks after releasing the statement EMA fined Masvingo city council and a beverage manufacturing company (Delta beverages) for polluting the rivers.
Mucheke is a tributary of Shagashe River which feeds into Lake Mutirikwi the sole source of water for Masvingo urban residents.
The pollution of rivers and water is also worsened by the disruption of Wetlands by also unsustainable human activities.
During the year 2022, Bikita Residents association (BIRRA) was up in arms with Bikita Rural District Council for allocating commercial stands at Wetlands in the District.
It was reported that Bikita RDC was allegedly allocating stands in a wetland at Mushanduri Business centre as well as at Makuvaza Business centre.
In some cases, wetlands are the sources/headwater of rivers and streams in the country, if disturbed the health of rivers and streams deteriorate.
The fate of Save and Mucheke river is a reflection of what is happening in many rivers that meander around the country.

Councilors, residents worry over alarming house-to-lodge conversions

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Councilors, residents worry over alarming house-to-lodge conversions

Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City councilors are complaining over the upsurge of conversions of residential properties into guest houses and lodges in wards 6 and 9 saying this was causing disorders in communities as owners were failing to adhere to regulations.
Speaking during the first full council meeting, ward 9 councilor Benard Muchokwa said the continued issuance of change of use of residential stands was worrying residents who were now complaining that lodge owners were making a lot of noise disturbing their peace.
“Most people in low density areas are converting their houses into guest houses, lodges or some party houses and we have been hearing complaints from neighbours of such people coming from events hosted at these places or generators, disturbing residents,” said Muchokwa.
Wilstaff Sitemere of ward 6 said council was supposed to look at the area before granting permission as one proposed house in his ward was in an area which recorded two cases of rape and the situation could be worsened if there is a lodge.
“I stay in target Kopje and there are issues of rape cases especially around this Shudu Street; there have been two cases of rape so I am not sure if this was noted during familiarization of the place,” said Sitemere.
However ward 8 councilor Richard Musekiwa said residents who were complaining were supposed to submit written complaints for council to take action saying they cannot take any action without formal complaints.
“Those who are complaining need to make their complaints formal too council so that we take action, they should tell us the area or property because some could be operating illegally, so we need to know the specific property before we do investigations,” said Musekiwa.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) board chairperson Thomas Mbetu said noise pollution and illegal parties coming from illegal guesthouses was a cause for concern, calling upon council and the police to act on these issues.
“As MURRA we are deeply concerned and worried about illegal lodges and guest houses in ward 9 and noise pollution through loud music and illegal parties, we also suspect that these illegal guesthouses are also becoming a den of robbers who are wreaking havoc in ward 9.
“We condemn these illegalities in the strongest possible terms. We call upon the city council and the ZRP to help us on these issues,” said Mbetu.
Ward 2 resident Dr Munyaradzi Chidarikire said of concern were use of unfinished and unoccupied houses as brothels were ladies of the night leave used condoms and mess the houses with urine which will then emit a stench into the residential area.
“In Victoria Ranch ward 2, Masvingo West there are a number of unfinished and unoccupied houses that are being used as brothels. Prostitutes use these houses, leave used condoms and urine, children then play with used condoms exposing them to diseases,” said Chidarikire.
He went on to urge the police to increase patrols and arrest those engaging in these acts.

Tsikamutandas wreaking havoc in Chivi – Police

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Tsikamutandas wreaking havoc in Chivi – Police

Staff Reporter

CHIVI – Police in Chivi have expressed worry over traditional healers popularly known as Tsikamutandas who are causing a lot of problems rather than solving them in the community.
This was revealed by Masvingo West Dispol Superintendent Oscar Gadzikwa during the International Rural Women’s Day (IRWD) commemorations in ward 16 of Chivi Central recently.
Supt Gadzikwa said Tsikamutandas were causing Gender based violence and destruction of property in the communities they operate in and warned people to notify the nearest police if they come in their areas.
“Tsikamutandas are causing a lot of problems in the community, they accuse people of different witchcraft and force people to pay them and some family members fight over those issues. I want to urge you all that if you see them in you communities please notify the police,” said Gadzikwa.
He went on to say communities should also report child headed families and instances where families deprive education to the girl child favoring the boy child saying it was not only the victim’s responsibility to report abuse but the community also.
“It is not only the responsibility of victims to report abuse to police but the community can also report. Our Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) is readily available to deal with all cases of abuse cases.
“If the community sees a family where the girl child is deprived a chance to go to school in favor of a boy child they should report. If you see a child-headed homestead, report to the police also because that makes children vulnerable to abuse,” said Gadzikwa.
Speaking at the same event, Masvingo Child Senator Chantel Verenga urged youth to work for themselves to avoid idleness which she said was responsible for leads to drug abuse.
“Young people should not be a burden to their parents instead they should be exemplary children. Youths should work for themselves by venturing in technical skills, starting small business ventures like collecting and processing Mapfura. This is a great way of fighting against drug abuse because idle minds are the devil’s workshop,” said Verenga.
She urged young people to work with Takunda Care as it is empowering youths to get technical skills to work for themselves through (Technical Vocational Education Training) TVET.
There was free cervical and cancer screening at the event by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and local women said though the service was free, the government should make sure that treatment becomes free saying it was expensive and this forces cancer patients to default.
The event was running under the theme ‘Rural women cultivating good food for all’.

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