Ladies and gentlemen, regai Mukanya Mapfumo vakaimba kuti nyika yataichemera yaita mamvemve shuwa vakanga vaonera zviri kumberi nekuti we are simply heading towards disaster with this driver webhazi vaMamvura. Shame nezvinotaurwa kuti uti kunoda kunzi kudii haayas, regai vanhu vachiti kana munhu okura dzinodzoka kuita dzemucheche pfungwa I am just beginning to realize the meaning of that now nezvimadhara zviri in charge of the national train. Hanzi kana mukadzi asina kuvhota usanwa tea, saka varume voinda here paHunger strike because their women would not have voted haa hazviko izvi vechizvino zvino vachiti kudhara uko. These men dzinenge dzakasirawo kutamba nepwere tsvee kuita semuranda nemuapostora Ezekiel uyo akapinda muzana. Asi Panganayi chiporofita chake chakaoma hameno ndimi munoziva kuti ndechechokwadi here or kunyepa or else it is just a sign of disrespect from that young man. Why has death’s sacredness become so easy for him to pronounce it over another human being and yet he purports to be a man of God? Haa chete Chiwenga mazuva ano wanyararisawo iye Talent anombovepikoo maybe angagona kutonhodza chauruka Panganayi uyo odai kutanda serunyemba kunge arikutanda botso.
The dust now seems to have settled and it was another routine ploy by the authorities in Harare to just fake the freeze of the Gold Mafia assets temporarily so that they deceive people and think there was some sort of action against the criminals. There was no way Uebert’s assets were to be frozen leaving out those of his partners in crime, the First ‘nhingirikini’ sorry First Family of looters nhasi zvangu ndichazviparira naVarakashi avo kkkkkk. Ndogara pazasi paChitima apoo ende ndatoti pwee. Mapombi ndigendruman haavanzi. The game is that of ‘catch and release’ tototi mbavha dzabatwa wanikwe manatsamukanwa. How can a person who openly spoke to Aljazeera of his criminal activities be regarded as innocent if it is not a matter of acting in complicit with those in power? Time time these people vanotijairira chaiko. Kutiita mabharanzi. Nyika maitadza varume, nekuti madiro amunoita upfumi nechikorokoza akanyanya zvinopa kuti mufukidzire mbavha mumapapiro enyu nekuti munozviti hamubvunzwi. Denga muchaita rekugoogler, Dhuterere akaimba. Shame on you. Had people known, they wouldn’t have joined masoja in the streets of Harare in 2017, taiziveikoo kufarira n’anga inobata mai. But it’s not your fault, even vanaFadzi Mahere vaakunzi neiyo Second Desperation maenemies of the state also posed nawo masoja pamatank.
But honestly, that Financial Intelligence Unit is another shame and chigezero chembavha because they have failed the nation at large and one wonders if ever they are there to serve the nation or they are there to protect the interests of this bunch of looting elites masquerading as government. How on earth can a whole government institution declare there is no good cause for the freezing order to remain in place? kkkk haaya chinyika chekufanana neTeapot ichi zvakachiomera. But sooka, some of the things that happen in this country zvinosetsa mbavha yakavanda. When you released that kamutemo meant to hide government thievery mukachibvisa faster faster what had happened nhai? Kkkkkkk, ahhh, heya munotombosvodawo nhai. Ndavanhiki akamhanya mhanya kuita dispel the release of that SI, like the house was on fire. Hokoyo nenhamo! Journalists were in for a high jump if that law saw the light of day because haa, what then was ever going to be investigated ne the Fourth and most important Estate? But imi, why was Parliament blocked from carrying out an investigation into the ‘Gold Mafia’ scandal and kana ari Jamwanda kutoita nemathreats kuti any journalist anotaura nezveGold Mafia will follow Sikhala kuChikurubi. Haaaya but is security at the High Court that porous to the extent that the walls can be sprayed with messages of freedom for Shumba yaNgwena Wiwa, kkk of course one munhu anopetesa garwe renyu muswe ndiye Job.
