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Covid-19 : 157 Omicron variant cases discovered in Masvingo

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Covid-19 : 157 Omicron variant cases discovered in Masvingo

…Chiwenga defies protocol, hundreds gather for cleanup campaign

TellZim Reporter

Vice president and Minister of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga said the new Covid-19 Omicron variant has been discovered at Masvingo Teachers’ College where close to 150 student teachers tested positive to the disease recently.
However, Chiwenga went to gather hundreds of people in the industrial area on December 3 for the third anniversary of the cleanup campaign against the new regulations which limit the number of people gathering at an event.
Addressing people at the clean-up exercise, Dr Chiwenga said the nation is already experiencing a fourth wave of the pandemic after genomic tests confirmed the existence of the Covid-19 variant in Zimbabwe.
“Indications are that, the country is already in Covid-19 fourth wave. In fact, we have just finished the genomic sequencing and as I speak here in Masvingo, we have already established that the Omicron new variant is here from the genomic sequencing we did at Masvingo Teachers’ College.
“Let me also reiterate that, the entire world is still battling Covid-19 pandemic. The recently reported Omicron new variant in neighboring countries (Botswana and South Africa) is a great cause for concern,” said Dr Chiwenga.
He also highlighted that communities have developed higher levels of complacency as they tend to default on Covid-19 rules and regulations prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“The country has witnessed a high level of complacency amongst communities. Individuals are simply not paying attention to recommended Covid-19 prevention measures. With the recent spike in cases of Covid-19, prevention measures need to be undertaken,” he added.
“So let us all be aware, if we are to keep safe, I urge you all to get vaccinated and continue to uphold WHO and MoHCC safety protocols.

Part of the crowd that attended the cleanup campaign

Chiwenga however, said the ministry of health is contemplating incorporating the younger generation from 12 year-olds as the country march towards achievement of herd immunity.
“We have enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone. Right now, we are vaccinating 16 year-olds and above. Sooner or later, we will be going to ages 12 and above. I want every one of you to get vaccinated so that when you are safe, the nation is also safe,” said Chiwenga.
Masvingo Teachers’ College recorded a higher number of Covid-19 within the first (Intake 16) and third (Intake 14) year student teachers.
Masvingo teachers is not the first time institutions of higher learning in the province have witnessed the spread of the pandemic after Bondolfi and Morgenster Teachers’ Colleges were closed in 2020 after a number of students tested positive to Covid-19.
The cleanup campaign was also attended by , Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Anxious Masuka, Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Munesu Munodawafa and various heads of government departments.

Patronage pays off for the Mutsvangwaas

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Patronage pays off for the Mutsvangwaas

