A magistrate has dismissed an application by Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) to have a ‘kidnap’ case against them dropped. WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu are facing kidnap and theft charges, despite the alleged victim, Emma Mabhena, strongly denying she was ever kidnapped by the WOZA leaders. The WOZA leaders have since applied to the High Court to have the case dropped, which is still pending before that court. The two also applied to be removed from remand on the basis of their High Court challenge, but a regional magistrate, Godwin Sengweni, last week dismissed this application. They will now return to court in June.

Political parties are already engaged in vote-buying in preparation for Zimbabwe's watershed general elections. The Election Resource Centre this week published a disturbing report on the state of voter registration in the country. Civic groups and other community initiatives led by politicians have been found conducting programmes that fuel voter registration by coercion. It adds that voter registration initiatives run by political parties are of concern, because some registration centres are in hostile areas, so only supporters of one political party can register. Partisan voter registration is another potential threat. Last month, MDC-T raised concerns that the voter registration exercise in Harare was being conducted in a clandestine manner, so as to frustrate would-be voters.

Scores of exhibitors and visitors were on Friday stranded outside the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair after police and armed soldiers closed the centre's gates after the arrival of Presidents Robert Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart, Michel Sata. Disgruntled visitors and exhibitors were made to wait for almost three hours outside the Trade Fair grounds as Mugabe and Sata tour business stands. A visibly tired Mugabe first visited the Zambian and Mozambican stands on foot and visited the rest of the stands aboard his official Mercedes Benz. Mugabe used to visit business stands on foot. There was chaos at the gates as restless visitors and exhibitors pleaded with the security details to allow them inside.

Chief Negomo has approached the Supreme Court challenging High Court Judge Justice Bharat Patel’s ruling which dismissed his bid to fine Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for marrying in November, traditionally a sacred month for some locals. In his bid to execute the ruling, Negomo approached a Bindura magistrate to confirm the default judgment and Tsvangirai, through his lawyer Selby Hwacha, in March challenged the ruling. A provincial magistrate agreed with Hwacha, resulting in the case being forwarded to the High Court. Yesterday, Negomo filed his appeal at the Supreme Court claiming Justice Patel had undermined his authority. Negomo now wants the Supreme Court to confirm the ruling he delivered in at his traditional court.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is believed to have boycotted the official opening of Zimbabwe Trade Fair on Friday. Zambian president Michael Sata arrived in the country on Wednesday for the Fair, which started at the beginning of the week. He officially opened the event on Friday and Tsvangirai was noticeably absent. The Prime Minister was said to be on business elsewhere in the country, a reliable source said that Tsvangirai had deliberately boycotted the opening. A source said that Tsvangirai also boycotted the state dinner held for Sata on Wednesday night. The source described this as another deliberate move motivated by anger over Sata’s comments earlier this year that Tsvangirai was a Western ‘stooge’.

Armed soldiers on Wednesday broke up a peaceful demonstration by about 30 construction workers who were fired by a Chinese company building the controversial National Defence College, outside Harare. The former workers gathered at the construction site protesting ‘illegal termination’ of contracts by Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Group (AFEC-G). Soldiers guarding the complex chased the workers away. Workers said contracts were terminated on Tuesday without notice and they had not been paid their wages and benefits for the last month. Several said they were made to work long hours and regularly went home around midnight. Those who complained were fired. The employers are also said to have been making dubious deductions from workers payslips.

A ZANU-PF meeting to discuss the District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections disintegrated into an all out brawl on Thursday, as tensions between rival factions came to a head in Nyanga. Scores of people sustained minor injuries. Police in riot gear intervened and managed to separate the warring factions. No one was arrested. While skirmishes are common in ZANU-PF’s messy politics, Thursday morning’s incident at the Nyanga Country Club appeared to be particularly violent and marks an escalation in the showdown between the political camps of Joice Mujuru and Emmerson Mnangagwa. The reason for the violence was differences of opinion regarding the conduct of the DCC elections.

Juliet Mafarachisi, MDC Mutare North Ward 12 deputy organising secretary and Bumbira Gwinyai, the ward youth chairperson were on Monday abducted and assaulted by Zanu-PF youths at Zarawa school during the distribution of grain under the government grain loan scheme. The two were abducted from the venue by known Zanu-PF youths led by Tendai Kuhudzai. After assaulting the two, the Zanu-PF youths then stole Mafarachi’s 50kg maize allocation. The incident took place in full view of police and a Grain Marketing Board official. Only one assailants, Chadambuka was arrested and taken to Bazil Bridge Police Station but was released on the same day following the intervention of Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson, Mike Madiro.

Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa has confirmed fears of ongoing military involvement in the country’s diamond industry, which human rights campaigners have for years linked to abuses in the Chiadzwa diamonds fields. Mnangagwa told an audience at Midlands State University in Gweru that army deals were struck with diamond companies from China, Russia and other nations as part of efforts to counter Western targeted sanctions. He said the trade deals “to a large extent, stabilises industry and eliminates chances of internal economic sabotage.” Analyst Clifford Mashiri meanwhile said there is little surprise that China and Russia have been linked to the Zimbabwean army, saying it justifies concerns already raised about their dealings in the local diamond industry.

The home of an official from MDC-T in Mashonaland East was burned down for a second time by known ZANU-PF supporters Tuesday, depriving her of the only shelter she had left. According to the MDC-T, the Mash East Secretary for Security and Defence in the Women’s Assembly, Florence Kavhayi, had her entire homestead burnt to ashes by ZANU-PF supporters during the run-up to the 2008 presidential election. The party said threats on her life have intensified since then and the home burned this week was the last shelter that she had. The incident took place in the Chirinda district of Maramba-Pfungwe. The arsonists were identified, but police at Mtawatawa Police Station have made no arrests.

Following increasing reports of people being unable to register to vote, the Election Resource Centre did a quick assessment of accessibility to voter registration in Harare. It says its findings were very disturbing. The Electoral Act says voter registration must be conducted continuously, but the ERC receives numerous reports of registration centres, like Hatfield, being closed. Unsatisfactory reasons, like the registration process had not yet started, were given. It also found inconsistencies in the provision of services, with centres only allocating about four hours a day for the process. Vote buying through housing cooperatives was discovered. Services were administered in a partisan manner with suspected supporters of some political parties, and young people.

Zimbabwe's empowerment and finance ministers, Saviour Kasukuwere and Tendai Biti respectively, have clashed over a new levy to raise funds to help locals buy shares in foreign-owned companies under the nation's empowerment program. The indigenization ministry says Biti is blocking the introduction of the levy because ZANU-PF and MDC do not agree on the policy. Biti argues most firms are currently facing major financial hardships while Kasukuwere claims that Biti is sabotaging the empowerment drive. The indigenization law requires government to introduce a levy to harness resources for local people to buy 51 percent stakes in foreign-owned firms. “… you cannot introduce a levy that affects companies that are being targeted,” said another MP.

Police on Monday arrested 15 activists from MDC-N in Tsholotsho South, Matabeleland North, claiming they had conducted an ‘illegal’ meeting. MDC-N denies this, saying their officials were on a door-to-door recruitment drive which did not need police permission. Their officials were working in pairs, and not more than three people would approach each location. This does not constitute a meeting. Police claimed they were trying to locate the investigating officer before they decide how to proceed. MDC officials said that it was just a ploy to delay their discussion with lawyers and get them to spend another night in police cells, as a way to frustrate them and keep them from their recruitment efforts.

THE State again suffered a blow in the treason trial of Mthwakazi Liberation Front leaders after a police woman testifying on Monday, said she did not see the fliers that were recovered from one of the accused, John Gazi, who was arrested for distributing fliers encouraging an uprising similar to the Arab Spring uprisings. Testifying before Justice Nicholas Ndou, Sergeant Matoka said they were instructed to arrest Gazi for distribution of fliers bearing treasonous messages. However, Matoka exposed the police blunders when cross-examined by Gazi’s lawyer. Pressed to say what was on the fliers, Matoka said she had not read them – she was only told. Matoka also said she never saw Gazi distributing fliers.

MDC has seen the questionable composition of a team to investigate the Mayor of Gwanda Lionel De Necker. This is typical of Minister Chombo as ZANU-PF seeks to destabilise urban councils over which they have no electoral mandate. Despite having highly qualified and experienced people in local government in Matabeleland South, Minister Chombo has chosen his inexperienced kith and kin go to Gwanda. The MDC also notes that the cost of investigating our innocent mayor to be paid by the citizens is very high considering expenses that will be incurred by investigators. This team chosen by Chombo is highly contemptuous of the citizens of Gwanda and smacks of ‘jobs for the boys’.

As the founders of Freedom Fone were celebrating an award for fighting censorship, ironically, the Broadcast Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) was ordering them to halt their project. Freedom Fone enables people to dial in to listen to pre-recorded messages, or to send in their own voice messages to the platform. Last month, the project founders were given an award in a category recognising innovation and original use of new technology to circumvent censorship and foster debate, argument or dissent. But BAZ was unhappy with a drama on sexual health the service was running, saying it infringed on the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) and they should stop the service forthwith. Freedom Fone will contest the directive.

