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Zim PF divided over Mwenezi

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Zim PF divided over Mwenezi


Kudakwashe Gopo


…Calls for emergency meeting
…Bhasikiti ready for the challenge

Lloyd Shunje

BIKITA – Following Zim PF’s poor performance in the just ended Bikita West by-election which saw their candidate Kudakwashe Gopo losing to Zanu PF ‘s Beauty Chabaya by over 11 000 votes, the party has been left divided over whether they should go ahead and contest in the pending Mwenezi East by-election likely to be held in March.
The Zim PF provincial executive is going to have an emergency meeting to review what happened in Bikita and map the way forward.
Zim PF provincial spokesperson Jeffryson Chitando confirmed that they were going to hold a meeting but he refused to give details of items that will be on the agenda saying the outcome of the Saturday meeting will be announced at a press conference likely to be held soon after the gathering.
“We are going to announce the outcome of the meeting at a press confrence. There will be a lot of issues that are going to be sdiscussed and I am sure we will send our provincial position to the national executive regarding our participation in the by-elections,” said Chitando.
Sources in Zim PF told thois publication that there were members who were pushing the party to withdraw from participating in the pending by-election in Mwenezi.
“This issue of by-elections has divided us. Just like what happened before the Bikita West elections, we were against participating but Makova gave us a false assurance and rushed us into an election. We are very divided now because we still believe that we are not ready for the elections,” said the source.
However, the party secretary for elections Kudakwashe Bhasikiti who is also eyeing Mwenezi East said people were not supposed to compare Zim PF and MDC-T.
“Our position is very clear – we shall contest any election. We are not MDC-T, it is our constitutional mendate to contest the elections, winning or losing is another thing but we must participate. The people who are suffering are looking up to us for redemption and we must be on the ground fighting all the time. We learnt a lot in Bikita West and I am sure we will be stronger in Mwenezi East,” said Bhasikiti.
Bhasikiti said it was sad that Zanu PF used vote buying in Bikita but Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) did not take action against the offenders.
“Under normal circumstances, ZEC should have disqualified that Zanu PF candidate but look, they failed, so what it means is that we should also do vote buying in future,” added Bhasikiti.
Meanwhile, Masvingo provincial coordinator, Retired Colonel Claudius Makova has announced that he is resigning from his post in reaction to the party’s dismal performance in the just-ended Bikita West by-election.
 “It’s not new that I said if Gopo loses this election, I will quit. Ask anyone you want. Everyone knows I said it way back. So as I promised, I will leave the influential post because I also have my pride to keep,” Makova said.
He however said he was not quitting active politics.
“Many have misrepresented this move to mean I am quitting active politics and to peddle falsehoods that I am dumping Mujuru. Those are all lies,” he added.
Makova, however, defended the party’s performance in the by-election saying the party did a ‘splendid’ job in light of its relative infancy in the political arena.
He said the odds would have been different had it been a national election because circumstances would have forced the ruling Zanu PF to divide its election machinery.news

Bikita Chief opens up on election horror

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Bikita Chief opens up on election horror

Chief Mupakwa

…wishes if 2018 was not election year

TellZim Reporter

27 Jan 2017-The violence, torture and intimidation which is usually witnessed towards elections in Zimbabwe has not only affected ordinary villagers as headman Mpakwa has revealed that traditional leaders are among the most harassed group as politicians try to push their way into power.
Speaking to this publication last week, headman Mpakwa had no kind words for politicians who are known for harassing traditional leaders.
Mpakwa said he was one of the most vulnerable headman in both the 2013 harmonized elections and the just ended by-election for Bikita West constituency.
The headman said he feared that 2018 might bring worse harassment from mainly Zanu PF politicians.
“I am a victim of political mind games since 2013. I wish if 2018 was not an election year because I am worried that worse things will befall us as traditional leaders. We are often accused of things that we don’t know. We receive threats from politicians who want to win elections at all cost.
“For your own information, I am purely Zanu PF and I vote for Zanu PF but I can not force people to vote for a certain individual or a political party … but its easy for politicians to accuse us saying we are not as aggressive as they expect,” said Mpakwa.
Mpakwa said in 2013, he was accused of raping a certain woman and the charge was later dropped. After some suspicion that Mpakwa might have soft spot for ZimPF in the just ended by-election for Bikita West, the headman said he went through some horror experiences although he was reluctant to go into details.
He however, revealed that Zanu PF factional fights were the major causes of problems.
“You know, there are some factions and overzealous politicians who wish to be called good boys are the ones giving us a headache here regardless of the fact that they just joined politics recently. I am now 69 years old and I had enough of this kind of torture and I wish we were living without going to an election,” Mpakwa said bitterly.
Two weeks ago, Mpakwa was accused of accommodating losing candidate for Bikita West Kudakwashe Gopo at his mother’s funeral.
Soon after his mother’s funeral, Mpakwa together with four Bikita Chiefs were immediately called for secret meeting at Chaka Lodge where Zanu PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere addressed them.
Mpakwa refused to what transpired in the secret meeting.news

