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Rights doctors offer police brutality victim medical treatment

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Rights doctors offer police brutality victim medical treatment
Alice Manikai

Monalisa
Matongo

MUTARE
–
The Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights (ZDHR) have offered a female victim of
police brutality medical treatment as part of the organisation’s outreach work
in poor communities, TellZim can reveal.

Alice Manikai was
savaged by a police officer while in a sugar queue in Dangamvira on May 06 and
she had to go to the police station to demand that she be given emergency
medical treatment at a local clinic.

ZDHR has however
offered to pay for a more detailed medical examination after TellZim published
the story soon after the incident.

After she was called by
the organisation, Manikai said she was glad TellZim amplified her story, adding
that she needed her forehead to be examined as it was savaged by the police
officer’s baton stick in a supposed attempt to maintain order at the queue.

“I was pleased that
somebody in Harare read about what happened to me and decided to help. I have
been given an appointment with a doctor. I think an X-Ray will prove whether or
not I suffered a crack on my skull. I thank TellZim for writing about what
happened to me,” she said.

In a statement to TellZim, ZDHR said the organization
was glad to help wherever possible especially in cases of violation of human
rights by both State and non-State actors.

“Alice says she was
unfairly targeted and it is a matter of concern to us. The health of citizens is
critical; especially the rights of such vulnerable groups as women and
children. That is of particular concern to us,” the organization said.

There has been a marked
increase in cases of police brutality after the beginning of the lockdown, the
most outrageous is probably the brutalization of two Bulawayo sisters;
Nokuthula and Ntombizodwa Mpofu for allegedly violating lockdown regulations.

Pictures of the two women’s badly bruised bodies which
circulated online prompted the intervention of the National Peace and
Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) which assisted the two women in filing a
formal police complaint.

Masvingo Teachers’ College quarantine venue overcrowded

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Masvingo Teachers’ College quarantine venue overcrowded

Almost 300 people are quarantined at Masvingo Tachers’ College


Moses Ziyambi

People who are
quarantined at Masvingo Teachers’ College complain that they are overcrowded
and poorly catered for, making the social distancing concept nearly impossible,
TellZim News has learnt.

The people began arriving
at the venue on May 06, and most of those quarantined there were repatriated
from South Africa.

Today, the place
accommodates close to 300 people, mostly Zimbabweans while the rest are
Malawians who were detained while on transit from South Africa to their home
country.

Some quarantined
people, however, told TellZim News the quarantine facilities themselves were a
potential coronavirus infection hotspot as social distancing was too difficult
to practice at all times.

“Though people do not
share rooms, we share every other amenity including bathrooms, toilets and
dining space. The dining room is worse because everybody is served at the same
time; men and women, hundreds of us crowded there,” said one source.

The quarantined people
are accommodated in Masvingo Teachers’ College hostels which they say are not
in the best of condition in terms of sanitary facilities.

“The toilets are seldom
cleaned and there is no disinfectant being used to clean them. The bathrooms
are not scrubbed and there is no detergent used. The problem is we came from
different places so there is a risk of infecting one another when the goal is
to stop the spread of the virus.

“When we finally get
released from here, we might need to practice self-isolation from our own
family members once more at our own homes,” said another source.

Others also complained
that the food being served was neither adequate nor properly cooked.

The 14 Malawi citizens
held, who include a pregnant woman, embarked on hunger strike for three days protesting
their continued detention there as they argue that Zimbabwe had no right to
intercept them as they were simply in transit to their own home country.

‘No need to panic’

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‘No need to panic’
A ventilator at Rujeko Isolation Centre

