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Masvingo finally licenses hospitality school

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Masvingo finally licenses hospitality school

                        Housing and Community Services director Levison Nzvura
Diana Gondongwe
Masvingo
City Council has finally relented and allowed an investor to establish a
hospitality school in the industrial area some few weeks after the application
had been rejected.
TellZim
News reported three weeks ago that many residents felt council’s rejection of
the Masocha family’s application to establish a tourism and hospitality
management school in the industrial area was motivated by malice.
Some
people in the council wanted the Masochas’ application blocked on grounds that
the area was noisy thus unsuitable for learning.
Residents
that spoke to TellZim News, however, voiced their opposition to the council’s
stance, saying the excuse was groundless as the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)
was allowed to establish a campus in the same area a few years ago.
Many
said they suspected the rejection was actually based on implicit attempts by
council management to frustrate the investors until they paid a bribe.
“After
carrying out a tour of the premises, the Committee was of the view that the
application be granted since there was no business activity taking place at the
site,” reads part of recent council minutes.
The
latest resolution granting the Masochas the go ahead to establish their school was,
however, made by councillors without council management’s full support.
The
management insisted the area was not designated for that particular kind of
land use though the school will be situated on Stand Number 1311 Beryl Road
which is close to where a GZU campus called Robert Mugabe School of Education
is located.

‘No typhoid in Mkoba’

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‘No typhoid in Mkoba’


Tinaani
Nyabereka
City
of Gweru has refuted social media rumours to the effect that there is a typhoid
outbreak in Mkoba 19, saying a family suspected to have contracted the
water-borne disease had tested negative.
Speaking
at a briefing with residents and the media on Tuesday, City of Gweru health services
director Samson Sekenhamo said the family was tested at Gweru General Hospital.
“The
rumours got people scared and many residents called us to verify. We did the
tests on the family members and the water sources but no bacteria of that
nature was detected.
“They
were suffered from diarrhoea after eating stale food that had been overheated at
a funeral. Much food had been cooked for mourners so there were lots of left
overs. We therefore want to assure our residents that the social media reports
are false,” said Sekenhamo.
He
said the city had increased its water sampling sites to 72, adding that the
samples are always sent to government analysts and to another testing facility
in Bulawayo.
Deputy
Mayor, Cllr Cleopas Shiri said council had begun water-rationing to ensure a
more equitable distribution of the precious resource among residents of all
suburbs.
“The
water-rationing process ensures that such places as Mkoba 19 and 20, which are
on higher ground than other suburbs, also get their fair share of water. Yes,
Gwenhoro Dam carries below eight months’ water supply but we have flighted
tenders for Amapongokwe pumps and once secured, we will install them to improve
supply,” said Shiri.
Authorities
have urged ambulance services and funeral parlours to notify council of any
infectious disease outbreak to ensure quicker reaction.












‘Zanu PF blocks Chamisa from meeting Mugabe’

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‘Zanu PF blocks Chamisa from meeting Mugabe’


Upenyu
Chaota
After making stunning revelations that he was going to
meet former president Robert Mugabe at his Blue Roof mansion, MDC leader Nelson
Chamisa said Zanu PF has increased security at the former president’s house in
a bid to block the meeting.
Addressing the party’s provincial structures in
Masvingo recently, Chamisa claimed that Mugabe promised to give him damning
files on all the Zanu PF top brass hence the reason why they went into panic
mode over the proposed meeting.
“I wanted to cause panic within Zanu PF and said I
wanted to meet Mugabe. Everyone in Zanu PF went into panic mode and they were
sweating all over.
“I heard Mugabe has damaging files on all Zanu PF
chefs and he told me to come get them so they want to prevent me from seeing
him. This has become a contentious issue within Zanu PF and we hear they are
increasing security at the Blue Roof mansion to make sure that I do not get in.
Every day they add soldiers,” said Chamisa.
The youthful opposition leader said he is yet to meet
Mugabe and is still playing politics but he will eventually visit him.
“I haven’t met Mugabe since he was removed from power
to ask him how retirement is going. Mugabe thought that the country would come
to a standstill when he is not in power but that is not the case. I am still
playing politics but will eventually have a meeting with Mugabe,” said Chamisa.
The proposed meeting with Mugabe has since divided opinion
with many questioning the logic behind meeting someone who terrorised
opposition members and ruined the country.
No comment could be obtained from Zanu PF national
spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo as his mobile went straight to voice mail.

