Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
PUPILS will now be required to use smartphones, tablets and laptops for learning purposes in schools as part of the new education curriculum which came into effect at the beginning of the first term.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said both schools and parents must play a part in the provision of Information Communications Technology (ICT) gadgets.

In an interview yesterday, the Ministry’s public relations officer Mr Patrick Zumbo said the gadgets would be used by pupils from ECD to A-Level.

“With ICTs now part of our education curriculum it’s true that pupils will be required to use the gadgets. It will depend on resource availability in schools as they should ensure that children have access to the gadgets,” said Mr Zumbo.

“Parents must also chip in and help schools which are not well resourced to provide the gadgets. In fact, it is the obligation of both parents and schools to support pupils in getting the required gadgets.”

He said some schools have already asked parents to buy the gadgets for their children.

“Parents must also understand that these gadgets especially smartphones will be strictly for learning and not for calling or WhatsApp. We’ve enough capacity to monitor the gadgets and we will block some of these sites in our schools,” Mr Zumbo said.

“There is no harm in introducing these gadgets to pupils doing ECD A and it depends on what ICT material you introduce.”

Matabeleland North provincial education director Boithathelo Mnguni said members of the public must understand that the new curriculum would be implemented in an orderly manner.

“We’re simply saying ICTs will be used to aid in the teaching of our pupils and not for any other reason. The new curriculum has many learning areas which will be enhanced by the use of ICTs.”

Parents were divided on the matter.

One parent, Mrs Fadzai Mpofu, said the introduction of the gadgets was the way to go.

“Whether we like it or not, our children are growing up in a different environment from the one we grew up in. They should grow up knowing how to use these gadgets because things are evolving and they need the necessary skills,” she said.

Another parent, Mr Sipho Bhebhe, said the gadgets were going to expose school children to undesirable content.

“Children are now exposed to the internet at a very early age which comes with pornography and all graphic crime pictures. I think children in ECD are too young for computers as it may disturb their brain development. They need to know how to think for themselves,” he said.

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Police at the scene of the murder along Siyephambili Drive in Bulawayo

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
A MAN from Bulawayo has been found dead along Siyephambili Drive in Bellevue suburb after allegedly being murdered while cycling home.

The man, whose identity could not be established immediately, was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants while cycling home to Nkulumane suburb.

The body was found last Friday morning.

When The Chronicle arrived at the scene, scores of motorists and pedestrians were gathered around the body and his bicycle and bag were by the roadside.

Police later took the body to Nkulumane Police Station.

A police officer at the scene said after searching the deceased, it appeared he was from Nkulumane suburb.

“At first I thought the man had been hit by a car but when police were examining his body, I noticed that he had deep stab wounds. He must have been attacked,” said a resident from the area.

She said it was difficult to identify the man as he was not from Bellevue suburb.

Motorists said the man must have been killed during the night by attackers who took advantage of poor lighting along the road.

“This is a dangerous area during the night. Attackers ambush unsuspecting pedestrians and cyclists because the street lights are not working. Some people are attacked as early as 7PM.

“If the Bulawayo City Council can fix the lights, I’m sure there would be less murder cases along this road,” said a kombi driver only identified as Thabo.

The man’s body was discovered on the same day a woman from Cowdray Park suburb was also found dead with several stab wounds on the face and on her body in a suspected rape and murder case.

Mrs Ivy Sibanda, a member of the Zaoga church, is suspected to have been raped and murdered on her way home from a church prayer on Thursday evening.

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Mr Martin Khabo on a hospital bed at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
MORE than 10 people have been hospitalised following a bloody attack by illegal gold panners in Inyathi, Bubi District.

The victims were rushed to Inyathi District Hospital while one was transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after being attacked by omakorokoza with machetes, knives and stones.

It is believed that the gold panners were searching for a rival gang when they ended up indiscriminately attacking people at a bar.

The incident occurred at Senco Night Club, Mahamba Business Centre at about 11PM on Friday.

Running battles have been reported in the area allegedly over occupancy of mining claims, most of which have been abandoned.

The Chronicle visited one of those who were attacked, Mr Martin Khabo — a soldier on leave — at Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday and he narrated his ordeal.

Mr Khabo said he passed out after being attacked by a machete and stones.

He said more than 10 people were taken to Inyathi District Hospital with some injuries and he was caught up in a crossfire as he was not involved in mining activities.

“I had gone to the business centre to spend some time with friends as usual. We went to Sencor Night Club and at about 11PM, I decided to go home. As I was going out I was shocked to see scores of people stampeding back into the night club.

“I saw a group of men carrying machetes and knives. Before I knew it, I was attacked with a machete on the back of my head and several other people were also attacked. There was chaos as people screamed and tried to run away,” said Mr Khabo.

He said he tried to escape but was attacked with a stone on the head and he fell unconscious.

Bubi Small-Scale Miners’ Association secretary general Mr Benjamin Ndlovu confirmed the incident.

“I received the information yesterday and I was disturbed. Illegal gold miners from other areas have swamped the mining area and this has created fierce feuds.

“The local leadership, including security forces, political and traditional leaders should tackle this issue as a matter of urgency and bring it to an end,” said Mr Ndlovu.

Ward 11 Councillor Siwela Siwela said the incident occurred when he was away and was yet to get reasons behind the attack.

Acting Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Eglon Nkala could not immediately comment on the matter.

