HARARE - Information, communication and technology activists have welcomed the High Court’s decision to have the Internet restored saying its shutdown violated the rights of millions of Zimbabweans.

Government shutdown the Internet last week in a bid to stifle protests instigated by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), and social movement #ThisFlag.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (Maz) have applauded the judgment suggesting that cutting people from the Internet infringes on their right to access information.

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Misa national director Thabani Moyo said access to Internet is important as it has become a global right enabling users to make knowledgeable choices.

“The court ruling is a positive affirmation for Misa Zimbabwe’s demands that the Internet is no longer just a platform but a right. It is a right for the people of Zimbabwe to express themselves, a right for the people of Zimbabwe to access information and share it for their collective good and to make informed decisions.

“So we welcome the ruling by the High court which has given us momentum to maintain traction on the issues around making the Internet accessible, affordable and available, underlining available in this case which was under siege,” Moyo told the Daily News.

Maz programmes manager Nigel Nyamutumbu also commended the High Court ruling pointing out that it conforms with democratic principles of promoting citizens’ right to access to information and to free expression.

However he said there are fears a cyber-law could be enacted to infringe citizens’ rights.

The High Court ruling came after Misa and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZHLR) filed a High Court application saying the Internet shutdown was an abuse of the Interception of Communications Act that was passed in 2007 in preparation for the contested 2008 elections.

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In addition to the court application, Misa had also written letters to the minister of State in the President’s Office for State Security as well as to Econet Wireless about the prolonged Internet shutdown.

The High Court ordered government to fully restore Internet services stating that the State minister Responsible for National Security does not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.

“This means that the directives issued by minister Owen Ncube to shut down the Internet in Zimbabwe are illegal and therefore, without effect. The Interception of Communications Act is one of 12 Acts directly administered by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” Misa said in a statement.

Econet Wireless has also sent messages to its customers informing them that it has been ordered to restore Internet access.

“Dear Valued Customer, the ministerial directive invoked on operators to suspend Internet and social media services was set aside this afternoon (21-01-2019), by the 
High Court. All Internet and social media services have now been fully restored. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” the message read.

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HARARE - MDC legislators said they were not going to be used by Zanu PF to fight their factional battles through the planned impeachment of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This comes amid high fears over the plot to impeach Mnangagwa who initially swept into office in November 2017, following a military intervention that dethroned former president Robert Mugabe.

MDC chief whip Prosper Mutseyami told journalists yesterday that soldiers killed 15 people adding that they are not in Parliament to fight Zanu PF factional battles.

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“With Zanu PF rapture at play, the MDC caucus is also being targeted to avoid its participation in a rumoured impeachment plan. We have nothing to do with Zanu PF internal politics; we were elected to represent the people and not to fight factional battles of those presiding over a rogue state.

“Not to mention that there is no better side of Zanu PF, we however, want to make the point that playing a representational role, participating in an impeachment 
process is not beyond the rights of legislatures and no one must be persecuted for that.

“There is however, no need for impeachment. The executive has failed in absolute terms and violated the obligation to obey and uphold the Constitution. It follows that Mnangagwa and his Cabinet must resign.”

Ironically, Mnangagwa’s predecessor Mugabe threw in the towel in November 2017 when Parliament had set in motion an impeachment motion — jointly supported by both Zanu and MDC legislators.

Ever since Mnangagwa’s Team Lacoste faction annihilated the rival Generation 40 (G40) camp in 2017, cracks have been widening in Zanu PF.

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Two main factions now exist in Zanu PF; one aligned to the seating head of State and government and the other driven by retired army generals, who still wield enormous influence among the uniformed forces.

Not helping matters is the fact that a large number of G40 functionaries, including associates of former vice president Joice Mujuru — who was fired from Zanu PF and government in 2014 for plotting to unseat Mugabe using unconstitutional means — are still commanding influence in the party’s rank and file.

Impeachment refers to a process used to charge, try, and remove public officials for misconduct while in office.

The national charter provides for the removal of a sitting president or vice president through a resolution by half of the total membership of Parliament.

Section 97 of the Constitution says the Senate and the National Assembly, by a joint resolution passed by at least one-half of their total membership, may resolve that the question of whether the president or a vice president should be removed from office for various reasons, which include engaging in acts of serious misconduct; failure to obey, uphold or defend the Constitution; wilful violation of the Constitution or inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) yesterday castigated use of the military in arresting and bringing to justice suspected perpetrators of the three-day stay-away saying the army does not have arresting powers.

Findings by the commission reveal that in the aftermath of January 14 disturbances, armed and uniformed members of Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police instigated systematic torture where they were targeting all males.

ZHRC Commissioner Sheila Hillary Matindike told journalists yesterday: “The use of military details that do not have arresting powers in the arrests also led to the violation of the right to liberty in respect of the men arrested.”

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She added that during a court hearing at the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Courts, a police officer admitted that they were accompanied by armed soldiers during the home raids and at one point interrogated an eight-year-old girl who supposedly led them to some of the accused persons.

Matindike urged the general public to bring forward evidence they have of armed forces’ brutality.

The commission said it is concerned about the continued use of the military in maintaining law and order and it seems the country has not learnt anything from the August 1, 2018 events.

“From reports received to date, indications are that more citizens have died during the current protests than those who died during August 1. 

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“It is therefore disturbing to note that the deployment of the army in quelling civilian disturbances leads to loss of life and serious bodily injuries and other human rights violations, yet the Government continues to make such deployments,” Matindike said.