Vuno Masvingo a ‘Lithium Mafia’ was unearthed and authorities vakaita faster faster imposing a temporary closure of Bikita Minerals pending investigations into the rampant looting and smuggling of the ‘White Gold’ where our all-weather ‘looters’ are making a fortune and driving it out of Zimbabwe. The truth is it’s just a mandatory and routine exercise which the nation has slowly gotten used to knowing that the criminals will gain freedom sooner than later and no one seems to care. Hakasi kekutanga vanhu vapara mhosva vachingosungwa zvenhando voregedzwa zvavo pasina kuinda kwavanokodzera mushure mekuba zvakakomba kudaro. I wonder what the roles of all such establishments like ZRP, CIO, ZACC and Parliament are, when criminals just do and act like they please while the whole nation suffers from their actions. ZACC kunyanya is now well-known for its notoriety for catching and releasing criminals either on bail or even dropping the charges for good. Shoes Lambada naMichael Mabwe vakamboita detembo ravo reiwo makomishoni namaoperation iwaya that are just spending huge sums of money from State coffers for no apparent reason as they are doing nothing other than propagating and creating a conducive environment for corruption and looting. No conviction, just investigating, bring someone to court and lastly fail to provide incriminating evidence against the criminal, where are we going as a nation kana ndimiwo? Coming to the issue of Chinese nationals abusing the locals, haaa any investigation at this juncture ladies and gentlemen sounds to be an act of madness to those who feel it must be done because it’s long overdue and where have these authorities been all along. Abuse yevana vevhu yakabvira kudhara nguva yaigadzirwa maBooster nemaChina aya and to them it’s more of a culture to ill-treat the defenseless locals because the Chinese dine and wine with the top brass of this country.
Ko nyaya yaBona naSimba yakazopera Seiko nhaimi? Just hope ivhu richagoverwa zvakanaka murudo and each one of the couple get a fair share of the land and properties isu vana vevanyai tichitambura nekunanzva miromo yatsemuka nenhamo. Ko chikomana Jaison chekufamba chichipfura vanhu nyaya yacho yava papi? Just heard kuti chaakunyepera kudzungaira chichiti chorwara njere haaa hazviko izvozvo, just go and join ana Chigudo gudo at Chikurubhi umbonzwawo zvakuri kuti ndizvo zvainzwawo vawaisunga uchiri muPolice. I just hope and trust kuti avo varikupukutana misodzi pamatama kuma sero kuya kwakasimbira musangano usati waonzwa neFAZ, process yavo ikufamba zvakanaka chose because kuno kuChitima ndakanzwa vaipfuura nenzira vachitaura kuti kune vamwe varambira nyaradzo. Kkkkk mapundu ari mumoyo yavanhu after parting ways with huge sums of their cash campaigning, haaa nemapiwirwo akaitwa vanhu mipunga nana Big now Small Deal, FAZ youya yotiza nechinhu pedzezvo wonzi bvuma chete kuti wakakundwa chero nenzira ipi, haaaya zvakaoma asika Zanu chiwororo. Ko ivo vaShe ngavachingotauraka zuva reElection kuti ndirini tikwanise kuita count down yemaperero aDhagi and hameno kuti next year akafunga marecalls anenge oaita sei hake. Zvichida Dhagi akamirira zuva resarudzo kuti agoita maPrimary elections kwakewo kuAlliance of which I strongly doubt if ever he is going to have candidates because no sane person would want to stand the humiliation associated with the now so unpopular brand he fronts. Dhagi, Chinotimba, Wadyajena, nechedu chepaChegutu ichi Nduna next year kunochera mbeva, paramende muchaionera kuhope sabhinya. Maboke hatizivi kuti zvichadii but mamiriro azvo ndaona zvakona. I heard kuti hurumende yakatenga bhero rendege kkkkk. I even saw Zanu folks bragging hanzi you will now be airlifted mukarwara, mosvika kuchibhedhlera kusina kana paracet apa maburuka ndege. Haa varume munodhakwa nengozi chete imi. And did you see the amounts akataurwapo? Shuwa denga muchaita rekugoogler. Ndava nezvimazuva since I last heard from Nero, chichiri kukanda here maverse chikomana? But I saw Hwende mocking Chinoz kuparliament recently, tambai mushe munokuvadzana vakomana, nyika ndeyedu tose iyi. Ndisati ndanokanga maputi angu for lunch zvangu, where is Marry waJenarari? Ndichambomubatira muziro nenguva dzepfumbamwe. Ko Fidza nespoiled nejaya rake zvakazodiikowo? Asi mapengero akaita Fidza unoona kuti hakuna munhu anorwadziwa nekubirwa sembavha shuwa. Yaaa kuno kuChitima kwakuita temperature dzichidzikira vane zvipfeko zvimwe zvavakaisa mupillow munokurudzirwa kurangarirawo Mapombi. Mboko imboko!!!