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The late Mrs Ivy Sibanda

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
A woman from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo who was murdered last Thursday on her way from a church service, had nearly all her teeth knocked out while her back, arm and both legs were also fractured.

Mrs Ivy Sibanda’s body was found last Friday morning with several stab wounds on the face and body in a suspected rape and murder case.

A member of the Zaoga church who was described by her church mates as a God-fearing woman, Mrs Sibanda is suspected to have been raped and murdered on her way home from a prayer session on Thursday night.

Zaoga Cowdray Park District coordinator, Mr Medicine Paradza, yesterday said they were shocked when they discovered that Mrs Sibanda was left with only one tooth following the fatal attack.

“Looking at the way she was brutalised, I think her attackers used a machete or an axe. We’re still baffled and what’s more disturbing is that she was left with one tooth while her back and one arm as well as both legs were fractured,” said Mr Paradza.

He said church members were still trying to understand why the assailants would kill an “innocent woman”.

“We suspect that they took her to a bushy area where they murdered her before throwing the body near the road,” he said.

Mr Paradza said Mrs Sibanda was a devout Christian.

“Last week she approached my wife and told her that she wanted to clear all her pledges, which she did. She was fasting with other church members and on the day she died she was the first to arrive at church where she cleaned the premises before everyone else arrived for prayer,” Mr Paradza said.

He said the church was praying for the suspects to be arrested.

Mr Paradza said residents are also organising a meeting with the police to discuss the prevalence of crime in the suburb.

“Cowdray Park is a big area with more than 36 000 housing units. Our police officers work hard but they are short-staffed and have limited resources. We will therefore invite them for a meeting so that we come up with strategies to fight crime,” said Mr Paradza.

A resident stumbled on Mrs Sibanda’s body on the roadside in a bushy area between Hawkflight and Hlalani Kuhle stands last Friday morning. The previous night, some residents are alleged to have heard a woman screaming near the spot where the body was found, but no one went to investigate.

Mr Paradza said three men were also spotted smoking mbanje at about 7PM near where Mrs Sibanda’s body was found.

Mrs Sibanda will be buried at her rural home in Chivu tomorrow.

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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
AN eight-year-old girl from Lupane district in Matabeleland North province died from severe burns sustained after she was assaulted and forced to sit on a tin with boiling water by her stepfather.

The girl’s stepfather who is also accused of raping her several times, was apprehended by villagers and handed over to the police last Saturday.

Levius Ncube (39) of Moya Village under Chief Mabhikwa was cornered in a bush by villagers who effected citizen’s arrest.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident.

“Police are investigating a case of murder which occurred in Moya Village in Lupane. A male adult aged 39 assaulted his eight-year-old stepdaughter and she sustained a swollen eye.

“In bid to treat her, the stepfather boiled some water and covered the eight-year-old with a blanket. She lost consciousness, fell on the bucket and got burnt. She later passed away the following day and the accused person ran away,” she said.

Chief Mabhikwa said the man had before forcing the girl to sit on the tin with boiling water, raped her several times.

“It is only now that neighbours are revealing that Ncube constantly abused his stepchild.

“Now a life has been lost and yet if this kind of abuse had been reported, the man could have been arrested a long time ago before the death of this girl,” he said.

The chief urged people to report cases of child abuse to the authorities.

“I am glad villagers worked closely together and hunted down the man who fled from home soon after realising that he had killed the child,” said the Chief.

A villager who spoke on condition of anonymity said days earlier, they had heard that Ncube had raped the girl.

“To conceal the offence, Ncube boiled some water and instructed the girl to sit on the tin with boiling water and she complied resulting in her sustaining severe burns on the buttocks,” said the villager.

The girl died a day later from the burns she sustained and Ncube disappeared from home until his arrest by villagers.

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Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku

Fidelis Munyoro, Harare Bureau
OUTGOING Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku has conceded that the current procedure of appointing the Chief Justice of the country is problematic.

Chief Justice Chidyausiku indicated that he alerted the Executive on the impact of the new procedure outlined in the new Constitution early last year but the Government had been negligent.

He made the remarks while officially opening the 2017 legal year in Harare yesterday.

“My sixth sense, however, told me that the impact of the new procedure, because of its drastic departure from the past process, might have escaped the attention of the Executive in as far as it relates to the appointment of the Chief Justice,” he said.

“As a cautionary move, I alerted the Executive to this new procedure in the appointment of the Chief Justice as early as March 2016. I didn’t get a response. I inferred from the conduct that the Executive was comfortable with the new procedure.”

Previously the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Court were appointed by the President after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission. This was changed in the new Constitution.

Section 180(1) of the new Constitution requires the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, the Judge president of the High Court and all other judges to be appointed by the President after the vacancies are advertised, nominations are invited from the President and the public, public interviews are conducted before a list of three nominees is presented to the President whereupon he must appoint one of the trio as the Chief Justice.

Recently Chief Justice Chidyausiku found himself in controversy for conducting public interviews to choose his successor in the face of the pending constitutional amendment.

The High Court stopped the public interviews to select the next Chief Justice a few days before the scheduled date.

The court granted the interdict that was sought by Romeo Taombera Zibani, a fourth year law student at the University of Zimbabwe who wants President Mugabe to select the Chief Justice.

But the interviews went ahead after the Judicial Service Commission filed a notice of appeal against Justice Charles Hungwe’s decision to stop the interviews.

But yesterday Chief Justice Chidyausiku said he did the best he could to alert the Executive on the challenges around the new method of appointing judges including the Chief Justice and his deputy by way of public interviews.