The commission said they made visits to some of the victims who were allegedly assaulted by the police and soldiers and noted that their modus operandi was the same in all communities were the uniformed forces would arrive at people’s houses at night or in the early hours of the day and ask all men to go outside and lie on the ground before beating them up.

“It was also stated that the police were letting loose their dogs to attack those whom they suspected to have caused mayhem. The looting and vandalism of property by perpetrators does not justify the police brutality,” Matindike said.

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HARARE - Farmers should start adopting small grains in exchange for maize if they are to adapt to the increasing climate change, World Food Programme (WFP) country director Eddie Rowe said.

Rowe said: “The most glaring impact that we are seeing is that 80 percent of Zimbabwe is engaged in rain-fed agriculture, and so any climatic impact would have devastating effect on productivity and that’s what we are seeing now. More farmers should take up farming of small grains like sorghum and millet.

“Most of the rural areas have not received adequate rainfall to enable them to cultivate the staple maize and that has a ripple impact on the urban population because almost 80 percent of food in the towns is produced in the rural areas.”

“If we do not have production there, there would be high food prices in the urban areas because we would have to rely on imports of food commodities which would triple. We have this chain of impact which is directly linked to the impact of climate change on agriculture in Zimbabwe,” Rowe said.

He said over the last two years, they conducted successful pilots of small grains with farmers in Mudzi were they produced and sold their surplus sorghum. 

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HARARE - United Nations (UN) has urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold the rule of law in order to attain economic recovery and sustainable development by 2030.

a statement communications specialist Sirak Gebrehiwot said UN strongly believes that the current challenges in the country can only be resolved through peaceful and inclusive consultative processes.

“The United Nations remains committed to continue supporting the people of Zimbabwe in their quest to implement the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, and the advancement of sustainable, rights-based and inclusive economic growth and development for all, particularly the most vulnerable including children, women and youth.

“In line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, upholding rule of law and ensuring the protection of human rights of all Zimbabweans at all times is critical for accelerated economic recovery, inclusive growth and sustainable development,” Gebrehiwot said. 

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HARARE - Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping has called for a national dialogue as he condemned the social unrest that took place last week saying strikes and vandalism will not rescue Zimbabwe’s economy.

Speaking at the Tour Africa — New Horizon in Zimbabwe launch Ping said: “We must maintain confidence and our bilateral relations... we have confidence in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. Visits by the Chinese show that the Chinese government has strong confidence in the people of Zimbabwe. Strikes and vandalism will not eradicate challenges …only dialogue will bring prosperity to Zimbabweans,” he said.

Commending the recent Chinese tour operators that jetted into the country on Monday, Ping added that China was a serious investor as compared to the negative sentiments that have been passed by several observers. 

“We have several projects that we have on the ground and some have already been completed. Kariba South and Hwange thermal completed, new parliament building started, lithium project also started…cigarettes producing project…this shows Chinese people are people of action…”

The ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with Touch Road International holdings Group from China a company promoting packages to destination Zimbabwe and Africa. 

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HARARE - The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC yesterday said it had written to the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to swiftly intervene in the deteriorating security and economic situation claiming that hundreds of its party officials including legislators continue to be arbitrarily arrested.

Although government claims that only three people died during last week’s violent demonstrations where police opened fire on armed civilians while the military conducted night raids amid reports of torture of suspects, civil rights organisations put the number of the dead above a dozen.

In an interview with the Daily News yesterday MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said the number of MDC legislators who have been arrested is now seven with scores of its parliamentarians now in hiding as they fear the crackdown.

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“Our national and provincial members are being detained, and from what is going on during protests it appears the right to bail which is constitutional, is being denied, MPs are being denied bail, this is a first even in worse countries. The magistrates are not even giving people time to defend themselves,” said Mafume.

Yesterday, the MDC in a letter to the speaker of the National House of Assembly Jacob Mudenda claimed that six of its legislators had been arrested — in a process which Mafume claims is designed to reduce the number of the opposition legislators in Parliament.

“Targeting of MPs is meant to cause by-elections. Where in the world is a country managed that way that people are picked up and then beaten and later dumped at a police station?” queried Mafume.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa cut short his trip abroad to come and concentrate on the unfolding crisis at home which he sparked when he announced an increase in the prices of fuel by over 150 percent.

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When Zimbabweans protested over the increases in the fuel prices, government deployed security agents who savaged people suspected of having been involved in the protests. 

Mafume said the only respite for Zimbabweans could be found in the intervention by regional bodies such as Sadc and AU otherwise the situation can only get worse.

“As the MDC we have engaged Sadc, we have engaged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, we have written to Sadc to ask them to look at the deteriorating human rights situation and the economic situation in Zimbabwe, Sadc has to act now or they will be a total crackdown,” Mafume. 

Mnangagwa, whose government reacted to the national shutdown by switching off the Internet before being ordered by the High Court to switch it on told his followers, ironically on micro-blogging platform Twitter that he is ready now to engage with the opposition.

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HARARE - MDC deputy national chairperson Tendai Biti has demanded that magistrate Gloria Takundwa recuses herself from presiding over his trial saying her independence is questionable.

Biti, through his lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa and Alec Muchadehama, made the application yesterday after Takundwa dismissed his several applications.

Biti had filed an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to prosecute him and another of excerption saying the charges against him do not disclose an offence.

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He also applied for further particulars, and challenged the splitting of the charges.

On Monday, Takundwa dismissed the applications and ruled that there is a prima facie case against the Harare legislator.

