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Man murdered while chasing robbers

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Man murdered while chasing robbers

Beverly Bizeki

A man from Mucheke D in Masvingo was murdered in cold blood whilst chasing robbers who had stolen his phone on August 4, 2023.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said police had arrested one suspect and the other was still at large.
“I can confirm the murder of Tinashe Marufu who was killed in Runyararo West on August 4 and investigations are still in progress,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the fateful day between 0100 hours and 0230 hours, Marufu was chasing two suspects Tichaona Chambarambo and Delight Matore who had stolen his cellphone.
The two were running towards Francis Aphiri Primary School in Runyararo West suburb.
Elvin Wezulu (37) who was sleeping at his house together with two other people Obriene Chengaose (24) and Edwin Chironga (25) heard Marufu shouting “thief thief” woke up and joined the chase.
The trio followed Marufu and Chambarambo, jumped over the fence into Francis Aphiri School whilst Matore failed to jump and Marufu caught up with him.
Chambarambo came back to rescue his accomplice and stabbed Marufu with an okapi knife once on the right side collar bone and the now deceased had to let go of Matore.
The suspects fled the crime scene but Chambarambo was later caught some meters away by Wezulu and his team together with other residents who had joined in the chase.
Marufu followed the crowd to where Chambarambo was caught and unfortunately fell down there.
The matter was reported at Runyararo West Police Base, an ambulance was called and arrived after Marufu had already died.
The deceased’s body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post mortem where Chambarambo is also receiving treatment from injuries sustained from beatings by the mob when he was caught.

‘Fern Valley deaths a result of offended spirits’

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‘Fern Valley deaths a result of offended spirits’

Branton Matondo

Traditional leaders and social custodians in Mutare have raised concerns on of rituals acts performed in water bodies saying they angered the spirits which led to the death of two young men at Fern Valley dam recently.
Fern Valley dam was another death scene on the 6th of August when two young men drowned while trying to save another young man and a lady prophet who was alleged to exorcising or performing a ritual ceremony with a lady prophet.
Speaking to TellZim News, Ward 10 Councilor Calvin Matsiya said though death incidences occur on yearly basis the tolerance of ritual acts popularly referred to as ‘Mashai’ was getting worse in Fern Valley and result in death cases to who wanderers in the waters.
“People are coming for Traditional rituals (Mashayi) in the dam. Recently a group led by a prophetess came and while she was performing rituals on a young boy. The prophetess and two other boys were drowning and two the now deceased brothers came to their aid but they drowned instead.
”It’s still not clear what form of ritual was the prophetess conducting on the boy but what is clear is that she was also about to drown but the two young men came and saved them.” Said Matsiya
Mhakwe Heritage Foundation Trust (MHFT) Director and traditionalist David Mutambirwa told TellZim News that water bodies were sacred places and proper ritual processes should take place to appease the spirits.
“Water bodies are sacred places and are habitat of spiritual powers. They should be respected and rituals should are performed to appease the spirits. Any form of abomination can anger the spirits and that could lead to harm or loss of life. We argue our people to respect our sacred places to minimize chances of angering the spirits.” Said Mutambirwa
He went on to say people were is not recognizing and respecting sacred places which he said were many in Mutare and Manicaland as a whole.
“We are not observing the sacred places due to other influences for example Christianity, ignorance among other omissions. We have departed from our cultural norms and values,” said Mutambirwa
In 2022 a young boy from Dangamvura drowned while swimming in Fern Valley dam and another student who had just joined Manicaland State University (MSU) drowned in the same dam while swimming.
Fern Valley dam was constructed for recreational purposes before independence, however, cases of people drowning under mysterious circumstances are common.

