By Kumbirai Mafunda THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn charges against Dumisani Dube, a Bulawayo-based lawyer, who was arrested in June and charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice. Dube was arrested on 6 June 2020 by Zimbabwe Republic Police members and charged with contravening Section 184 of the Criminal Law (Codification…
By Veritas In Bill Watch 57 of 2020 [link] and 61 of 2020 [link], we analysed the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) Order [SI 200 of 2020] and the amendments made to it. Then last Wednesday the Minister of Health and Child Care published further amendments to the Order in SI 223 of 2020 [link], and yesterday…
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has expressed concern over the indefinite suspension of by-elections by Hon Constantino Chiwenga, the Minister of Health and Child Care who is also the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The independent electoral body said the move taken as a health emergency COVID-19 response undercuts Constitutional principles on…
By Veritas The Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill [link] was published in August last year and, after public hearings conducted by the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services [the committee’s report can be accessed on the Veritas website ‒ link], it is currently going through its Committee Stage in the National Assembly. The responsible Minister has tabled amendments…
By Anyway Yotamu Embattled Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, representing the City of Harare has been jointly arraigned before the Magistrates Court together with Michael John Van Blerk representing Pokugara Properties (PVT) LTD facing fresh criminal charges of perjury. According to the summons, the two are to appear in court on the 28th of September…
By Anyway Yotamu Zimbabwe is a low-income country whose economy and livelihoods depend hugely on natural resources with an ambition to leapfrog it to a middle-income economy by 2030. The backbone sectors namely mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism rely heavily on forest, land, and water resources for inputs to the production of goods and services….
Own Correspondent TWO senior police detectives have been arrested over a US$3000 diamonds smuggling racket. Joseph Mlambo, 36, an assistant inspector was arrested for possession of the precious stones and resisting arrest, and his superior Felix Machaka, 44, was nabbed for releasing him after his initial arrest by their juniors. They have since appeared at…
The attack of journalists and the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) President, Takudzwa Ngadziore by suspected state security agents while addressing the media near Impala Car Rental on September 18, 2020, has been roundly condemned. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) said it was appalled by the continued crackdown on dissent by the Zimbabwean government….
By Kumbirai Mafunda A Harare Magistrate has ordered Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to pay more than RTGS$50 000 to a Mazowe man as compensation for damages to his vehicle, which was burnt to ashes in 2019 by some law enforcement agents, who were evicting illegal miners at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, in…
By Kumbirai Mafunda MASVINGO Magistrate Patience Madondo on Thursday 10 September 2020 ended the lengthy detention of Ward 4 Councillor Godfrey Kurauone, who spent more than 40 days in detention after he was arrested and charged with obstructing the free movement of traffic during a protest held in July. Kurauone, who was represented by Martin…
By Anyway Yotamu Harare businessman Mr George Katsimberis has taken his Zimbabwean business partner based in Ukraine Mr Kenneth Sharpe to High Court over 21 hectares land wrangle. Kenneth Sharpe is being sued over US$18 million by his business partner, who claims he has lost millions of United States dollars in three land development joint…
Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of opposition party Transform Zimbabwe who is facing charges of inciting people to overthrow the government through constitutional means has been granted bail. Ngarivhume has spent 45 days in prison as his previous bids on getting bail were unsuccessful. Justice Tawanda Chitapi read the judgment today on behalf of Justice Siyabona…
Song Details Title: We Party All Night Artists: Rymez, Garry Mapanzure, Soko Matemai Producers: Rymez Composers: Rodney Hwingwiri, Garry Mapanzure, Marshall Muchenje ISRC Code: ZA-56E-20-01228 Girl I’m in love with youIf we meet to part, then let’s party booAnd I’ll depart with youCause this right here is just me and youAnd you feel it too…
By Kumbirai Mafunda A Zimbabwean court on Friday 14 August 2020 ordered Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) to stop the persecution of freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe political party leader Jacob Ngarivhume and allow them access to basic rights while in detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. Through their lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa,…
By Veritas The Right to Bail Bail is a way by which people who have been arrested for a criminal offence can be allowed to go free until they are tried for the offence. What happens is that after arresting a person the police must bring them to a court ‒ usually a magistrates court…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna on Wednesday 12 August 2020 barred media practitioners and the public from covering and following proceedings in a Zimbabwean courtroom in the matter in which freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will testify on the state of conditions at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.Magistrate Nduna ruled that the evidence that Chin’ono will…