Mtetwa submitted that Takundwa had already rejected Biti’s defence outline and sealed his fate without leading any evidence.

“From your ruling, the State does not need to lead any evidence. Clearly, what is left is for you to announce a guilty verdict on both charges.

“Our request is that proceeding to trial before a judicial officer who has already rejected the accused’s defence outline is a clear breach of his right to a fair hearing,” Mtetwa said.

Mtetwa also sought Takundwa’s recusal on the basis that she “unfairly” issued a warrant of arrest against the former Finance minister on Monday.

Takundwa issued the warrant after Biti showed up in court in the morning but due to delays in court sitting, he left for the Supreme Court where he had a case to argue.

“Even the manner in which you dealt with the issue of warrant of arrest against the accused yesterday (Monday) shows incredible lack of impartiality on your part Your Worship.

This is because the accused came and explained his predicament but the court still issued the warrant. This is a proper case for Her Worship to recuse herself and a judicial officer with an unjaundiced view to take over the matter.”

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Mtetwa also cited Takundwa’s decision to refer the matter to the High court last year for review after she said that she “erroneously” allowed the media to live-stream proceedings.

Takundwa referred it to the upper court but Joseph Musakwa refused to entertain the matter, saying she must live with the error.

“You referred the matter without seeking to reverse am impartial and independent decision you handed without seeking the view of the accused. I am not sure if you sought the views of the State.

From all these issues, a reasonable litigant will conclude that the accused person is not likely to receive any unbiased conclusion at the end of trial therefore it will be in the best interest of justice that you recuse yourself,” Mtetwa submitted.

Prosecutor Jonathan Murombedzi opposed the application saying it lacks merit

Murombedzi said the application for recusal suggests that Biti is not ready to be tried.

He justified the court’s decision to issue a warrant of arrest, saying no court can allow an accused person to dictate proceedings.

Murombedzi submitted: “What if the accused did not turn up in court? What would have happened? What guarantee was there that he was going to turn up?

The warrant was issued out of caution; therefore there is no basis upon which this court must recuse itself.”

Takundwa refused to recuse herself and the matter proceeded to trial yesterday.

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HARARE - Trial of Nyanga South MP and former ICT minister, Supa Mandiwanzira, failed to take off again this week after State prosecutors failed to turn up for the trial, upsetting magistrate Elijah Makomo who immediately put the State on terms. 

A stand-in prosecutor Venerandah Munyoro told the court the trial prosecutor Michael Chakandida was unable to travel to Harare “due to reasons beyond his control”.

A member of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Tapiwa Godzi, who is part of the team, was also in no show without providing reasons.

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Magistrate Makomo rapped the prosecution for failing to put their house in order and making actions that indicate they were not ready for trial.

The magistrate, who appeared irritated by the State, said it was clear Chakandida knew the trial was not taking off as no witness had been called in.

None of the State witnesses was in attendance.  

The magistrate said the State was turning the trial court into “a court of postponement” before threatening not to treat the State with “kid gloves”.

“We are reaching a stage where we put the State to terms. We can’t keep on remanding the court now and again, we are not a remand court,” Makomo said.

“May the message be clear to him (Prosecutor Chakandida) that the court will not continue to treat him with kid gloves. The State has been put on terms that you must be ready for trial on February 7.”

The State also failed to provide documents it was ordered to furnish the defence in December last year.

Mandiwanzira and his defence team, Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba, Advocate Brian Hungwe and instructing attorney Selby Hwacha, waited for almost the whole day for State prosecutors to appear before Munyoro moved in to stand in for the absent prosecutors.

Magwaliba told the court the State had failed to furnish them with the documents as ordered last year.

“It is correct that on December 18, we applied for documents necessary in the case.  On Friday 13, January 21, 2019, my instructing practitioners were served at 5pm with documents related to a contract for Tawanda Chinembiri,” Magwaliba said.

The State provided a contract of employment for Chinembiri, confirming he was a government employee when he was assigned to represent the ICT ministry on the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe(Potraz) board.

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The former ICT minister is being charged for deploying Chinembiri whom the prosecutors say was not a government employee at the time of his appointment.  

On another request for correspondence between NetOne and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Magwaliba said an affidavit was provided from NetOne denying the existence of such correspondence.

The State also failed to provide minutes of a February 2016 meeting in which Mandiwanzira allegedly ordered the hiring of Megawatt to probe the NetOne-Huawei deal.

“On minutes of a meeting held in February, 2016, there is no explanation why the minutes have not been furnished or an affidavit explaining that,” Magwaliba, said adding the State had to comply with the order.

On another request for the State to furnish correspondence between NetOne and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Magwaliba said an affidavit from NetOne denied the existence of such correspondence

In the State outline, the prosecution indicated that it had in its possession communication between NetOne and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which proved that the transaction had been rejected as being illegal.

Mandiwanzira is accused of criminal abuse of office after he allegedly engaged a South African firm, Megawatt Company, to provide services to NetOne without going to tender. He is also accused of appointing his personal assistant, Tawanda Chinembiri to the Potraz board.

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HARARE - The trial of Mt Pleasant MDC Member of Parliament Samuel Banda who is accused of giving false address to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has exposed squabbles within the party and the Thokozani Khupe-led faction.

Banda’s trial commenced on Monday, with the State calling its first witness Warship Dumba who lost the seat to Banda in last year’s elections.

Dumba is the Mt Pleasant losing candidate belonging to the Khupe faction.