Church leadership wrangle: Bishop kidnapped, stripped naked

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Church leadership wrangle: Bishop kidnapped, stripped naked

Staff Reporter

BIKITA – Zion Apostolic Church 1923 (ZAC 1923), one of the biggest African Indigenous churches in Zimbabwe leader Felix Masuka was allegedly kidnapped and stripped naked by people suspected to be from his young brother’s faction, with whom he has been fighting for the leadership of the church following their father David Masuka’s death.
This was revealed by the church’s leadership at a press conference held at Flamboyant Hotel recently to clarify allegations that the youthful leader was caught in a compromising position with a married woman.
Masuka’s deputy Edward Rinoganya said the incident happened on August 7, when the Bishop left his home escorting him (Rinoganya) to his home in Zaka. On his way back he was allegedly kidnapped by two men.
“On his way back he stopped near Mandadzaka to greet his nephews who stay close to the road, and that’s when two men arrived and dragged him out of the car demanding to know if he was Bishop Masuka, telling him that was the end and they wanted to kill him.
“They stripped him naked and dragged him to a certain homestead in Chihumo village, where they locked him up and started beating him thoroughly. They went on to take pictures of him naked and shared them on social media,” said Runoganya.
He went on to say the assailants took his phone and called the last number on his call log which happened to be that of the church chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa who is also Zanu PF provincial chairperson and the Bishop managed to call out that he had been kidnapped.
He went on to say Mavhenyengwa then called the bishop’s place to inform people who went on to report the matter at Chikuku police base.
“Mavhenyengwa called some guys who stay at the Bishop’s place and they rushed to inform the police who reacted and proceeded to the homestead where they found the bishop still locked and the people celebrating saying they wanted to see how the bishop will preach after the incident.
“The police ordered for his release and gave him his clothes that had been left in his vehicle which had been left open and idling.” said Rinoganya.
Mavhenyengwa said though the matter was still in the hands of the police, they suspect that the suspects are linked to the bishop’s rival camp led by his young brother who failed to command a following after leading a breakaway faction.
He said the incident was not new as there have been several attempts on the Bishop’s life which they link to the same people.
“We suspect that the assailants had been sent by the Bishop’s young brother who is fighting for the church leadership since there has been several incidences which we suspect again to be from the same people,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Masuka took over the reins of the church following his father David Masuka’s death in 2015.

Lawyer pledges free legal service to journalists

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Lawyer pledges free legal service to journalists

Decide Nhendo

MASVINGO based legal practitioner Yolanda Chandata of Muzenda and Partners law firm has pledged free legal services to journalists who are arrested in their line of duty.
Chandata gave the pledge while addressing Masvingo scribes at a workshop on advanced election reporting workshop organized by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists at TellZim News Offices recently.
Speaking at the event, Chandata said the work of journalists is so important especially on elections as they play a critical role in facilitating a platform of engagement between politicians and the electorate.
She said journalists should be free to carry out their duties without interference saying if they face any challenge which warrant legal services in line of their work she was at their disposal to offer services for free.
“Journalists play an important role and they should not be victimized for doing their work. So if you face any challenges that need legal services, I am at your disposal so don’t hesitate to come to me as long as you are prosecuted in line of your work,” Chandata said.
She however urged journalists to have knowledge of the laws which govern how they work so that they will not be arrested without breaking any law.
“You media practitioners have to know the laws that govern how you work, you have to know your rights as journalists so that you defend yourselves when persecuted,” said Chandata.
On elections she said journalists should know what the law allows them to do at polling stations to avoid unnecessary problems with law enforcement agents.
“Always carry your valid press cards and always wear jackets labelled media for easy identification, be ethical and non-partisan. Know your limits and avoid unnecessary inconveniences,” she said.
Commenting on the development, ZUJ Masvingo Chairperson Brighton Chiseva said journalists deserve all the help they can get in doing their work and Chandata’s pledge was most welcome.

Rujeko teacher (57) hangs self in his house

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Rujeko teacher (57) hangs self in his house

Beverly Bizeki

A dark cloud hung over the Rujeko suburb in Masvingo after a former teacher at Rujeko Primary School from the neighbourhood committed suicide by hanging in his house after allegedly complaining of stress to his daughter on August 14 2023.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident.
“We confirm the death of a Rujeko man who committed suicide by hanging at his homestead in Rujeko where he hanged himself on the roof beam,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the fateful day, Taruvinga Bingwa (57) complained to his daughter Princess Bingwa that he was stressed before she left for work at around 0600 hours.
Princess called her pastor Brighton Chirindo to check on her father after she attempted to call him and he was not responding.
Chirindo went to check Taruvinga at his house where he found the now deceased hanging with a black electric cable on the roof beam and went to report the matter at Rujeko Police Station.
Taruvinga’s neighbours David Chigayo (48) and Musasa Chikwanda (43) also went to the deceased’s house and found him lying on the floor allegedly struggling to breathe.
The two rushed Taruvinga to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission and was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary.
Some sources close to the matter said Bingwa was buried on August 17, 2023.

