HARARE - The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) can only remit $2 million a month to medicine importers, amid revelations that the pharmaceutical companies are struggling with payments to foreign suppliers.

This has resulted in shortages of critical drugs required in the day-to-day running of hospitals and clinics, with pharmaceutical companies warning of an all-time low stock of critical medicines, amid an intense battle to source foreign currency to import the drugs.

RBZ governor John Mangudya told the Daily News this weekend that foreign currency was in short supply.

“As the Reserve Bank, we only get between 25 to 30 percent of the foreign currency, and 70 to 75 percent is in the market. Part of that 30 percent goes to productive imports, fuel, medicines, raw materials and others. The demand for that 30 percent is high,” he said.

“Weekly, we give between $400 000 and $500 000 to the importation of medicine. We are not really sure what the demand is but we would be expecting this to be topped by the market,” Mandudya said.

“Medicines are on the priority list and we provide foreign currency on a weekly basis. The phenomenon is caused by the fact that the demand for foreign exchange is higher than its supply. There is also a great need to ensure that we improve on the efficiency on the distribution of the scarce foreign exchange resources.

“That is why we are working on the resuscitation of CAPS — the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Zimbabwe — so that we will not have to use more money importing the medicines.”

With government failing to adequately supply hospitals with medicines, institutions are now flocking to private suppliers.

Health minister, David Parirenyatwa, said his ministry was in continuous talks with Mangudya to see how the foreign exchange situation could be resolved.

“We are in negotiations with Mangudya so that they prioritise pharmaceutical drugs.

“They have prioritised other things but prioritisation of pharmaceutical drugs can also be done so that not only does it help supply our own people, but it helps local industry to get raw materials to manufacture for the country, that is how it’s going to be solved ,” Parirenyatwa said in an interview.

Last week, the country only had two week’s supply of atracurium, a major anaesthetic drug used in addition to other drugs for muscle relaxation during surgery. The short supply had resulted after the relocation of drug supplier GSK which pulled out of the Zimbabwean market last year.

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HARARE - Two former Toyota Zimbabwe (Toyota) employees have been dragged to court facing fraud charges after they reportedly diverted a $14 000 payment for vehicle spares to their personal accounts.

Alouis Kadonzvo, who resides in Eastlea, Harare, appeared before magistrate Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa and was remanded out of custody to February 22 pending finalisation of the matter.

The 45-year-old was formerly employed by Toyota as a parts manager.

His accomplice, Claudious Katiyo, who was employed as a filing clerk, appeared in court on December 17, last year, over similar allegations.

As part of bail conditions, Kadonzvo was ordered to continue residing at his present address and not to interfere with State witnesses.

The complainant is Toyota, represented by its risk manager, Ranganai Chigovera.

Prosecutor, Peter Kachirika, alleged that on September 5, last year, Tiff Investments purchased various motor spares from Toyota.

The court heard that Kadonzvo and Katiyo connived and instructed the cashiers that Tiff Investments had paid for spares valued $14 848, adding that the money had been deposited into Toyota’s bank account.

It was further alleged that Toyota then delivered the spares to Tiff Investments, convinced that payment had been made through a bank deposit.

Kadonzvo and Katiyo had also instructed the cashiers to generate receipts indicating that $14 848 had been paid by Tiff Investments.

An audit was carried out and revealed that Tiff Investments had not deposited the money into Toyota’s account but was rather instructed by Kadonzvo and Katiyo to deposit the amount into a bank account belonging to one of the accused persons.

Kadonzvo and Katiyo then shared the money among themselves prejudicing Toyota of $14 848.

Nothing was recovered.

They were subsequently arrested.

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HARARE - Weary of a myriad of incessant problems — cash shortages, high unemployment and political bickering — most Zimbabweans are turning to humour to take their minds off the turmoil in their country.

Rather than whine about the problems bedevilling the country, the nation sees humour in the adversities.

Among the favourite jokes are punch lines about the mediocre and uninspiring national football administration, the menacing rains, electricity outages and petrol queues.

Despite the suffering, the quirky jokes seem to uplift many Zimbabweans’ dampened spirits.

Currently, the Zimbabwean football team — the Warriors — are in Gabon for the Africa Cup of Nations tourney which ends on February 5.

So far, the Warriors have not done that well after they drew two-all in their opening match against Algeria, igniting humour among Zimbabweans, who likened the match result to the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the surrogate currency — bond notes.

Bond notes have so far held their value against the US dollar.

Some even went on to conclude that Zimbabwe was a country of “draws”.

“Tsvangirai drew with (President Robert) Mugabe in the 2008 elections,” they said jokingly on social media.

Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the March 29, 2008 election but fell short of enough votes to avoid a June run-off, which was won by Mugabe unopposed after Tsvangirai pulled out, citing violence and intimidation against his supporters.

“There is no difference between the educated and those who are not as they both are not employed and co-vice presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko’s match is also a draw game as they alternate to act as presidents when Mugabe is away,” goes one joke.

When the Warriors lost their second match to Senegal, it created another set of jokes.

“Warriors can be hazardous to your health if supported in excess, support with caution.”

A parody of a cigarette advert was also released soon after the team lost to Senegal.

The message was accompanied with a pack of cigarettes, a Zimbabwean flag and a soccer ball.

Others went on to say if the Senegalese team wants to learn about losing, they should come and participate in the country’s elections next year against the ruling Zanu PF party.

This is despite the fact that the loss might send the Warriors back home, yet Zimbabweans still found something to smile about.

Above all this was a picture of a person holding, an insecticide, Doom, pointing it on a television set showing members of the national team.

The insecticide was popularised by a South African pastor who sprayed his congregants with the insecticide, claiming it had healing powers.

Since then, several people have appeared on social media holding the insecticide on the pretext that they are using it to deal with their personal problems.

Some have even gone further to joke around the Warriors’ players’ names such as Costa Nhamoinesu, Elisha Muroiwa and Hardlife Zvirekwi.

The loose translation for Nhamoinesu is ‘‘we are suffering’’ while Muroiwa means ‘‘the cursed one.’’

“How could we have won with such names as Nhamoinesu, Muroiwa and Hardlife, some names give us a curse,” social media sarcastically berated.

“Kudyiwa se mbuva ye Grade One before break,” was one of the jokes that was trending on the social media, which means we were beaten too early.