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When Dumba took to the stand, he told the court that he was advised through a telephone call that Banda had used Isaac Chidavaenzi’s address to register for elections.

Although Dumba admitted that he does not know where Banda resides, he said he was convinced that he does not stay at the address appearing on the voters’ role. 

“I called the owner of the house and he confirmed that Banda never resided there. Now the people of Mt Pleasant are being represented by an outsider,” Dumba told the court.

In cross examination, Banda’s lawyer Job Sikhala grilled Dumba and accused him of bitterness.

“You reported a case against the accused because you are a loser. Why didn’t you approach the courts to have the accused candidature nullified?

“You knew you were chasing a wild goose and I shall unpack your lies until we unravel who you are,” said Sikhala.

Dumba struck back and accused both Sikhala and Banda of defecting to the Chamisa-led outfit while insisting that the Khupe faction was the legitimate MDC.

The squabbles also emerged in Banda’s defence outline which was read at the commencement of trial.

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In his defence outline, Banda accused Chadavaenzi of bitterness after he lost the right to represent the MDC in Mt Pleasant.

“It was after Chadavaenzi launched a blistering campaign in the constituency only for him to be disqualified by the party’s elections directorate for failure to meet the party criteria. His disqualification embittered him to the extent that he started to work with rivals and enemies of the party,” Banda said.

He also accused Dumba of conniving with Chadavaenzi to get him disqualified by lying that he never resided at the said address.

Trial was postponed to January 28 after Sikhala notified the court that he was rushing to Chitungwiza Magistrates Court where he was representing over 100 suspected protesters.

At this moment, Dumba asked magistrate Learmore Mapiye if he was going to be paid after testifying against Banda.

Mapiye advised him that all State witnesses are given allowances depending on where they come from.

Banda is accused of presenting a false residential address to the Zec.

Banda is accused of providing a false address during the biometric voter registration (BVR) exercise in December 2017.

Using the alleged false address, Banda contested for the Mt Pleasant House of Assembly seat and won.

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HARARE - The prevailing fuel situation has resulted in more woes, with fears of an increase in rape and muggings due to uncut grass in all areas and mainly on sides of the roads.

Harare City Council (HCC) said yesterday it had not been spared in the fuel crisis and was unable to render some of the critical services to its ratepayers.

With the commencement of the rainy season, grass has grown at a fast rate.

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HCC spokesperson Michel Chideme told the Daily News that due to fuel shortages in the country, council was not able to attend to the grass.

“It is because of the fuel shortage, we have not been spared. The grass cutting equipment requires fuel to run; once we get fuel we will deploy our services,” he said.

Motorists have also urged council to consider cutting overgrown grass along the city’s roads, saying this was becoming a threat as their vision was being obscured while driving, thereby causing road accidents.

During last year’s rainy season there were similar complaints with councillors fuming over the city works department’s failure to cut the grass which resulted in muggings, rape cases and road accidents.

Concerns were relayed following reports of a Lochinvar woman who was gang-raped by five men in the tall grass.

Harare Residents Trust (HRT) bemoaned lack of action in the grass-cutting, arguing that more criminal activities will occur if this was not rectified.

Yesterday, Chideme also bemoaned the rampant cultivation activities in undesignated areas during the rainy season; adding that the use of fertilisers by most individuals has resulted in increased contamination of Lake Chivero.

“We discourage people from cultivating in wet lands, river banks and road ridges. We encourage responsible and sustainable cultivation. Also, the use of fertilisers is contributing to the increase of algae in the lack. The fertiliser is washed into the lack when it rains, and this also increases the water treatment bill,” he said.

In the previous weeks the local authority has decried the fuel shortages in the country, noting that the prevailing situation has hindered consistent garbage collection.

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HARARE - The country’s recent stay-away, coupled with government’s shutdown of the Internet affected smooth operations of most local councils as they could not process bank transfers for various necessities including water chemicals.

Community Water Alliance (CWA) said because of the Internet shutdown, councils experienced problems in making payments for water treatment chemicals; most of which are sourced outside the country.

CWA advised that if the situation is not addressed urgently another cholera disaster might strike soon.

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“Zimbabwe local authorities have run out of water treatment chemicals required in the water purification process. Among those mostly affected are Harare Metropolitan province, Masvingo and Gweru.

“The Internet blackout in Zimbabwe has affected electronic transfers at banks and payment for water treatment chemicals has not been spared. We urge the government of Zimbabwe to be sensitive to humanitarian concerns in their plans to contain   the citizen-led stay away,” CWA said.

Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme said service delivery in Harare has been gravely affected as a result.

In an interview with the Daily News yesterday Chideme said throughout the week council could not take stock of several of its key deliveries as there was no one at work and the Internet was down.

Last week, Zimbabweans took to the streets in protest after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a 150 percent increase in the price of fuel.

“A lot of our processes were affected by the week-long stay-away. We could not get deliveries of the things that constitute our service delivery mandate. For example fuel was not delivered at all during the week and that affected the smooth operations at Town House,” Chideme said.

He said currently they are working towards normalising the situation though it may still take time as not all employees have reported for work.

Gweru had to resort to one refuse truck collecting garbage for the whole city as most of them are either grounded by technical problems or do not have fuel.

The city’s mayor Josiah Makombe said the fuel crisis had hit the council hard and feared that diseases could soon spread.

“Our residents should bear with us as we try and find fuel. We do not have special allocations or reserves so we are all part of the suffering. While our water is still clean the Internet shutdown affected a lot of aspects of our service delivery,” Makombe said.