ACF Mine workers strike over ‘slave like’ conditions

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ACF Mine workers strike over ‘slave like’ conditions

The tents in which ACF workers live

…striking workers are ‘dissidents’ – company says

Itai Muzondo

27 Jan 2017 – MVUMA – More than 600 Africa Chrome Fields (ACF) Mine employees last week downed tools to protest what they call ‘slave like’ working conditions.
The mine is located on the Great Dyke, 53 km from Kwekwe along old Mvuma road between Munyati and Sebakwe rivers.
Workers told TellZim News they decided to down tools after the mine had shown no willingness to improve their welfare.
They cited long working hours, poor wages, lack of decent accommodation, no protective clothing and poor ablution facilities.
“We realised that this mine’s management does not care for us in any way. We tried to have our issues addressed amicably but they ignored us. We are continuously being kept like slaves through inhuman working conditions here,” said one worker.
“We are working 220 hours per month instead of 208 normal working hours but the extra hours are never paid for. We also stay in overcrowded tents with poor ablution facilities.
“We are get a paltry US$200 per month but others doing the same job in other mines are getting at least US$500.
“It’s high time these people give us fair treatment because time for slavery is long gone by. We are asking for something as simple as sufficient protective clothing. What they just want is labour from us as they enjoy profits from their comfort zones,” another worker said.
On Monday, sources said a truck load of soldiers had arrived at the mine as management flew to South Africa for consultations.
The workers revealed that they had petitioned company management and were waiting for a response by the time of writing.
ACF Assistant to National Project Liaison Director, Natalie Graaf, responding to questions from her South African base, dismissed the disgruntled workers as ‘a small fraction’ of ‘dissidents bent on fermenting mischief.
 “The dissidents represent a minute fraction of the total number of employees. It appears they have an ulterior motive which is political in nature. The vast majority of employees are all satisfied and happy with all the issues raised by the dissident.
“The matter has been resolved on site within hours and those that instigated the rush to down tools without proper cause will be investigated and brought to book fairly and equitably. ACF policy is one of fairness, equity and an impeccable work ethic and will not be diverted by a few who wish to derail a national project supported by government,” she said.
The mine is owned by some South African business people although it is widely rumoured that it is getting protection from powerful politicians who are receiving kickbacks in return for impunity.news

Teacher sends pupil’s ‘nude’ on class WhatsApp group

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Teacher sends pupil’s ‘nude’ on class WhatsApp group

Peter Chawapiwa

26 Jan 2017 – CHIVHU – A Liebenberg High School class WhatsApp group was shocked after a teacher (name withheld) allegedly shared a nude picture of a female ‘O’ Level pupil.
The group is said to have gone into a frenzy after members of the group received the nude picture of the student who is 16 years of age.
Comments were said to have followed with participants shaming the pupil and making derisive jokes about her body.
It is, however, not clear whether the teacher shared the photo deliberately or by mistake and how he had come to be in possession of the photo.
The picture then went viral and the girl is said to have heard about the story but could not do anything about it.
One group member who cannot be identified expressed discomfort over the alleged actions of the Chemistry teacher as it tarnished the character of the girl.
“I can confirm the incident, I received the picture ….but whoever shared it is pathetic as the girl’s character has been tarnished and her reputation destroyed,” said the group member.
Rumours also mounted that the teacher was dating students at the school.news