Yet another catch and release
Chivi accident claims one, injures 7
Perpetua Murungweni
Four cars were reduced to ashes in a fatal road accident which occurred at the 52 km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge highway on May 15, 2023 at around 1500 hours and claimed the life of one person, leaving seven others injured.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on their official Twitter handle that two haulage trucks one coming from Beitbridge and the other going in opposite direction had a head on collision at Jaka area.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 52 km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge road in which one person died while seven others were injured.
“A haulage truck which was travelling towards Beitbridge with five passengers on board was involved in a head collision with another haulage truck travelling in the opposite direction with two passengers on board. Both trucks caught fire and were burnt beyond recognition,” said ZRP statement.
Police said the two small cars also caught fire and were burnt beyond recognition while occupants escaped unhurt.
“As a result of the explosion, a Toyota Fun Cargo and Toyota Premier Vehicles were burnt beyond recognition. All occupants from Toyota Fun Cargo and Toyota Premier escaped unhurt,” added the ZRP statement.
However, eyewitnesses at the scene blamed the driver of the Toyota Fun Cargo believed to be a traditional healer Tsikamutanda as having caused the accident as he was reversing in front of the two trucks.
“The driver of the Fun Cargo who is a Tsikamutanda who has been operating in the local areas over the past days is the one at fault because he was reversing in front of the other haulage truck and with the intention of avoiding the smaller vehicle, the truck then encroached into the other oncoming haulage truck’s lane causing the crash,” said the witness.
An Analysis of the New Government Measures to Tame Economic Stability
By Zvikomborero Sibanda
Zimbabweans, particularly the poor majority are being trapped in a devastating cost-of-living crisis as the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) continues to massively deteriorate against the US dollar. As a result of a free falling local currency, mounting pressure is being exerted on ZWL prices of basics to skyrocket beyond the reach of many who are largely earning in the same fragile ZWL. In response, Treasury has recently announced a mixed bag of policy measures to clamp the pricing madness and restore stability in the economy. The likely effects of these measures are discussed below:
Promotion of Use of ZWL
The government will ensure that levies and fees charged by its affiliated agencies and service providers are paid in ZWLs. This is a good policy direction that was long overdue as it helps propel demand for the ZWL. As ZWL demand increases in the economy, its value will appreciate thus subduing the effects of exchange rate pass through to inflation. It however remains to be seen if the government will surely promote its currency this time around. This is because it is not the first time it has promised to increase its tax collection in ZWLs. For instance, measures to restore stability announced in May 2022 included the “promotion of use of ZWL’ which is yet to materialize as many government agencies and departments have exhibited increased appetite for USDs. As such, the renewal of this policy stance is highly commendable and must be buttressed by introducing higher denomination banknotes. This will increase transaction convenience in the economy which may in turn help to boost market confidence in the ZWL.