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HARARE - Rights lawyers yesterday accused the military and police of savagely assaulting 28 people who were receiving treatment in hospital after suffering severe injuries in previous beatings — before going on to detain the victims at Harare Central Police Station.

This happened despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vow yesterday to investigate and punish rogue members of the security forces accused of killing and severely assaulting civilians during last week’s deadly riots.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) told the Daily News that the despicable incident happened in the wee hours of yesterday, at a non-profit hospital which had been treating the victims of assault by security forces.

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“The injured sought medical attention at a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) medical centre ... Soldiers raided the place during the early hours of the morning today (yesterday), assaulted them and detained them at Harare Central,” rights lawyer Kudzayi Kadzire said.

“It is regrettable, deplorable and very inhumane for the State agents to raid 28 injured people who were receiving medical treatment during the early hours.

“The 28 are detained at Harare Central and lawyers were denied access,” the ZLHR had said earlier on social media.

Police were similarly accused of raiding a clinic in Belvedere last week, after foreign and local journalists released footage of the brutalised victims of the government’s crackdown.

Contacted for a comment, police spokesperson Charity Charamba said she was not aware of the incidents.

“I do not know anything. Why don’t you call the facility and ask for details?” Charamba asked the Daily News.

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HARARE - President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who first swept to power through a popular military coup in November 2017 — yesterday vowed to bring to book rogue members of Zimbabwe’s gung-ho military who left a trail of blood around the country during last week’s fuel protests.

Analysts who spoke to the Daily News about this unexpected move immediately welcomed the announcement, saying this would go a long way in healing the nation and calming down rising political tensions in the country — if the president carried through his promise.

At the same time, Mnangagwa also moved to invite opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and other key stakeholders in the country for a national dialogue yesterday — in the wake of last week’s mayhem, and in a desperate bid to address Zimbabwe’s worsening political and economic crisis.

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The under-pressure 76-year-old Zanu PF leader announced these bold moves soon after he returned to the country late on Monday evening, after he cancelled his scheduled trip to Switzerland where he was due to attend this year’s meeting of the World Economic Forum (Wef) — which kicked-off yesterday.

Mnangagwa’s abandonment of the Davos jamboree also coincided with the public explosion of fresh ructions within his ruling Zanu PF, amid worrying claims that there was a plot to topple him from power by some of his disaffected lieutenants.

Writing on Twitter yesterday, Mnangagwa said he would leave no stone unturned in dealing “decisively” with rogue members of the security forces found to have taken part in human rights abuses and the deaths of an estimated 12 civilians during last week’s chaos.

“One week ago, I announced measures to stabilise our nation’s crucial fuel supply. I was aware that these measures may not be popular, and this was not a decision we took lightly. But it was the right thing to do.

“What followed was regrettable and tragic. Everyone has the right to protest, but this was not a peaceful protest.

“Wanton violence and cynical destruction; looting police stations, stealing guns and uniforms; incitement and threats of violence. This is not the Zimbabwean way,” Mnangagwa said in the first part of his tweets.

“Likewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll.

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“I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together.

“What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first,” Mnangagwa added.

Last week, police and soldiers were engaged in running battles with protesters who flooded the streets of Harare, Bulawayo and other towns — to protest the steep fuel price hikes which were announced by the president ahead of his tour of Eastern Europe.

Property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was also destroyed and looted in the mayhem which ensued, after thousands of workers heeded a three-day stay-away call by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

At the same time, security forces unleashed a brutal crackdown against the protesters, the opposition and civil society leaders — in a move which received wide condemnation in the country and around the world.

At least 12 people died, while 78 others were treated for serious gunshot wounds, according to rights groups and medical doctors.

Mnangagwa’s welcome statement to investigate and take action against any members of the country’s security forces found to have been involved in vicious attacks on 
hapless citizens comes as there is growing criticism of his government inside Zimbabwe and internationally.

Among those who have launched a scathing attack on him and his government is South Africa’s major opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which is also putting pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to act on the rights abuses by the local security forces.

The party has also warned ominously that should Ramaphosa fail to intervene decisively in the matter, the DA would soon call upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Mnangagwa’s government.

The ICC is an international tribunal that sits in The Hague, in the Netherlands. It has powers to prosecute individuals fingered in serious crimes related to wanton killings, genocide, crimes against humanity and war transgressions.

Mnangagwa’s surprise decision to hike the prices of both petrol and diesel from $1,32 and $1,24 to $3,31 and $3,11 respectively was at the heart of last week’s protests and the ensuing mayhem.

His move yesterday to reach out to Chamisa came as calls for national dialogue aimed at mitigating Zimbabwe’s myriad crises have reached a crescendo, following last week’s ugly disturbances, as well as the subsequent government crackdown against opposition officials and pro-democracy groups.

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The leader of the Devine Destiny Network Church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya, told the Daily News on Monday, that the government needed to engage the opposition in talks to save the nation.

“The government of the day has created this crisis. They should not point fingers at the opposition because it is not the one that hiked prices … and it is not responsible for the violence that has erupted.

“We encourage the government to climb down their high horse and admit that we are in a dire situation that requires national dialogue. It is a situation that cannot be solved by one party but needs everyone to be involved,” Magaya said.

On its part, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) also said it was time for Mnangagwa to engage the opposition and other key stakeholders to end the country’s deepening crisis.

