The Zimbabwe Situation

http://www.iol.co.za/

February 25 2013 at 06:36pm
By SAPA

Harare - Zimbabwe police vowed Monday to pursue a crackdown on civic society
organisations, saying some Western-backed groups posed a “serious security
threat”.

Police have in recent weeks raided leading human and political rights
non-governmental organisations in what activists say is calculated
harassment ahead of a constitutional referendum due on March 16.

“Some of these NGOs really are going to pose a serious security threat to
our country,” deputy police commissioner general Innocent Matibhiri told a
parliament committee on defence and home affairs.

“We have already deployed sufficient intelligence network through the
country to monitor everyone, political parties and NGOs included,” he said.

Last week police forcibly entered the offices of a local poll observer
group, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), by breaking part of the
perimeter wall and confiscated documents.

Matibhiri said police had confiscated radios and communication equipment
being distributed by NGOs in rural areas.

“People are just distributing them (radios) but they are not telling where
the gadgets came from and how they got into the country,” he said.

“Under such an environment, we can only suspect that whoever is doing that
has some intentions that are not good for the country, and until we get
satisfactory answers....we will continue to confiscate those gadgets.”

He said Western nations with a political agenda were behind the NGOs.

“Ninety-nine percent of the NGOs are Western-sponsored, you can only deduce
the intentions.”

“We know the history of our country, who we have been fighting with and who
our friends have been,” he told the parliamentarians.

“This is why we are saying the NGOs are definitely under a spotlight ... we
are very clear-minded as to the intentions of most of the NGOs.”

Zimbabwe votes next month on a new constitution drafted by the unity
government of President Robert Mugabe and his arch-rival Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai.

The referendum will be followed by elections expected later in the year.

Police said last week they had seized illegal radio receivers, mobile phone
handsets and copies of field reports from the offices of a rights
organisation in Harare.

National police spokeswoman Charity Charamba claimed the radio equipment was
from Western countries and was to be “used for hate speech” and to discredit
the elections.

Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change party has urged the police to
stop harassing rights activists and its party supporters.

Matibhiri rejected suggestions that the police sided with certain political
parties, and said they were working to ensure the polls were free of
violence.

“We are police officers, we definitely have political parties that we
support and no-one can take that away from the police. But we are guided by
principles,” he said. - Sapa-AFP

Women activists blast police

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/

Monday, 25 February 2013 10:44
HARARE - At least 10 civil society groups are facing the sword, as police
intensify a crackdown on non-governmental organisations which has now
attracted global attention.

The Daily News can reveal that police are combing through potential evidence
to nail the 10 civil society groups, whose operations include documenting
cases of human rights abuses and electoral irregularities.

Under siege NGOs, on the other hand, say they are rushing to Zimbabwe’s
power-sharing agreement broker, Sadc, for respite after police bosses gave
the green light for an intensified crackdown.

“We want to meet President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
and Welshman Ncube so that this uncouth police behaviour is brought to an
end. We are not ending there; we are taking the matter up with Sadc because
we believe this is an uncultured and uncivilised behaviour that security
agents want to enforce on Zimbabweans,” said Okay Machisa, director of
ZimRights, one of the organisations under spotlight from police.

“If they (police) want to ban radios (Elton Microlink radio sets), they
should also ban Chinese cellphones because we receive news and information
on these gadgets. Where on earth have you seen a normal police force banning
radio sets? It is barbaric and an illegal action which we are not going to
condone,” said Machisa.

Sadc is heavily involved in Zimbabwe’s internal politics after acting as the
mediator and guarantor of the power sharing Global Political Agreement,
which saw bitter rivals Mugabe and Tsvangirai turn into uneasy coalition
government partners.

Sadc has warned against a repeat of the 2008 violence which broke out after
Mugabe lost to Tsvangirai in first round voting. A subsequent runoff turned
into a farce after Tsvangirai pulled out citing gross violence led by the
military, forcing Sadc to intervene.

The crackdown, which comes ahead of watershed polls to be held most likely
in June, has raised fears of a violent campaign involving State agents. And
it appears police are not letting up.

Police sources told the Daily News that the crackdown on NGOs will continue
until after elections, with more arrests expected soon.

According to police sources, the onslaught, which started in Harare, will be
spread to target other NGOs based in areas where Zanu PF’s popularity is
waning such as Masvingo and Matabeleland region.