“If you want Senegal to stop scoring sms STOP to 21341. Senegal can win against us in soccer but their president is younger than ours,” said one of the jokes pertaining to the match.

These are not the only real life examples of trials and tribulations that Zimbabweans have turned into humour.

With the threat of serious floods and the Civil Protection Unit issuing several warnings on the need for people to be cognisant of their terrain and the chances of flooding, several households have been experiencing rising water levels at their premises.

People have joked about this, with some filming themselves in plastic dishes, calling for the government to donate boats to them so that they can be able to take their children to school.

“Those in need of boats must see me, because very soon there will be no commuter omnibuses on the road,” one joked.

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HARARE - Local Government authorities are scared of reining-in land barons as they are spooked by the politicians’ names given to the rogue developers’ cooperatives, National Housing ministry permanent secretary George Mlilo said.

This comes as land barons continue to dupe unsuspecting desperate home seekers, with no meaningful action taken against them, as their housing projects are named after top politicians, giving an impression that they gave their blessings and are involved.

“These land barons, some of them call their cooperatives ‘Mama Mafuyana’ (the late widow of late vice president Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo) to scare officials away, abusing these names,” Mlilo said during a meeting with service providers who are set to roll out civil servants’ residential stands scheme last week.

“Some call themselves ‘Grace Mugabe’ and (claim) she is their patron, so who am I?  What do you want us to do?” he said.

Recently, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa revealed how land barons are giving him “sleepless nights” by raking in millions of dollars in untaxed money.

Chinamasa said he was so incensed with land barons that he was now agreeing with the notion that “there is no rule of law in Zimbabwe”.

The Treasury chief had just been briefed that a Caledonia land baron had dribbled past Local Government ministry and council on his way to collect a whopping $57 million.

It was not clear if government arrested the perpetrator.

The astronomical figure infuriated Chinamasa — currently battling to collect more taxes.

Meanwhile, Mlilo said government will build 500 000 housing units which it expects to be complete in 18 months after commencement in March.

Last week’s meeting sought to formulate strategies that will be implemented to facilitate housing delivery.

Mlilo pleaded with the service providers to offer cost-effective rates, saying government was operating under financial constraints.

The main barriers to residential construction in Zimbabwe remains regulation, environmental requirements fees and building materials, which are still high owing to duty imposed on imports.

Constructors, however, advised government to beat high costs of building by adopting modern, cost-effective ways of construction.

Mlilo also decried government’s inability to fulfil its ZimAsset promise of constructing close to half-a-million housing units by 2018.

Instead, many have been left homeless after their houses were demolished due to a range of irregularities in the country’s housing sector, which include the existence of land barons and corrupt council officials.

“We had put bids to ministry of Finance to develop housing in this country and we got zero from minister Chinamasa. Zero completely,” Mlilo said.

“We had put up a dream in our ZimAsset that by 2018, we would have come up with more than 315 000 houses but we are close to 2018, but that dream is not anywhere near being realised,” he said.

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HARARE - Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has dismissed reports made on social media last weekend that he was dead or near death.

His spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, accused enemies of the former prime minister of spreading the malicious and damaging claims.

“Zimbabweans should rest assured that their leader is alive, well and in good health,” he said in a statement.

“There is a morbid and malicious rumour circulating about ...Tsvangirai,” Tamborinyoka added.

Last weekend, social media was ablaze with rumours that the 64-year-old long-time President Robert Mugabe rival has been in deteriorating health.

Mid-last year, Tsvangirai was diagnosed with colon cancer.

However, he recently announced that he was recovering well.

Tsvangirai, who was prime minister in an uneasy coalition government with 92-year-old Mugabe from 2009 until 2013, is undergoing treatment in neighbouring South Africa.

Tamborinyoka said: “Today (yesterday), Sunday 22, January 2017, he will address a provincial council in Gwanda. Tomorrow (today), he will be in Binga, Matabeleland North, conversing with ordinary Zimbabweans about the future of our country,” he said.

Tsvangirai lost the 2013 presidential election to Mugabe and has led the MDC since 1999 but the party has been wrecked by splits over how to confront Mugabe’s Zanu PF.

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HARARE - United Kingdom-based politics expert, Stephen Chan, says Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is steaming ahead in the nasty Zanu PF race to succeed President Robert Mugabe.

The respected professor of international relations at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies told the Daily News yesterday that Mnangagwa was charging ahead because the Zanu PF group which is rabidly opposed to him succeeding Mugabe, the Generation 40 (G40) faction, had no candidate within its ranks to rival him.

The G40, and Mnangagwa allies, Team Lacoste, have been fighting hammer and tongs over the past two years, over who will succeed Mugabe, who turns a mature 93 next month.

Chan said because Mnangagwa was in pole position at the moment, he was attracting significant international attention as the most likely candidate to succeed Mugabe.

“As long as those who oppose Mnangagwa cannot identify and rally around a candidate, he will be the one who attracts international attention.

“All major players, from the Europeans to the Chinese, have dossiers on Mnangagwa, and outline strategies on how to approach dealing with him.

“This is impossible when it comes to the opposing faction (G40). In international terms, therefore, Mnangagwa is ahead by default,” Chan told the Daily News.

Mnangagwa has been under the cosh in recent days for hosting sacked Zanu PF officials at his rural home during the festive season, with his party foes alleging that this was in fact a meeting organised to plot the ouster of Mugabe from power.

Since the images of him holding a coffee mug inscribed with the words “I Am the Boss” emerged in the public domain, Mnangagwa’s foes have also gone to town about the issue, interpreting it as his open statement that he has unbridled presidential ambitions.

But Chan said he saw nothing wrong with Mnangagwa drinking from such a cup.

“This was stupid (the furore over the coffee mug). I myself had a coffee mug with the same words on it. It’s just a personal joke to drink out of such a mug first thing in the morning when the world looks impossible.

“If people are quarrelling about this, it makes policy outlooks even more remote. If the mug had the words, ‘I will print money’ on it, then there would at least have been a debate on fiscal policy,” he quipped.

Since the “Cupgate” saga, Mnangagwa’s allies, particularly a large cross-section of war veterans, have escalated their loud calls for Mugabe to retire and pave the way for his long time aide to take over the reins at both party and government levels.

Expelled former Mashonaland Central youth chairperson, Godfrey Tsenengamu, recently joined this growing chorus by Team Lacoste to have Mnangagwa succeed Mugabe.