100% Retention of Domestic Foreign Currency Sales
The RBZ will exempt all proceeds from domestic sales in foreign currency from the 15% surrender requirement. This is another positive move by authorities that will help reduce excess ZWL liquidity in the economy as well as minimize massive exchange rate losses faced by businesses as the gap between official and alternative rates continue to widen. As cost of doing business decline, price pressures will likely subside. However, these forex surrender requirements must also be scrapped for exporting businesses inorder to help reduce their operating costs and encourage more exports. There is also a need to cushion workers particularly civil servants as well as pensioners by increasing USD component of their earnings. This will provide them with a stable store of value thereby reducing widening income inequalities.
Removal of Import Restrictions
All basic goods will no longer be subject to import licenses and imported duty free. This measure seeks to increase supply of basics in the economy which will exert downward pressure on prices. However, this measure will not fully cushion consumers especially those earning in fragile ZWLs as these duty free imports will be largely sold in foreign currency. As such, this policy stance will poses a grave threat on the survival of the ZWL, local manufacturing, and employment. It will also reduce government revenue collection from import duties and taxes at a time Treasury is facing mounting spending pressures emanating from the pending 2023 harmonized elections. In the end, crucial public services such as healthcare and education will be crowded out thus plunging the majority into abject poverty.
Treasury Adoption of All External Loans
All external loans to government will be transferred from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to the Treasury. The official statistics show RBZ external debt at US$3.4 billion as at the end of September 2022. This RBZ debt has reportedly been used for the importation of strategic commodities, including fuel, fertilizers, cooking oil and critical raw materials. However, history shows that the RBZ has been at the center stage of opaque borrowing in Zimbabwe, with most of its debts ending up being assumed by the taxpayers through the Treasury. While the decision to clean RBZ balance sheet is welcome as it will help the Bank achieve its price and financial stability objectives, this has been reduced into a recurring event which is exerting devastating impacts on the economy and citizens by pushing debt stock into unsustainable territory. To arrest this, authorities must therefore ensure that going forward all public debt is contracted by Treasury in a transparent and accountable manner, that is, it must involve the Parliament.
Enhanced Auction System
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) foreign exchange auction system will be fine-tuned by auctioning a pre-announced envelop on a pure Dutch auction basis. The policy stance seeks to expedite ZWL price discovery process to ensure the convergence of the auction and interbank exchange rates. This will go a long way in curbing the prevailing multiple exchange rates in the economy which are only promoting excessive rent seeking and round-trip transactions. However, authorities have been fine-tuning the auction system since its introduction in June 2020 but no meaningful improvements have been noted to date. With the economy now rapidly re-dollarizing and companies meeting most of their forex demands from domestic sales, it is high time authorities disband the auction system where they are selling US dollars at a loss. The funds earmarked for auction market must then be re-distributed and allocated to other developmental uses such as provision of public services.
Gold coins and digital Tokens
The government will continue to assure the public confidence in gold coins and digital gold tokens by ensuring that at all times, these instruments are fully backed by physical gold reserves. While the adoption of gold is a noble idea which will increase investment instruments and provide an alternative asset for storing value, the public questions the wisdom of selling precious yellow metal at a discount amid rising economic instability. The bulk of gold coins & digital tokens are being sold largely in ZWLs at an overvalued official interbank rate. The wide disparity between parallel and official rate is promoting excessive arbitrage activities. This is only benefitting the rich and connected few who have unrestricted access to these gold instruments. As such, selling gold in ZWLs must be stopped until a true market price of the ZWL is discovered. For now, Zimbabwe must concentrate on building reserves (gold/forex) which are direly needed to protect the local currency against speculative attacks, support during balance of payment imbalances, and use during unforeseen contingencies like El Nino induced droughts.
Way Forward
The proposed measures are not fully addressing the root cause of ZWL and price instability which is bedeviling the economy since 2019. A granular analysis shows that it is excessive ZWL supply caused by mounting fiscal spending that is largely destabilizing the ZWL and prices of basic goods. Authorities must fully liberalize the ZWL exchange rate, foster fiscal discipline, tighten monetary policy, curb public corruption, and provide quality & affordable public services if Zimbabwe is to attain durable stability. These must be further buttressed by full implementation of sustainable and inclusive economic policies & reforms. This will help tame existing market pricing distortions and promote market efficiency, competition, and innovation.