Most of the targeted NGOs are involved in human rights, democracy and
election related work.

“These groups are no longer safe. At least 10 are on the radar,” said a
source.

Security agents are looking at every detail of their operations and very
soon it will be Armageddon against these groups. If you look closely at
Zimbabwe Peace Project, that organisation will be scrutinised carefully to
establish what its agenda is in the coming elections,” said a police source.

NGOs under surveillance by police include Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe,
Counselling Services Unit, ZimRights, ZPP, Zimbabwe Election Support Network
and other groups perceived to be pro-democracy.

Last week, police spokesperson Charity Charamba warned NGOs that arrests
were imminent, claiming that some of the organisations had infiltrated Zanu
PF and were a risk to State security.

She said ZPP has given naming codes to all political parties in a bid to
mislead the public.

“ZRP (police) has it on good authority that certain entities like the
Zimbabwe Peace Project purport to be engaged in humanitarian work as an NGO
whereas they are an illegal conduit to the regime change agenda by carrying
out covert political activities tantamount to causing a threat to State
security and violating the country’s laws,” she said.

“From evidence gathered so far, arrests will be made but as you know we
investigate to arrest we don’t just arrest until we have facts and evidence
at hand,” Charamba said.

Her boss, commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri, made similar threats at a
pass-out parade on Thursday saying NGOs working against Zanu PF would be
crushed.

“May I warn such unscrupulous elements bent on propagating and perpetuating
violence in a naive agenda of tarnishing the image of the country, that the
police will maintain a zero tolerance,” he said.

“The long arm of the law shall descend heavily on these malcontents
irrespective of their status in life,” he said. - Xolisani Ncube

12 year old dies after suspected arson attack in Headlands

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
25 February 2013

Christpower Maisiri, the 12 year-old boy who died in a suspected arson
attack on Saturday in Headlands is said to have survived two similar
attacks.

Christpower, the son of MDC-T official Shepherd Maisiri, is expected to be
buried on Thursday and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has indicated he
will attend the burial ceremony.

MDC-T secretary-general Tendai Biti told journalists in Harare Monday the
party will approach SADC to deal with the upsurge in violence in the country
in recent weeks.

The perpetrators of the attack are believed to be the senior Maisiri’s
political enemies in the area, who significantly include senior ZANU PF
cabinet member, Didymus Mutasa.

Shepherd Maisiri told SW Radio Africa on Monday that his son was born in
hiding “on a mountain” after his wife fled their homestead when it was burnt
down in 2000. Maisiri is the local deputy organising secretary of the MDC-T
in Headlands.

He said his wife was heavily pregnant when on the 2nd of June 2000 the
homestead was attacked and burnt to the ground. Owing to the trauma of
having to flee during the night, she went into labour and delivered
Chrispower prematurely.

In 2008 Maisiri’s wife was raped by Lovemore Manenji, a ZANU PF activist who
during the same incident broke the boy’s leg. Manenji is serving a 65-year
jail term after he was convicted for the crime. Maisiri claims it took the
police almost two years to investigate the case because of Manenji’s
powerful links to ZANU PF officials, especially to Mutasa.

Almost a year later on 29th September 2009, the hut Christpower was sleeping
in was burnt down. The boy managed to escape but suffered burns on his back.

On 12th November 2010 he again received burns to his buttocks after another
hut he was sleeping in was torched by assailants thought to be ZANU PF
cadres. This time he escaped before the roof collapsed. After this Maisiri
took his son for counselling sessions because he had been so traumatised
that he had trouble communicating.

In this most recent attack on Saturday at midnight, four of Christpower’s
siblings survived after an elder brother sleeping in another hut close by
smashed the door open and rescued them.

Maisiri claims he has been the main target of all the arson attacks. In
total he said, there have been nine attacks on him and his family since
2000, which he believes is because of his activities on behalf of the MDC-T
in the Headlands. Maisiri said: “Mutasa is my greatest enemy and this man
has made my life miserable here in Headlands. I don’t have any faith in the
police doing their work properly. I’m a marked man in this place.”

Maisiri went on to elaborate about the attack that occurred on Saturday
night: “Last Friday, I was threatened by Gilbert Makura and Isaac Dhogo that
they were going to finish me off and barely 24 hours later my homestead is
attacked again and this time my son dies in the inferno. It is clear who the
culprits are and I’ve told the police all the names.”