Mapombi is worried by the queues she sees at most banks where civil servants are getting their 13th cheque. Mmmm mitsetse yandiri kuona apa with the recently discovered Omicron Covid-19 variant having knocked at our doors mmm ma1. Zvino our learned Dr General Bae vaakuiti Omiricon kkkkkkk. Apa he is the one who confirmed its presence in Masvingo at a cleanup campaign cum rally kuma Industry uko kkkkk. As if he was not aware that Omiricon is with us, he went on Kunounganidza zvake hundreds of people. Apedza oti let’s adhere to Covid-19 protocols, what a confusion of the highest order. Apa what boggles my mind is that if the Small boy want just to pass through an area pasina kuunganidza vanhu, spanners are thrown along the way. Ko adiii small boy anoda kutonga nyika paWhatsApp. Regai afambe achiona vanhu vake, ko ndiye adii kkkk.
The idea of bonus is a good one but the timing is bad. Why giving civil servants their bonuses at once? This is the reason why we are seeing these queues becoz vese varipo ipapo trying to get their US and avoid vana money changer. Why didn’t you give them their bonuses the same days they received their monthly salaries to avoid the current obtaining situation. Zvimwe zvinhu hazvidi Chikoro but simple logic. I heard mateachers ari kushainira maMoney changer hanzi this time tiri kuimora tega kkkk. At least you have been spared the charges dzemazuva ese when you try to buy US$ to give your house maids and cattle herders. I want to urge civil servants to ivetheir workers some advances so that next month they won’t be troubled tyring to buy USD kkkkk, word of advice.
Mapombi used to doubt fellow women when it comes to leadership, who can blame her after the characters dzatiinadzo in Zimbabwe, the likes of Khupe, Linda Masarira, Oppah Muchinguri, tisati tataura nezvana First Lady both the former and the current one. Women are usually known for their roles in unifying people but mmmmm team yandataura apo hapana kana anozvigona, I had my doubts about having female leaders but after hearing MDC vice president Amai Kore I was moved and started believing in women again. Her speech was so electrifying, she is a real leader, a real mother, a unifier. Those are the kind of speeches this country needs kwete zvekungotukana zvinogaroitwa nevamwe zviya. I doubt even Biti kana Welsh can give a speech like that one. I salute her and hope if she and I form a tag team we can unite this country. I liked it when she said the economic doldrums do not affect MDC Alliance members alone but everyone. But hanzi it affects Zanu PF members a little bit more because their leaders are eating while they suffer. Please batai mazwi amai Kore, hanzi kana veZanu mapiwa mbeu please share with your relatives despite them supporting Mavambo party or iyi yaNkosana because you are relatives or neighbors after all.
What is this I hear that Zhambe’s murderers are still walking scott free while his family is mourning. Vamwe vanhu havana nyadzi sure, nyaya iri pachena kudai, it was better henyu kuita catch and release as usual just to save face zvitori nani. I am sure hangu kuti makabata mazwi from Kore, hanzi the spirit of the deceased will haunt you. Mwari haasi weZANU but ndewemunhu wese so tichaona kwazvosvika.
Thumps up to the politburo for retiring our very own Sekuru Hungwe, he deserved to rest and chiportifolio chamange makavapa is just useless, secretary for labor? What is it about really? Ko ndonzwa kuti our first lady is rising through the ranks in the politiburo, hanzi she is now the secretary for environment and climate what what kkkk. Ivo zvetsvina havadi and I am sure she will help cleanse the party and keep the environment clean kkkk. Haa tikuvaona zvedu Amai, soon she will overtake Dr Gire I tell you, just watch the space hezvino ndiri pano.
Welcome to the Mutsvaangwa information Dynasty ladies and gentlemen, patronage has paid off for the couple kkkk. The Mutsvangwa couple is regaining power handiti, mai ndiSpokesperson weGovernment baba spokesperson weZanu PF, it’s now the Mutsvangwa information dynasty. Hazvishamisi tichanzwa kuti Mugwadi mwana wavo kkkkk. Zvino tichanzwisa nemavhoko kkkk, Chris is very verbose and I urge fellow countrymen to buy dictionaries so that when he delivers his message semutauririri wemusangano uri kutonga you get what he will be saying. Paya ndakamboti ndiiteiwo hangu commissar weZanu nditori nani, yes if given a chance to be commissar kuZANU I would go, after all everyone was once Zanu, kkkk we are all disgruntled members kkk. Haa chete Zanu chiwororo, hanzi haikwani muhomwe kkkk. Matemadanda akange odingindira achiita kunge ndeyekumba kwamai vake hezvo, where is he now kkk. He was dumped in the Indian Ocean kunana matsanga uko.

Ko paMasvingo poly apo ndakanzwa kuti vadzidzi vakabuda minister Mavima achitaura kkkk. Ko vana vechikoro remekedzo makaisepiko. Manga magona wani kumirira anti-sanctions campaign launch, zvakazoshatira papiko. What about members of the fourth estate vamaishungurudza kuti vatora mifananidzopachiitiko ichi. Am sure even the late Sikhanyiso ‘pleasure manager’ would not have tolerated such a behavior from Zicosu membership. Asika some actions are justified especially waswera wakagarisa vadzidzi iwe wosvika zuva ragara makomo, zvinogumbura shuwa heyyyyy.