…Chadzamira calls for calm as Masvingo records 1st Covid-19
positive case

Moses Ziyambi
The Minister of State for
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira has said the
province has capacity to handle the coronavirus pandemic as government was
equipping more isolation centres with all critical technology.
Chadzamira, who also chairs the
Masvingo Provincial Covid-19 Taskforce, made the remarks to TellZim News in the
wake of the province recording its first confirmed case of Covid-19 on
Wednesday, May 20.
“It is regrettable that one of us
in the province has tested positive for coronavirus but we remain strong in our
resolve to fight the further spread of the virus in local communities. I am
glad to say our isolation centre in Rujeko is now ready for any eventuality and
we will soon be done equipping the other isolation centre at Chiredzi General
Hospital.
“All these isolation centres will
have all the standard equipment expected of such facilities including
ventilators. Besides, all hands are on the deck enforcing the lockdown and
educating the people on what they need to do to limit their chances of
contracting the virus. It is against this background that we call upon people
to remain calm and to stop practicing fear-mongering,” said Chadzamira.
He said people should continue to
cooperate with law enforcement and health authorities that are working hard to
fight the pandemic.
“Let us work together with our
law enforcement agencies, let us practice social distancing all the time, let us
stop all unnecessary travel and let us practice good personal hygiene all the
time,” said Chadzamira.
The first local case is reported
to be a female who was recently repatriated from a neighbouring country and had been
quarantined at Masvingo Teachers’ College.
The patient has now been moved to
Rujeko Isolation Centre where she is said to be stable with mild symptoms.

Covid 19— #BeApp, Coca-Cola launch Coke Studio Sessions

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Covid 19— #BeApp, Coca-Cola launch Coke Studio Sessions


 TellZim Reporter
  
#BeApp,
a new live music streaming platform, and Coca-Cola last week announced the
launch of Coke Studio Sessions, an exclusive collaboration featuring a diverse
line-up of musical performances for fans to enjoy for over 60 consecutive days.
There
will be live performances from more than 100 artists across the globe including
Katy Perry, Anitta, DJ Khaled, Bebe Rexha, Miguel, Cast of Hamilton and Steve
Aoki.
The
proceeds will be funneled towards supporting the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement in the fight against Covid 19.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is
the world’s largest humanitarian network. It is neutral and impartial, and
dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering, protecting life and
health, and upholding human dignity especially in armed conflicts and
emergencies such as health crises and disasters.
The
Coca-Cola company vice president, Global Sports and Entertainment, Ricardo Fort
said that they saw the need to come up with the virtual platform to partner
people during the lockdown periods across the globe.
“We
know that people may feel lonely or isolated as a result of the pandemic, and
Coca-Cola remains committed to uplifting the human spirit and fostering
connection while we are apart.

“By
providing 60 days of live, interactive music content that fans can share and
enjoy with others, we hope that Coke Studio Sessions will provide small, daily
moments of entertainment for those adjusting to their new normal,” said Fort.
#BeApp
founder Ray Smith said that the platform was designed for digital connection
through a shared love of music.
“#BeApp
was designed for digital connection through a shared love of live music, and
people need that connection now more than ever.

“We’re
thrilled to have Coca-Cola as our exclusive launch partner as we introduce
#BeApp to fans around the world through unique new experiences,” said Smith.
Throughout
the 60-day programme, fans will have the opportunity to contribute directly to
the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to support Covid-19
efforts.
The
Coca-Cola Foundation has donated over $14 million to individual Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies around the world in response to Covid-19 and will
additionally match up to a collective total of $3 million in consumer donations
made through this programme.

    
“The American Red Cross is grateful for partners
like The Coca-Cola Foundation
for stepping up during this difficult and uncertain time.

“The Coca-Cola Foundation’s contribution supports
the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network’s efforts to slow the spread of
this disease and alleviate the suffering that the pandemic will cause. 
“We are
deeply grateful for their generous support during this challenging time,” said
Koby Langley, senior vice president of international services for the American
Red Cross.

Masvingo passport office keys stolen

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Masvingo passport office keys stolen

Moses Ziyambi
Masvingo police have
been guarding the provincial registry complex for the past four days after a
staffer lost a bunch of keys allegedly to thieves, TellZim News has learnt.

Sources said a member of
the skeletal staff that is maintaining the offices for the duration of the
lockdown lost the keys after work on May 15.

Though provincial
registrar Sithembeni Chitsa could not be reached for comment, Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP) Masvingo provincial assistant spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe
Dhewa confirmed the development.

“We are investigating
the alleged theft of the keys and I can confirm that the keys have not yet been
found,” said Dhewa.