“The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission … calls upon government to take the lead in convening a platform for national dialogue with partners in all sectors, including captains of industry, labour unions, independent commissions, civil society, the opposition and ordinary citizens in order to find lasting solutions to the prevailing economic challenges, to ensure respect and observance of human rights and promote peace and security in the country,” the ZHRC said.

The Elders — the respected international group of former leaders who use their collective experiences to promote peace in the world — also said at the weekend that it was important that Mnangagwa embarks on inclusive dialogue to resolve Zimbabwe’s deepening crisis.

“The Elders reiterate … their belief that an inclusive national dialogue is the best way to defuse tensions and ease the political and social polarisation the country has seen since … Mugabe was removed from office in November 2017,” the group said.

Before the chaos, Chamisa, writing on social media, had reiterated his desire for dialogue with Mnangagwa — whom he referred to as “my brother”, in a welcome move which signalled his abandonment of his once militant approach to talks.

“I have met with many on our worsening situation and unbearable suffering. The back-to-school burden, high prices, non-performing economy, joblessness and worthless salaries bring sorrow.

“On this, I call upon my bro(ther) ED to urgent dialogue to solve our politics and economics or it gets worse,” he said on Twitter.

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HARARE - The ball is now firmly in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s court to ensure that his mooted dialogue with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and other key stakeholders kicks off soon, and in earnest — without allowing hardliners in Zanu PF to once again sabotage the process, analysts say.

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HARARE - Zimbabweans from across the world poured their heartfelt condolences following the death of legendary musician and Zimbabwean ambassador Oliver Mtukudzi who passed away in Harare yesterday at 66. 

A multi-award-winning singer, he toured the world and collaborated with local musicians and several others from abroad.

The Daily News caught up with several Zimbabweans who paid tribute to the music icon.

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Singer Ambuya Stella Chiweshe: Hana yarova, zvakaoma kuzvigamuchira mupfungwa (it is difficult to accept).

Singer Charles Charamba: It is one of those shocking chapters in the history of our music industry. The music fraternity has lost a pace-setter. Fortunate enough Tuku’s voice shall remain with us for a long time. He has been a blessing to our family and Fishers of Men. But broadly speaking, he contributed immensely to the gospel fraternity through assisting many singers including the late legendary Jordan Chataika. Tuku lived a life full of consciousness about life after death. May the Lord take care of Amai Mtukudzi and family.

Theatre producer Daves Guzha: “Tuku was the very epitome of hunhu/ubuntu. His greatest gift to mankind especially Africa was humility, honesty, thoughtfulness and care which he pushed for to the last breath. In his craft and conversations, he lived these qualities while most of us can only aspire. While he was a global legend, the world consumed his Pan African ethos firmly rooted in Zimbabwean culture. A leading light of humanity is gone. But his works and deeds will always be celebrated. Friendship of this nature is rare. To Maiguru Daisy, I am truly sorry. Nematambudziko. To the children and the family, my heartfelt condolences.

Music publicist Blessing Vava: It’s a dark day for the music industry, we have lost a legendary musician who mixed with all generations, easy going old man.

Music Producer Lyton Ngolomi:  We have been robbed of a father, a mentor and a friend...at least I worked with him on Mathias Mhere’s song. May his soul rest in peace!

Journalist Henry Makiwa: Mtukudzi is not dead. Legends don’t die. Tuku lives on and will outlive most of us lesser beings. He is an illuminating vessel of God’s spirit, a colossal figure of African music, and genuine hero of our time. I’m very blessed to have interviewed him, spend time with him and enjoy his work as a musician, actor, community builder and ambassador. It’s arguable that 2005 project, Nhava, may not have received the acclaim his other albums got on the market but for me its title track saw me through a very harsh winter as I was struggling with life in exile in Cambridge. He is one sure and bright spark of national pride Zimbabweans can ignite and raise as a torch above their heads wherever they go on this planet.

Arts promoter Biggie Chinoperekwei: So sad, as a music promoter it is always sad to lose an artist because he is part of the showbiz family. Moreso, for Tuku who was an icon and an example of true Zimbabwean talent. He had invested in Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton and that legacy will live for ever. And his music catalogue will also live forever as his songs are timeless and talk of the true Zimbabwean story. Tuku was our ambassador throughout the world. He will not only be missed by Zimbabweans, but the whole world. In his artistic career he nurtured numerous singers too many to mention. Rest in peace!

Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme: It’s a dark day for Zimbabwe, for Sadc and for Africa. Mtukudzi was an icon who transcended Zimbabwe’s boarders. I worked in Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, DRC, Ethiopia and Tanzania where Tuku was played locally and his portraits pinned on walls of certain pubs and billboards. He is a legend Zimbabwe won’t be able to replace. He was more than a musician, a unifier, an advocate against child abuse and domestic violence and a true Zimbabwean ambassador. Let him rest in peace.

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Musician Fungai Malianga: The only true African Mega Star we had. May His Soul Rest in Peace and May God give comfort to his family.

Theatre producer Daniel Maposa: This is a big loss not only to the Zimbabwean arts landscape but to the whole of Africa. Tuku was loved beyond our borders because of the songs that spoke to the core of humanity. His passion and commitment to the arts industry was unparalleled. The way that he loved helping young and upcoming musicians is evidence enough that the man was selfless and wanted to see every artist prosper. The Zimbabwean arts sector has lost a legend, a selfless icon and our source of pride. RIP Samanyanga!