Zim elections already rigged – MDC T

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Zim elections already rigged – MDC T

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru – Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Gweru’s ward 14 candidate Silas Mutendeutswa has said the August 23 harmonized elections were already rigged accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of bedding Zanu PF.
Mutendeutswa, who is the party’s Midlands Provincial Chairperson was speaking at a press club discussion organized by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in Gweru.
He said ZEC had failed to show impartiality in conducting a free and fair election saying the voter’s roll was in shambles, a clear testimony that the election body cannot run a credible election.
“If you look at the voters roll, there are voters who were registered under my ward but are not supposed to be in ward 14. There is massive displacement of voters in the voters roll, which is a clear sign that the election is already rigged,” said Mutendeutswa.
Mutendeutswa also added that the failure by ZEC to release the voter’s roll was chaotic.
He said though the party president Douglas Mwonzora withdrew from the race, they were still contesting fully aware that the elections were rigged.
“Although our president, Douglas Mwonzora pulled out of the presidential race, all other candidates for house of assembly and local authority are still participating,”
“We are participating but we already know that this is a rigged election, ZEC is failing to play a neutral role and appear to be siding with Zanu PF,” said Mutendeutswa.
MDC-T president Mwonzora pulled out of the race after citing a plethora of irregularities caused by ZEC.
Last week the Catholic Commission on Peace and Justice Midlands Chapter urged political parties to uphold peace ahead of the coming elections saying elections were a one day event.

We will accept any election outcome – Zanu PF Youth

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We will accept any election outcome – Zanu PF Youth

Beverly Bizeki

As calls for peace during elections increase, Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Secretary for Science and Technology Auxilia (Skuku) Dhanzi said Zanu PF was going to accept any outcome of the August 23 harmonized election.
Dhanzi was speaking during the signing of the peace pledge by political parties, an initiative by the Head Hands Heart Health (4H Zimbabwe) at Amazing Village Lodge recently.
She said it was a big day for Masvingo youths as they signed the peace pledge and vowed to maintain peace and respect the outcomes of the elections.
“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa who taught us to uphold peace in this year’s election which we have witnessed here today. We are going to have our elections in peace and we do not condone violence.
“We are going to accept whatever outcome of the elections, no one is going to hurt another person. As youth we are going to remain united and the party that wins will have to move forward with building our Zimbabwe as is being done by the new dispensation,” said Dhanzi.
CCC youth representative Kingsley Sibanda urged youths to do things differently in this coming election by upholding peace which he said was an important factor in the whole election.
“Our elections must differ from the previous elections by respecting our diverse thoughts and have tolerance for each other. I urge all youth to unite in the coming elections and respect the outcomes of the elections,” said Sibanda.
Youths who participated in the pledge were drawn from the 11 political parties participating in the August 23 election.
4 H Zimbabwe Foundation Director John Muchenje said the purpose of the meeting was to bring the youth together and encourage them to uphold peace by signing the peace pledge.
“In Masvingo we have signed the peace pledge today following the national one signed last week. This follows an agreement made by their leaders to uphold peace during the elections, so the programme is being rolled into provinces as reinforcement,” said Muchenje.
Muchenje said the programme targeted youths as they are often found on the forefront of perpetrating violence during elections hence there was need to get them involved in efforts being made to maintain peace during, before and after elections.
4 H Zimbabwe has been training youth peace monitors across the country to promote peace.