MDC-T MP for Magwegwe in Bulawayo, Felix Sibanda Mafa, has verbally abused and threatened with death after making remarks on the Gukurahundi massacres. Mafa indicated he will next month introduce a private members’ Bill, to force Parliament to enact legislation for a trust fund to compensate victims of the 1980’s massacres, which he described as the “darkest episode of our history.” When Mafa’s remarks were published in a newspaper two days ago, he started getting death threats. “…, I’ve seen trained people who pass by my gate, using abusive language and showing gestures that they are going to cut my head. The same people move around my constituency in two unmarked cars,” Mafa said.

On Wednesday, a group of ZANU-PF youths attacked an MDC-T member in Epworth. Samson Muripo Jnr, an MDC-T Youth Assembly ward chairperson was attacked on Wednesday night. The MDC-T said on Thursday that he was targeted by the youths for ferrying MDC-T members to the burial of the late Senator Tichaona Mudzingwa. Muripo, who had to seek medical attention, said the youths led by Teddymore Chari approached him at Munyuki Shopping Centre asking why he had ferried people to the burial. They assaulted him with broken bottles and booted feet and tried to handcuff him. Muripo escaped with the handcuffs and made a report at Epworth Police Station. No arrests have been made.

The war of attrition between two factions within ZANU-PF rumbled on in Mutare on Wednesday when officials from both sides failed to attend Independence Day celebrations because of threats to their lives. Only the governor, Chris Mushowe and ZANU-PF deputy minister Monica Mutsvangwa attended the Independence Day celebrations at Sakubva stadium. MDC-T was represented by Mutare Senator, Keresensia Chabuka. But the entire ZANU-PF provincial leadership felt too unsafe to attend after being issued with threats that they would be ‘humiliated’ in front of a capacity crowd. A journalist who asked not to be identified said that only the chairman, Mike Madiro, showed up, but only during the closing stages of the celebrations.

The government is to acquire five more farms in the Harare and Chegutu districts, using the land reform legislation. A notice in the Government Gazette announced the acquisition, which includes a sports club in Beatrice. The notice said the acquired land legally belongs to “the State” as of the date of the publication, which was April 6th, 2012. Properties listed for acquisition include farms registered to Melvin Douglas Wasterfall and Sheena Catherine Wasterfall in Chegutu, Daniel Alexandra, Antony John Pettifor and Charles Bruce in Harare. Also listed for acquision by government is the Beatrice Showgrounds in Harare district, which belongs to “the Trustees of Beatrice Sports Club”.

Masvingo - Over 30 families have been left homeless after Zanu-PF politburo member, Dzikamai Mavhaire, invaded Sheba Ranch farm and conservancy and evicted everyone. The farm workers, working for Lennar Collins, who owned the Mwenezi farm are now squatting on the side of the Masvingo- Beitbridge road. Collins is believed to have fled to South Africa. Workers said Mavhaire had also grabbed the farm's machinery, over 100 head of cattle and a conservancy with wild life but Mavhaire denied the looting allegations. Workers said they had nowhere to go since they had worked at the farm for over 50 years. Most were originally from Zambia and Malawi and were too old to go back.

Businessman Christopher Goromonzi’s farm has been grabbed by Zanu-PF-aligned Chief Mashayamombe of Mhondoro, who has camped at the Farm. The traditional leader, who is supposed to safeguard the morals and traditions of the land, took over Marsden Farm from a fellow black man. Goromonzi is the rightful owner, having bought it jointly with Zanu-PF MP for Mhondoro, Sylvester Nguni, in 2003. In 2009, Nguni ceded his shares to Goromonzi. Some time last year Mashayamombe approached Goromonzi and told him of his intention to take over the farm, and last week, Mashayamombe broke into the farm-house. Yesterday, over 100 farm workers were roaming around with no clue about their future.

Zimbabwean students sponsored under President Robert Mugabe scholarship fund to attend universities in South Africa have been banned from engaging in political activism. Students who left to take up studies at various South African universities recently, were made to sign signed an agreement committing themselves to refrain from engaging in any political activism. The bonding agreement for the Presidential Scholarship reads: “This shall constitute a ground for the withdrawal of the scholarship. The said withdrawal of the scholarship shall result in the student reimbursing the full amount the GOZ would have spent on him or her, during the course of study”. The programme only benefits children whose families are aligned to Zanu-PF.

Two senior managers and the town clerk of Mutare treated themselves to three new luxury vehicles worth US$150,000 despite poor service provided by the local authority. It is reported Town clerk Obert Muzawazi received a Mercedes Benz ML while the director of Housing and Community Services, Sternard Mapurisa and engineer Donald Nyatoti, got Toyata Isuzu double cabs each.” Combined Mutare Residents and Ratepayers’ Association Chairman Desmond Mwedzi said: “… the council can manage to buy these vehicles for the top managers … yet service delivery is going down.” “Council employees are poorly paid and are not getting their salaries on time but the managers … [can] buy luxury cars using the ratepayers’ money…”, Mwedzi pointed out.