After getting no response from the Executive in October last year, the JSC informed the Executive that the office of Chief Justice will be vacant with effect from March 1 this year.

The Executive, he added, was also informed that the JSC was initiating the procedures to fill the vacancy in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

The outgoing Chief Justice said he was surprised to receive communication a few days before the interviews were due to commence that an Executive order stopping the process had been issued.

“I responded to the communication, advising that the Executive’s directive could not be complied with without breaking the Constitution and that the interviews would proceed as planned and in terms of the Constitution,” he said. “I’ve since established that the President never issued the alleged Executive order to stop the interviews.”

Justice Chidyausiku accused the media of attacking him for allegedly defying the court order and proceeding with the public interviews pending the amendment of the Constitution.

“Ever since adopting our stance to abide by the Constitution, a segment of the media has sought to impugn the integrity of the Judicial Service Commission. This is most regrettable,” he said.

“This is all I wish to say on this unfortunate debate. In this regard, I’m inspired by Michelle Obama’s words of wisdom, ‘When your detractors go low, you go higher’. You don’t follow them into the gutter.”

He would not comment on whether or not the JSC’s decision to proceed with the interviews despite a High Court interdict against which it had appealed was correct.

Justice Chidyausiku said the debate over the appointment of his successor had of late assumed regrettable proportions which could only do more harm than good to the judiciary.

He said whichever method used in the selection process of the new Chief Justice, President Mugabe has the final say and would always prevail.

“It’s also my view that the debate is much ado about nothing,” he said.

“It has obscured the one very important fact, that whatever method is used to appoint my successor, the appointment shall be made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Currently, said Chief Justice Chidyausiku, the law provided for the President to make his selection from three nominees submitted to him by the JSC.

He also said in the proposed amendment, President Mugabe would be at large to choose the next Chief Justice from the bench.

“Thus, whichever method is used, in the final analysis, it is the President’s choice that will prevail,” he said.

Chief Siachilaba shows the hut that was struck by lightning at his homestead in Binga

Dumani Moyo/ Lackson Munkombwe, Chronicle Reporters
SIX people who were among villagers attending a funeral in Binga District on Sunday were struck and killed by lightning while three others sustained severe burns.

The deceased and the injured who are all from Chief Siachilaba’s area, had taken a shelter under a tree when a bolt of lightning struck, killing the six.

A hut at the chief’s homestead was also struck by lightning at the same time but no one was killed or injured.

Chief Siachilaba said yesterday that the six who died and those who sustained burns were attending his late sister’s funeral at her homestead when tragedy struck.

He said when it started raining, some of the people attending the funeral took shelter under the tree which was later struck by lightning.

Chief Siachilaba said in their culture, they gather for four days after one’s death and tragedy struck on the fourth day.

“There were few houses at the homestead forcing other people to seek shelter under the tree which was later struck by lightning,” said Chief Siachilaba.

He said those who sustained burns were rushed to Binga District Hospital and have since been discharged.

Siachilaba village head, Mr Joe Mudimba, said his village was going through one of its darkest moments following the tragedy.

“We’re in deep shock because of what happened in our village. This is one of the darkest moments in the village and entire district. As I’m speaking right now all the shops in the village are closed because everyone is grieving. It’s sad that we lost mostly elderly people including a veterinary officer,” said Mr Mudimba.

A villager, Mr Bazala Sinyele, said the scene after the bolt of lightning struck was horrific.

“We provided the vehicle to rush the burnt victims to a nearby clinic where they were later transferred to Binga District Hospital. An ambulance crew which came to the scene at around 6AM confirmed the six dead,” said Mr Sinyele.

Efforts to get a comment from Matabeleland North provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Eglon Nkala were fruitless as his cellphone was not reachable.

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
POLICE in Botswana have launched a manhunt for 15 Zimbabwean prisoners, some of them dangerous, who escaped from a jail in Francistown after cutting the security fence.

Three of the inmates have since been arrested following their escape from Gerald Estates Centre for illegal immigrants on Saturday afternoon.

Francistown deputy police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Dipheko Motube confirmed the incident yesterday.

He said they had launched a manhunt for 12 Zimbabweans who remain unaccounted for following the escape.

“We’ve launched a manhunt for the prisoners. Police officers, soldiers and intelligence officers have been deployed in and around Francistown, including the country’s borders,” said Snr Supt Motube.

Botswana Prisons Services northern regional commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Sekano Sekano said the prisoners used the lid of a manhole to cut the security fence.

He said three inmates were arrested on Sunday and they are Mlindeli Moyo, Sicelo Sibanda and Methuli Sibanda.

Moyo and Sicelo, Snr Asst Comm Sekano said, were on remand awaiting trial for murder while Methuli was awaiting trial on charges of illegally possessing ivory.

They were arrested at Tati Siding village near Francistown.

He named those still on the run as Rowland Moyo, Godwin Mapunga Nyika, Elvis Ndlovu, Zikhamani Ndebele, Edwin Ncube, Thabani Ncube, Sunganai Batiraushe, Brilliant Thabani, Innocent Nyoni and Charlotte Ndlovu.

The names of two others who also escaped were not immediately available.

“The 15 prisoners destroyed the security fence using a manhole lid before running into the bush at the weekend. We’ve notified the police in Botswana and the security forces in Zimbabwe.

