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JSC to prioritize inclusion of PWDs in 2022

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JSC to prioritize inclusion of PWDs in 2022

Clayton Shereni 

MASVINGO– The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) says it will prioritize People With Disabilities (PWDs) in their quest to have an all-inclusive judiciary system in the country by end of this year. 

This came out during a press conference held at the Masvingo High Court on Thursday, June 10, where the head of Sherriff Services, Gamuchirai Siwardi told journalists that the JSC will make sure all courts are accessible to every citizen. 

Siwardi said the commission seeks to have an all-inclusive system that will not only enhance access to justice but will protect vulnerable groups.

“The JSC will focus on enhancing access to justice for persons with disabilities. We have made consultations with various stakeholders that represent PWDs and identified areas of need that will not only enhance to justice for PWDs but will increase a culture of inclusion and protection to vulnerable groups in the society,” said Siwardi. 

She also said that the JSC will by end of year repair and install infrastructure which will be disability friendly at all courts.

“We will construct ramps at 32 courts throughout the country, repair all faulty elevators in our court rooms. There will also be production of braille statutes. There shall be the production of a sign language manual, training of sign language manual for court interpreters and disability sensitization training for all magistrates and frontline staff by end of December 2021,” said Siwardi. 

The JSC will introduce the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) at all courts and this will be done in two phases. 

First phase of the IECMS will see the system being introduced at the Constitutional court, Supreme Court and the commercial division of the High court by January 1, 2022, while the High court and other lower courts will have the system once the first phase is complete. 

IECMS will be automated and will seek to reduce paper work in the courts and put all JSC work under one system.

Abide by court directive, VISET urges Harare PDC

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Abide by court directive, VISET urges Harare PDC
Samuel Wadzai

Kimberly Kusauka

Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) has called on Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) Tafadzwa Muguti to abide by the court interdict that ruled against the demolition of vending structures.

 The call follows Muguti’s utterances on a national radio show on June 14 saying that the demolition of all structures along road servitudes in Chitungwiza will resume after 30 days in open defiance of a High Court order obtained by Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST) Executive Director Alice Kuvheya.

VISET Executive Director Samuel Wadzai said Zimbabwe is not a ‘banana republic’ therefore the PDC should respect the constitution by respecting the court order.

“We are saying that Zimbabwe is not a banana republic and Muguti should respect the constitution by abiding by the court directives,” said Wadzai.

In this case VISET was working in solidarity with CHITREST calling for Muguti to abide by the court order.

Speaking on the radio programme Muguti said ‘an order is not a judgement’ which can stop his committee from continuing with the demolitions and accused CHITREST of acting mischievously in that they used the Regional Town Planning Act.

“An interdict is not a judgement to stop us from enforcing the law and in this regard CHITREST were mischievous in that they used the Regional Town Planning Act,” said Muguti.

 The demolitions will invoke memories of Operation Murambatsvina of 2005 in which the Robert Mugabe-led government demolished thousands of ‘illegal structures’ in Harare and Chitungwiza leading to world-wide condemnation prompting United Nations to send a special envoy Anna Tibaijuka for assessment. 

Zimbabwe Council of Churches engages traditional leaders on social cohesion

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Zimbabwe Council of Churches engages traditional leaders on social cohesion
Traditional leaders posing for a photoshoot

George Chimwayange

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) recently met with chiefs from Masvingo as the church continues to engage traditional leaders in its effort to strengthen social cohesion and the role of the church in developing the province. 

Some of the issues which were topical during the one day workshop include Early Child Marriages, Drug and Substance Abuse and Child Trafficking.

United Methodist Church (UMC) district superintendent, Jairos Mafondokoto said it was the role of the church to bring unison in communities and that they saw it fit to partner traditional leaders. 

“As a church we are working together with chiefs so that we have a community which lives and works together in unity. The rate of drug abuse in our communities has been worrisome and we hope that through these engagements, our traditional leaders we will have a community which fears God,” said Mafondokoto. 

Chief Nhema born Rangarirai Bwawanda stressed that there is need for traditional leaders to be vocal in the fight against drug abuse and early child marriages, a cancer which has spread like veld fires among youths. 