Political violence, intimidations on rise in Chiredzi

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Political violence, intimidations on rise in Chiredzi

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – With few days left before the watershed elections slated for August 23, violence and intimidations are on the rise in Chiredzi District, with members of the Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), a Zanu PF affiliate group allegedly being on the lead intimidating, harassing and torturing suspected opposition leaders while some members of the opposition are being threatened with banishment from the resettlement areas, Zimbabwe Peace Project Report recently revealed.
The ZPP report on political violence in Chiredzi south allegedly by Zanu PF aspiring candidate, Joel Sithole indicated that he sent people to physically assault Chilonga Irrigation scheme Chairperson, Vutisani Mushiyi (48) popularly known as Chitomatomani whom they accused of being a staunch Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporter.
“Allegedly, Chitomatomani was targeted by the assailants for taking a lead role in the development of Chilonga Irrigation project and connecting water from the main dam to the irrigation project. It is said that he became a threat to the Zanu PF aspiring member of Chiredzi South Joel Sithole as he now commands a huge following because of his proactive initiatives in the irrigation of vegetables and attracting funding partners that have developed the scheme.
“Verified facts suggest that Chitomatomani is targeted by Zanu PF activists for his affiliation to CCC. They said he is likely to use his influence to campaign for the CCC if he is not stopped,” wrote ZPP.
In the same constituency, around 1am on August 16, Sithole was involved in a tussle with Hapious Chikutu, ward 6 CCC aspiring candidate after he came with his campaign vehicle decorated with party colors and symbols, to drop graveyard flowers, with a tag inscribed Chikutu’s name and his wife and a REST IN PEACE text. It was also written ‘be careful’ on the other side.
“Zanu PF Chiredzi South candidate, Joel Sithole came to my house around 1am accompanied by Stephen and Calvin Chauke whom he dropped off some 50 meters from my house.
“They came to my house holding graveyard flowers, with a text inscribed behind which read ‘Be careful’. In its front, there was my name and my wife’s and a Rest in Peace text again. When they were approaching my house, we flashed Stephen Chauke with a torch light, who later dropped the flowers and ran towards their vehicle.
“We pursued them, grabbed Stephen’s collar while he was trying to jump into the vehicle. I later released him as the car was moving towards me and I later made a police report,” said Chikutu.
Efforts to get a comment from the two were futile as Calvin Chauke’s cell was not reachable while Joel Sithole’s went unanswered on several attempts.
In Chiredzi West, Ephius Mpfumba, who is still admitted at Collin Saunders Hospital was nearly stoned to death while on a ladder by Zanu PF activists in ward 16.
In an interview with CCC Cluster leader, Machirairwa Mugidho, she said Mpfumba was taken unconscious from where he fell to the hospital after he was stoned in the face whilst he was on the ladder putting up posters.
“We thank God he is alive. He was taken to the hospital while unconscious after he was stoned by Zanu PF activists while he was putting up campaign posters using a ladder,” said Mugidho.
In Chiredzi East’s resettlement areas, people are threatened that they will be evicted from their farms if they vote for the opposition party.

Chamisa throws Hwende under the bus

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Chamisa throws Hwende under the bus