“The escapees were arrested for different crimes in Botswana, which include murder, robbery, possession of ivory, housebreaking and theft,” said Snr Asst Comm Sekano.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba could not immediately comment on the matter.

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Pelandaba Primary School in Bulawayo

Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
A SECURITY guard at the Seventh Day Adventist church-run Pelandaba Primary School in Bulawayo died after he was savagely attacked by four armed robbers during a raid in which two laptops and cash amounting to $200 were stolen early yesterday morning.

Buton Skalongo died on admission to Mpilo Central Hospital while his colleague Mr Vusa Tshuma survived the attack.

Four men broke into the school and church, which are located on the same premises, at around midnight yesterday and brutally attacked the two security guards.

They allegedly tied them with ropes and left them in a passage.

The armed robbers escaped unnoticed after stealing $200 and two laptops from the school guard room and the church safe.

Both Mr Tshuma and Mr Skalongo were rescued at around 6AM and rushed to Mpilo hospital.

Mr Skalongo died on admission to the hospital while Mr Tshuma was treated and discharged.

The Chronicle visited the scene yesterday and heard how the four men armed with iron bars raided the premises.

“These men were both guards for the school and church and we found them tied with ropes in the morning. Skalonga was severely attacked and his blood was splashed on the school floor,” said Pelandaba resident Ms Sihle Nyathi.

“It’s so sad that robbers have resorted to attacking churches thereby evoking God’s wrath.

“We will greatly miss Skalongo who had served this church for more than 30 years. I will miss his harmonica pieces he normally delivered during worship.”

SDA West Zimbabwe Conference spokesperson Pastor Tadius Nkanyezi said the church was in mourning.

“We had a break in yesterday night at Pelandaba Primary School and church and two guards who were manning the premises were severely attacked.

Unfortunately, one of them, Skalongo, died at hospital and the other one survived.

“We hope investigations will help us identify the four men. We are working on getting the fuller details,” he said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said investigations were underway.

“We attended the crime scene at Pelandaba Primary School and Church where four unidentified men broke in and stole laptops and cash,” she said.

“We urge members of the public to help us to patrol their neighbourhoods and apprehend suspicious characters. They must also desist from carrying dangerous weapons at any time as we will treat everyone as a suspect.”

Insp Simango said people should be careful and report any suspicious activities to the police.

“Once more I will advise people to stop keeping money and valuables in safes or strongrooms as grinder-wielding criminals are on the loose.

“If possible they must even paste notices next to wide open safes and strongrooms advising everyone that they don’t keep cash or keys in those premises,” she said.

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Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Dr John Mangudya

Pamela Shumba and Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporters
THE Government does not have money to pay civil servants their bonuses yet, but will next week convene a crunch meeting to map the way forward.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira yesterday told The Chronicle that she would meet the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Patrick Chinamasa and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya on January 25 to discuss the way forward on the issue of bonuses.

“The Government doesn’t have money at the moment. This makes it difficult for us to announce dates. We don’t want to make promises that we’ll not be able to fulfill as the Government.

“Minister Chinamasa, myself and hopefully Dr Mangudya will meet on January 25 to map the way forward,” said Minister Mupfumira.

She said she would also meet the Apex Council, the umbrella body that represents all civil servants, to discuss the same issue.

The Minister also confirmed pay dates for January salaries.

The army will be paid today while those in the health sector will be paid on Friday.

Members of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and police will be paid on January 24 while those in the education sector will receive their salaries on January 30.

The rest of the civil servants will be paid on February 3.

Pensioners will be paid their allowances on February 7 while those working at grant aided institutions will be paid on February 10.

Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday said the Government must ensure that they get all what is due to them.

“Right now we’re implementing a new curriculum which is so taxing in terms of work and planning. The least of things you should worry about is your financial concern,” he said.

Mr Ndlovu said civil servants were anxiously waiting to be informed about their bonuses.

“This is what I made reference to at the beginning of the term. The Government must come clean with a plan of paying bonuses to alleviate the issue of anxiety. Our encouragement is that as quickly as possible, the Government should activate the National Joint Negotiation Council. Make it a council that can make decisions not the current status where it is taken as a reference point,” he said.

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Minister Mike Bimha

Walter Nyamukondiwa, Harare Bureau
THE Government is working on a framework to refine Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 to progressively promote the use of local materials, products and subsequently facilitate industrial growth.

Anchored on the tenets of SI64, the local content regulations will conform to World Trade Organisation regulations guiding trade.

SI64 was introduced late year to reduce dependence on imported goods and stimulate local productivity.

The new framework seeks to put to rest concerns highlighted by regional countries who felt SI64 was freezing out their products, and that it impinged on free trade agreements. They also said the move went against the ethos of regional integration.

The promulgation of the regulation will be preceded by wide-ranging consultations involving stakeholders including consumers and industry players.

Speaking at a Ministry of Industry and Commerce 2017 strategic planning workshop here on Tuesday, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha said SI64 was serving its purpose but needed to be refined.

“We came up with SI64 as a measure to arrest a situation where the country had become a dumping ground for foreign products, which were hopelessly substandard,” he said.

“It was a precursor to resuscitation of the country’s industry. We want to follow that up with local content regulations, which will promote use of local products and raw materials to give impetus to our own industry.”

He said SI64 was ad hoc in nature and that new regulations would reinforce and buttress its provisions.

Borrowing from SI64, the regulations will also ringfence a set of local products or those which the country has the capacity to produce, with the list being progressively expanded as capacity improves.