Hurungwe - Tensions are high between Chief Chundu and the people because of his allegiance to Zanu-PF and because he has forcibly grabbed a council seat left vacant by the death of Paddington Chavhuruma of MDC-T in 2010. Villagers in the area are unhappy that the chief imposed himself as councillor because they wanted Shadreck Chirimezani. Pearson Matanda and Bernard Kapita said the chief had threatened to evict MDC supporters from his area. Commenting, the chief said: "Anyone who was brought up traditionally cannot go against their leaders and my subjects must follow that. Zanu-PF is our party." Hurugwe council executive officer Misheck Moyo said a by-election for the seat will be held.

ZANU-PF MP Professor Jonathan Moyo has told the constitutional select committee to ‘bring it on!’ after co-chairs of the body threatened to charge him with contempt of Parliament. Tired of Moyo’s criticism of their conduct in the constitutional reform process, COPAC co-chairs Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T) and Edward Mkhosi (MDC) said Moyo could face contempt charges. “… Moyo is clearly in contempt of Parliament. His abuse of COPAC has gone beyond fair criticism. The committee will seek to have him charged for contempt,” Mwonzora said. “… he can be charged and we are confident …, if the law is strictly followed, he will be found guilty. We … will not tolerate abuse of the body (COPAC).”

Four MDC members were yesterday arrested in Kariba for convening a meeting to discuss travel arrangements for the late Deputy Minister of Transport, Senator Tichaona Mudzingwa' s funeral. The four, who were briefly detained at Kariba Police Station before being released on condition they report to the police on Monday, are District Secretary George Masendu, Robbie Tigere, the Youth Secretary, Farai Chinobva and Elijah Garisamoyo. Police charged the group for not notifying them of the meeting. This is clear abuse of the law as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) does not require that the police be notified when people want to converge for the purpose of holding a funeral.

Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai cannot even have his word out without the police interfering. One of his top officials, Nomathemba Ndlovu from Matabeleland South, on Friday found out the hard way how her boss is still hostage to powerful security sector forces fiercely loyal to President Robert Mugabe. Ndlovu, MDC-T Matabeleland South women’s assembly chairperson is facing criminal charges for distributing the Prime Minister’s newsletter. According to the MDC, police in Gwanda took Ndlovu in, accusing her of contravening the Public Order and Security Act (Posa) for giving out copies of the newsletter to residents in the town. Police summoned Ndlovu to Gwanda Police Station on Friday, arresting and charging her on arrival.

Police denied Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and members of Save Zimbabwe Campaign (SCZ) permission to commemorate the death of MDC-T activist Gift Tandare who was shot dead by police in 2007. Tandare was killed while Tsvangirai and other members of the civic society were severely beaten up by anti-riot police for organising a prayer meeting at Zimbabwe Grounds. MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora confirmed police had denied them permissions, as they were busy with Independence Day preparations. Inspector James Sabau said they were treating SZC with suspicion as they believed the group had other motives. “We did not deny them (permission) but they gave us a four day notice instead of the required five days,” he said.

Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo claims the six Matobo residents challenging his appointment of five Zanu-PF activists as special interest councillors are just MDC activists masquerading as villagers. Chombo, who has been firing MDC elected councillors, said it was impossible for ‘mere villagers’ to drag him to court without the instigation of educated MDC officials. “I know villagers very well, obviously this is MDC that is looking for a new way to take me to court,” said Chombo, who did not give any evidence to support his claims. In their High Court application, the six villagers argued the Zanu-PF special councillors did not have specialised skills which could be utilised by council.

A Central Committee member, Victor Matemadanda’, has appealed to Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander, General Constantine Chiwenga, to remove soldiers in the Midlands who are meddling in Zanu-PF politics. Victor Matemadanda’s action has come at a time when confusion and chaos have rocked the current Zanu-PF restructuring exercise amid revelations that soldiers are interfering in the process in order to prop up certain candidates. Zanu-PF officials claim that soldiers have been deployed in different provinces where they are engaged in factional politics, causing confusion to an already chaotic process. In a letter addressed to Chiwenga, Matemadanda complained about the deployment of several senior army and Air Force officers in Midlands province, particularly Gokwe.

MDC-T MP for Zaka West, Festus Dumbu, was last week interrogated by police over allegations that he was hunting for Zanu-PF supporters who abducted and assaulted an official of his party. He was questioned for about 50 minutes at Triangle Police Station. MDC-T alleges that Zanu-PF leadership in the Wasara area of Chiredzi North made a police report claiming that during the Easter holiday, Dumbu and youths from Zaka West, were hunting for the assailants of one of their members with the intention to revenge. They said Dumbu wanted to avenge the abduction and assault of MDC-T Zaka West official, Rhinos Musareva, by Zanu-PF supporters before they handed him to police on false charges.