‘Drunk’ doc in trouble over botched operation

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‘Drunk’ doc in trouble over botched operation

Woman dies, leaves one-day-old baby

Itai Muzondo/ Memory Rasa 

26 Jan 2017 – GUTU – A Gutu Mission Hospital medical doctor, Henry Harry Mushuku is in soup after conducting a cesarean session allegedly under the influence of alcohol resulting in Locadia Mbinda’s death two weeks ago.
Gutu District Medical Officer (DMO); Dr Tapiwa Mupepe confirmed there was a death of a mother due to what he called ‘delivery complications’ but referred all questions to Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamu.
Dr Shamu, however, confirmed that a woman had died under cloudy circumstances and that Dr Mushuku was under investigations.
“We have heard of the issue though I cannot disclose much as of now since investigations are still underway. I will be in a position to give further details and action to take when the investigations are over,” said Dr Shamu.
When contacted for comment, Dr Mushuku professed ignorance over the matter and threatened to kill this reporter.
“Ndiwe wakafa here iwe? Wakafa ihama yako? Manje rega ndikuudze unofira mahara chinyora nyaya yacho tigoona. Unofira mahara mufana (Are you the one who died from the botched operation? Are you related to the deceased? Anyway, go ahead and write your story and see what will happen),” said Dr Mushuku.
Mbinda’s baby boy however, survived the operation. She has since been laid to rest in Masvingamashava under Chief Nhema in Zaka.news

Suspected witch falls from winnowing basket in Gutu

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Suspected witch falls from winnowing basket in Gutu

Peter Chawapiwa

26 Jan 2017 – GUTU – A suspected witch reportedly fell from a winnowing basket (rusero) in Gutu last week leaving villagers baffled as to how she could have traversed the distance from her home more than 30 kilometres away.
The suspected witch was identified as Success Zharare from Zharare Village under Chief Nyamandi.
She reportedly fell from the winnowing basket in Nyota Village near Rasa Mountain but her home is close to Gutu Mission Hospital.
Eyewitnesses who declined to be named told TellZim News that Zharare was discovered in a maize field close to midday by people who were weeding in the field.
“One of them decided to relieve herself and was shocked to see a stark naked woman lying in a bush close to a busy path. She immediately alerted others of her discovery and Zharare was pulled onto the road.
“At first she pretended to be in some kind of trance and did not respond to questions but later opened up and revealed her identity and where she had come from.
“One of the women who were present felt bad seeing naked Zharare lying on the ground and offered her a cloth to cover her nakedness,” said the eyewitnesses.
They added that Zharare told the people who had gathered that she had traveled in the winnowing basket with two others who managed to make the journey home.
“She said their destination was a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pastor’s home in the area and she failed to see clearly through the mist. She added that every time they approached the home she saw a pool of water,” they said.
TellZim News could not establish what happened to Zharare after she was released by the villagers.news

Mwenezi father-basher sentenced

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Mwenezi father-basher sentenced
Cephas Shava in Mwenezi

25 Jan 2017 – MWENEZI – A 34-year-old Mwenezi man who recently struck his father on the head and severely injured him after a misunderstanding over missing cattle was sentenced to eight months in prison of which three months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
Appearing before Mwenezi district magistrate Honest Musiwa, Tinei Chengeta of Mangondi village under Chief Chitanga, pleaded guilty to domestic violence but denied that he had used a spear to hit his father’s head.
He however admitted that he had used a cooking stand (pfihwa) to hit him.
Grilled by the magistrate as to why he smashed his father’s head, Chengeta could only say he wished it would never happen again.
“Only God knows, I wish such things not to happen again in the future,” without elaborating further.
The brawl occurred on last New Year’s Eve started when Tinei was assaulting his son, Listen Chengeta for losing cattle he had been tending during day.
This did not go down well with 61-year-old Revai who could not stand his grandson’s beating by the boy’s drunken father.
However, intervening to shield his grandson proved costly for Revai after an incensed Tinei charged towards him before striking him on the head resulting in Revai sustaining serious head injuries.
He was rushed to Neshuro District Hospital where he received some treatment. A police report was made leading to Tinei’s arrest. 
A medical report was produced in court and it revealed that Revai sustained severe head injuries. 
Willard Chasi appeared for the State.news