Before i go zvangu kunokanga maputi angu for lunch, let me just say makasi ari kurema kune chedu chikomana chepaZaka. yes i mean Roby kkk. I hear there was a ground breaking ceremony PaChivata Clinic paZaka North but chedu Roby was not invited even though muri muConstituency make. mmmm pakaipa ladies and gentlemen,Chitova was the guest of honour there kkkk. Even paclean up apo Chitova vaingokuzwa ahead of Mkanya. but Masvingoka, hezvino ndri pano. Mavhenyengwa hanzvadzi yangu wotosunga dzisimbe kana uchida chitanda bcoz Chitova vakaruma rundebvu kkkk mboko imboko.

Zaka Academy FC appeals for financial support

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Zaka Academy FC appeals for financial support

Fredrick Moyo

Following their promotion to the Division One League in the Eastern Region recently, Zaka Academy Football Club is seeking urgent financial assistance to raise US$1300 for them to take part in the upcoming Division One soccer season that kicks off on December 11.
Zaka Academy FC community owned and first team in the district to take part in the Division 1 league.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zaka Academy Football Club Ambassador for marketing and publicity Wellington Pindi Chakona said the club is facing financial challenges and appealing to members of the community and the corporate world to intervene so that they can affiliate to Zifa among other requirements.
“The club is in a financial crisis. We are busy mobilising funds so that when the season starts, we will be ready to go.
“As a community team, we rely on them for funding so we are appealing to Zaka sons and daughters abroad and local to help us so that we pay the subscription fees and other monetary requirements,” said Chakona.
He said they have already engaged a number of potential people and organisations who can help and hope that the engagements will bear fruits.
“We have already engaged people outside Zimbabwe ‘Diasporas’”, local business community and other organisations and we hope that we will get help,” added Chakona.
Zaka Academy FC is supposed to play against Mutare City in Mutare on December 11 2021, and as it stands, they have no funds for transport costs and refreshments for the team.
Recently the team played two friendly matches in which they won one game with three goals to two against Bikita Minerals and a goalless draw against Lowveld Pirates.
Anyone interested should contact Chakona on +263 775601875 or use the team’s bank account number 100003254385, Agribank branch Jerera, Account name Zaka Academy FC, Account type Cooperate Account.

Forestry commission targets 25 million on national tree planting day

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Forestry commission targets 25 million on national tree planting day