At the time his hut was set ablaze on Saturday, Maisiri had gone to Charenga
in ward 7 of headlands on a campaign trail. He was alerted to of the
disturbances by one of his family members. But by the time he returned home,
Christpower had already died in the blaze.

It took police from the Inyati Mine station 19 hours to attend to the scene
of crime. Maisiri explained that no arrests have ever been made in the nine
times that his homestead has been attacked.

Despite the attacks and fear that Mutasa is behind them, Maisiri is still
intending to contest against ZANU PF in the forthcoming parliamentary
elections.

Explaining his determination Maisiri says, “My son has died because of
politics. His death will not be in vain. Those that have committed this
crime will one day pay but for now I want to give my son a decent burial and
I’m happy that our party leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he will attend the
burial on Thursday.”

Statement by the United States Embassy on the death of Christpower Maisiri

Statement by the United States Embassy on the death of Christpower Maisiri, son of MDC-T Headlands district deputy organizing secretary, on February 23

Harare, February 25, 2013: The U.S. Embassy extends its condolences to the Maisiri family in Headlands on the February 23 death of their 12-year-old son, Christpower Simbarashe Maisiri, in a terrible fire that is currently under investigation. Christpower’s father is a Manicaland local official of the MDC-T party, and his home and family have been the target of political violence on multiple occasions over the past decade.

This tragic death presents an opportunity to the Government of Zimbabwe and the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC), which are responsible in part for creating and promoting an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding between the political parties, to demonstrate their commitment to justice by swiftly and professionally investigating the circumstances that led to the death of this child.

If this was a case of arson, particularly if it was politically motivated, swift professional law enforcement work to bring the perpetrators to justice is vital to reassuring Zimbabweans that their political leaders sincerely want, and will insist on, peace and peaceful elections in 2013. We call on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conduct a thorough investigation of this case and, it if is determined to be arson, to hold all responsible for this atrocity to account.

As Zimbabwe brings its Global Political Agreement to an end, non-partisan, efficient, and professional law enforcement is critical to gaining the confidence of the Zimbabwean people, neighboring countries, and the international community. Respect for the rule of law and apolitical policing are also essential for creating the conditions for credible and non-violent Zimbabwean elections later this year.

Comments and queries should be addressed to Sharon Hudson-Dean, Counselor for Public Affairs. E-mail: hararepas@state.gov Tel. +263 4 758800-1, Fax: 758802.

Violence returns as Zanu PF ouster looks immiment

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 10 hours 28 minutes ago

A 12-year-old son of an MDC-T parliamentary aspirant in Headlands was burnt
to ashes on Saturday night when a house he was sleeping in was allegedly
petrol- bombed by suspected Zanu PF supporters.
The charred remains of Christpowers Maisiri, who was in Grade Four at Ruura
Primary School, were still in the burnt hut when NewsDay arrived yesterday
afternoon.
The MDC-T official, Sherpherd Maisiri, said the family was waiting for the
police to take the body away.
Police at the scene declined to comment referring questions to head office.
Police spokesperson for Manicaland Province, Asssistant Inspector Luxson
Chananda said last night that he was not aware of the incident. He promised
to check with the Headlands station today.
MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the incident: “The MDC-T is
extremely saddened by the loss of a young life at the hands of cold blooded
murderers who are obviously working on behalf of Zanu PF.”
He added: “The callous murder unquestionably bears the signature of Zanu PF.
It’s high timepeople put an end to Zanu PF hegemony by voting them out of
power.”
When NewsDay arrived at the Maisiri home, scores of MDC-T supporters were
present.
Neighbours said they suspected a petrol bomb was used. Christpowers and his
three brothers were sleeping in the house when disaster struck. The brothers
escaped with minor burns.
One of the brothers, James Maisiri, who rescued his two siblings, said the
roof of the hut collapsed before he could save Christpowers.
“A blast awakened me and when I went out to investigate, the hut was already
in flames,” James said.
Maisiri told NewsDay he was not at home at the time of the tragedy, but said
he strongly suspected local Zanu PF members (names supplied) were
responsible for the inferno. They had verbally threatened him previously on
several occasions, he said.
“This is the ninth time they have burnt my house down. My son who died today
survived another such attack in June 2008. He already had burn marks on his
back from the previous fires,” Maisiri said, showing NewsDay numerous scars
on his own body, allegedly sustained from earlier Zanu PF attacks.
Maisiri said local Zanu PF activists had been threatening to “deal” with him
for causing the incarceration of their leader Lovemore Manenji, a Zanu PF
2008 torture base commander who was convicted for various counts of
politically-motivated violence, including rape.
He was sentenced in 2009 to 52 years and is presently in jail.
“Since the MDC was formed, these mountains have been my home. They have
burnt my houses nine times since 2000. I lost two children to the cold
weather while I was hiding in the mountains. In 2003, they stabbed my
younger brother to death after mistaking him for me. They have also been
attempting to take away my fields,” Maisiri said amidst sobs.
Zanu PF secretary for administration, Didymus Mutasa, is the current MP for
Headlands.
MDC-T secretary-general Tendai Biti confirmed the incident.
“Our deputy organising secretary for Headlands, Shepherd Maisiri, had his
house burnt today (yesterday) and his son who was 12 years, died in the
incident. The boy was born in the bushes in the year 2000 after his parents
were attacked and fled their home.”
He said this while addressing thousands of supporters at a rally in
Chitungwiza yesterday.
Biti revealed there was a plot to assassinate the MDC-T leadership by Zanu
PF as the country moved towards elections.
He said he had been briefed of the plot by a sympathetic Zanu PF official.
“I was with one of the big bosses today (yesterday) and he was telling me
that they want to kill us. They want to carry out assassinations,” Biti
said.
He said those targeted were people like him who usually move around
unprotected.
Meanwhile Biti urged the MDC-T to vote “Yes” at the referendum as the draft
constitution was a “baby” of the MDC-T.
“This constitution is the baby of the MDC. The constitution we are going to
vote for on 16 March came from the sweat of the children of MDC. It’s a
constitution which came from the graves of the MDC-T. It is a constitution
which came from the beatings of the MDC.
“So this is our baby. The constitution is a byproduct of the people’s
struggle for democratic change of Zimbabwe,” Biti said. - NewDay