As investigations continue to absolve the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) board of any wrongdoing, the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission has come under fire for “arresting in order to investigate.” According to the recently established Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10.31) that is administered by the Office of the President and cabinet (OPC) Corporate Governance…
By Veritas Trade unions, political groupings and civil society organisations have called on the public to take to the streets on the 31st July to protest against economic mismanagement and public corruption. Some of the calls for protests have been couched in intemperate language, and so have threats by members of the Government and ruling…
PAP intensifies consultations on the impact of the pandemic in Africa The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has reiterated that respect for human rights across the spectrum including economic, social, civil and political rights, will be critical to a successful public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa. The call was made at the occasion of…
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa has said Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume were not arrested for exposing corruption but for using their social media accounts to incite Zimbabweans to violently overthrow the Government. “Even though Hopewell Chin’ono writes about corruption he is not unique in this regard. All the Newspapers…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition Transform Zimbabwe party leader Jacob Ngarivhume on Wednesday 22 July 2020 appeared before judicial officers at Harare Magistrates Court answering to charges of inciting people to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government through unconstitutional means. Chin’ono appeared before Magistrate Ngoni Nduna answering to charges of incitement to…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean police on Monday 20 July 2020 arrested journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition Transform Zimbabwe party leader Jacob Ngarivhume for allegedly inciting people to revolt against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration during some planned anti-government protests called for at the end of the month. Chin’ono was arrested by some armed Zimbabwe Republic Police…
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) held its first virtual public lecture on 30 June 2020 under the theme: “The Role of the African Youth in Achieving the Mandate of the PAP”. Young Africans who took part in the engagement with members of the continental Parliament signaled the youths’ readiness to participate in the building of the…
…Vows to fight smear campaign Former National Social Security Authority (NSSA) chairperson Robin Vela has pledged to continue to fight abuse of power, political expediency and overreach, and corruption after a landmark court judgment vindicated him. Hailing the damning High Court ruling which found that adverse findings and conclusions relating to him in an Auditor-General…
By Lewis Maunze This cartoon is the perfect caricature of what sports enthusiasts (specifically soccer fans) are going through during the continued lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is supposed to share a lighter moment in contrast to what the world is experiencing in reality. The picture depicts the current situation in world sport….
By Norma Tsopo Women have scoffed at the government’s proposal to extend the women’s quota system as a veiled attempt to perpetuate their underrepresentation. They want it to ensure the constitutionally guaranteed 50/50 gender parity instead. Women from a diverse background and women’s rights groups spoke in unison on the need for government to implement…
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has urged its members to ensure that African Union (AU) member states allocate adequate funding to cater for healthcare systems when budgets are submitted to Parliaments for consideration. The call follows a briefing to members of the PAP Committees on Health and Gender by the Africa CDC, which revealed that inadequate…
The African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have launched the Compendium of international and regional instruments on girls’ and women’s right to education in Africa, on 16 June 2020. The launch also includes the monitoring Report on the implementation of these instruments. The compendium,…
By International Criminal Court The ICC stands firmly by its staff and officials and remains unwavering in its commitment to discharging, independently and impartially, the mandate bestowed upon it by the Rome Statute and the States that are party to it. The International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) (www.ICC-CPI.int) expresses profound regret at the…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Thursday 11 June 2020 pressed a cocktail of charges including faking abduction and disappearance against three opposition MDC-Alliance party youth leaders, who are victims of abduction and torture after they re-arrested them on Wednesday 10 June 2020. ZRP members charged Harare West legislator Hon. Joana Mamombe…