He said the regulations would provide a lasting solution to the issue of imports and standards to be met locally so that they compare with those on the international market.

Dr Bimha said submissions were already being made on provisions of the regulations which will see exhaustive consultations before they are brought before Cabinet.

Economist Dr Gift Mugano said there was nothing amiss with Zimbabwe adopting the local content regulations as the world was moving towards “smart protectionism”.

“We have been late off the blocks because other countries such as South Africa put in place the measures as far back as 1965 and it has been evolving ever since. It was strengthened in 2012,” he said.

Globally, most countries were now inward-looking and adopting smart protectionism, which became more pronounced with global economic crisis around 2008, he said.

Even in the region some countries are implementing the measures.

Dr Mugano said the regulations should clearly specify procurement of local content and not procurement by locals as that will leave room for locals to bring goods from outside.

He said the regulations should initially focus on economic areas like mining, agriculture and partly manufacturing, which have a comparative advantage.

“Failure to strike a delicate balance will lead to shortages of some products,” he said.

The regulations are expected to complement the public procurement reforms that are being undertaken with calls for a rating system that gives a higher rating to those buying locally with incentives.

SI64 has seen an improvement in industrial capacity utilisation in areas such as cooking oil and detergent manufucturing.

Participants called for a review of Chinese deals saying they encouraged flight of capital while leaving infrastructure and loans that will take long to repay.

They said the regulations should ensure that materials are sourced locally with a large chunk of the money remaining in the country.

The Heads and Hooves Wholesale in Bulawayo’s Kelvin West industrial area

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
TWO burglars pounced on Heads and Hooves Wholesale in Bulawayo and got away with cash amounting to about $1 000, R1 800, and P550 in an intrusion that was caught on camera.

A manager at the wholesale who spoke on condition of anonymity said the cash was in a safe in her office. She declined to state the exact amount of money that was stolen, but a police source said the company lost $1 000, R1 800, and P550.

The Heads and Hooves Wholesale manager said the break-in occurred at around 2AM on Tuesday.

“We saw on CCTV that two men broke into our shop through the back windows and ransacked the place, getting away with cash. No one was injured.

Unfortunately I cannot disclose much details as this may disturb investigations which are underway,” she said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said they were handling the matter.

“We are investigating a case of unlawful entry and theft that occurred at Heads and Hooves Wholesale at Kelvin Industrial Area. Robbers broke into the shop and stole cash from a safe comprising of US dollars, rand and pula.

“We urge companies to engage security guards and if they prefer using electronic security measures, then they should be connected to their security companies for warning in case of emergency,” she said.

The latest incident follows the murder of a security guard at Seventh Day Adventist church-run Pelandaba Primary School by four armed robbers following a raid in which two laptops and cash amounting to $200 were stolen on Tuesday morning.

The security guard died on admission to Mpilo Central Hospital while his colleague survived the attack.

On Friday morning, a woman was found dead in Cowdray Park suburb after she did not return home from a church service held in the same suburb the previous night.

@winnie_masara

Joice Mujuru

From Walter Mswazie in Bikita
ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko has described Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) president Dr Joice Mujuru as a disrespectful woman with nothing to offer to the nation.

Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters who braved incessant rains yesterday at a star rally held at Gwindingwi High School at Nyika Growth Point ahead of the Bikita West by-election on Saturday, the Acting President said the ZimPF president was expelled from Zanu-PF because she was disrespectful.

He said Dr Mujuru once verbally attacked the late Vice-Presidents, Dr Simon Muzenda and Dr Joshua Nkomo, during the war of liberation and after independence, proving that she was insolent.

“We had Joice Mujuru in government as Vice President; she has nothing to offer together with her ally Dzikamai Mavhaire. Mavhaire is known for disrespecting the President.

“He was the first person from Masvingo to call for President Mugabe’s ouster. Mujuru verbally attacked the late two vice presidents and you all know that.

She has nothing to offer to the people of Zimbabwe. You must vote for Zanu-PF’s candidate, Cde Beauty Chabaya, come Saturday,” said Acting President Mphoko.

Five other candidates Mr Kudakwashe Gopo (ZimPF), Mr Heya Shoko (independent), Mr Madock Chivasa (National Constitutional Assembly), Mr Terence Tanyaradzwa Makumbo (Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe and Mr Innocent Muzvimbiri (independent) are in the contest too.

The Acting President said Zanu-PF was the only party that can solve the people’s problems because it is the governing party with all the machinery including all ministers.

“The whole Cabinet is Zanu-PF and that is our advantage when it comes to developing constituencies. There is no MDC minister in government so all what you want can only be addressed through our party. President Mugabe has sent me to Bikita West to tell you that he is appealing for your votes,” he said.

“No one is forced but we are asking for your votes. When an elderly person, your leader asks, we are expected to respect that. It is against this background that we expect you people of Bikita West not to fail the President.”

Acting President Mphoko took a swipe at Bikita Minerals’ reluctance to develop communities in which the company is operating from yet it was exploiting valuable minerals from the areas.

He said companies should plough back in communities they operate in.

“We have Bikita Minerals here which is mining some of the expensive minerals on the world market — lithium and tantalite. The company has an obligation to develop communities in which it is operating from and not to exploit minerals without ploughing back to the community.

“We have a granite company in Mutoko which has managed to build a school which had been destroyed by natural disasters.

“Likewise Bikita Minerals should start to contribute something back to you,” he said.