Zanu PF unleashing full scale violence - Morgan Tsvangirai

http://www.politicsweb.co.za

25 February 2013

MDC President says 12yr old boy Christpowers Simbarashe Maisiri murdered
over weekend

Zanu PF in a state of panic and on full scale violence

The MDC is extremely enraged at the increase of politically motivated
incidents of violence taking place throughout the country at the instigation
of the chaos faction of Zanu PF.

At the weekend a 12 year old boy Christpowers Simbarashe Maisiri, the son of
the MDC Headlands district deputy organising secretary, Shepherd Maisiri was
callously murdered on Saturday by Zanu PF thugs.

The police from Inyati Mine Police Station were informed about the incident
at around 12 midnight but said they could not attend the scene because they
had no fuel.

They only arrived at the scene 7 hours later.

This is the ninth time Maisiri's house has been attacked by Zanu PF
gendarmes but typicaly no arrests have ever been made.

In Gutu Central Constituency, 50 year old Albert Musvosvo an MDC branch
chairman in ward 17 was severely assaulted by a mob of Zanu PF supporters at
last weekend and sustained horrible injuries. Again no arrests have been
made.

In another incident, barely a month ago, William Sibanda, an MDC youth
supporter was abducted by a known agent from the CIO at gun-point at
Nyamandlovu bus terminus in Matabeleland North province. The CIO operative
is only known as Chibango and operates from Lupane Police Station but he has
not been arrested.

As if to compliment these acts of barbarism by Zanu PF, the Police have
embarked on a crusade against the people in particular carrying out raids
against MDC leadership. Just a week ago they raided the home of Hon Reggie
Moyo in Bulawayo looking for what they called subversive material.

For the MDC this harassment of pro-democracy institutions by the state is
totally unacceptable.
The partisan and unprofessional conduct being displayed by the police and
army is totally unacceptable. We note with displeasure the incessant attacks
on nongovernmental organisations and other voices of dissent.

The confiscation of radios, continued police raids and arrests of
pro-democracy activists at: Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights),
the National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) and of late at the Zimbabwe
Peace Project (ZPP) and Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) points to a
serious indictment of a free democratic environment which we envisage as we
approach the election period this year.

In Matebeleland the police have also been harassing civic organizations and
people perceived to be aligned to the MDC. Recently the Habbakuk Trust and
National Youth Development Trust offices were ransacked by security
personnel looking for what they called subversive material.

The intimidation tactics are not new as Zanu PF always employs the same
tactics before national elections.