“We are trying our best as traditional leaders to stop early child marriages and reduce drug abuse amongst our youths. It has been noted that during the lockdown, many youths were engaging in drug abuse and young girls were being impregnated. It is our burden as traditional leaders to stop our youths from engaging in these activities and educate them on dangers which come with these,” said Chief Nhema. 

Chief Nhema also mentioned the need to include People with Disabilities (PWDs) in the fight against Covid-19 so as to curb the spread of the disease amongst PWDs. 

“There is great need to increase Covid-19 awareness amongst People with Disabilities especially the deaf and dumb. If they are trained, they can convey the message to their colleagues and help in the great fight against the spread of Covid-19,”said Bwawanda.

ZIMCODD, Gweru speak on the 2019 Auditor General’s report

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ZIMCODD, Gweru speak on the 2019 Auditor General’s report

 … says delays in the release of  report erodes public trust.

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru -Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) and Gweru Residents have expressed concern over the late release of the 2019 Auditor’s report saying the report was crucial in scrutinizing Government’s use of public resources.

In a report which was presented to Tellzim News, ZIMCODD Campaigns Manager , Angella Mandoreba said the analysis of the country’s public finance management is based on the 2018 Audit Report.

“Public audit remains a key accountability tool for promoting integrity in both the management of public resources and conduct of public office bearers. The last audit was in 2018 so citizens are eager to know about what transpired in 2019 and 2020. We are therefore, demanding the immediate release of 2019 audit general’s report,” said Mandoreba.

“What is worrying is that the report was supposed to be released by early July 2020 latest, but one year after the report was never availed to the public. We are aware that the report is now on the Minister of Finance and Economic Development’s desk for tabling before the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, the Minister is delaying to table the report as required by the Audit Office Act and it is now a cause for concern,” she added.

Mandoreba said government can only restore citizens’ confidence by releasing the report.  

“As ZIMCODD we are saying the report is already late and further delaying it undermines its essence and further erodes public trust in the country’s public accountability mechanisms. We therefore calling upon the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Mthuli Ncube to bring the 2019 Audit Report before Parliament without any further delay and provide reasons behind the delay,” she said.

A Gweru resident , Titus Ngoma said it was important  for the report to be released  as citizens had the right to know the findings.

“We need to know how our funds were used and this is in line with section 309 of the Constitution. Delays will compromise best practices of accounting as well as transparency and accountability in the management of public finances as set out in section 298 of the Constitution,” said Mangoma.

“The government through the National Development Strategy 1 also seeks to curb and fight corruption and without the release of the Auditor General’s report the fight will not be won.” He added. 

Daring armed gang robs Fawcett offices

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Daring armed gang robs Fawcett offices


 Livingstone Mtetwa

CHIPINGE– In a well-executed movie style heist, a daring gang of seven robbers got away with thousands of United States dollars after robbing the Chipinge Fawcett Depot last week, TellZim News has heard.

Police in Chipinge have since initiated a man hunt for a gang of seven armed robbers who pounced on a Fawcett control room and disappeared with thousands of US dollars, South African Rands and Zimbabwean dollars.

Chipinge District Criminal Investigation Department spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Vincent Chikuvadze confirmed the incident and appealed to members of the public to come forward with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“We have launched a man hunt of seven suspects who robbed Fawcett Security Company and walked away with cash. I appeal to the members of the public to come forward with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects”

“I want to warn would be offenders that the long arm of the law will just catch up with them,” said Detective Chikuvadze.

Sources said the robbers pounced on Fawcett Checheche depot on June 2 around 7 pm after the Fawcett team had returned from collecting daily takings from Gains wholesale and Mukuru money transfer booth at Checheche growth point.

“The team collected USD$6583, R32 110, ZW$11 937 and undisclosed amount of cash from Mukuru money transfer and took the cash to their Checheche depot and secured it in the safe,” 

“A Fawcett security officer identified as Last Matewe returned to the security premise and parked at its usual parking bay, and went on to hand over N Richards keys to other officers who were in the control room for safe keeping,” said the source

The source went on to say while he was handing the keys the robbers approached other security guards identified as Nhamo Muhlule and Serverino Tanyaara rmed with a shotgun loaded with seven rounds and  disarmed them.

Another guard Desmond Macheza who was inside the control room heard some noise and went on to investigate.