GZU to build two houses for Gutu granny

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GZU to build two houses for Gutu granny

                     Chigwindiri’s huts were destroyed by  Cyclone Idai
…
Prof Zvobgo adopts orphaned Cyclone Idai victims
Precila Takabvirakare
Great
Zimbabwe University (GZU) has promised to build a kitchen hut and a two-bedroomed
house for a 76-year-old woman whose houses were destroyed by Cyclone Idai.
Sorotia
Chigwindiri of Kudzerima Village under Chief Nyamandi is currently surviving in
tough circumstances after his three huts were destroyed by the cyclone.
The
university has said it will provide everything needed for the work to be
completed, including paying for the labour.
Vice
Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo also promised to adopt two orphans Tafadzwa
Dzivakwe (19) and his young brother George Dzivakwe (10) of Dzivakwe village.
The
orphans’ houses were also destroyed by the cyclone.
GZU
Dean of Students, Sarafina Mudavanhu said the university was a caring
institution that is particularly compassionate about the welfare of the most
vulnerable.
“Last
week, the Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo and his team carried out an
assessment in some affected villages in Gutu Central and resolved to help the
old lady. The houses will be built soon,” said Mudavanhu.
She
said Chigwindiri no longer has any close relatives who are capable of giving
her a hand.
“We
heard that a child she used to stay with ran away from home. We hope this will
also be a great learning opportunity for students studying courses that are
focused on development and community welfare,” she said.
Gutu
assistant district administrator, Benedict Gwede thanked GZU for its generous
response to the ravages of the cyclone.
“We
really appreciate the assistance that the university and government, through
various stakeholders, are giving us. We appeal to everybody with something to
give to urgently come forward and make a difference to the many people who were
affected by the cyclone,” said Gwede.

Matutu, Gumbi’s ugly fight divides branches

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Matutu, Gumbi’s ugly fight divides branches

                                                                   Timitia Dziva

Cephas Shava

The
battle for the MDC Masvingo provincial chairperson post between incumbent James
Gumbi and rival Tongai Matutu is turning ugly in Mwenezi district with members of
the two camps engaging in serious mudslinging and turning social media
platforms into war zones.
The
Gumbi team in the district is fronted by the current district chairperson Timitia
Dziva who is also facing a stiff challenge from his deputy Alfred Sithole
Chihwakwa.
Dziva’s
team is reportedly moving around the district discrediting rivals.
“Dziva
is engaging in divisive politics that will cost the party if it goes unchecked.
He is moving around telling some members not to accommodate those who once left
the party. He is even arguing that some Alliance partners should not hold any
party post as they do not know the party’s ideology and history,” said an
insider who spoke on condition of anonymity.
When
contacted for comment, Dziva professed his support for Gumbi but refuted allegations
that he is employing dirty tactics.
“As
the current district chairperson and as is always the norm, I support the
existing office bearers from Gumbi up to President Nelson Chamisa. I am not
discrediting anyone in any way but my opponents are soiling my name by taking
every opportunity to falsely accuse me of dictatorial tendencies,” said Dziva.
Leaked
WhatsApp messages purportedly sent by Dziva to some members in the district,
however, seem to prove the allegations.
“Murisei
maleader vakakusvikirai here ana Chihwakwa neteam yake yana Mapepa (ZimPF
provincial vice chairperson). Tichengeterei musangano varume paward ipapo. Ivo
vakatumwa kuuputsa. Vamwe vacho ndevakauya muparty zuro havana kana chavanoziva
vanofanira kutodzikama kugara pasi chaiko,” reads part of the message.
In
the district’s WhatsApp group, vicious accusations and counter accusations have
become party members’ daily meal. Members take turns to accuse each other of
belonging to the ‘wrong camp’, meaning a faction that is backing party secretary
general Douglas Mwonzora to take over from Chamisa.
In
another group, a staunch Gumbi supporter with the name Bhuru goes into
overdrive, relaying malicious audios and text messages lambasting the Matutu
camp.
“Matutu
and team are sell-outs. I just equate them to people who led to the bombing of
Nyadzonya and Chimoi during the liberation struggle. We just accommodate them
in the party out of sympathy. Gumbi hoyee,” reads part of Bhuru’s text.
In
the same group, members of the Matutu camp ruthlessly attack and insult Bhuru.
“Matutu
is a hard worker and has proved beyond any reasonable doubt during his tenure
in 2008. Your Gumbi is a disgrace and disservice to the whole province as
evidenced by the party’s performance in the recent elections. As for now, we
are definitely going to elect Gumbi to be our branch chairperson in Zaka
district,” reads one of the messages.
Respected
political analyst, Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya, recently warned that the party risks
disintegrating and falling into irrelevance if its internal democratic
practices are not strengthened.
Writing
on Facebook, Ruhanya said the party’s provincial leadership was only fighting
for positions without reenergising the structures.
“The
MDC will be in huge trouble in 2023 if it does not organise its Masvingo
provincial, district, ward and branch structures. The leadership fight for
power but the structures are in disarray with no leadership at the grassroots.
The provincial leadership are mostly tourists, visitors in Masvingo. Was in the
village and what I saw and heard is pathetic, MDC Masvingo is pathetic and
represents the neuroses of undesirable representatives of opposition politics.
They are arrogant, divisive, pompous, impose their surrogates (sic) and
suicidal.  This explains why they got 1
seat out of 26 in 2018 election but they remain defiant like the Bourbon
Monarch,” said Ruhanya, who hails from Zaka.
  