In January, ZimRights director Okay Machisa was arrested and charged by the
police in Harare for allegedly conspiring to ‘commit voter registration
fraud and publishing or communicating falsehoods.'

Machisa becomes the fifth to face similar charges after Leo Chamahwinya,
Dorcas Shereni, Tanaka Chinaka and Farai Bhani were arrested last year and
are still being held in remand prison.

The MDC's position is that the resurgence and obvious perpetuation of a
culture of impunity that has permeated the Zimbabwe body politic lately, is
totally unacceptable and should be stopped forthwith if this nation is to
move forward.

It is even more ridiculous that such unpleasant developments are happening
at the backdrop of Zanu PF leader; Robert Mugabe's repeated calls for peace
and the need for violence free elections.

As much as Mugabe has been declaring such good intentions, the behaviour of
State institutions and some of his party stalwarts points towards some very
disturbing irony.

The clear selective application of the law and continued raids by the
Zimbabwe Republic Police is ridiculous and puts paid to our call for serious
reforms of institutions, including the security sector realignment before
holding of the next elections.

It is in light of such unacceptable developments that the MDC reiterates its
call for a realignment of all institutions of the State which have a direct
bearing on the holding of free, fair and peaceful elections.

Our benchmarks in Conditions for a Sustainable Election in Zimbabwe (COSEZ)
remain as follows;

1. The adoption and implementation of an agreed new Constitution for
Zimbabwe.

2. Reform of legislative requirements for the elections:

a) Adoption of a new Electoral Act which incorporates, regional and
international standards governing the conduct of elections.
b) Media reforms that include the issuing of community radio licences to
impartial and non partisan organisations.
c) Repeal of all legislation that restricts the freedom of movement and
association in Zimbabwe including POSA, AIPPA, the Broadcasting Services Act
and the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act.
d) No member of the uniformed forces and intelligence service should
participate in any way in electioneering on behalf of any political party,
individuals or any other organisation.

3. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to be in charge of all electoral
processes including:

a) The Appointment of non partisan and impartial staff to manage the affairs
of the commission.
b) Preparing of a new voter's roll.
c) Provide voter's education on a national basis.

4. Official election observers and monitors to be in place six months before
and six months after the election to:

a) Ensure the eradication of state sponsored violence and intimidation.
b) Guarantee the secrecy, security and integrity of the vote and the voter.

The MDC wishes to point out that it is also aware of the fact that scores of
soldiers and their spouses are registering to vote in the coming national
elections in suspicious circumstances that are believed to be part of a Zanu
PF ploy to rig in the next elections. The soldiers are registering at the
Tredgold Building in Office 16 in Bulawayo, which office is responsible for
the army led Maguta Programme.

The voter registration exercise for the public was halted in Bulawayo last
month amid speculations that the Registrar General's office only allows
people aligned to Zanu PF party to register to vote. Scores of people are
being sent away from registration centres while police and army personnel
are being allowed to register to vote.

A visit to the Tredgold building revealed that ordinary people are not being
allowed to register to vote. This trend is now widespread with about 40
people being arrested in Lupane a fortnight ago while trying to exercise
their right to vote in the coming local and national elections.

The MDC condemns the selective registration process of people which targets
security personnel and people aligned to Zanu PF. The exercise is flawed and
reminiscent of the rogue processes employed by the drowning party towards
democratic elections.

The MDC remains steadfast in the march towards a new democratic
dispensation, which recognizes and respects the rights of every Zimbabwean.
The time has come for every Zimbabwean young and old to define your future
through your vote.

Statement issued by Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwean Prime Minister and
President of the MDC, February 25 2013

SA warned against ‘complicity’ in potential Zim violence

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
25 February 2013

South Africa’s government has been warned that it risks being complicit in
potential violence during Zimbabwe’s next elections, if it donates military
equipment there.

A donation of a fleet of helicopters and spare parts has been put on hold on
this basis, with a South Africa civil rights group warning that incidents of
violence and intimidation are on the rise across the border.

The group, AfriForum, last month applied for an urgent interdict to stop the
donation planned by the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) to the
Zimbabwe Defence Force. That interim interdict was granted last month to
allow time for the main application to be finalised.

The interim order was then confirmed last Friday, and will stand until the
finalised application is heard in the High Court on March 27th. South Africa’s
defence minister meanwhile has until February 28th to deliver to the court a
full record of how it came to its decision to donate the helicopters.