Former Cabinet minister and war veterans’ leader, Christopher Mutsvangwa, together with his executive, have also stepped up their efforts to force Mugabe to step down, accusing the increasingly frail nonagenarian of being at the centre of the country’s rot.

Businessman-cum-politician, and an avowed Mnangagwa loyalist, Energy Mutodi, has also vented along similar lines, imploring Zanu PF to hold an extraordinary congress to choose Mugabe’s successor.

He claimed that Mugabe had become so unpopular in Zanu PF that “99 percent” of the party’s members now wanted him to resign before the eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections, as there was allegedly no way that the nonagenarian could win elections against popular opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

And like Tsenengamu, Mutodi and Mutsvangwa, former Zanu PF chairperson for Mashonaland West province, Temba Mliswa, has also recently suggested that Mugabe should hand over power to Mnangagwa, as the ruling party’s deadly tribal, factional and succession wars burn ever hotter.

Mugabe has studiously refused to name a successor, arguing that his party should rather follow what he sees as a more democratic process, to manage his succession via a congress.

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HARARE - There was widespread agreement yesterday that the going has just got tougher for former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her fledgling Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) party, after they suffered a crushing defeat to Zanu PF in the weekend’s Bikita West by-election.

Analysts who spoke to the Daily News  said ZPF’s heavy shellacking in the Bikita mini-poll had left Mujuru with “a huge mountain to climb”, at least in the court of public opinion, about her capacity to defeat President Robert Mugabe and his warring ruling party in the much-awaited 2018 national elections.

Crucially, the analysts also pointed out, ZPF’s debilitating defeat also meant that Mujuru was now in a weak bargaining position in her delicate and ongoing coalition talks with the popular and tenacious opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.

ZPF insiders who were displeased by the unexpected decision to contest the Bikita seat, which fell vacant when Zanu PF legislator Munyaradzi Kereke was incarcerated for 14 years for raping a minor relative, also told the Daily News yesterday that “the writing was on the wall” the moment Tsvangirai did not join Mujuru at her Bikita campaign rally, to drum up support for her candidate Kudakwashe Gopo.

“When Save (Tsvangirai) declined to join this monumental political miscalculation, despite having campaigned for Temba Mliswa in Norton last year, we all knew that it was all over,” one of the miffed insiders said after Zanu PF candidate Beauty Chabaya crushed Gopo by 13 156 votes to 2 453.

Political analyst Gladys Hlatywayo said even taking into account the reported cases of violence and intimidation in the by-election, the result was a bad one for Mujuru and ZPF.

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“The claim made by Mujuru that she is the real headache for Zanu PF is probably untrue, given the outcome of the Bikita by-election.

“What is clear is that there is now a strong need for an opposition coalition if Zanu PF is to be defeated in the 2018 election. In addition, such a coalition should perhaps be led by a party with the largest following and such a party is MDC.

“I would like to think that by refusing to support ZPF, MDC wanted to gauge the support base of ZPF and be guided accordingly as they negotiate the terms of the coalition.

“This election outcome will have an impact on the ongoing negotiations and will probably reduce the bargaining power of ZPF,” Hlatywayo said.

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director, Pedzisai Ruhanya, also said the result of the election, notwithstanding the allegations of electoral fraud and voter intimidation, meant that Mujuru had lost her bargaining power in her coalition talks with Tsvangirai.

“Look, Bikita West has always been violent since 2000, and there was an even more violent by-election in 2001. Yet, Tsvangirai still won it and went on to repeat the feat in 2008, and had significant votes in 2013.

“So, if we are going to use that as a yardstick, then it is fair to say if there is to be any meaningful coalition by opposition parties, it has to have the former prime minister as its face.

“It is all about statics. This is no longer about assumptions, it’s about facts. Numbers don’t lie and Tsvangirai has them more than anyone else in the opposition,” Ruhanya told the Daily News.

However, he also noted that any judgment on Mujuru should consider the fact that Zanu PF was in control of the electoral process, which it always manipulated to its advantage.

“The fact that Zanu PF, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) and the State are conflated and are Siamese twins, means that it was always going to be difficult for Mujuru, and there is need to dismantle the system first because the administration of elections is still an illicit affair.

“But then, this also de-mystifies the myth that Mujuru has the support of the country’s security set-up because ZPF could not counter the Bikita West violence, just as she was ousted from Zanu PF, contrary to what we see with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Ruhanya added.

In the run-up to Saturday’s by-election, violence flared up when suspected Zanu PF thugs, who were brandishing guns, left for dead National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) candidate Madock Chivasa and his election agent Thomas Muzuva — as they made their way from a local shop where they had gone to buy food.

Apart from the violence, observer groups also noted “multiple” other electoral malpractices, including a high number of assisted voters.

Terrified villagers also said they had ended up voting for Zanu PF, fearing that they would be dealt with ruthlessly if they disobeyed “chefs” (Zanu PF bigwigs) — who had allegedly dictated that they vote for the ruling party.

ZPF elder Rugare Gumbo conceded to the Daily News yesterday that while they were happy that they had “tested the waters” by participating in the Bikita by-election, they had not worked as hard as they should have.

“We did not co-ordinate ourselves well enough and our organising department did not do as well as we would have liked, but overall we are happy that we participated and we now know what we need to do going forward.

“It should also be taken into consideration that the electoral playing field was not level, as it favoured Zanu PF. There was rampant voter intimidation which justifies calls for electoral reforms,” he said.

ZPF was participating in its first elections since it was launched last year, with political analysts saying the poll would provide a litmus test for Mujuru.

In the run up to the by-election, Mujuru herself had said the poll would go a long way in assuring long-suffering Zimbabweans that their future lay with the opposition.

“This is the best chance to show to the world that together as opposition parties we stand, and divided we fall. This election is going to be historic because it’s going to show that opposition parties have the capacity of working together to defeat Mugabe,” her spokesperson, Gift Nyandoro, said.

However, former Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition director, McDonald Lewanika, said it was “illogical” to judge Mujuru’s strength based on the Bikita by-election only.

“Yes, Mujuru was expected to haunt Zanu PF, but where? Is it in Bikita West? I think to rule out Mujuru based on Bikita West is faulty logic.

“The expectation has always been that Mujuru enjoyed popularity in Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central, and that she also appeals to the middle class and business.

“So, her power cannot be tested on this by-election alone. If you want to prove it, you test it in an area she is supposed to be strong, in order to disprove or ascertain the myths. Anything else is an inaccurate conclusion,” he said.