Croc tatters Mwenezi man’s leg

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Croc tatters Mwenezi man’s leg
Cephas Shava in Mwenezi
MWENEZI – A fisherman suffered a rapacious crocodile attack which left him battling for his life with his right leg broken and nearly torn off his body while installing his fishing nets in Pambe Dam recently.
Munei Hofisi was savaged by the sneaky reptile in broad day light while hard at work on his nets. 
This incident occurred in Munhundugwe village, Chief Mawarire in Mwenezi district.
Eye witnesses said the victim, who was in the company of his young brother, was attacked from behind on the right leg resulting in him falling in the water while the crocodile was still grasping him tightly.
After a fierce fight and with the help of fellow fishermen, Hofisi was rescued from the jaws of the crocodile but not before the avaricious reptile had wrought immense harm on him.
“Hofisi’s leg was in a pathetic state. It seems the crocodile managed to get away with a piece of flesh from the guy’s leg. The leg was like beef chopped by a Machete,” said an eyewitness who saw the grisly scene.
Hofisi was rushed to Matibi Mission Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. As of last week, his wounds were said to be still fresh and in need further medical attention.news

Rutenga woman burns love rival’s room

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Rutenga woman burns love rival’s room
Cephas Shava in Mwenezi

25 Jan 2017 – MWENEZI – A Rutenga woman identified as Pretty recently lost property worth US$4000 in an arson attack allegedly perpetrated by her love rival.
The suspect in this case was identified as Martha Mpofu who allegedly targeted the house where Pretty stays with her sister’s family at Rutenga.
TellZim News is reliably informed that a case of arson was opened at Rutenga Police Station and Mpofu was briefly detained but later released as investigations are still underway.
At the centre of the fracas is reportedly a man named July who is a popular dancer at Rutenga with whom Mpofu has an affair but suspects is also now going out with Pretty.
Owner of the house that was gutted, Nesbert Mageza, said Pretty was his wife’s younger sister.
 “On that day we were awakened at midnight by the noise of people who were extinguishing the fire. Pretty’s room, which had all her belongings, was on fire.
“We were very lucky, my family managed to escape through the window. Pretty’s room is a bit isolated from the other four rooms and was burnt. It’s asbestos roof was shattered. Her wardrobe, double bed, blankets, laptop and all her belongings were burnt beyond recognition,” said Mageza. 
TellZim News approached Pretty but she was reluctant to speak although she confirmed suspicions that the house was burnt by Mpofu.
She said the only thing she recovered from the blaze was her passport and the clothes that she was wearing on that day.
Mpofu was reportedly spotted doing some rounds at Rutenga on the fateful night and is said to have borrowed matches from a fellow which she allegedly used to light the fire.
Sources said the fellow will stand as a witness when the matter goes to court.news

Lions are back in Zaka

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Lions are back in Zaka
Beatific Gumbwanda

25 Jan 2017 – ZAKA – Following incidences of stray lions which were eventually taken care of in 2015, another pride of five lions has been reported to be roaming Zaka East, preying on domestic animals and endangering the lives of villagers.
Ward 30 councillor, Fortune Maputsa confirmed that attacks by the ferocious wild cats have been reported in his ward and other neighbouring wards where the pride has killed goats and cattle.
“I can confirm that it is true that the lions are back again. They are five in number and they recently killed three goats at Nhendo homestead in ward 32. The pride also attacked a goat in Chavani village, ward 30,” said Maputsa.
The lions are said to be sheltering in a mountain during the day and villagers are now scared of walking during the night.
National spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), Caroline Washaya-Moyo said she was not aware of the issue and urged the Zaka Rural District Council to find ways to control the pride.
She absolved her organisation of responsibility saying Zimparks has jurisdiction only over animals that are in national parks although it is common knowledge Zimparks is the custodian of all wildlife including those that escape custody. 
“The Rural District Council has that responsibility to take care of the reported stray lions that are in their area as we have no jurisdiction over animals that are outside the parks,” said Washaya-Moyo.
Washaya-Moyo referred for further clarifications to the Campfire Chief Executive Officer, Charles Njonga whose cell was unreachable by the time of this publication.news
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