       

St John’s Emerald Hill hosts Orate Africa competitions

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St John’s Emerald Hill hosts Orate Africa competitions

Shingirai Vambe

HARARE – St John’s Emerald
Hill High School last week played host to more than 20 schools competing at a quiz,
spelling B, English and Shona public-speaking event organised by Orate Africa
for Harare and Mashonaland East.
Winners will
participate in the national competitions to be held later this year on a date
yet to be decided.
In the quiz
category, Zengeza 1 High got 24 points followed by St Francis of Assisi with 20
points and Rusununguko at number three with 19 points.
In other
categories, the hosts managed to be in the top 10 together with Vainona which
had 14 points in public speaking. A pupil from Rusununguko was the most
outstanding in the spelling bee category.
Twenty participants
in English and Shona public speaking, 20 from quiz and 20 from spelling bee
categories will take part in the nationals.
“I am happy that
we scooped an award after garnering 24 points but we still have a lot to learn
and we also want to try other areas as well,” said a participant from Zengeza 1
High School.
St John’s
Emerald Hill High head, Sister Vimbai Bhoroma said she was delighted the school
was chosen as hosts to the many competitors from the two provinces.
“The programme
communicates directly to the new curriculum and we are glad our children had an
opportunity to take part in this massive event. All the categories of the
competition are critical to the development and education of our children.
“It is through participating
in these kind of events that our school won an award in the Sadc quiz and
public speaking competitions last year,” said Sr Bhoroma.

Corrupt police syndicate unravels in strange cattle theft drama

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Corrupt police syndicate unravels in strange cattle theft drama

                                                                 Mercy Muganyi



…kidnapped suspect spills beans to investigators


Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – A stock theft suspect is reportedly implicating some police officers in the illegal trade which could earn him a couple of years in jail if convicted.
Talent Moyo, who had been on the run after escaping from police custody last year, was recently abducted from his South African hideout back to Zimbabwe by a couple from which he allegedly had stolen cattle.
After forcibly bringing Moyo back, the couple allegedly went on to kidnap Charles Masawi, a police officer whom they suspect of assisting Moyo to escape.
The couple; Jerifanos Muganyi (48) and Mercy Muganyi (41) and their four accomplices are now in custody on kidnap and assault charges.
Moyo, however, is not out of trouble himself as he was also remanded in custody when he made his first appearance before magistrate Honest Masiiwa on stock theft charges last Thursday.
Sources told TellZim News that Moyo was spilling the beans, claiming that he managed to escape lawful custody last year with the help of some identified police officers who also kept him informed of the situation back home.
“Moyo is just a grade seven school dropout but he is acquitting himself quite well with the investigators. He is very vivid in his explanations and I see some police officers going to jail over it,” said a source.
Moyo is said to be claiming that some police officers facilitated his escape so that he would not have a chance to explain himself in court and implicate them.
“They wanted him away from the justice system so that he would remain the fall guy with no chance of the real culprits having their day in court. He is adamant he didn’t steal any cattle but he witnessed a theft; people loading stolen cattle into trucks and he got framed for it,” said the source.
Other sources said while in his hideout in Louis Trichardt in South Africa, Moyo would receive constant updates, urging him to remain in hiding as the case ‘was still hot’.
“They used scare tactics against the poor guy. They would tell him that he would rot in jail if he came out prematurely. They constantly advised him to remain in hiding while they worked to have the case swept under the carpet but they were just buying time.
“Now that they have failed to keep Moyo away, the dirty cops have employed plan B which has seen them working tirelessly to make sure that Moyo is nailed alone but if the case is given the prominence that it deserves, it would be a real bombshell,” the source said.
It is said the Muganyis are real victims of a corrupt police syndicate that works closely with notorious cattle rustlers by clearing stolen cattle in exchange for big bribes.
TellZim News understands that following a complaint over the police’s alleged involvement in stock theft; some internal investigations were launched at the station sometime last year leading to the forced transfer of some police officers.
Some victims of cattle rustling who spoke to TellZim News said they have always been suspicious of the snail pace at which their cases move at the local police station.
“What boggles the mind is that at times police initiated shoddy investigations on some cases leading to cases being thrown out of court. In many cases, investigations take for ever. Right now, we have a case of stock theft that was referred to the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court because it implicates local police officers.
‘It’s been more than a year but there is no progress as police are always said to be still investigating. People here are losing faith in the criminal justice system and that explains why the Muganyi couple took matters into their own hands,” said one victim of stock theft.
 