Mujuru, who was ruthlessly purged from the warring Zanu PF in late 2014, together with her close allies who included liberation stalwarts such as Gumbo and Didymus Mutasa — on untested claims of plotting to oust and assassinate Mugabe — is working with Tsvangirai and other smaller parties on a grand coalition which they say will be in place before the end of this year.

Analysts have also consistently said that a united opposition, fighting with one purpose, would bring to an end Mugabe’s long rule — especially at this time when the country’s economy is dying and the increasingly frail nonagenarian is battling to keep his warring Zanu PF united.

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HARARE - CAPS United coach Lloyd Mutasa was impressed with his side’s commitment to their pre-season after their 2-0 victory over Mozambican champions Ferreviaro de Beira on Sunday.

This was Makepekepe’s first match of the year after starting their pre-season training two weeks ago.

The two teams were using yesterday’s match as part of their preparations for next month’s African Champions League preliminary qualifiers.

Goals from Abbas Amidu and Amon Kambanje carried the day for the Zimbabwean champions but ultimately for Chitembwe, it was not about the result but the way his side carried themselves throughout the 90 minutes.

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“For now I’m not really looking at the performance; first things first, I was looking for the conditioning aspect and the endurance aspect is there but the element of speed is not yet there,” he said.

“Speed of thought, speed of reaction and as well as speed of execution is not yet there but generally, I have been impressed by the desire and the commitment these boys have shown.”

“Training is very important and every training session means a lot to the teams and today I’m quite happy with the application of the boys.”

Chitembwe started the game with relatively a strong side before he gave new signings Ronald midfielder Chitiyo and defender Last Sithole their debuts for the champions. Chitiyo joined Makepekepe from Harare City while Sithole arrived from FC Platinum.

Chitiyo was instrumental in the second goal when he played in a delightful through ball to release Kambanje.

“I can’t really say much on the new players because we know what they are capable of doing. They are just doing what they are supposed to be doing and on that not I have been very impressed,” Chitembwe said regarding the two debutants.

Ferroviaro goalkeeper and captain Willard Manyatera also praised the level of play displayed by the Zimbabwean champions.

“We started the game well but we fell short because there is a big difference between the quality of players you find here in Zimbabwe and those from Mozambique,” the former Dynamos goalkeeper said.

“Zimbabwe is blessed with naturally gifted players and today you could see the CAPS players were on a different level.”

The Zimbabwean goalkeeper, who won the champions with DeMbare in 2007, is confident Makepekepe can reach the knockout stages of the African Champions League.

CAPS take on Lesotho side Lioli FC in the preliminary round and will meet Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe if they qualify for the first round.

“CAPS are a good side and today they showed why they won the championship last season. I’m sure in the Champions League they will go further than what many people expect.”

On his side’s expectations in the same competition Manyatera said: “We are also preparing well for the Champions League and I do believe we will do well. This friendly match has also helped us a lot because of the quality of opposition we faced.”        

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HARARE - Zimbabwean golfer Scott Vincent missed a chance to play at The Open Championship which will be played at Royal Birkdale in July when he finished 68th at the Singapore Open at the weekend.

Vincent ended the tournament on seven-over par 291 after rounds of 72, 71, 74 and 74 during the Asian Tour tournament held at the at Sentosa Golf Club.

The Open is the oldest of the four major golf tournaments and is held in the United Kingdom.

Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng, who won the tournament, and Phachara Khongwatmai, Korea’s Younghan Song and South Africa’s Jbe’ Kruger secured their places in the second event in The Open Qualifying Series.  

The series offers 44 places in golf’s most international major championship at leading tour events across the globe.

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Marksaeng, 50, won the tournament with a score of nine-under par 275 while Khongwatmai, Song and Kruger were a further shot behind on eight-under par 276.

“I waited in the clubhouse for about two hours before I knew I won the tournament. I felt very relaxed, didn’t think too much and just went for my lunch,” Marksaeng told the Asian Tour website.

“I am turning 51 on January 30. This will be the best birthday present for me. I am very happy with my birdie on the last.

“It was a really long putt, about seven feet. I am glad I made it. I am happy that I managed to finish my round before the rain suspension. I don’t like having to wait for play to resume actually. It’s too slow for me. I like to play fast.”

HARARE - Ngezi Platinum Stars chairman Jeremiah Gasiteni says the club is looking to play more practice matches as they continue to prepare for the Africa Confederation Cup qualifiers.

The platinum miners begun their pre-season preparation almost a month ago and are looking to make a huge impact in Africa.

The Chibuku Super Cup winners played their first competitive friendly match against Mozambican champions Ferroviario De Beira, who they beat 2-0 at the weekend, and Gasiteni revealed there are plans to give their players more international exposure with the organisation of friendly matches in the absence of any serious domestic competition.

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“Remember we are currently in off-season and that is why we are looking to arrange some friendly matches both within the country and outside to give the players the needed international exposure before we venture into the Africa Safari,” Gastene said.

“We are still organising and looking at other teams to play outside the country. But suffice to say, so far so good and everything that we have wanted is in place.”

Ngezi have been active on the transfer market strengthening their squad in order to compete both on the domestic front and on the continent.

The Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side bolstered their squad by acquiring the services of highly-rated former Shabanie Mine and Dynamos right back Godknows Murwira.

Madamburo have also snapped up former CAPS United and Dynamos defensive midfielder Dominic Mukandi.

Maclive Phiri, who was Tsholotsho’s top goal scorer last season, together with former Bulawayo City captain Xolisani Moyo and Edgar Mhungu are some of the new faces at Ngezi Platinum.

The Zimplats-owned side has also completed the signing of full-back Qadr Amini.

Ngezi were drawn to face Pamplemousses Sporting Club of Mauritius in the preliminary round and will be away for the first leg on the weekend of February 10-12 before returning for the home leg a week later.

In the event that the platinum miners negotiate their way past Pamplemousses SC, they will meet Angolan side CD Libolo in the first round.

If they get past Libolo, the Zimbabwean side will have to negotiate the final play-off round with teams dropping from the African Champions League qualifiers to progress to the group stages of the Confed Cup.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is set to benefit from Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) success story following a meeting between the two boards in Harare on Saturday.

The meeting resolved to form a joint working group that would endeavour to improve co-operation and bilateral relations on cricket development.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas including better governance and administration, cricket development and technical support for ZC, the resource limitations and realities faced by both countries, and various ICC matters of mutual interest.

ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani led the local delegation comprising vice-chairperson Sylvester Matshaka, managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa, Givemore Makoni (head cricket affairs), Nesta Vaki (head corporate affairs), Ronald Chibwe (finance committee member) and Enock Ikope (board member).

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On the other hand, CSA came in with a high powered four-member delegation led by chief executive Haroon Lorgat, and Chris Nenzani (president).

Mukuhlani paid tribute to CSA for the initiative which he said stands to strengthen the game in the country in every respect.

“ZC is grateful to CSA for taking this initiative which follows engagement between the two countries at presidential level. CSA can play a leading role to help us to strengthen our game in almost every respect,” Mukuhlani told ZC media.

His CSA counterpart Nenzani said: “Despite our own limits and challenges, there are many areas in which we could be of assistance and we want to start with Zimbabwe Cricket. For instance, it is widely acknowledged that CSA has introduced some of the best standards of corporate governance in the world and this is something we can easily share with our neighbours.

“On the playing field we have Namibia playing in our domestic provincial competitions while Zimbabwean teams participate in all our youth cricket weeks and are currently engaged in a tri-series under-19 tournament against ourselves and Sri Lanka. What we want to strive for is to create a win-win situation for cricket on the African continent in all its regions and all its aspects.”

Meanwhile, Afghanistan A is expected in the country today for five one-day games against the Zimbabwe A side scheduled for Harare Sports Club beginning on Friday.

An 18-member squad is currently in camp in preparation for the Asian development side.

The series serves as a build up to the senior sides’ bilateral encounter comprising five One Day Internationals scheduled to run from February 17 to 26.

Zimbabwe A Squad: Ryan Burl, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Charles Kunje, Neville Madziva, Tendai Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Peter Joseph Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Carl Mumba, Ryan Murray, Tarisai Musakanda, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi.

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HARARE - Zimbabwean league champions CAPS United will take their preparations for the African Champions League to Zambia this week where they will play two practice matches.

Makepekepe will leave the country on Thursday, play Zambian champions Zanaco on Friday and will play the final match on Sunday against a team which is yet to be confirmed.

The Green Machine’s chief executive officer Cuthbert Chitima said: “This trip will help us prepare for our campaign in the Champions League. It is good to play away from your home country as it will help us a lot when the tournament starts.

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“So far we are happy with the progress that the team has made in the pre-season training and the fact that we managed to retain most of our players is also pleasing as well.” Lloyd Chitembwe’s side were drawn to take on Lesotho side Lioli FC in the preliminary round of the African Champions League with the first leg set for Berea in three weeks’ time.

If United get past Lioli, they will meet Democratic Republic of Congo glamour side TP Mazembe in the final qualifying round before the group stages.

At the weekend, Makepekepe, who began pre-season training two weeks ago, launched their preparations with a friendly tie against Mozambican champions Ferroviaro de Beira at the National Sports Stadium.

Chitembwe’s side won the match 2-0 courtesy of goals from Abbas Amidu and Amon Kambanje.

Two new signings in midfielder Ronald Chitiyo and defender Last Sithole were introduced in the second half where they put in decent performances on their debut.

Chitiyo provided an assist for Kambanje with a neat through ball.

Meanwhile, Ferroviaro de Beira coach Aleixo Fumo believes Zimbabwean representatives in the African inter-club competitions CAPS and Ngezi Platinum Stars can do well in both competitions.

While United will be doing duty in the Champions League, Chibuku Super Cup winners Ngezi will be taking part in the African Confederation Cup.

Before taking on Makepekepe on Sunday, Ferroviaro had lost 2-0 to Ngezi Platinum at the Baobab Stadium 24 hours earlier.

“I know for CAPS to reach the group stages it will not be easy as they will face TP Mazembe. All of us know what TP Mazembe is all about but in football CAPS can achieve anything,” Fumo said.

“It’s all about believing in yourself and having the confidence in your ability so CAPS can reach far in this competition.”

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HARARE - Zimbabwe was knocked out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in the group stages after last night’s humiliating 4-2 defeat to Tunisia at the Stade de L'Amitie in the Gabon.

The Carthage Eagles taught the Warriors as Youssef Msakni ran rings round the Warriors defenders throughout the 90 minutes.

Kalisto Pasuwa’s side needed a win outright from last night’s match having already draw 2-2 with Algeria and lost 2-0 to Senegal in their previous Group B matches.

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However, the Warriors shipped in four goals in the opening half which left them with a tall order to get something out of the match. 

The Carthage Eagles opened the scoring as early as the 10th minute when Naim Sliti shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Elisha Muroiwa to deceive Warriors goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva.

Zimbabwe’s players reacted slowly to rush out of their box after having defended a Tunisia corner and Sliti had all the time to shoot at goal through a forest crowded of legs from the edge of the box.

Unfortunately for the Warriors the shot struck Muroiwa’s knee and the slight deflection took Mkuruva out of the picture.

The Warriors looked disjointed in those early minutes especially at the back as they never looked assured every time Tunisia attacked.

Msakni increased the Carthage Eagles’ lead in the 22nd minute after exchanging passes with Sliti before firing his shot through Mkuruva’s legs.

It was a moment of magic from Qatar-based forward as he glided into the Warriors box as if there were no defenders.

Moments later the Carthage Eagles had the ball in the back of the net but Khazri’s effort was correctly ruled out for offside after Msakni’s shot had struck the upright.

The Warriors first real chance in the opening half came in the 33rd minute when Knowledge Musona cut in from the right before firing in a left-footed shot that was parried for a corner by the Carthage Eagles goalkeeper Rami Jridi.

Nine minutes from the break, the North Africans were three goals to the good after a tidy finish by Taha Yassine Khenissi inside the box.

Tunisia full back Hamdi Nagguez played in a Khenissi with an intelligent through ball behind the Zimbabwe line.

Muroiwa failed to put any pressure on the Tunisia forward, who simply produced a poachers finish to beat Mkuruva at his near post. 

Musona gave Zimbabwe some hope two minutes before the break when he lashed home a face saver for the Warriors.

It was a brilliant individual finish by the KV Oostende forward as he beat two players on the right before firing in at the far post to beat Jridi.

When there looked like a silver lining was on the horizon, Tunisia were awarded a penalty a minute after Musona’s goal when Costa Nhamoinesu pulled down Sliti inside the box.