Zvikomborero Sibanda is an economic analyst and an astute researcher. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted via email:
bravosibanda@gmail.com
Twitter: @bravon96
Cambria farm landfill 98.5 percent complete
Beverly Bizeki
After missing three completion deadlines over the past three years, Masvingo City Council has revealed that Cambria Farm landfill construction project is now 98.5 percent complete.
This came out in the Public Works and Planning Committee minutes of April 13, 2023 where council stated that project completion status was at 98.5 percent.
“It was reported that electrification of landfill offices had been completed, covering tent had been procured and it is waiting to be transported to the site. Hiring of excavation services was in progress.
“It was also reported that dewatering and debris removal from the pond and preparation of leachate pond reconstruction was underway. The overall project completion status was at 98.5 percent,” read part of the minutes.
The landfill which is meant to relieve the old Runyararo West dump site was set to be complete initially in September 2021 but has on record been missing deadlines.
In February 2022, Masvingo City Mayor Councillor Maboke took the Engineering Department to task for misleading him in 2021 when he told a full council meeting that the project will be complete on the given dates.
“Right now you are proposing that you will finish work after the rainy season, you do not know when the rains will stop and from my own point of view you have failed to that end,” Cllr Maboke said to the Engineering department.
In May 2022, council missed yet another deadline citing financial constraints as the major reason behind the delay in completion of the project.
“We couldn’t finish the Cambria Farm landfill project by end of May as we promised because most of the money that is supposed to be used on the project comes from devolution funding.
“We are expecting to receive the money as soon as possible since we have sent our budget. However, using internal council funds, we managed to buy some lining material and engage manpower that will be working there for the next two weeks,” said Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa.
In October 2022, council promised that the landfill would be functional by the end of that same month but that did not materialize.
‘Mushikashika’ robbers fleece passengers of over US$ 2k
Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Three men were robbed of US$ 2 316 and cellphones on May 6, 2023 at about 0630 hours near Greenvale, Gweru on their journey to Mvuma after boarding an unregistered Honda Fit vehicle in town.
In the motor vehicle they found three other male occupants. Upon reaching the 10 kilometer peg along Mvuma road, the vehicle turned to the right and drove along a dust road.
One of the three men they found in the motor vehicle, who was on the front seat produced a knife and demanded cash from the victims.
They all surrendered cash amounting to US$2 316 in total, three cellphones and a bag containing clothing items.
The suspects ordered the victims to disembark and drove off back to Mvuma-Gweru road.
In another related case, a 36 year-old man was robbed of cash amounting to US$ 40 and two cellphones in Woodlands high density suburb.
The victim, Sydney Zinhu of Woodlands, Gweru boarded a Silver Honda Fit new shape registration plates AFW 4409 with two passengers on board at Woodlands phase1 shops intending to go to Gweru CBD.
It is alleged that while on their way, the motor vehicle diverted route into a dust road towards Charlton Park.
The two suspects produced an electric shocker and knife, demanding the victim to surrender his valuables while threatening to kill him.
They robbed the victim of cash and cellphones, dumped him by the roadside and sped off.
The same motor vehicle, it was established, robbed another 52 year-old man in Mkoba 12 of goods worth US$ 30, in a similar fashion.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko is appealing to members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects.
“We are appealing to the public to assist police with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects by contacting their nearest police station,” he said.
Zacras urges govt to uphold, respect media freedoms
Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Zimbabwe Association of Community Radios Association, (ZACRAS) has urged government to uphold and respect fundamental rights which speaks to freedoms of the media.
This was said during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Gweru last week at Bata Club.
Speaking at the occasion, ZACRAS National Chairperson Tobias Saratiel said if people have access to information, they could effectively participate towards the development of the nation.
“If people have access to information they will critically participate in community development. Government has opened airwaves and right now we shall be launching more community radios as an institution in partnership with government.