“He realized that Nhamo Muhlule was being manhandled by one of the robbers advancing to the office and to lock the screen door and closed the wooden door and tried to alert other workmates and the police

“Whilst trying to make some alert calls to other work mates and police but the robbers broke the screen door lock using a crowbar to gain entry.

 They ordered them to lie down and force marched one to the Chubb safes and gun cabinet who opened the and the suspects loaded the money in sacks and satchels before cutting CCTV cables and took two revolvers with 10 rounds each and two shotguns.

They tied all the five security and took their cellphones and alarm remote control before getting away

Boxing board to open office in Masvingo

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Boxing board to open office in Masvingo
ZNBWCB posing for a picture

 …as Manyuchi retraces his roots

Wayne Ncube

The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) will next month open the Masvingo office as it seeks to spread its wings across the country’s 10 provinces and set its base. 

This was revealed by the ZNBWCB secretary general Lawrence Zimbudzana during a presser at Flamboyant Hotel, where he told journalists that the board will open the Masvingo office in July. 

“The ZNBWCB board will be opening its provincial coordinating office in Masvingo from July 1, 2021. This development is in tandem with the country’s devolution agenda and also government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development of all the communities through sport and recreation,” said Zimbudzana.

World boxing champion, Charles Manyuchi will defend his title two days later in what has been dubbed ‘Duel of the Doom’ Boxing Tourney. 

The 31-year old fighter will exchange jabs with Uganda’s Mohammed Sebyala in a World boxing Federation (WBF) title fight. 

Zimbudzana said the tourney will be a platform for budding local boxers to showcase their talent and build their profiles.

“As the ZNBWCB, we are excited that the champion Charles Manyuchi has chosen to defend his title in a unifying match here in his home town Masvingo. The hosting of this event here therefore is an opportunity for local residents to experience world class boxing in their backyard.

“THE Duel of Doom Boxing Tourney is yet another platform for boxers to showcase their talent and also build their profiles. As sport is slowly emerging out of the effects of the Covid-19 induced lay off and most boxers are being afforded here is a welcome development in boxing fraternity,” said Zimbudzana.

The July 3 fight which will be hosted at Flamboyant Hotel will be limited to 250 guests and will be held under strict Covid-19 regulations. 

Manyuchi who has been on a sabbatical will seek to defend three titles in one night and is reportedly ready for the duel. 

Manyuchi boxing academy product boxer Tinashe Majoni will fight Yamikani Mkwandire from Malawi Hassan Milanzi will take on Malawi fighter Baison Gwayani while Philip Musariri faces Lemmy Simbeyi from Zambia.

Women advocate for transparent, inclusive complaints commission

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Women advocate for transparent, inclusive complaints commission
File picture

Veeslee mhepo 

Women in Masvingo have said the newly gazette Independent Complaints Commission Bill should provide for transparency and equally represent men, women and people with disabilities.

The Bill, when passed into law, will establish a commission to investigate complaints of misconduct on the part of members of the security services and to provide remedies for such misconduct.

It defines examples of misconduct as death in custody, illegal discharge of firearms, rape, torture and violations of human rights.

Speaking at the public hearing conducted by Joint Portfolio Committees on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Defense and Home Affairs at Civic Centre in Masvingo on Thursday June 10, participants said the selection of commissioners who will sit in the commission should be transparent and inclusive to avoid being compromised.

A Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE ) representative said equal representation of men and women is vitally necessary in the establishment of such a commission.

“Gender gaps must be closed in the establishment of the commission and there should be enough representatives for women to make deliberations easier,” said the representative.

 Another participant, Simbiso Madzongonye said transparent selection of the commissioners should include public interviews not appointments.

“There should be transparency in the selection of members of the commission and public interviews will be more efficient in ensuring a transparent and gender balanced commission,” said Madzongonye.

Woman Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) representative Belinda Mwale said the commission should also have representatives for people with disabilities (PWDs). 

“The commission should cater for PWDs and there should be equally represented in the commission. Selection of the members of the commission also be decentralized so that everyone gets an equal chance of being in the commission,” said Mwale.

The Memorandum of the Bill states that the envisaged Commission seeks to remedy harm caused by misconduct on the part of any member of the security and that the Commission should be independent from each of the security services. 