Khazri made no mistake from 12 yards out despite Mkuruva’s going the right direction. The Dynamos goalkeeper was simply beaten by the pace of the spot kick. 

At the start of the second half, Warriors coach pulled out Danny Phiri and replaced him with Tendai Ndoro.

The Orlando Pirates forward made an instant impact when he linked up with Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat and Musona before toe-pocking past Jridi in the 58th minute.

It was a swift counter attack by Zimbabwe as Nakamba won possession in his own half before linking up with Billiat as the Warriors broke with pace.

In the end, Musona provided the assist as he fed in an on rushing Ndoro, who shrugged of the challenge of Ali Maaloul to reduce the deficit.

There were no more goals after that but Mkuruva was called into make some important saves as Tunisia continued to push forward.

Zimbabwe: Tatenda Mkuruva, Costa Nhamoinesu, Danny Phiri (Tendai Ndoro 46min), Hardlife Zvirekwi, Elisha Muroiwa, Onismor Bhasera, Willard Katsande, Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona (Kuda Mahachi 89min), Khama Billiat, Nyasha Mushekwi.

Tunisia: Rami Jridi, Siam Ben Youssef, Aymen Abdennour, Yousesf Msakni, Wahbi Khazri, Taha Yassine Khenissi, Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Hamdi Nagguez, Naim Sliti

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MUTARE - Two Dangamvura brothers have been jailed for a combined 16 months after they manhandled a cop who wanted to arrest their brother on a prostitution-related charge.

Hebert Mapanga, 28, of Chisamba village in Dora under Chief Zimunya and his 43-year-old brother Munyaradzi Mapanga, of Gimboki Phase 1, were convicted after a full trial by magistrate Tendai Mahwe.

They were jailed eight months each.

The brothers were charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in Section 184 (g) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

The court heard how on December 10, 2016 at Gimboki Pipes in Dangamvura, Herbert and Munyaradzi hindered police officer Henry Matebwe in the execution of his duty by shouting and throwing stones, leading to the escape of the wanted person — Langton Mapanga.

The cop had stopped Langton and identified himself as a police officer. He informed him that he was under arrest for prostitution.

Langton’s three brothers, Herbert, Munyaradzi and James, who is still at large, intervened and stopped Matebwe from escorting Langton to the police station.
When members of the public tried to intervene, the three brothers picked up some stones and threatened members of the public.

Tatenda Chaodza, 24, who witnessed the drama, testified against the brothers.

He said when the police officer tried to apprehend Langton, Herbert walked up to him and ordered the cop to leave his brother.

Chaodza said as the cop struggled to drag Langton to an open space; Herbert grabbed his waist and pulled him off Langton.
James and Munyaradzi then joined in to mob the cop, drawing public attention.

However, when some people tried to come to the rescue of the cop, the three brothers picked up stones and threatened them, making good their escape, Chaodza recounted.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has translocated 29 sables that were being smuggled to South Africa via Zimbabwe to a wildlife college in Masvingo.

The intercepted sables — worth $348 000 — from Zambia, were moved to Mushandike College of Wildlife Management to avoid contamination of the local gene pool and for further study.

ZimParks together with the police intercepted the illegal exportation of the animals by Edwin Hewitt, Hendricks Johannes Blignaut and John Herbert Pretorias of South Africa.

They had no capture and translocation permits and had no export permits for the sables.

The sables consisted seven males, 16 females and six calves.

The two trucks that the animals were being transported in were stuck in the mud, resulting in the arrest, conviction, fining and deportation of the three.

“ZimParks had the option of selling the sables as part of genetic management or even export them but realised the need to study the genetics of the sables whose origin is Zambian, after they were forfeited to the State. 

“The sables could not be kept at Nottingham (ranch on the borders of Zimbabwe and South Africa)  forever as fears that they could escape were rising and chances of the sables suffering from long hoof growth due to lack of long distance movement also needed to be managed,” she said.   

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HARARE - An opposition party of South African radical leftists has urged President Robert Mugabe to step down, saying he is no longer capable of discharging presidential duties.

Urging Mugabe to take a cue from Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh who was forced by Ecowas to cede presidential power last weekend after his defeat to his rival Adama Barrow, Julius Malema’s red beret-wearing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) — who are demanding nationalisation of mines and banks and a redistribution of wealth to poor blacks — said Mugabe, who is turning 93 in February, must not taint his legacy by hanging on to power.

“Zimbabwe’s situation is bad. President Mugabe can’t even control a spade. He is no longer capable of discharging his responsibilities,” Malema told the media in Braamfontein yesterday after a plenum at which the party discussed its plans for this year.

Malema was referring to an embarrassing episode in December when Mugabe — dressed in a white coat and a wide-brimmed hat — struggled to lift a shovel to move soil to plant a tree in Masvingo on the sidelines of the Zanu PF annual conference.

In the short video clip, officials watched nervously as Grace Mugabe, the president’s much younger wife grabs the shovel from him and finishes off the shovelling herself.

“We don’t hate the man,” Malema said.

“They can respond and insult us anyhow they want, but they are a group of cowards, those comrades in Zanu PF to be scared to say to an old man like  . . .  Mugabe, please with due respect let go,” he added.

The EFF, whose statement was congratulating the people of Gambia for the peaceful transfer of power by the  terrified long-time dictator, said Africa was “entering an interesting period.”

Jammeh lost the presidency to opposition coalition leader Barrow on December 1 after 22 years in power. Barrow, a former businessman, vanquished Jammeh, who was seeking a fifth term.

Mugabe’s spokesperson George Charamba has brushed aside widespread calls by opposition and civil rights activists for Mugabe to follow in the footsteps of Jammeh, telling the Daily News recently that Zimbabwe’s doddering president had a ringing endorsement from the country’s 10 provinces to continue ruling and stand for re-election in the next presidential election in 2018.

Malema said it was time for Mugabe to handover the baton.

The veteran Zimbabwean leader, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, would not quit anytime soon, his spokesperson declared.

But Malema said: “His overstay is not doing justice on the African revolution project. He is destroying his own legacy.

“We celebrate Mugabe. We celebrate what he has done and we will continue his legacy, but grandpa, it’s enough now. You must let go and allow other people to continue that legacy.”

Malema curiously repeated Mugabe’s refrain, dismissing the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC as “pathetic puppets” and “Western-sponsored stooges.”

“We are not even talking about MDC,” Malema said.