He said Government has the power to force the company to give something to the community but the entity should take it upon itself to develop communities and stop plundering the country’s resources for nothing.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu-PF’s secretary for administration Dr Ignatius Chombo said the people of Bikita West should rally behind the party’s candidate as the revolutionary party is the only organised political outfit in the country.

Zanu-PF national commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere assured Acting President Mphoko that Zanu-PF would win Bikita West resoundingly.

He said 12 000 party members have assured him that they would rally behind the party’s candidate on Saturday.

“Acting President Cde Mphoko, we have done our assessments in Bikita West and got assurance from 12 000 registered voters that they will vote for Zanu-PF, come Saturday. We can safely say it is a foregone conclusion that we have retained Bikita West. We should not worry of Zimbabwe People Fired (ZimPF),” he said.

Secretary for youth Cde Kudzai Chipanga appealed to party members in Bikita West to vote resoundingly for Zanu-PF, saying the victory will be President Mugabe’s befitting 93rd birthday present. The President turns 93 on February 21.

Also present at the Bikita rally were Masvingo Minister of State for provincial affairs, Cde Shuvai Mahofa, Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, ruling party secretary for production Cde Josiah Hungwe, Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Lovemore Matuke, Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement, Cde Berita Chikwama, Masvingo MPs, provincial executive representatives, war veteran, Cde Joseph Chinotimba and Cde Chabaya, among others.

@walterbmswazie2

Two of the police officers after their court appearance yesterday

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
THREE Bulawayo police officers who allegedly solicited a $200 bribe from a man they accused of producing fake Ordinary Level certificates have appeared in court after confirmation from EcoCash that the money was transferred to one of them.

Pedzisai Mugombwi (30) who is stationed at Magwegwe police station, Tanatswa Mortion Prince Jabangwe (25) and Jotham Wangani (28) who are both stationed at Nkulumane police station, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu facing extortion charges.

Jabangwe, who resides in Southwold and Mugombwi and Wangani, who both live in Tshabalala, pleaded not guilty.  They were remanded out of custody to January 26 for continuation of trial.

An EcoCash money transfer confirmation for part of the funds sent to one of the police officers was produced in court as evidence.

Jabangwe who allegedly received $50 via EcoCash allegedly sent the money back through the same platform when he was arrested.

Prosecuting, Mr Busani Moyo said the three approached Mr Brian Shiridzinonwa at his home in Cowdray Park.

“On June 2, 2016, at around 5PM, the accused persons approached the complainant at his place of residence and told him they were CID officers from Bulawayo Central. They told him that he was under arrest for producing fake Ordinary Level certificates,” said Mr Moyo.

He said the police officers allegedly searched Mr Shiridzinonwa’s computer for the fake certificates, but did not find them. “They took the complainant’s computer with them and advised him that they wanted to continue searching. They then loaded the computer into their car,” Mr Moyo said.

He said Mr Shiridzinonwa refused to hand over the Central Processing Unit, saying he had some work to do. The cops then allegedly demanded $200 for his freedom and for them to give him back his CPU.

Mr Shiridzinonwa was allegedly arrested after he told the cops that he only had $5 on him.

He then started phoning his friends looking for money and was allegedly given $50 by a friend, Lovemore Ruwocha. Mr Shiridzinonwa allegedly handed over the money to the cops, who, however, demanded more.

“He received another $50 via EcoCash from his girlfriend, and he sent it to accused person two’s (Jabangwe) EcoCash wallet,” said Mr Moyo.

An EcoCash print-out showing that $50 was transferred to Jabangwe’s account was produced in court.

The trio, who were driving around with Mr Shiridzinonwa, allegedly handed him back his computer but confiscated a card reader, stapler and a pair of scissors.

On June 6, Mr Shiridzinonwa went to Bulawayo Central CID offices to get his property back only to be told that the three did not work there.

He then phoned Jabangwe demanding his money back but he denied knowing the complainant.

“It is the State’s case that the accused persons acted in common purpose and their conduct was unlawful,” said Mr Moyo.

Mugombwi was represented by Mr Kholwani Nyathi of TJ Mabhikwa and Partners legal practitioners.

In his defence, through his lawyer, he said he did not participate in the extortion.

“On the day in question, my client was requested by Jabangwe to accompany him to Cowdray Park where he wanted to collect some money from someone.

My client never introduced himself as a member of CID (Bulawayo Central) and neither did he tell the complainant that he was under arrest. He also denies ever searching the accused person’s computer.”

Wangani and Jabangwe did not have any legal representation, but they denied the allegations.

The former also said he was asked by Jabangwe to accompany him to Cowdray Park to collect his money from someone. He also said he remained in the car with Mugombwi as the latter went to meet the person whom he had said owed him some money. “I only got out of the car to ask for the use of a toilet. I deny receiving any money or exerting any pressure on the complainant,” he said.

Jabangwe told the court that he did not solicit a bribe but Mr Shiridzinonwa owed him $100 he had failed to pay since January last year.

But Mr Shiridzinonwa insisted in court that the cops demanded money from him.

@andile_tshuma

Felex Share, Harare Bureau
THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has agreed to allow civil servants a once-off $300 withdrawal of their salaries in a bid to minimise bank charges and transport costs.

Civil servants’ representatives under the banner of the Apex Council on Wednesday met RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya and argued that they were losing productive time in bank queues and a lot of money by withdrawing their salaries in tranches.

According to Apex council chairperson, Mrs Cecilia Alexander, Dr Mangudya later met with banks which agreed to implement the request.