Covid-19 hotspot: 67 test positive at Morgenster Trs’ College

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Covid-19 hotspot: 67 test positive at Morgenster Trs’ College
File picture:Morgenster Teachers College

 Blessed Chauke

MASVINGO-
A total of 67 students have tested positive to Covid-19 at Morgenster Teachers
College in three days, becoming the second tertiary institution in the province
to be locked down in less than a month.

Morgenster
Teachers College has been declared a Covid-19 hotspot after a spike of positive
cases since Saturday June 12.

Masvingo
Provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson, Rodgers Irimayi told TellZim News
that 67 cases had been recorded since Saturday and revealed that only the first
person to be tested (index case) was showing symptoms while the rest were
asymptomatic.

“I
can confirm that there are 67 confirmed cases at Morgenster Teachers College.
Of the tests which were done on Saturday, 23 students tested positive, 40
tested positive on Sunday while the other four were recorded on Monday. All the
other cases except the index case are asymptomatic and stable,” said Irimayi.

The
index case reportedly came from Kwekwe, which is under lockdown after the
deadly Indian variant was discovered there and had Covid-19 symptoms at the
time of testing at Morgenster Teachers College.

The
spike in cases at Morgenster comes barely less than a month after Bondolfi
Teachers College was hit by the virus and put under lockdown.

However,
all students who had tested Covid-19 positive at Bondolfi have reportedly
recovered and were released last week to go to their respective homes.

Masvingo
and Chiredzi districts have since been declared Covid-19 hotspots by the
Ministry of Health and Childcare following the recent spike in cases.

Thieves steal computers with all Gutu electoral data

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Thieves steal computers with all Gutu electoral data

George
Chimwayange

Daring
thieves last week broke into Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Gutu District offices
and got away with three computers and accessories which contained all electoral
information for the Gutu administrative district.

The
stolen property are;  HP monitor serial
number 6CM3031KNK, HP monitor serial number 6CM3031LKI and CPU serial number
TRF 312OV7, HP laptop, HP monitor serial number 6CM3031KG8, sage protector
adapter, HP CPU serial number 4CE809XMM and car keys.

ZEC
provincial elections officer, Zex Pudurai confirmed the break in saying that the
incident was an infringement of the people’s rights to vote.

“It
is quite unfortunate that we have lost our property and it is people’s right to
participate in electoral activities without any hindrance but some people
thought of stealing electoral property.

“It’s
the community’s responsibility to report to the Police and to the ZEC offices
concerning people who are dealing with computers so they can find the
perpetrators.

ZEC
has reportedly managed to replace the stolen property and police have opened an
internal investigation into the incident.

Contacted
for comment, national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that a report
was made and that the police were investigating the case.

“I can confirm that the
incident happened a few days ago and was reported to the police. The case is now
under investigation,” said Nyathi.

Mutare Magistrate Murendo retires

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Mutare Magistrate Murendo retires
Magistrate Murendo in black suit joined by Cecilia Gambe clad in black cap, khakhi jacket and blue short dancing to Jah Prayza’ Mudhara achauya during the farewell party

Felix Matasva 

MUTARE – Mutare resident magistrate  Lazarus Murendo retired and a party to bid him farewell was held over the weekend. 
Members of Judicial Services Commission (JSC), Law Society of Zimbabwe and other dignitaries applauded Murendo for his professional and excellent work during the years he served as magistrate. 
“We wish you a happy retirement; you executed your work professionally and you were one of the best magistrates in Mutare,” said one official.
One Zanu PF member and former Mutare councilor Cecilia Gambe demanded that Murendo’s tenure be extended like what was done to the Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
“I am appealing for Magistrate Murendo’s extension of tenure just like what was done to Malaba. Those who are calling for Malaba’s extension of tenure should also allow magistrate Murendo’s tenure to be extended. I am requesting the same extension of term by five years which was given to Malaba to be granted also to Murendo,” said Gambe.
“Murendo should stay in office for the next five years because he is still fit. I will write a petition to Ziyambi Ziyambi demanding for Murendo’s extension of term by five years because I do not want him to go on retirement. He did a great deal of service for women who could have lost many properties after divorcing,” Gambe added.
Gambe’s calls for Magistrate Murendo’s extension of term, comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s term of office after he reached the retirement age of 70 years.
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