ZimRights director Okay Machisa: Zimbabwe has lost a great music icon, ambassador and a true national hero. Rest in peace Mdhara Tuku. I am in pain. In the few months we worked together 2007-2008 you proved to be a true loving father. You shall always be missed. 

Journalist Precious Shumba: Mtukudzi is remembered for his classical jazz and Tuku brand of music which spoke to the issues of culture and the broader society, evoking deeper meanings than words could capture. As a musician, Mtukudzi stayed the course, and never deviated from his music genre, which is rare among the contemporary musicians who change according to their music fortunes. Mtukudzi was a veteran musician whose death has robbed the nation of Tuku the person but his music will forever be in our midst. His involvement in Neria, a cultural drama on how widows are excluded from the estates of the deceased husbands makes him a major contributor to the narrative around inheritance and cultural values in our society. One of his greatest songs Tozeza Baba evoked deep emotions among music lovers as he sang directly into the lives of most families whose children and wives lived tormented lives under brutal husbands intoxicated by beer. He spoke passionately into issues of domestic violence and the victimisation of children in households where the father of the house was abusive. He lived a fruitful and productive life, blending cultural commentary and entertainment.

Journalist Vivian Maravanyika: I first attended Tuku’s show in Tafara in 1978 when I was in primary school. To get to know him and get known by him was a privilege. The man was an enigma, the original superstar. I got to know him well when I was a music journalist for The Sunday Mail. Always humble, approachable and ever-smiling. Tuku is the best musician to come out of Zimbabwe. I will miss him and certainly will his multitude of fans across the world. South Africa will shed a tear because he was so adored there. Samanyanga will live on through his music.

Mbira player Albert Chimedza: Oliver’s work speaks for itself. His contributions to Zimbabwean music speak for themselves. He had an amazing life. There is not much I can add. I am sorry he is gone.

Media practitioner Loughty Dube: The man was an icon not only in Zimbabwe but the whole of Africa and even across large section of the world he commanded a large following. His music transcended borders and his music was across all generations and had a string message that cut across even the language barriers, this is a loss to the music and arts industry and mostly to Zimbabwe. Oliver was Zimbabwe’s biggest export and well known artiste and his collaborations with international artistes bare testimony to that.

Zimbabwe Network for Economic and Social Transformation founder Takemore Mazuruse: As a network that seeks to promote excellence and productivity in local business, media, arts and sports we feel robbed by the passing on of Oliver. Tuku belonged to that rare class of immortal artists whose contribution to local arts will forever be cherished. He was an embodiment of the excellence and self-actualisation that we seek in every sector. It is our hope that the new generation draws inspiration from his strides and milestones.

Political analyst Piers Pigou: A tragic loss for Zimbabwe and the world; the symbolism of his death at this deeply depressing and worrying time in Zimbabwe. I hope this loss gives cause for all Zimbabweans to pause and reflect on what is now required to set Zimbabwe on a positive trajectory. Mtukudzi represented what remarkable gifts Zimbabwe has and continues to give to the world. hamba kahle!

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HARARE - One of Zimbabwe’s talented musicians and arguably the super star of his own generation — Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi has died aged 66 — after a long battle with diabetes.

The lanky musician died yesterday at Harare’s Avenues Clinic where he was rushed after his health suddenly deteriorated.

His death comes almost nine years after he lost his son Sam, who died in a car accident on March 15, 2010 while driving home with his boyhood friend.

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A heartbroken Daisy, Mtukudzi’s wife, could not speak to the media yesterday. 

Sungura music icon Alick Macheso, who is a Mtukudzi family friend, broke down yesterday in front of the media upon hearing the death of a man he had come to regard as “a brother and father”.

“This is the saddest news not only to me but the whole country. I cannot confirm what led to the death as we are all still waiting for official confirmation,” Macheso said.

Sports minister Kirsty Coventry, who was due to visit the Mtukudzi residence in Norton last night, said she was pained by the death of the gifted musician.

“You may have gone but your light will shine forever. Goodbye my friend,” she said on microblogging site Twitter.

Independent MP for Norton Temba Mliswa said Tuku deserved national hero status for his contribution to the country’s liberation struggle and charity work post-independence.

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Mtukudzi’s worsening health was revealed last year towards the festive season when he was forced to cancel his tour of the United Kingdom, due to what promoters said was a result of “heart failure”.

Only last week, the multi-award winning musician missed the ZBC Coca-Cola Music awards because of his failing health but even in absentia he scooped The Veteran Musician Honorary Award for his indisputable contribution to the country’s music industry.

Tuku — just like former president Robert Mugabe — was often falsely said to have died on many occasions but he would always laugh off the crass and despicable rumours.

In 2016, he had a classy response to his so-called death when he released a short video with Suluman Chimbetu and said: “Tell them that when I die I will phone them.”
Yesterday death brought to an end a career spanning more than 40 years — during which the soft-spoken musician rose from being an average artiste — to a world-class vocalist who represented his country on the international stage with aplomb.

Mtukudzi was born in September 1952 and learned and perfected his art in the then dusty township of Highfield.

He had an impressive discography in a career spanning more than four decades and was one of the most consistent performers whose music was among the most loved by Zimbabweans.

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HARARE - The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) says the manufacturing sector’s cost of accessing foreign currency increased significantly in 2018.

This comes as the country’s intensifying foreign currency shortage has threatened the viability of businesses with manufacturers reportedly turning to the parallel market for supply of the elusive green back.