“We also acknowledge the challenges faced by journalists as we say prioritize the welfare of the foot soldiers who gather information on daily basis. We therefore continue to lobby government to also uphold the fundamental rights of journalists especially freedom of expression as information remains a key component to a democratic society,” said Saratiel.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe National Chairperson Golden Maunganidze said in 2022 the country witnessed an increase in the number of cases of harassment of journalists.
“We received many cases against journalists in issues to do with assault and harassment at political gatherings and rallies”
“Others were barred from covering national events while other cases involved unlawful arrests and assault of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties by the police.
“Journalists and media workers in general, should familiarise themselves with the profession’s safety and security guidelines to minimise the risks that come with their chosen profession,” he said.
He further urged political parties, the police and other security forces to ensure safety and security of journalists during campaigns for the forthcoming harmonised elections later scheduled for later this year.
MISA Trustee Kelvin Jakachira called upon journalists to prioritize their welfare and safety as the election season was fast approaching.
Man stabs fellow beer patron over beer
Tinaani Nyabereka
Mberengwa- An unidentified man is on the run after stabbing a 47-year-old man for refusing to buy him beer in an incident that occurred on May 5, 2023 at around 2300 hours at Neta Business Centre, Mberengwa.
On May 6, 2023 at around 0700 hours, Rabson Ncube of Pumula in Filabusi was found lying in agony on the ground with a cut on the stomach and protruding intestines at the business centre by a passer-by.
It is alleged that the victim indicated to the Good Samaritan that he was stabbed by an unknown man with a knife after he refused to buy him beer the previous night.
The victim was rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital by the Good Samaritan and was further referred to United Bulawayo Hospital where he is admitted.
In another case, an artisanal miner Obert Ndlovu (27) of Shurugwi is battling for his life after he was struck with a machete several times all over the body by a gang of seven men.
The victim was drinking beer at a night club at Mkoba 6 business centre, Gweru on May 8, 2023 at about 0200 hours when he had a misunderstanding with the gang leading to the attack.
Man killed over stolen bicycle
Beverly Bizeki
A man from Mateza Village under Chief Nyajena had his fate decided for him after he asked his drinking mate on the whereabouts of the latter’s stolen bicycle during a beer drink at Musvovi Business Centre on May 9, 2023.
Masvingo Province Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to value the sanctity of life.
“We urge members of the public to honour the value of life and shun at all costs the use of violence whenever solving issues,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the fateful at around 1930 hours, 28 year old Learnmore Marega from Mateza village was having a beer drink with Josiah Chaka at Musvovi Business Center.
The late Chaka is said to have asked Marega on developments concerning the latter’s stolen bicycle that went missing a few weeks ago much to the disgruntlement of the accused.
Marega reportedly turned against his drinking mate whom he accused of stealing the bicycle he was asking about.
An altercation arose between the two leading to Marega hitting Chaka with a fist in the face and he fell to the ground.
Marega dragged Chaka from the bottle store and hit him with a wooden stool in the face again and further kicked him in the face as well.
Chaka was taken to nearby Musvovi clinic where he was transferred to Morgenster hospital.
The matter was reported to the police whilst he was being carried to Morgenster hospital.
He was further referred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he died on May 11, 2023 leading to the arrest of Marega.
Wangu Mazodze maintains unbeaten run
…As fans attack Midway goal minder
TellZim reporter
Chaos rocked Eastern Region Division 1 soccer encounter at Mucheke stadium in Masvingo when rowdy Wangu Mazodze FC supporters invaded the pitch and attacked visiting Midway goal keeper Paul Kamunhukamwe following his disrespect for the referee by manhandling him.
All hell broke loose when the home side scored the second goal albeit a foul on Kamunhukamwe and the referee pointed to the centre allowing the goal to stand which did not go well with Midway players and technical team leading to more than 25 minutes of stoppage as they protest before the resumption of the game.
Wangu Mazodze security detail identified as Bruce unlocked the gate leading into the stadium allowing fans to invade the pitch and attack Kamunhukamwe for shoving the referee. The three police details at the stadium had torrid time trying to contain a sizable crowd who were baying for the goalkeeper’s blood, had to get an additional two police officers to improve the security and the home side’s players had to intervene trying to clear the pitch.