FINANCE minister Tendai Biti has criticised the manner in which the indigenisation law is being interpreted and applied. He implicitly dismissed the overtures being made by the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere, who threatened to seize substantial shareholding of banks under the guise of the law. “This act has been misinterpreted. … this act says it shall be the endeavour of government to ensure that every company in Zimbabwe that is foreign-owned is at least 51%-owned (locally),” said Biti. Said Biti, “The law does not say that every foreign-owned company shall be 51%-owned, … [it] says it is the intention to reach … 51% ownership, so it’s discretionary. …..”

Business ground to a halt at the Daily News yesterday after a violent, seemingly deranged woman stormed the newspaper’s offices threatening to kill journalists, bomb the premises and influence the forced closure of the paper, as in September 2003. The self-proclaimed Zanu-PF supporter and follower of President Robert Mugabe, later identified as Shiela Mutsenhu, gained access to the paper’s offices in Harare under false pretences. Once inside, she launched a vitriolic attack on the paper threatening to unleash the might of Mugabe and Zanu-PF supporters on the paper to beat up and kill reporters as well as bomb the paper’s offices. Then, in front of all, she urinated in the company’s reception area and left.

The violent ZANU-PF youth gang that has terrorised residents of Mbare suburb in Harare has started campaigning for the party, forcing innocent civilians to reveal their personal details and ordering them to vote for Robert Mugabe in the next election. The gang, operating with impunity and the support of top ZANU-PF officials, have been regularly forcing residents, vendors and passersby to attend ZANU-PF rallies held in the area. The most recent incident occurred last Saturday at Number Five grounds near Mbare Netball Complex, where people with no identity documents were forced to reveal their details to the group, on the promise that Chipangano would approach the Registrar General for help in registering them to vote.

MDC-T Chief of Staff, Abisha Nyanguwo, arrested this week on false charges of malicious damage to property, was granted $500 bail pending trial in Gweru, and the matter postponed to 11 May. MDC-T feels that Nyanguwo will not receive a fair trial as evidenced by proceedings so far. Nyanguwo appeared before the Gweru magistrate yesterday morning but the bail hearing could not start as there were no State witnesses. A police officer, Archford Tumbare, based in Zhombe was then sought so as to nail down Nyanguwo. Nyanguwo’s vehicle was allegedly seen in Mvuma collecting explosives. He then supposedly went to Gweru, planted the explosives at the Zanu-PF offices and blew them up in December last year.

A student activist at Masvingo Polytechnic College was ordered to pay $150 after being convicted of assault. Prosper Tiringindi was arrested in February along with four other students who had demanded their money back for a course that was cancelled. The students were charged with assault, but insist they were innocent. According to Darlington Madzonga from Students Solidarity Trust (SST), Tiringindi failed to enter campus grounds on the day in question and he had three witnesses. “… he went with the others but was stopped by security guards at the gate,” Madzonga said. He explained that Tiringindi was targeted by the Principal at Masvingo Polytech because he speaks out for students and is a popular leader.

ZANU-PF has seized another of Zimbabwe’s few remaining conservancies after a four year legal battle, handing it to former ZANU-PF Minister, Shuvai Mahofa, despite warnings from parliament about the destruction of conservancies. A parliamentary report, compiled by MPs and government officials, singled out top ZANU-PF and military officials as being responsible for this destruction, stating that conservancies should be restricted to indigenous ‘investors’ with demonstrable “interest and experience in wildlife conservation …” Johnny Rodrigues of Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF) said the takeover of Savuli Conservancy has “nothing to do with conservation,” warning that the first thing that will happen is all the animals will be killed.

Robert Mugabe returned to Harare early on Thursday, amid fresh rumors about his health after spending almost two weeks on a private visit to Singapore. Despite the long flight from Singapore, via Johannesburg, Mugabe chaired a cabinet meeting that started soon after 10am. He went to Singapore on 31st March on what was officially described as a visit related to his daughter’s education. It is believed Mugabe (thought to have prostate cancer) may have had an ‘episode’ at his home and was flown urgently to Singapore. The fact he cancelled two cabinet meetings, and a special ZANU-PF politburo meeting, fueled speculation that he had encountered health problems, once again affecting affairs of state.