Other sources said the
bunch contained keys for the main entrances and safes containing security item
registers, receipts and other sensitive documents.

“The spares are not available and it would be a big problem if the lockdown was to be
lifted today because there would be no access to the interior unless the doors are broken. People are worried that sensitive documents
will be stolen for malicious reasons,” said a source.

It is understood the
spare keys used to be kept at Standard Chartered Bank which no longer has a branch in
Masvingo.

The source said it could
be an inside job as there was a lot of infighting and backbiting over positions
at the office.

The provincial registry
handles citizens’ sensitive personal information; providing such services as
registration and processing of birth certificates, passports and reburial
orders.

At national level, the office has not been without controversy, with Registrar General  (RG) Clemence Masango, who succeeded Tobaiwa Mudede, being arrested and suspended from work without pay for corruption.

Chiredzi residents protest 150 percent rate hike

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Chiredzi residents protest 150 percent rate hike
Chiredzi

…say
lockdown has rendered many people destitute

Beatific Gumbwanda

Chiredzi residents have
complained that the 150 percent rate hike approved by council was insensitive
to people’s worsening earning capacity caused by the national lockdown which
has since been extended indefinitely.
The Ministry of Local Government
last month approved Chiredzi Town Council $54 million budget for the 2020 financial
year.
The budget relies on residents
paying 150 percent more than they had been paying before for water, refuse
collection and other council services.
At many ward-based coronavirus
awareness campaigns being undertaken by the United Chiredzi Residents and
Ratepayers Association (UCHIRRA), people complained that the new charges
appearing on their May bills were exorbitant.
At one of the meetings, Ward 6
Councillor Musingashari Musingashari faced furious residents who said they were
disappointed that council had made adjustments to the billing structure apparently
with little regard to the economic impact of the lockdown on livelihoods.
“We are surprised that as
council, you decided to increase rates yet we are in national lockdown which
means many people are at home earning nothing. What is the logic of increasing
rates on residents who are facing an unprecedented erosion of their
livelihoods?” asked on female resident.
Another resident said the new
rate structure was not justifiable as council had not improved service delivery
despite similar hikes in the past.
“This has no justification
because service delivery remains poor especially with regards to the provision
of safe drinking water. Many residents seldom receive council water yet it is
an essential service in efforts to improve hygiene and fight the spread of
coronavirus,” he said.
In response, Musingashari said he
acknowledged residents’ concerns but added that council had no options as
inflation was eroding capacity to deliver services using the old rate
structure.
“I am very much aware of your
concerns as residents but the hyperinflationary environment spares not even our
town council. We need to pay salaries and pay our electricity bills which are
not even affordable to us,” said Musingashari.
He said council also needed to
pay sugar company Tongaat Hulett which helps the local authority to purify its
water.

Mhunga laid to rest

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Mhunga laid to rest

TellZim Reporter

Several government officials yesterday, May 14, flocked the late Tanda ‘Mhunga’ Tavaruva’s burial at Mangwandi Cemetry to pay their last respects to the owner of former bus company Tanda Tavaruva.
Present at the burial was Minister of State for Masvingo Province Ezra Chadzamira, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Senator Clemence Makwarimba, Zanu PF secretary for production Josaya Hungwe, Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe and Senator Maina Mandava.
President of the National Chiefs’ Council Fortune Charumbira and Masvingo Mayor Cllr Collen Maboke were also present. 
Speaking during the burial, Minister Chadzamira described the late Tavaruva as a man loyal supporter of liberation struggle ethos during and after the liberation struggle.
“Cde Mhunga left a huge vacuum which is hard to fill, he showed deep, wide and unwavering locality to our ruling party Zanu PF. He was a devoted supporter and promoter of our liberation struggle founding principles and objectives of black majority freedom,” said Chadzamira. 
Addressing mourners, Murwira said Mhunga deserved the hero’s status because his good works were evident across the country. 
“A good man is seen by good works. Cde Tavaruva’s good works were seen by his country and in his home area. The President then saw it worth to accord him a liberation war hero status,” said Murwira.
Tavaruva who was accorded liberation war hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa succumbed to diabetes and hypertension at the age of 84 died at his Rhodene home on Monday, May 15, 2020.