The central bank last month set the withdrawal limit at $100 per day and $300 per week but most banks are failing to comply with the directive.

Most banks have instead continued giving depositors their money in tranches and queues have resurfaced despite the injection of bond notes of about $73 million by the RBZ.

Speaking after meeting Dr Mangudya, Mrs Alexander said their income was being eroded by the exorbitant bank charges and transport costs.

“We met with the RBZ Governor and requested for a withdrawal limit of $300 for civil servants which will be dispensed in one transaction, commencing this month,” she said.

“We saw this move as a way of decongesting banking halls while simultaneously enhancing effective service delivery and productivity through minimising the precious working time spent at the bank. While the withdrawal limit should officially be $300, most banks are still lagging behind and all we have seen are queues on a daily basis.

Mrs Alexander said she had been informed that banks had agreed to take on board their request.

“We appreciate the positive response we received from the Governor to give this facility to State workers,” she said.

“I am also informed that the Governor subsequently met with the banks and they have agreed to implement this positive move.”

She added: “Apex Council believes that this welcome development together with the measures such as the use of plastic money will certainly see a decline in long queues as well as allow people to concentrate on their work. We also urge civil servants not to be abused by unscrupulous individuals who would wish to use civil servants’ accounts as conduits for their transactions.”

Asked if they had deliberated on their 2016 annual bonuses with Dr Mangudya, Mrs Alexander said: “We touched on the issue generally but the actual position will be known when we meet with him, Ministers (Prisca) Mupfumira (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare) and Patrick Chinamasa (Finance and Economic Development) next Wednesday.”

Minister Mupfumira yesterday confirmed next week’s meeting.

“We are meeting with the workers on Wednesday and those two parties, Minister Chinamasa and Dr Mangudya will be present so that we give the workers the actual position. The meeting will map the way forward.”

While Government is yet to announce the modalities on the payment of bonuses, indications are that payment of the 13th cheque will be staggered as was the case last year.

Some civil servants got their 2015 bonuses mid-last year.

Potholes on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway

Patrick Chitumba/Leonard Ncube, Chronicle Reporters
THE Government has released $4 million for the immediate patching of potholes and resurfacing of the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls as well as the Beitbridge-Harare highways.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, yesterday said his Ministry had been allowed to access the $4 million from the Road Access Fund for the programme.

Addressing a meeting of road authorities in Gweru yesterday, Dr Gumbo said the two highways would each get $2 million for the programme.

He said the two highways were in a dire state and work on road edges, patching potholes and resurfacing was required.

Dr Gumbo said the programme was different from the $3 billion dualisation programme of the Beitbridge-Chirundu Highway.

“We’ve been allowed to access the Road Access Fund. We got $4 million for the immediate rehabilitation of Beitbridge- Victoria Falls and Beitbridge–Harare highways. Government officials are working on the modalities right now. The two roads are in a very bad state, they are full of potholes which need to be covered as well as resurfacing,” he said.

Zinara board chairperson Mr Albert Mugabe told The Chronicle that they had informed the Executive about the bad state of the roads.

“I spoke to the Permanent Secretary (Munesu Munodawafa) and as we speak there will be activity any day from now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Gumbo said the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway would start as soon as President Mugabe commissions the ground-breaking ceremony this term.

He said foreign firms awarded tenders for the dualisation programme had                                       started bringing in their equipment and funds to be used in the multi-billion dollar programme.

“On a positive note, the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway is starting in earnest as soon as President Mugabe officiates at the ground-breaking ceremony very soon.

“Everything is in place as we speak and the contractors are bringing in their machinery and funds,” Dr Gumbo said.

He said 40 percent of the project was going to be handled by locals.

The Minister said from Beitbridge to Chirundu, the road was going to be divided into five segments which will see locals in those particular segments benefiting in terms of labour and in some cases provision of other materials.

“The government is saying 40 percent of the job will be given to locals, it will be done by locals. So the local people and rural district councils in those areas should brace themselves to play a part in this programme that is also expected to empower locals. Advertisements will be released soon and we hope thousands of locals will be employed or benefit from this programme,” said Dr Gumbo.

— @pchitumba1

Auxilia Katongomara/Patrick Chitumba, Chronicle Reporters
POLICE have finally embraced plastic money transactions by introducing Point of Sale machines at selected police stations countrywide for payment of fines for traffic and other offences while the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) has also resolved to have the machines at tollgates across the country.

The move comes following calls by the public for the police and tollgates to have Point of Sale machines in the wake of cash shortages.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the installation of Point of Sale machines at selected police stations countrywide was a pilot project to help motorists.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, in line with embracing plastic money and in response to calls by the public, has launched a pilot project by introducing Point of Sale machines (swipe machines) at some Traffic and Duty uniform branch stations around the country,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

The POS machines have been introduced at 37 police stations countrywide among them three stations in Bulawayo: Bulawayo Central, Nkulumane police station as well as Bulawayo West Traffic Police Station.

“Members of the public who are admitting to the offences are free to use this facility for their convenience. More swipe machines will be introduced with time,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

Meanwhile, motorists can now swipe to pay tollgate fees at Point of Sale (POS) machines at tollgates across the country.

In an interview on the sidelines of the road authorities meeting in Gweru yesterday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, said Zinara had resolved to have the machines at tollgates across the country.

He said as of yesterday, there were only four tollgates with POS machines.