…says 262 000 hectares of forests lost annually

Melinda Kusemachibi

Forestry Commission, a parastatal under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said they are targeting to plant 25 million on the National Tree Planting day on Saturday December 04.
The  commission said  approximately 262 000 hectares of forests are lost annually due to various factors among them expansion of arable land, demand for wood fuel, construction poles as well as urban expansion.
Speaking to TellZim News, Forestry Commission Information and Communications manager, Violet Makoto said their organization is targeting to plant around 25 million trees countrywide on the National Tree Planting.
“We are losing 262 000ha per annum. It is a common knowledge that as a country, there is population growth with the consequential expansion leading to clearing of land by settlers, for agriculture and gold panning which leads to deforestation.
After four years we do what is called Forest Inventory looking at our land cover map, you will find that forests are actually being destroyed due to cutting down of trees.
“This years’ theme is ‘Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihood’. We have a national event to be held at Masvingo Primary school in Mberengwa this coming weekend,” said Makoto.
Makoto encouraged tobacco farmers to grow eucalyptus (gumtrees) trees at their farms to use for drying tobacco so as to preserve natural trees.
“We encourage tobacco farmers to plant their own trees for curing the crop so as to create renewable source of energy. This will preserve the natural resource and give people other alternatives to decrease cases of cutting down indigenous trees,” said Makoto.
Chief Murinye born Ephias Munodawafa said that cutting down of trees is a major issue that should be looked at closely.
“Around Great Zimbabwe Monuments area, trees were cut down and we have enforced a policy that everyone seen cutting down trees will be punished. It is a tourist attraction that would attract tourists with flora and fauna.
“People should not cut down trees as that leads to deforestation. In our area those seen with loads of firewood will be punished,” said Munodawafa.
Chief Nemauzhe born Nelson Murandu from Chivi South said they enforced a policy that caused a decline in deforestation in their area of jurisdiction.
“Tree cutting is prohibited in my area. No one is allowed to cut down trees. If you are seen cutting down trees, you will pay a fine to the Chief’s court. That is what we are doing in our area and ever since we enforced, a decline in deforestation has been noticed in our area,” said Murandu.
Moulding of farm bricks has seen an increase in demand for wood fuel due to lack of money to purchase coal and high electricity costs.
The shortage of electricity in the country has for now been the major catalyst for deforestation which is threatening to reach unprecedented levels.
It is also estimated that Zimbabwe is losing its vegetation cover at a staggering rate of 300 000ha per annum. Population pressure has resulted in excessive utilization of forests leading to a rapid depletion of the forest resources in most areas.
There has been an increase in fire damages on forest and agricultural lands in recent years. Many of those fires on the forests have been caused by either illegal settlers or farmers trying to prepare land for agriculture.
In 2008, Plantation Forestry Industry lost about 10 percent of their forests to fire, an area of about 15 000ha.
Illegal settlements on forestry land particularly demarcated forests brings with it illegal activities such as gold panning, animal and timber poaching, forest fires and deforestation. Illegal poaching of wood for sale in urban areas is common in most areas around the country.
In 2010, Zimbabwe had 1,06mha of trees cover extending over 2,7% of its land. In 2020, the country lost 6.22kha of tree cover, equivalent to 2,84mt of CO2of emissions from 2002 to 2020, Zimbabwe lost 825ha of humid primary forest, making up 0,4%of its total tree cover loss in the same time period. Total area of humid primary forest in Zimbabwe by 11% in this time period.
From 2002 to 2020, Zimbabwe lost 215kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 15% decrease in tree cover since 2000 and 83,2mt of CO2 of the emissions.

Plastic bags to be phased out by December 2022

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Plastic bags to be phased out by December 2022

Fredrick Moyo

Retailers have been asked to find alternatives to plastic career bags by December 2022 as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is contemplating outlawing its use saying it is not environmental friendly.
In a letter dated November 12 2021, directed to one P Rambanepasi of the Retailers Association of Zimbabwe, EMA director for environmental management services Steady Kangata said there is need to lessen plastic usage that had become a menace in the country and would be phased out by the end of 2022.
“Globally, plastic waste has become a menace, hence the need to reduce the use of plastics. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is therefore taking steps towards the phase-out of plastic carrier bags.
“We are encouraging your affiliate members to consider alternative non-plastic carrier bags which are environmentally friendly. Plastic carrier bags are set to be phased out by the end of December 2022.
“We appreciate efforts by some of your members who have already started promoting (the use) of alternative bags. A green economy is the way to go and your co-operation in this regard is greatly appreciated,” reads the letter.
Speaking to TellZim News Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers President (CZR) Denford Mutashu said CZR applauds the decision by EMA to suspend plastics and soon they will engage manufacturers and suppliers to admit to the transition.
“CZR fully embraces EMA’s recent communique regarding gradual phasing out of non-biodegradable carrier bags by December 2022. CZR is working with sector players to begin the implementation in earnest.
“We will soon engage packaging manufacturers and suppliers to initiate the transition while working with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe in educating consumers of the dangers to the environment of continued use of non-biodegradable plastics,” said Mutashu.
A few years ago kaylites which were used by majority of food outlets were banned and many outlets like Chicken Inn resorted to khaki paper boxes.