Stanley Ncube, Zapu’s organising secretary for Umguza in Matabeleland North was arrested on Wednesday for campaigning for “devolution of power” to be included in the new constitution. A group of Zanu-PF youths spotted Ncube distributing Zapu flyers at a funeral, calling people in Umguza constituency to vote “Yes” for a new constitution which includes “devolution of power” in a referendum expected in June. The Zanu-PF youths grabbed Ncube and handed him over to two police officers who were also at the funeral, accusing him of ‘causing alarm and despondency’. They took him to Inyathi police station before taking him to Lupane police station. Matabeleland North police spokesperson Siphiwe Makonese was out of her office.

MDC-T supporters, friends and family members of 29 MDC-T members accused of murdering a Glen View policeman last year, were shocked as Justice Bhunu reserved judgement on their bail appeal on Wednesday. The group were seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court for their bail consideration, which has dragged on without a decision. Some of the activists have now served a year in remand. But Justice Chinembiri Bhunu declined, saying he would give a ruling in writing. The case has been postponed eight times since starting last month and Defence lawyers completed their submissions two weeks ago. The state has denied the group bail, claiming that they are flight risks since their trial is pending.

Mugabe’s lieutenants said on Tuesday that President Mugabe alive and well, and was due home on Wednesday. Several Zanu-PF members were expected to line up at the airport to meet him. Zanu-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo said: “These reports are the works of our detractors. They want to set us against each other ...” Meanwhile Webster Shamu ordered journalists from NewsDay and Daily News to his office at 11 am Wednesday and gave them a dressing down. “He was fuming,” said one of the editors. “He called Tafataona Mahoso (chief executive officer, Zimbabwe Media Commission) and summoned him to a meeting at 11:30 am, saying it was high time started acting on errant journalists.”

Masvingo - Three white farmers were ordered to vacate their 5 526 hectare conservancy to pave way for former deputy Minister for Gender and Youth, Shuvai Mahofa. Magistrate Jabulani Muzinyati last week ordered Terry Andres, John Taylor and Grant Hudson to surrender the property to Mahofa who should take occupation until 2033. Mahofa has been battling in court for the Savuli Conservancy, which she grabbed under the land reform programme in 2007, for the past four years. Muzinyathi dismissed the appeal by the three white farmers with costs, in which they had argued that earlier submissions that had been made were not taken into account and that Mahofa had not paid them compensation for the property.

MDC-T Chief of Staff, Abisha Nyanguwo, was yesterday arrested and detained at Gweru Central Police Station on false charges of malicious damage to property. Allegations by the police against Nyanguwo are that, his vehicle was last year in December, seen in Mvuma collecting explosives before going to Gweru where he planted the explosives at the Zanu-PF offices resulting in the offices blowing up. He is expected to appear at the Gweru Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow. On 22 March 2012 heavily armed police officers raided Nyanguwo’s residence in Harare, claiming to search for weapons of war and mass destruction before they impounded his Isuzu double cab truck alleging that it was used to bomb the Zanu-PF offices.

Energy Minister, Elton Mangoma, ruled out mandatory blending of petrol and ethanol leaving the US$600 million Green Fuels ethanol project in the lurch, possibly threatening some 5000 jobs. Green Fuels is sitting with 10 million litres of product, having stopped production at its Chisumbanje plant after running out of storage space, putting jobs at risk and adversely impacting farmers who supply cane to the mill. Mangoma said the company was licensed and free to export its ethanol if it was struggling to sell the product locally. Green Fuels said the option is being explored, but added that the product would simply be imported back into Zimbabwe at a higher cost, blended with petrol.

Hon. Jeffryson Chitando, MP for Masvingo Central was this morning detained at Masvingo Central Police Station on claims that he threatened to kill Chief Murinye. Soon after his release, he was re-arrested by two police officers from the Law and Order Section. The police said they were detaining him after receiving a complaint from Chief Murinye the MP had threatened to kill him. Chitando dismissed the police and the chief’s claims saying the issue was nothing but political. Chief Murinye is a known Zanu-PF supporter. Last month the Zanu-PF chief summoned Chitando to his court to explain why he had held a MDC rally in the area, but the MP declined to attend.

A farmer’s organisation has appealed to the government to declare the drought affecting most parts of the country, due to erratic rainfalls, a national disaster. Donald Khumalo, presidentof an influential farmers’ grouping, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) said the hunger stalking the country as a result of the 2011/2012 poor rains meant that the government had to act “resolutely”. “As a nation that has always prioritised agriculture, I am shocked that the government is not considering this crisis as a national disaster,” he said. “It is the duty of government to feed its people and we are appealing to government to take some form of action and intervene in this disaster,” he said.