Staff Writer Nine men have been arrested over a Penhalonga underground gold ore heist. Innocent Chinonzwa, 39, Lovemore Chinonzwa, 37, Maxwell Masamvu, 39, Bright Mabonore, 40, John Mbeu, 42, Wiskes Kovhiwa, 32, Marlon Maringa, 28, Wellington Moyo, 35, and Terrence Mukodza, 34, were not asked to plead when they were arraigned before a Mutare magistrate…
By Anyway Yotamu Judicial Service Commission (JCS) yesterday celebrated 10 years of existence, since formation as well as the Open day under the theme “Transparency and accountability.” Addressing journalists in Harare to mark the day, Head of Corporate Communication Affairs in the Judicial Service Commission, Ms. Rumbidzai Takawira said the Open Day is a reflection of…
By Habakkuk Trust The Covid-19 pandemic has placed the justice system in limbo as traditional courts remain closed in response to the global pandemic. Traditional leaders play a key role in dispute resolution and enabling access to justice for rural communities. Traditional leaders who spoke to Habakkuk Trust recently said they have been postponing most of…
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will commemorate Africa Day on Monday, 25 May by hosting virtual engagements with Civil Society Organizations and Africans in the diaspora. Held under the overarching African Union theme of 2020 “Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa’s Development,” the fora are expected to define the role of the both the Civil Society…
In pursuit of seeking sustainable partnerships with stakeholders in its quest to have a national presence, Jedidiah Trsust has approached Norton Town Council and the Senators in Mashonaland West Province to find ways of establishing a mutual working pact. “On Friday the 15th of May 2020, we had an introductory meeting with Norton Town Council…
By Kumbirai Mafunda High Court Judge Justice Jacob Manzunzu on Monday 11 May 2020 orderedChinhoyi Municipality to stop demolishing vending stalls and repair a shade that was damaged by its employees as they pulled down structures owned by some informal traders. Justice Manzunzu granted the order to stop the demolition of any vending stalls and…
By Veritas Provisional Order Against Ministers About to become Permanent? The last day for filing the response from the Ministers responsible for Information, Health, and Social Welfare was today, Friday 8th May. The Ministers had been ordered to respond to a provisional order served on them on the 23rd April to improve the dissemination of official…
By Veritas On the 3rd of May 2020, the Law Society of Zimbabwe published a critique on the impact and legitimacy of SI 96 of 2020. The Law Society’s critique is reproduced here with the kind permission of the Executive Director of the Law Society, Mr. Edward Mapara. Statutory Instrument 96 of 2020, inter alia, allows for…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean authorities on Sunday 3 May 2020 arrested two men in Rushinga in Mashonaland Central province and charged them with undermining the authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa after they allegedly shared and made remarks on a video clip in which the ZANU PF party leader brags about the strength of…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Three organisations representing people who are visually impaired and Deaf have sued the government and the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) demanding to be provided with information on coronavirus in a format that is accessible to them. Development, Deaf Zimbabwe Trust and Zimbabwe National League Of TheBlind argued that the rights of…
By Veritas The COVID-19 pandemic has reached Zimbabwe with 23 reported cases to date, three of whom have tragically died. After initial delays, the Government has finally enacted laws that give it powers to combat the disease. In this Bill Watch, we shall describe the statutes which give the Government powers to act in an emergency such…
By Kumbirai Mafunda The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe on Tuesday 31 March 2020 delivered a landmark ruling wherein it declared as unconstitutional the legality of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.1) Act. The Act sought to amend Section 180 of the Constitution by giving the President sole powers to appoint the Chief Justice, his deputy…
By Veritas Earlier this month the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement gazetted a set of regulations ‒ the Land Commission (Gazetted Land)(Disposal in Lieu of Compensation) Regulations, 2020 (SI 62 of 2020) [link] ‒ which provided for the return of farms to two classes of farmers who had been dispossessed during the land reform…
Norton-based Jedidiahh Trust and their partner, philanthropist, and educationist Gertrude Mandizvidza, have welcomed the fact that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pardoned all female convicts, juveniles under the age of 18 years, inmates sentenced to life in imprisonment and prisoners aged 70 years and above. Jedidiah Trust, founded by Lovemore Chikwanda, focuses on providing education, psycho-social…
By Lovemore Chazingwa in Kadoma Mega water tanks sourced from funds under the constituency development fund (CDF) for Kadoma Central Constituency were taken delivery of to City of Kadoma (CoK) authorities and are awaiting official handover, this publication has established. That handover was supposed to be done today but for coronavirus crisis that is postponed…