Unfortunately one of Mazodze’s technical staff who was playing last year was at the fore front leading the onslaught against Kamunhukamwe.
After the melee, Midway players refused to restart the game and remained by the touchline while their technical staff had a lengthy meeting with the referee and Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) official as well as the police.
Zifa member Nobioth Magwizi also had to attend to the problem before resumption of play.
Mazodze topping the chats with four wins and a draw from five outing (prior to the game against Midway) took an early lead in the third minute through Hillary Bakacheza who made no mistake from the penalty spot after the visitors’ defender handled in the 18 yard box.
Midway remained calm and their efforts were rewarded when Never Mudhadha responded from a cross from the right flank and placed his well-guided header beyond the reach of Mazodze goal keeper and skipper.
Mazodze however continued pressing leading to the much-contested goal from their opponents who felt the referee had robbed them of a point by failing to protect the goalkeeper who was pushed and only managed to parry away the effort late after the ball had crossed the line.
Kanhukamwe then charged towards the referee in a sign of disrespect and even manhandled the referee before the home supporters invaded the pitch to mete instant justice. After a lengthy break, the referee gave Kanhukamwe his marching orders before play resumed and the home team managed to hang on to the 2-1 lead bagging three points in the process.
Mazodze had themselves to blame for failing to kill the game earlier with goal scorer Bakacheza missing some clear cut opportunities alongside Edward Maffa. Later on a limping Maffa was substituted for Ronald Makiwa who took on from where his predecessor left squandering some few opportunities that came his way as Mazodze enjoyed a one man advantage over their opponents who were now composed and hard to break with their hard working skipper Tymon Machope proving a thorn in the flesh for Mazodze.
The visitors also had to change from their warm up kits to game gear in the stadium and not the changing room, a culture that seems to be slowly manifesting itself at the ground.
After the game, Mazodze fans continued calling for the Midway goalkeeper and their Kombi had to get into the stadium to ferry the players in safety as home supporters waited in anticipation to attack the goal keeper.
The region has so far been marred by allegations of poor officiating where in some cases referees have been accused of bias towards certain teams and Mazodze versus Mutare City Rovers at Mucheke stadium three weeks ago is another game that comes to mind.
Wifi Boys’s Trudah dreams big
Branton Matondo
Kwekwe has for long been known for producing pure talent from great old days of ‘Chimbi Chimbi Boys’ Lancashire Steel, to the current golden age of Michael Charamba, Ian Nyoni, Takabva Mawaya and one gritty midfielder Trudah Tinashe Mujawo who dreams of featuring in the Zimbabwean elite, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Currently plying his trade at Central Region Division 1 outfit Telone Trudah, as he is popularly known in the local football circles is a product of Yorum Gwira who nurtured the young midfielder at now defunct Kwekwe based side Chrome Stars.
In an interview with TellZim News, the 21 year old midfield maestro said that all things being said and done, his dream is to play in the Premier Soccer League.
“The journey has been a memorable one since the days we were playing for Chrome Stars in Kwekwe. With football, you have to grow at some point and one of my biggest dreams is to play among the best in the PSL. It’s a dream that I had since growing up,” said Mujawo.
Mujawo who switched flanks from Sheasham FC to TelOne is delighted with his stay at the Gweru based outfit saying he is enjoying his stay at Ascot stadium.
“TelOne is a professional side and I am delighted at the opportunity that I have been given at the club. We always work as a team and we hope that the common goal will be achieved,” he added.
Mujawo broke into the limelight from as early as his high school days while playing for Kwekwe football powerhouse Mbizo and Manunure High Schools.
His popularity in Mbizo alongside his friend and Sheasham regular Nigel “Koko” Mupinduki also followed them to Chrome Stars where they played their first professional league football.
Having impressed under the tutelage of Yorum Gwira at Chrome Stars, Mujawo went to Sheasham were he registered another stellar season long performance under John Nyikadzino.