Some rural youths say they are unable access empowerment funds created by the government so they can start income generating projects through the indigenization program targeting shares in foreign mining firms. The youths say they cannot meet stringent conditions tied to the money like purchasing a shelf company and crafting detailed project proposals, and others were unable to source application forms from the banks or the empowerment ministry. Youths from places such as Murehwa, Mtoko, Hwange and Uzumba had not even heard about funds that were available to them. At least $200,000 has so far been disbursed since last year by the bank with the bulk of the funds being accessed by urban youth.

The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has approached the information ministry and other government departments to help facilitate the banning of foreign publications which have failed to register to continue operating in the country. Information secretary George Charamba said that ZMC had notified his office of its decision to have the publications, among them the United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean, and South African newspapers The Sunday Times and the Mail and Guardian, banned for failing to regularize their operations in Zimbabwe The commission is also seeking support from the finance and home affairs ministries to help stop the papers from circulating in the country, as the foreign newspapers continued to sell in the country without following a 2010 directive to register with the commission.

Five houses belonging to four MDC members were burnt to ashes by known Zanu-PF activists in Gudo Village in Bikita South, Masvingo on the eve of 29 March. Reports from Bikita say the houses belonging to Million and Muranganwa Muonde and brothers, Josiah and William Kochoro, all MDC activists, were burnt to ashes while property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed. The suspects who were identified as Tafa Mahachi and Chitenda, from Masvina Village, and a Chanhuhwa who are known Zanu-PF supporters, were arrested after the four made a report at Bikita Police Station. They were later released. Police say they are investigating. Reports indicate politically motivated violence by Zanu-PF hooligans is increasing.

Gloves are off between Prime Minister (PM) Morgan Tsvangirai and Indigenisation minister Saviour Kasukuwere with the latter declaring he will not be stopped by anyone, calling himself “a Hitler tenfold”. Kasukuwere remained defiant yesterday, saying he was responsible for administering the Indigenisation Act hence he will not take orders from Tsvangirai whom he labelled a “mouthpiece of British Prime Minister David Cameron”. Tsvangirai is Kasukuwere’s boss in government structures where he deputises President Robert Mugabe and chairs the Council of Ministers. Kasukuwere’s contempt for Tsvangirai drew the ire of the MDC-T youth assembly who said:“Kasukuwere has put the country and the government into disrepute by continuously saying statements that contradict government policy.

Zanu-PF is desperate to "sink" the constitutional making process and railroad elections this year, with advisors such as Jonathan Moyo trying to discredit the process. Moyo claims the team is stuffed with "mafia" elements bent on using the "devolution proposal" to effect regime change. "...the Copac mafia …is desperate and … resorting to fallacies and scare tactics … to force adoption of a Copac draft constitution to secure their floundering regime change or succession interests,” he added. However, Copac officials said that Moyo’s views “showed panic and an "idle mind". “He is terrified of people’s views. He should be careful of contempt as the constitution process is a parliamentary standing order,” said officials.

Leakages remain a headache for the Zimbabwe diamond industry, with allegations that people in positions of power are benefitting from the illicit trade, raising questions on security of the gemstones. Farai Maguwu of Centre for Research and Development, reckons the problem lies in the transportation and storage of the gemstones. “The volume of diamonds that were found in India last year is similar to this one that was allegedly being smuggled out of the country by [an] Israeli [pilot] which raises suspicion,” Maguwu said. “There is no way 1 300 pieces could come from Marange,” Maguwu said. “Such volumes can only come from where there are stored [with both political and financial muscle].”

Ruling in the case of human rights activist, and Restoration of Human Rights vice-president, Sten Zvorwadza, who faces charges of “posing a threat of future violence” was postponed to Tuesday. Magistrate Victoria Mashamba said she had not yet received an application for discharge filed by the defence. The defence says Zanu-PF youths approached Zvorwadza while he was installing underground paraffin tanks at the Harare Municipality pump house in Mbare. They ordered him to stop work, claiming Mbare was Zanu-PF territory and threatened him with unspecified action. Zvorwadza made a report at Mbare Police station, but was instead detained and accused of threatening to murder Zanu-PF officials Clifford Mazarura, and Clever Ntabande.

LOCAL Government Minister Ignatius Chombo is set to clash with MDC-T after suspending Gwanda Mayor Lionel De Necker with immediate effect. Chombo has launched a fight against all democratically elected councilors of MDC and MDC-T. On Wednesday, Chombo suspended De Necker, writing a letter to De Necker announcing the suspension for defying his directive to appoint Mrs P Nkala as a substantive Chamber Secretary for Gwanda Municipality. The mayor confirmed he had recieved the letter. He elaborated that the directive from Chombo re Mrs P Nkala had been dealt with by the appropriate council bodies and it was not his decision as an individual to adhere, or not to adhere to Chombo’s directive.