“MDC is not an alternative in Zim. It’s (an) imperialist puppet that seeks to undermine the legitimate land question in Zimbabwe.”

Mugabe’s campaign in 2000 to seize white-owned farms for redistribution to landless blacks gutted commercial agriculture in Zimbabwe, with more than five million people now facing hunger.

“We are not aligned to anything that seeks to reverse the land question and we genuinely believe that comrades in Zanu PF who are young can continue,” the radical EFF leader said.

MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said Malema comes across as a “delusional populist” and “a rather misguided rubble rouser.”

“Of course, he is intellectually challenged and his grasp of global politics as well as Zimbabwean politics is pretty warped and extremely shallow.

“We are a Pan-African social democratic party and for Malema to brand us as imperialist puppets clearly proves that he should go back to school and carry out a more informed study of Zimbabwean politics.

“Anyway, we suggest that Malema concentrates on transforming his small protest movement, the EFF, into a serious political party that can be able to become a serious alternative government in South Africa.

“With friends like Julius Malema,who needs enemies?” Gutu said.

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HARARE - Parliament is seeking public comments on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 1 Bill, which seeks to restore sweeping powers to the president to singularly appoint the Chief Justice.

A new Constitution produced by an inter-party parliamentary committee and agreed by Zanu PF and MDC negotiators before a referendum in 2013 curbed presidential powers by requiring the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) — a panel of mostly senior judges and lawyers — to conduct  public interviews for the vacant post of Chief Justice, reflecting Mugabe’s whittled down authority under the new Constitution.

A University of Zimbabwe law student approached the High Court to stop the JSC interviews, arguing the process was flawed since the candidates were colleagues of, and known to, the interviewing panel.

The High Court ruled in favour of the student, who also wanted Mugabe alone to appoint the Chief Justice.

But the JSC lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court, invalidating the High Court ruling and forging ahead with the interviews, which were beamed live on state television.

But the government is adamant that it is moving to amend the new Constitution to give Mugabe that sole responsibility.

Section 328(4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that “immediately after the Speaker has given notice of a Constitutional Bill in terms of subsection (3), Parliament must invite members of the public to express their views on the proposed Bill in public meetings and through written submissions, and must convene meetings and provide facilities to enable the public to do so.”

“In compliance with this peremptory constitutional provision, and as part of public consultations meant to enhance participatory democracy, Parliament of Zimbabwe is inviting comments on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 1 Bill, HB1, 2017, for consideration by the relevant committee(s),” said a notice published by Johane Gandiwa, the assistant clerk of Parliament yesterday.

The draft Bill has been put up on the Parliament’s website for feedback from concerned stakeholders.

Gandiwa said public hearings on this constitutional amendment will be conducted in due course on dates to be advised.

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HARARE - Businessman Simon Rudland has approached the High Court demanding over $30 000 in adultery damages from Timothy Tombras — a man he accuses of dating his wife, Leigh Anne.

According to court papers, the ex-transport and bus tycoon alleges that Tombras was in an adulterous relationship with his wife between 2013 and 2014.

“As a consequence of the adulterous relationship, plaintiff (Rudland)’s relationship with his wife broke down resulting in among other things, plaintiff having to vacate his matrimonial home,” he said.

Rudland added that “as a result of the adulterous relationship, plaintiff has suffered damages in the amount of $20 000, being $15 000 for contumelia, and further $5 000 for loss of comfort and society of his wife”.

He said soon after he left his matrimonial home, Tombras moved in and continued having an affair with his wife.

“For the period that the defendant (Tombras) remained in occupation of the plaintiff’s residence, he used and abused plaintiff’s motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux double cab,” Rudland claimed in the court papers, further claiming that Tombras used the car without his knowledge and consent.

He further accused Tombras of abusing the motor vehicle and damaging it in the process, resulting in him requiring $7 551 to repair it.

“During the time that the defendant took occupation at his residence, he took away without plaintiff’s knowledge and consent two submersible pumps from plaintiff’s purification plant. The reasonable replacement cost of each pump is in the amount of $1 050.”

The businessman said Tombras is liable to the replacement of the pump at a price of $2 100 and the repair of the water purification plant, which costs $3 025.

He further accused his wife’s boyfriend of taking away his television set and 6 000 litres of diesel.

“Despite lawful demand, defendant has refused and or neglected to pay the various amounts claimed…or indeed to indicate a willingness to make good the damages,” Rudland said.

Tombras has not yet fully responded to the claim, but has since filed an appearance to defend in the matter, yet to be heard on merits before the High Court.

Last week, the defendant all but admitted — in a separate case at the magistrates’ courts — that he was indeed in an unholy relationship with Rudland’s wife, which could swing the flurry of litigations into the cigarette trader’s favour.

“Accused will State that he is a drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation counsellor by profession and that is how he became acquainted with the complainant’s wife Leigh Anne Rudland,” Tombras told magistrate Blessing Murwisi in the underway criminal case.

“When the complainant and his wife separated and at the inception of the divorce proceedings, that is when he began counselling her as she had alcohol abuse issues,” he said, adding he had “rendered his services at the specific request and instance of Rudland’s wife, and mother-in-law”.

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HARARE - A lawyer representing pro-democracy activists, including Patson Dzamara and Linda Masarira, yesterday humiliated the arresting officer for plagiarising the same statement previously submitted in court by his colleague.

Obey Shava was representing Dzamara and Masarira together with Makomborero Haruzivishe, Rangarirai Mhende and Leverage Masvondo who are being charged with insulting cops.

They appeared before Harare magistrate Gamuchirai Siwadi.

Masimba Masiyatengwa, one of the officers who formed a crack team that arrested the #Tajamuka members, was shocked when Shava exposed that the statement he had tendered only differed with that of his teammate Gift Chingwaru on the signatures.

“Are you aware that your statement and that of your teammate Chingwaru are similar word-for-word except for signatures? Would it also be by coincidence that where you put a bracket, comma or full stop, he did the same?” Shava asked.

“It is clear that the statements were created by one person based on what you wanted to show the court which is not what actually happened on the day in question,” he said.

Masiyatengwa was reluctant to comment on the issue saying he did not have a say over what his colleague had penned.

Shava further accused Masiyatengwa of lying because his evidence differed with Chingwaru, who had testified before him.

“You just told the court that Dzamara and Masarira had to be manhandled to be put into a police vehicle but when Chingwaru testified in this court, he said the accused persons entered into the car freely.