 

Govt commissions diamond survey for Mwenezi, Chiredzi

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Govt commissions diamond survey for Mwenezi, Chiredzi

            Chitando commissions an air tractor aircraft at Buffalo Range International Airport

Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI
– The
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Winston Chitando has commissioned
the Mwenezi Aeromagnetic Survey for Diamonds to ascertain the veracity of the speculated
diamond wealth in Chiredzi and Mwenezi.
The commissioning was done at
Buffalo Range International Airport.
The search is being done by Aerosurv
in partnership with a South African cmpany, Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics.
The Airborne Mineral Exploration
Project is aimed at unpacking the country’s diamond wealth over a survey
distance of 8 800km.
Aerosurv seeks to further utilise
capacity, expertise and equipment in the Limpopo Mobile Zone (Ngundu) area to
conduct a high resolution, low level airborne survey of the surrounding areas
including River Ranch, Murowa and Mwenezi.
The primary focus will be on
conglomerate, alluvial and Kimberlitic diamond deposits.
Chitando said his ministry wanted
to grow the size of the national diamond industry from the current $2.8 billion
to a $12 billion industry by year 2030.
“It’s an important milestone
which government is working towards. The attainment of Vision 2030 will require
the diamond industry to contribute,” said Chitando.
He said the diamond industry
produced 2.8 million carats in 2018 against a target of 10 million carats.
“Last year the diamond industry
produced 2.8 million carats of diamond and the whole idea for this is to go to
at least 10 million carats by 2023. The 10 million carats projection is based
on geologically proven sites and on the exploration which is now taking place,
who knows what can happen?” said Chitando.
The Minister of State for
Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira welcomed the prospective investment
opportunity which he said will transform Rutenga and Sango border post.
“The exploration of diamonds will
bring new diversified activities in Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts resulting in
economic transformation of the Lowveld towards massive rural development. This
will include the development of Rutenga as a dry port and the modernisation of
Sango border post,” said Chadzamira.

Zaka man tries to cook baby

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Zaka man tries to cook baby

Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – An 18-year-old man from Chibuku village
under Chief Nhema took his three-weeks-old baby and tried to shove him into a
boiling three-legged pot but failed because the pot was full of pumpkins and
mealies, TellZim News has leant.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Chief
Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the heinous incident and said the accused
was in police custody helping with investigations.
“We received a report of a man who killed his
three-weeks-old daughter under bizarre circumstances. I can confirm the man is
in police custody and is helping us do our investigations,” said Mazula.
Sources said Leo Nzara was at home with his
16-year-old brother, his aunt (his mother’s elder sister) Fancisca Dikinya (64)
and his nursing wife when he allegedly committed the grisly crime at around
19:00hrs on March 25.
It all started when Dikinya received a text
message and asked Nzara to read it for her as she could not do it herself due
to failing eyesight.
Nzara, however, took the phone and threw it
into the fire and Dikinya quickly retrieved it and admonished him for it.
An angry Nzara then left the outside fireplace
and went into the kitchen hut where he repeatedly attacked his wife with a
blunt object.
Sensing grave danger, she managed to escape but
Nzara followed in hot pursuit, picked a brick which he threw at her but missed.
“He went back in the kitchen and picked up the
baby and smashed her head onto the ground. He then tried to shove the child
into a three-legged pot that was on the fireplace outside but failed because it
was full of pumpkins and mealies,” said a source.
“He then dropped the baby onto the ground where
she lay bleeding until Dikinya came back and tried to administer first aid. It
was, however, too late as the child had already died. It remains unknown what
angered Leo so much that he would do what he did,” the source said.
The old lady then called other villagers and
effected a citizen’s arrest against Leo before he was handed over to the police.

Mwenezi man murders, skins 71-year-old woman

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Mwenezi man murders, skins 71-year-old woman

Diana Gondongwe

In a horror movie style which has left the community shell shocked, a Mwenezi man allegedly killed a 71 year old granny with a machete before skinning her head and gouging her eyes out.
Austin Chitema of Village 2, Chiwumburu under Chief Chitanga in Mwenezi went to Castina Moyo’s (71) homestead in the same village and brutally murdered her in broad day light.
Chitema found Moyo with her four year old grandchild while her two ten year old grandchildren were out herding cattle.
Chitema picked a machete that was lying in the compound and struck Moyo several times in the head and neck until she fell down and he went on to skin her head.
The two grandchildren who had gone to herd cattle found their grandmother lying in a pool of blood and told their neighbour Ndaizivei Dube (34) who then alerted relatives and other villagers.
The matter was then reported to the police who then came and picked up Chitema who had already been rounded up by villagers.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the incident saying Chitema was in custody and investigations were under way.
“I can confirm that we have a murder suspect in custody and investigations are under way to ascertain what really transpired and what could have been the motive for the gruesome murder,” said Mazula.

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