..says he was never a CCC member

Beatific Gumbwanda

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa recently buried Chiredzi Central independent candidate and Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson, Gibson Hwende under the bus labeling him a Zanu PF proxy sponsored to instill confusion among the electorate.
Chamisa who was addressing a rally held in Chishamiso Stadium in Hippo Valley after they were denied access to Tshovane stadium in Chiredzi castigated Hwende for canvassing for votes under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner saying he was never part of the new political outfit but rather a Zanu PF proxy sponsored to brew confusion in the parliamentary race.
“Our candidate here is Ropafadzo. We only have one Member of Parliament for Chiredzi Central and I will not talk about a useless somebody. Here in Chiredzi, we selected a candidate whom you gave us who went through a clear process.
“He (Hwende) has never been a CCC member. So we don’t chase after votes and do not compromise ideologies to beg for votes but always stand with the truth that is why we are different from Zanu PF. This whole confusion is being sponsored by FAZ, a Zanu PF affiliate organization which filed double candidates in all areas where they fear us,” said Chamisa.
“You have never disappointed us here in Chiredzi, in 2018 you did great and I am so grateful. What I know is Zanu PF is afraid of Chiredzi to an extent that they sponsored confusion in our parliamentary candidates,” Chamisa said.
He said during his tussle for the MDC Alliance presidency with Douglas Mwonzora, some followed Mwonzora since they thought it was about positions.
“When we tussled with Mwonzora, people took positions as the majority of them chose to go with him because they thought it was all about positions. We always talk of a principled position that we are going to work on the basis that our objective will not be diluted.
Hwende served as MDC ward one councilor for a decade and was awarded an alderman status before he was disqualified from the CCC primary race over a litany of allegations that were labelled against him.
He then decided to stand as an independent candidate after he failed to represent CCC on allegations having switched floor when MDC president, Douglas Mwonzora took over MDC reigns soon after 2018 elections.
Hwende is among those who survived the chop and was suspected to have remained in the MDC led by Mwonzora and later alleged to be working with Zanu PF.
Hwende was alleged to be Chamisa’s darling before Mwonzora took over reigns which later faded when he (Hwende) hid from Chamisa when he was meeting party supporters soon after the launch of the Citizens Coalition for Change.
Minister Ezra Chadzamira added salt to the injury when he was officially opening Shineplus Park Residential Estate when he said other opposition councilors should emulate Hwende who saw the light and joined the revolutionary party.
CCC will be represented by Ropafadzo Makumire in Chiredzi Central.

I am not after POLAD – Valerio

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I am not after POLAD – Valerio

Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabwe’s only female presidential candidate and president of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) Elisabeth Valerio has said her presidential ambitions were not influenced by the need to join the Political Actor’s Dialogue (POLAD or any other benefits but to better the lives of Zimbabweans unlike other politicians.

Valerio was speaking during a special interview with TellZim Editor Passmore Kuzipa at Chevron Hotel in Masvingo where she said there was nothing for her in politics except that she wanted a good life for Zimbabweans.

“There is nothing I want in politics besides a better future for Zimbabwe, I have money, I have everything that I need, and there is nothing which politics can give me that I do not already have.

“People say to me you are into it because you want to join POLAD, because you want cars but I have cars and houses, I’m just not happy with the state of our country, I know that people died for a better Zimbabwe but there is still no equality in this country as only a few are benefitting and the ordinary person is suffering,” said Valerio.

Asked how the political terrain has been for her as a female candidate, Valerio said there has been a mixed response with some supporting her as a female leader while others are finding it difficult to shift from patriarchy.

“People in our society still have a mentality or culture where they do not see women as leaders nor believe a woman can lead Zimbabwe but I think the response I have been getting now as I have been touring Zimbabwe meeting people face to face is different, they are saying it is time for a woman so I think it is a mixed response.

“Some people think that only men should lead while at the same time a majority of our young people are seeing the potential of what a woman can bring into politics.  On the other hand women are excited at the opportunity to be represented at the highest level,” said Valerio.

Valerio said her manifesto was unique and citizen driven in that it was informed by people whom she asked about their concerns.

“The manifesto is in four parts, it starts with accountability. Citizens across the country have said they want a Zimbabwe where there is a different type of environment with a government which answers to people, a government that is transparent and ensures separation of powers in terms of the law.

“Government should stop meddling in our courts and security services, we want accountability where institutions have separate roles and functions and where government gets out of the way,” said Valerio.

Valerio also said the manifesto addresses issues of advancement, stability and restoration.

“Zimbabwe is one of the wealthiest countries in the world yet we are an impoverished nation. As UZA we want to build a nation that is thriving in terms of industry, we want to look at responsible ways to manage our natural resources.

“We are seeing a lot of exploitation of our natural resources but we are not seeing it translating into economic advancement,” said Valerio.

Valerio had a hard time getting onto the ballot paper after her papers were rejected at the nomination court for late submission.

She however, managed to fight her way through until the electoral court granted her permission last month.

UZA is a two year old political party and is the only party with a female presidential candidate after Linda Masarira of LEAD failed to make it on the ballot since she failed to raise the required amount of US$20 000 on time.

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