Editorial Comment: Eradicating GBV in society-everyone’s responsibility

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Editorial Comment: Eradicating GBV in society-everyone’s responsibility

Gender-based violence is a violence phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies. In other words, both men and women experience this form of violence that in most cases is directed against person basing on gender.
Quite a number of factors among them gender stereotyping, patriarchal hegemony notions embedded in societal norms, values and customs; religious beliefs perpetuate this kind of violence that has of late become more prevalent among young women and girls.
The violence takes various forms among them physical, psychological, sexual, social and or even economic and has got far reaching consequences with the already vulnerable groups like poor women, women and girls who are HIV positive being at the receiving end of the scourge.
So much has taken place in Zimbabwe during the course of the 2021 calendar, with the death while giving birth of 15 year-old Anna Machaya at a Johanne Marange shrine at Bocha in Manicaland province being just a tip of the iceberg.
Musasa Hotline recorded 764 cases of GBV during the first 11 days of the Covid-19 lockdown that began on March 29, 2020, a figure way above the 500-600 recorded a month prior to that.
Great strides have been made by several movements on various platforms and for a to arrest the menace but the recurrence of the new societal ill (GBV) is a worrisome development and thus act as a wake-up call to all stakeholders and responsible citizens to take charge and play a role to that effect.
Despite having such facilities like the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and even police’s Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) among other responsible authorities, the question that still needs to be addressed: Is the ordinary person aware of the channels to be followed in case of being a victim or ignorance may take precedence for the vulnerable folk.
Educating the marginalised communities as well as effective information dissemination would go a long way in helping address some of the shortcomings that have opened lee ways into continued perpetration of GBV.
Every organisation whose interests revolves around the protection of the interests of humanity should take charge this time around when the world commemorates the 16 days against GBV and thus ensure it will not be matter of ticking boxes as something done annually but bring about change for the betterment of a community.

Government approves CRDC’s budget

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Government approves CRDC’s budget

Emmaculate Mutonhori

CHIREDZI: The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has approved Chiredzi Rural District Council’s ZW $1 billion 2022 whose major highlights are improving water, sanitation a road network and housing especially at Chikombedzi, one of the RDC’s biggest business centre.
Chiredzi RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ailes Baloyi confirmed the development and said he was happy with the budget approval saying it would enable them to plan in time.
“We are happy that our 2022 ZW$1billion budget was approved earlier, this is going to help us plan ahead as we look forward to improve water and sanitation, road network and housing development in areas like Chikombedzi,” said Baloyi.
Last week the local authority’s Finance Committee Chairperson, councillor Murau Munyengeri presented the approved 2022 budget pegged at ZW$1 353 749 518.00 at council’s boardroom.
Munyengeri indicated that the 2022 budget is payable in both currencies that is the US$ the local currency and have since pegged tarrifs in both currencies as allowed Statutory Instrument (SI) 185 of 2020.
“The budget is pegged at ZW$1 353 749 518.00. Almost half of the budget that is ZW$592 762 182, 10 is coming from our own revenue collection payable in any currency our stakeholders might feel comfortable to use and ZW$760 987 335, 90 is coming from government fiscal transfers,” said Munyengeri
The one billion budget for 2022 will be channeled towards key and strategic projects as spelt out in the National Development Strategy (NDS1) centered on the attaining an upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030.
In 2021, council’s budget was pegged at ZW$493 million with half of the budget being drawn from revenue collection and the other half from government grants.