“As much as 73 percent of manufactures said they experienced an increase in the cost premium of accessing foreign currency of more than 20 percent,” CZI chief economist Tafadzwa Bandama,  said while making a presentation at the launch of the CZI State of The Manufacturing Sector Survey for the period September 2017 to August 2018, in Harare last week.

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The confederation said if “there is no drastic change in policy direction, foreign currency shortages will persist and the 1:1 exchange rate is affecting availability of foreign currency”.

Bandama said low levels of capacity utilisation which have been prevailing in the country, mean companies are eating into capital.

“Capacity utilisation will decline because there is no foreign currency to import raw materials,” Bandama said.

The confederation suggests that “value addition and beneficiation should be encouraged and supported in order to boost the value”.

Bandama said the survey found that manufacturers believe that government should “liberalise the foreign exchange market in order to minimise foreign exchange transactions on the parallel market”.

“Companies highlighted the need for transparency in foreign currency allocation by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe,” she said.

She said imports should be reduced by limiting the importation of non-essential commodities to reduce the demand for scarce foreign exchange resources.

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“There is need for a foreign exchange trading platform so that foreign currency is traded at a fair value. This will enable product availability, price stability and business viability,” Bandama added.

Meanwhile, capacity utilisation rose by 3,1 percent from 45,1 to 48,2 percent during the period under review.

“In August, some companies were operating at very high capacity utilisation levels which were above 80 percent. 

“Capacity utilisation rose on account of import substitution and export promotion policies that were implemented starting from 2016,” Bandama said.

Compared to August 2018, capacity utilisation in November 2018, however, declined by 6,2 percent to 42 percent.

“The decline in capacity utilisation was mainly a result of policy inconsistencies, such as the suspension of SI 122, as well as shortages of foreign currency,” said Bandama.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe is likely to record subdued meat production this year due to foreign currency shortages, increased costs of production and high regulatory costs, the livestock industry has said.

The Livestock & Meat Advisory Council (LMAC) said the country achieved record growth in egg and milk production during the first nine months of 2018.

“This production momentum and market demand may not be sustained into 2019 as projected by the latest Livestock Zimbabwe Market Update, citing foreign currency shortages, increased costs of production and high regulatory costs of doing business undermining global competitiveness of the domestic livestock production sector,” LMAC said.

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Zimbabwe is targeting to restore food self-sufficiency as an integral component of its national food security strategy; the livestock industry has striven to rebuild the animal protein base for self-sufficiency over the last decade.

Zimbabwe has been self-sufficient in meat and eggs since 2012 and is set to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy production by 2022 on the back of public policy support for private sector investments into the dairy industry.

“The business pressures on production costs along the livestock value chains are being compounded by the high level of inflation experienced in 2018, which continued to erode consumer purchasing power. Low income families consider meat and eggs as luxury goods, consumption of which declines with falling disposable real income, compromising the nutritional security and development of children under the age of five years,” LMAC added.

All livestock sub-sectors recorded production increases for the first nine months of 2018 over the same period last year, with the exception of table egg production.

Chicken production, Zimbabwe’s largest meat industry, achieved record production growth in the third quarter of this year, with broiler meat production topping 12 000 tonnes per month.

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The 6,3 percent increase in beef slaughters for the nine months to September 30, 2018 over the same period last year is not only a reflection of massive restocking in recent years, but also a reflection of recovery from the drought in the two years prior to 2017, the report noted.

“However, the beef industry is still suffering from regulatory and disease pressures. Regulatory costs of compliance (taxes, duties and other regulatory costs levied on the livestock producer) are highest in the cattle industry, amounting to around $100 per beast slaughtered.”

National milk production increased by 12 percent to 54,4 million litres, compared to the same period in 2017. Milk production has increased year on year by an average of 10 percent since 2014, spurred by private investment in the national dairy herd.

“The outlook for 2019 in the livestock and meat industry remains very positive. . . .,” LMAC said.

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BULAWAYO - Kombi operators in Bulawayo yesterday reported their staff being bashed by soldiers for charging $2 bus fare.

The soldiers were allegedly demanding that the kombis reduce their fares to $1 or park their vehicles.

Witnesses from Sizinda, Tshabalala and Nketa Mnyoro told the Daily News that kombi drivers and conductors were being beaten up for allegedly overcharging.

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Speaking to the Daily News, Tshova Mbaiwa chairperson Atlas Moyo said he did not personally see soldiers beating up the drivers but confirmed that one of the drivers came to the offices badly beaten and said soldiers roughed him up.

“There is one driver who passed-by and could not even get out of the vehicle because of pain, he was severely beaten. However, personally I did not see the soldiers beating him,” Moyo said.

He, however, said more drivers were saying they were beaten up for over charging.

“But our Kombis are not charging $2, we are charging $1.50, so right now this is all confusing,” Moyo said.

Efforts to get a comment from Bulawayo United Public Transporters Association (Bupta) representative were fruitless as he said he is in a meeting and cannot comment.

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One conductor who spoke to this paper said they were being intimidated and told that they should not compete with Zupco. He said if the soldiers said if the kombis cannot charge a $1 then they must retire.

Commuters are, however, relieved that kombi fare have been reduced but expressed concern over the renewed conflict.

“The kombis are now back at dollar as soldiers came to the rescue, but the way they are operating might spark anger from these groups of conductors.

“I hope they come up with another way of making the kombi operators to comply rather than using this command method,” said Zuzu, one of the commuters.

Contacted for comment, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said she has not received any reports or cases of drivers and conductors being beaten up.

“No I am not aware of such but will find out,” Simango said.

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