Gweru’s new Mtapa market to take 4.2k vendors

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Gweru’s new Mtapa market to take 4.2k vendors
Many illegal market stalls at Kudzanai were demolished


Tinaani
Nyabereka.

GWERU
–
The proposed market site in Mtapa is expected to accommodate some 4 200 regularized
informal traders who will pay rates to council, it has been said.
City of Gweru last week
assured residents and informal traders that work was already underway at the
new market place and vendors were encouraged to go register.
Public Relations
Officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee said no informal trader will be allowed to go
back to the old site where illegal structures have been demolished.
“Council has
started work at the new Mtapa market. We are going to make sure that the World
Health Organisation (WHO) regulations on observing social distancing and on hygiene
standards are followed. No one is expected to go back to the old stalls,” said
Chingwamusee.
The local authority has
razed-down market stalls in the Central Business District and at Old TM rank
following a government directive to all local authorities to remove illegal
structures in their commonages.
Gweru Residents Forum
(GRF) director Charles Mazorodze criticised the demolitions which he said had further
disempowered unemployed people.
“This is likely to
trigger an increase in the crime rate. We therefore call upon council to be
transparent and fair in the allocation of new market stalls to make sure that
only deserving people are given a chance to do business in a regularized
manner.
“Talking about an
alternative market place which is not yet there is just but a firefighting
measure. I hope this will be addressed soon,” said Mazorodze.

Covid-19: Woman gives birth on veranda as fearful nurse turns her away

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Covid-19: Woman gives birth on veranda as fearful nurse turns her away

Sarudzai Chimwenje and baby

Heather Buzuzi


MUTARE- A Marange woman recently gave birth on veranda after a nurse at Bakorenhema Clinic refused to attend to her saying he feared the risk of contracting coronavirus.

Sarudzai Chimwenje visited Bakorenhema Clinic as she experienced labour pains only to be turned away by nurse Paul Makotamo who said he was not on duty and did not have any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Makotamo advised Chimwenja to go to Sakubva Hospital as he was not able to help.

Chimwenja, who was in the company of her neighbor Annah Matambu, pleaded with nurse Makotamo but to no avail until they opted to call Ward 19 Councillor Gondai Mutambanashe for help but Chimwenje delivered her baby moments later.

Makotamo ran to the veranda and made sure that the baby’s umbilical cord was properly secured before allowing the mother and her new baby to sleep at the clinic.

Chimwenje said her baby could not open his mouth for several days later, with nurses telling her he had been affected by the cold.

“It was a traumatizing experience but I am glad my baby is well. During the first week it was difficult to feed him because his jaws were weak; something which the nurses attributed to exposure to coldness,” said Chimwenje.

Food relief for Chiredzi touts

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Food relief for Chiredzi touts



Beatific Gumbwanda

Chiredzi Town Council vice chairperson
Ropafadzo Makumire recently donated 280kg of mealie-meal to 28 touts who are
among the worst affected by the Covid-94 induced national lockdown.

Touts (mahwindi) have not been able
to practice their informal hustle as public transport operators have largely
been out of the road for the past six weeks.

Makumire then mobilised resources
to purchase the mealie-meal which was distributed to those in Ward 3 where he is
councillor.

He said he was touched by the
suffering of touts who under normal circumstances operate at the new and old
terminus but have been unable to work and provide for their families for all
these weeks.

“Our brothers and sisters
who lived as touts are really marooned as the transport sector is severely
restricted. These are some of the people who live hand to mouth and to leave
them out without any form of help is inhumane.

“This help is not much but
it means a lot to them as nobody has really thought about their plight. In
terms of food security, the situation in our communities is dire and it must be
a responsibility of those that can help to do so,” said Makumire.

Touts are not likely to get back
to business any time soon as government allows only the Zimbabwe United
Passengers Company (Zupco) and those allied to it to operate.

Residents say the extended
lockdown has resulted in an increase of cases of housebreaking and gambling in
some areas of Chiredzi.

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