PVOs Amendment Bill drastic

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PVOs Amendment Bill drastic

Thabiso Nxumalo

Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO)s in Masvingo have expressed dissatisfaction on the Private Voluntary Organization Amendment Bill of 2021 which may soon be passed into law if it passes in parliament.
Speaking to stakeholders at the Civil Society Organization (CSO) workshop on the amendment bill on November 25, 2021, Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) Legal advisor Tonderai Mashavave said the bill to amend the Private Voluntary Organizations Act of 2013 was promulgated on November, 5 2021 and was soon to be discussed in parliament.
He also explained that the bill sought to amend 11 sections in the current Act.
“The PVO Amendment bill was promulgated on November 5 and seeks to amend 11 sections in the current Act and as such we are at a level of educating and engaging CSOs and will then focus on the general populace.
“After which we will have a meeting with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and other stakeholders,” said Mashavave.
Local PVO representatives at the meeting said the amendments which were sought to be put in place gives the ministry absolute power and writes off transparency from the ministry as they can suspend PVO licenses without an explanation but as they wish.
“This bill is infringing some basic human rights. It gives absolute power to the ministry, especially clause six up to nine which states that PVOs must consult with the registrar for any changes including that of its executive board members. In every change it means they have to re-register and it is possible that they may not be given a license on the second registration,” said one participant.
Another participant Maud Moyo deplored the section which states that PVOs will have to pay to register to get a license deviating from free registration that is enshrined in the Act and said she does not understand why non-state actors that are working to compliment government efforts are given such a draconian bill.
“Why should we pay to get registered to compliment government in developing the society? I do not understand why they give us such a tough time in offering humanitarian assistance, it seems like they want to stop PVOs in assisting the vulnerable people in the community,” said Moyo
Other clauses in the bill includes that, those who fail to comply or meet certain criteria will be liable to fines up to ZW$ 500 000 or up to ten years imprisonment.
The battle for control of civil society operations by government has been on-going for quite some time with the government accusing NGOs of being agents of regime change agenda.
Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) once irked the ire of NGOs in the capital after requiring the latter to seek clearance from his office before resuming operations.
Masvingo District Development Coordinator (DDC) Roy Hove and Zaka assistant DDC Victor Zinanga once banned NGO operations in their respective districts.

CGCDZ distributes seedlings to community partners in Masvingo

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CGCDZ distributes seedlings to community partners in Masvingo

Melinda Kusemachibi

Center for Gender and Community Development in Zimbabwe (CDCGZ) recently distributed
600 fruit tree seedlings in Masvingo district’s wards 10, 11, 12, 33 as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
CGCDZ Projects Manager Chidaushe Mudadi said the main aim is to promote reforestation in the rural communities.
“We were giving out tree seedlings to community partners that we support in horticulture projects. These community partners number 50-60 per group and we have conducted various training programmes related to climate change to the groups.
“The bottom line is that we want to promote reforestation and adaptation to climate changes as an organization and we have realized that planting of trees is one of the adaptation measures that we have adopted as an organization,” said Mudadi.
CGCDZ has escalated its women empowerment goals for Masvingo through distributing farming inputs as well as training them on growing different vegetables in Mbetu village, Zvamahande, Chipo gardens.
CGCDZ’s objective is to uplift and improve the living conditions of poor and marginalized communities (men, women & youths) with a special focus on women in projects utilizing local resources through economic empowerment, citizen participation and climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
Although CGCDZ is a gender sensitive organization, it focuses mostly on women recognizing that they are the key drivers of economic growth mostly in emerging market countries, Zimbabwe included.
CGCDZ takes community centered and led initiatives as the basis for all interventions and livelihood activities.
Zimbabwe National Tree Planting day is commemorated annually every first Saturday of December. The day is set aside to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, enlighten the nation on the importance of forests, enhance biodiversity and household food security.

Chiredzi Creche owner released on bail

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Chiredzi Creche owner released on bail

Rutendo Chirume

Chiredzi Creche owner Zhuwakina Javangwe who was arrested on November 22 on attempted murder and violation of the Education Act charges after two minors died in her car boot appeared before Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Garaishe Mawadze yesterday (November 30) and was released on ZW $ 8000 bail

Javangwe who owns Javas Day Care Creche forgot four toddlers in the boot of her Honda CRV vehicle for four hours resulting in the death of Celine Shiri and Innocentia Lynet Masungati.

She was ferrying them to the crèche with other kids when they were left in the boot only to be discovered after some hours.

The accused was ordered to deposit ZW$8000 with Clerk of Court at Chiredzi Magistrates court, continue residing at 15 Bauhina Rhodene Masvingo, not to interfere with witnesses and report at Masvingo Central Police Station every Friday.

On granting bail, the judge considered that she was not a flight risk

Yvonne Motsi of B Chipadze law chambers represented Javangwe while prosecutor Emmanuel Matose appeared for the state.

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