A government subsidized loan scheme, meant to benefit businesses in marginalized areas, is failing to help needy companies and individuals in Matabeleland and other provinces. The Distressed Industries and Marginalized Areas Fund (DIMAF) was established by government in response to criticism that some areas of Zimbabwe had been ignored since independence. CABS Bank was a designated partner. Reporters saw copies of 216 applications, processed by CABS under the DIMAF scheme. Only one company in Bulawayo received a loan. The rest were in Mashonaland and none in the Midlands or Manicaland. Results point to a continuation of the problem the scheme was supposed to address – underdevelopment of provinces outside Mashonaland .

A ZANU-PF thug who allegedly tortured MDC supporters during the 2008 elections has threatened villagers in Zaka Central, warning that they will experience worse violence after the next election if they vote for MDC-T. Former torture base commander, Cephas Ganyaka, force marched Zaka villagers to a meeting at Chimunjanja Primary school on Wednesday, telling them elections will be held this year on a date set by Robert Mugabe. The meeting was also addressed by the ZANU PF former chairman for ward 18, Daniel Mativenga. According to trusted sources Ganyaka has banned all political activity by other parties in Zaka Central and is threatening MDC activists with unspecified action if they do not comply.

MDC Zaka West district secretary for Defence and Security, Rhinos Musareva, was abducted on Saturday at Chivamba Business Centre by suspected Zanu-PF thugs and war veterans led by Dunanga Bwazvo and Mupangani Chekero from neighbouring Chiredzi North. He was handcuffed and taken to Tsvana, a Zanu-PF activist, where he was severely assaulted. They then took him to the home of a prophet, Hardlife Kuzonyei, whom they assaulted for praying for Musareva when he asked him. His ‘crime’ was that he had prayed for MDC in Zanu-PF territory. They then force-marched a woman with them to Oscro Farm Police Base where the injured were handed to Constable Moyo and accused of stealing from the woman.

ZANU-PF ministers on Tuesday boycotted a special Council of Ministers meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to discuss the controversial manner in which the indigenisation programme is being implemented. Tsvangirai’s spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka said the indigenisation issue was affecting many ministries and, at the suggestion of the Minister of Indigenisation Minister himself, it was agreed since there was no cabinet meeting that week, then that day would be turned into the special session. Issues to be discussed were the indigenisation law, its implementation, and the issue of the mixed messages being given by GPA. However, none of the Zanu-PF ministers showed up. Tamborinyoka said it was clear the boycott was ‘choreographed’.

ZACRAS was outraged by actions of MP for Chakari, Zachariah Ziyambi, who banned members of his constituency from listening to Studio 7 and reading newspapers perceived to be hostile to ZANU-PF. On 2 April the ZANU-PF MP for Chakari, Zachariah Ziyambi, advised his constituency not to listen to Voice of America’s Studio 7 or read newspapers hostile to ZANU-PF , so that they do not get distracted. Honourable Ziyambi said this during a parliamentary workshop organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zimbabwe) in Kariba. ZACRAS said it was deplorable that the same individuals whom Zimbabweans entrusted and voted into office, are the same individuals who seek to gag citizen’s right to access information.

Clearly signalling that the democratic reform agenda of the GPA is off-track, Masvingo provincial police barred the Youth Forum from carrying out a road-show arranged for Mupandawana growth-point in Gutu. The road-show is part of the organization’s ‘1 Million New Voters Campaign’ aimed at encouraging young people across the country to register as voters to empower them with the right to vote during the next elections. Cancellation of the event came as a surprise since the organization had fulfilled all obligations as prescribed by the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) as well as other unwritten provisions from various quarters. The person responsible was Chief Superintendent R. Mubaiwa, District Police head for Masvingo East.

Desperate Buhera villagers have blamed Zanu-PF officials and war veterans for exposing them to permanent hunger after they chased away two NGOs providing them food. The long dry spell has hit them hard. “If we do not get food soon people might die. We had irrigation schemes that sustained us with the help of NGOs. Since they have gone, most of us are hungry,” said Tonderai Mushavaviri, a village elder in Chief Nyashanu area. “The donors worked tirelessly to save us from hunger. I do not have anyone to look after me. The donors used to look after me, but they have gone. Who will look after me?” said an elderly villager, Stanslaas Taremeredzwa.

Some rural youths say they are unable access empowerment funds created by the government so they can start income generating projects through the indigenization program targeting shares in foreign mining firms. The youths say they cannot meet stringent conditions tied to the money like purchasing a shelf company and crafting detailed project proposals, and others were unable to source application forms from the banks or the empowerment ministry. Youths from places such as Murehwa, Mtoko, Hwange and Uzumba had not even heard about funds that were available to them. At least $200,000 has so far been disbursed since last year by the bank with the bulk of the funds being accessed by urban youth.