“You also say there were about 200 people in Harare Gardens that day yet Chingwaru said 500,” Shava added.

Masiyatengwa maintained that he could comment on his colleague’s evidence and further claimed that Masarira conducted herself violently on the day that she had to be bundled into the police vehicle.

“We discovered that there were a group of about 20 people who were wearing black T-shirts and caps addressing each other in the park.

“As we drew closer, some of them disappeared and these accused persons remained behind,” Masiyatengwa said.

“The second accused person became violent and started shouting at us before her colleagues joined in leading to their arrest.”

In response, Shava queried why the police officers failed to record any statements from the crowd alleged to have witnessed the melee.

Prosecutor Oscar Madhume alleged that on October 14, last year, Dzamara and his accomplices — including others who are still at large — gathered in Harare Gardens for undisclosed reasons.

The court heard that activists were clad in black T-shirts inscribed “The End Game, A New Zimbabwe is Possible.”

Dzamara and his team were reportedly approached by police officers on duty who wanted to establish the purpose of their gathering.

It was alleged that some of the accused persons ran away.

Dzamara, Masarira, Haruzivishe, Mhende and Masvondo remained behind and police enquired from them why they had gathered.

They reportedly became abusive and insulted the cops saying “Muri imbwa dzevanhu mapurisa, isu hatisungwe nembwa (Police are dogs and we will not be arrested by dogs)” and “Police you are puppets”.

The trial continues on February 9.

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HARARE - Civil rights activists yesterday accused Norton independent MP Temba Mliswa of denying the scope of the Gukurahundi genocide after the voluble legislator said Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was not to blame for the killing of 20 000 civilians in the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces.

They said Mliswa must acknowledge that slayings took place, and minimise the ethnic dimension of the tragedy and the fact that leaders such as Mnangagwa systematically planned the mass killing of the civilians when the national army’s Fifth Brigade unit crushed dissent by so-called “dissidents”, disgruntled former guerrillas and supporters of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo’s then opposition Zapu, killing thousands.

Mnangagwa, who at the time of the atrocities was State Security minister, has often been linked to the massacres which President Robert Mugabe has described as “a moment of madness.”

Citizens including war veterans have also raised concerns over the manner in which the whole saga was handled, which has failed to bring closure to the dark moments.

But speaking to the Daily News yesterday, Mliswa who claims the Midlands godfather is his cousin, claimed the nonagenarian and the then Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi were largely responsible.

“It is all because of Mugabe’s fault because he was the commander-in-chief.

“In military circles they operate on the basis of orders so whatever they do, they will be carrying out their boss’ orders and in this case, Mugabe is their boss, so he is the one who is answerable,” Mliswa said.

He argued that Mnangagwa was neither the commander-in-chief of the armed forces nor was he the Defence minister.

“Where does Mnangagwa come in on Gukurahundi when he was State Security minister? Is it the CIOs who committed the atrocities in Matabeleland and Midlands? Is it not the army when  Sekeramayi was minister?

“We need to bring this issue to closure before the key people who were involved are all gone. Already we have lost Solomon Mujuru who was the defence forces commander, so who is going to be accountable if we let this until Mugabe is also gone?

“We will end up pointing fingers at innocent people but if Zimbabweans are really keen on taking Mnangagwa to task, they should rather ask him to explain the looting of diamonds from Chiadzwa by the army when he was Defence minister, not this Gukurahundi issue. Leave him out.”

He also blamed senior Zapu officials, including the late Vice President John Nkomo and his successor Phelekezela Mphoko for not being proactive in demanding that Gukurahundi perpetrators be brought to book.

“VPs from Zapu including Mphoko and Landa Nkomo are equally to blame because they are not keen on ensuring that justice prevails yet they are the ones who lead the organ of National Healing and Reconciliation,” he said.

On his part, Mnangagwa has denied playing a leading role in one of the country’s saddest moments in history, accusing rivals keen on blocking his presidential ambitions of waging a campaign to assassinate his character.

Like Mliswa, while speaking in an interview with United Kingdom-based magazine New Statesman late last year, Mnangagwa seemed to pass the buck on Mugabe, Sekeramayi and army commanders for the massacres.

“How do I become the enforcer during Gukurahundi? We had the president, the minister of Defence, commander of the army and I was none of that. My own enemies attack me left and right and that is what you are buying,” he told the UK magazine.

Mliswa’s sentiments did not go down well with Bulawayo-based politicians and human rights activists who said that the perception of the Norton MP helps exonerate perpetrators of the civil conflict who clearly committed atrocities.

They maintained the disturbances were a well-choreographed project by Zanu officials to annihilate the Ndebele tribe, with Mnangagwa as one of the chief architects.

Newly-formed opposition Alliance for National Salvation (Ansa) interim leader Moses Mzila-Ndlovu dismissed Mliswa’s sentiments as “childish”, insisting that Mnangagwa’s fingerprints were all over Gukurahundi.

“What Mliswa is saying is just but puerile, hollow, divisive and destructive.

“If  Mnangagwa was not involved in Gukurahundi, then he can as well say there was never any Gukurahundi, but we know that he is the fountain of knowledge in terms of the ideology behind the whole act and why that idea was eventually transformed into action,” Ndlovu said.

The former National Healing minister said the ongoing blame-game in Zanu PF provided an opportunity for all forces demanding Gukurahundi justice to push for the punishment of perpetrators.

Ibetsu Likazulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said Mliswa’s assertions were unfortunate, arguing that being Mnangagwa’s relative, the controversial legislator has no moral standing to determine who was responsible for the atrocities.

“The facts on the ground are clear and Temba cannot single-handedly change Zimbabwe’s tainted history using his shallow eloquence.

“We the people of Matabeleland cannot be told what happened in our land by a political prostitute like Temba when we know Mnangagwa is the face of Gukurahundi, although he is second to Mugabe in terms of the roles they played followed by Perrance Shiri in that order,” Fuzwayo fumed.

He insisted that Gukurahundi was a Zanu project and “all who were there are guilty by association” until “they are one-by-one proven innocent by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

A recent book by former Education minister David Coltart also reveals the extent of Mnangagwa’s involvement and alleged hate speech that allegedly fanned the atrocities.

War veterans secretary-general Victor Matemadanda recently said the Gukurahundi issue is far from over, contrary to many Zanu PF members that it is a closed chapter.

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