“The POS machines are not readily available from the banks that are supposed to provide those machines. At the moment we have POS machines at Skyline after Harare, one here in Gweru, one in Bulawayo and another one as you go to Bindura. So we now have four tollgates where we have the machines,” Dr Gumbo said.

“The applications are there but the providers are failing to provide. It’s a must that motorists swipe as it is an international trend but the problem is not with Zinara but with the banks that supply the machines.”

Zimbabwe has 26 tollgates on its roads.

The country has been facing cash shortages, a development that has seen some financial institutions limiting withdrawals.

At the beginning of the cash crisis, the Government directed all public institutions, including parastatals and local authorities, to install electronic Point of Sale Terminals.

— @pchitumba1

— @AuxiliaK

Thembelani Sibanda and Njabulo Mahlangu

Chronicle Reporters
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a cyclist who was stabbed multiple times along Siyephambili Drive in Bulawayo last week.

The arrest of the suspects follows the recovery of one of the deceased’s cellphones which was sold to a man from Entumbane suburb. The man led police to the men who sold him the cellphone, leading to their arrest.

Thembelani Sibanda (22) of Nguboyenja suburb and Njabulo Mahlangu (21) of Vundu Flats in Makokoba, allegedly waylaid Mr Njabulo Dube (40) while he was cycling home to Nkulumane suburb along Siyephambili Drive on Thursday night last week.

Armed with an Okapi knife, they allegedly blocked Dube’s way and stabbed him on the back, and he fell from the bicycle.

They then dragged him to a nearby bush and stabbed him on the neck, on the back and three times on the chest. Sibanda and Mahlangu allegedly searched the deceased and robbed him of two cellphones, groceries and $30 cash and left him unconscious. Mr Dube was found dead the following morning.

The two phones and groceries were valued at $30.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the arrest of two male adults in connection with a case of murder that occurred at Siyephambili Flyover, West Somerton, Bulawayo.

Acting on information received, the police have managed to recover the deceased’s cellphone which had been sold to a man who resides in Entumbane, Bulawayo. The first accused was found in possession of the suspected murder weapon and he implicated the second accused person,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

Meanwhile, Sibanda and Mahlangu appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya yesterday facing murder charges.

They were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to January 25 and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

For the State, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said Sibanda and Mahlangu allegedly robbed and fatally stabbed Mr Dube.

Mr Dlodlo said Sibanda allegedly led the police to the recovery of the suspected murder weapon, an okapi knife.

He said said state witnesses who bought the stolen cellphones, are set to testify against the accused persons.

Mr Dlodlo said Mahlangu led the police to the crime scene and the blood- stained clothes he was wearing when he committed the murder were recovered.

Minister Joram Gumbo

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
Members of Parliament and councillors will not be exempt from paying tollgate fees, a cabinet minister has said.

The Minister Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, said the MPs and councillors should not waste their time writing to Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) asking to be exempted from paying the fees.

Dr Gumbo said Zinara had been inundated with letters from legislators and councillors seeking exemption from paying the fees and the Government position was that they should pay like the rest of the motorists.

Addressing a road authorities meeting in Gweru on Thursday, Dr Gumbo urged lawmakers as well as rural and urban councillors to stop asking for favours.

“I’m pleading with you MPs and councillors to stop writing letters seeking exemption to pay toll fees. The Government position is that you should pay the fees like what other motorists are doing so your letters will not be entertained,” he said.

Dr Gumbo said some legislators were arguing that they make many trips to Parliament as well as to their constituencies hence the need for them to be exempt from paying toll fees.

“This culture of not wanting to pay for services should be done away with if we are to develop as a country. People must pay so that they get the good services they want,” he said.

The Government introduced toll fees as part of measures to raise funds to construct and rehabilitate roads.

Dr Gumbo said the country’s road network has outlived its lifespan and more than $5 billion was needed to rehabilitate it.

He said Zinara was raising less than $200 million per annum which is very little given the amount required to rehabilitate the road network.

“This is why we are urging road authorities to pursue other innovative strategies such as public private partnerships and mobilising funds from financial institutions. We are also appealing to individuals and other institutions with free funds to come on board and participate in revamping the road network,” he said.

—@pchitumba1

The Mzilikazi house where the murder occurred

Nqobile Tshili/Cynthia Dube, Chronicle Reporters
A MAN from Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly killing his 79-year-old mother using an iron rod after he was told by members of an Apostolic sect that she was bewitching his ailing daughter.

Amadi Nyathi allegedly bludgeoned his elderly mother in the early hours of yesterday at the family home at number R79 Mzilikazi.

He was arrested and detained at Mzilikazi Police Station and is expected to  appear in court on a charge of murder soon.

Nyathi, who is said to be in his 30s, allegedly killed his mother whose name could not be established immediately after he went to an Apostolic sect and was told that she practised witchcraft.

Unnamed members of the sect blamed the woman for an undisclosed illness afflicting her granddaughter.

A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said matters came to a head after Nyathi allegedly caught his mother conducting some rituals at their home.

“Nyathi approached an Apostolic sect which said his mother was to blame for the child’s illness.

“He caught her doing rituals using his undergarments. After being caught, his mother did not show remorse,” said the source.

The Chronicle yesterday visited the family’s residence but mourners declined to shed more light on the matter.

“We’re mourning our grandmother’s death and we have no comment,” said a woman at the wake.

Police could not immediately comment on the matter.

— @nqotshili/

— @cynthiamthembo1