The entire fleet of French built Alouette III helicopters and spare parts
was set aside as a ‘donation’ by the SANDF. But AfriForum is seeking to stop
this happening, arguing that Zimbabwe’s human rights record, and the role
that the country’s military has played in previous elections, support fears
of future violence during the next poll.

AfriForum’s legal representatives had written to the South Africa Minister
of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as well as Justice Minister Jeff Radebe,
(who chairs the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, the NCACC)
about speculation that the SANDF had decided to donate its Alouette fleet to
Zimbabwe.

The ministers were given seven days to respond to the letter, but AfriForum
did not receive any answer or explanation. Instead spokespeople for both
ministers confirmed to the Mail & Guardian newspaper that the donation was
finalised and that delivery of the helicopters was imminent.

According to AfriForum’s legal representative, Willie Spies, they are trying
to prevent the donation because South Africa risks being complicit in any
future violence in Zimbabwe.

“We’ve read reports of new incidents of violence, torture and murder. If
that is the way in which ZANU PF conducts the polls, then South Africa
cannot be complicit to that,” Spies said.

Armed robbers terrorise city over weekend

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, 25 February 2013 00:00

The ZRP has warned the public of armed robbers on the loose

Crime Reporter

CASES of armed robberies have increased in and around Harare with at least
five people losing cars, cash, cellphones and valuables at gunpoint over the
weekend in separate incidences. Police confirmed and said no one was shot or
injured. This comes in the wake that at least 2 000 criminal suspects are
roaming the streets free after being released on bail pending appeal.

In one of the cases, last Friday, a woman in Borrowdale lost a Honda Ballade
worth US$13 000, US$700 cash and gold necklaces to a lone armed robber who
broke into her house while she was asleep.

The woman who was in her bedroom tried to scream but the armed robber
produced a pistol threatening to shoot her.

He then demanded cash and was given US$700 cash before threatening to rape
the victim alleging that he was HIV positive.

The victim surrendered car keys and was later force marched to the vehicle
which was parked outside before being bundled into the car.

She later managed to jump out of the vehicle and the robber sped off. A
report was made to the police.

A Harare man lost a Toyota Raum to armed robbers he had offered a lift at a
service station in the city to Kuwadzana.

It is reported that on approaching the Tynwald flyover one of the robbers
produced a pistol and forced the man to comply with his orders.

They then searched him and took US$140 and a Samsung cellphone before
pushing him out of the moving vehicle.

The robbers sped off.

Four armed robbers who were travelling in a blue Mazda Familia got away with
US$25 and a Nokia cellphone after robbing a woman they had offered a lift in
Newlands to the city centre.

The woman was traveling alone when the incident occurred at around 4.30am on
Saturday.

One of the robbers produced a pistol and threatened to shoot the woman
before ordering her to surrender cash and valuables.

She complied and the robbers later dumped her before driving off.

Another group of robbers pounced at Sunridge Service station early Sunday
morning and got away with US$36 and a cellphone belonging to a petrol
attendant.

The robbers, traveling in a Fun Cargo arrived at the service station and
approached one of the fuel attendants alleging that they wanted US$5 petrol.

It is alleged that one of the armed robbers jumped out of the vehicle
holding a rifle ordering the attendant to surrender all the money but he
refused.

The attendant was manhandled and ordered to lie down while the robbers were
searching him and they took the cash and the cellphone.

Police said the attendant pressed a panic button which was in his pocket and
the robbers jumped into their vehicle and sped off.

Another man lost a Nokia cellphone to two armed robbers who waylaid him near
the Kopje area in the city.

The man who was on his way to the area had disembarked a kombi at
Copacabanna when the incident occurred.

He was later approached by the two robbers and one of them was armed with a
pistol which they pointed to the complainant before searching him.

Police said no arrests have since been made and investigations are still in
progress.

Members of the public have been urged to be wary of these criminals and it
is suspected that they are armed and dangerous.

This year, at least 2000 criminal suspects are roaming the streets free as
their appeals could not be dealt with timeously due to shortage of
transcribers and poor recording equipment, a development that was
compromising the justice delivery system.

The protracted delays have resulted in the suspects, among them carjackers,
rapists, armed robbers and fraudsters, continuing with their criminal
activities while others have since breached their bail conditions and
disappeared.

Judicial Service Commission deputy secretary, Mr Rex Shana, recently said
the High Court was sitting on 2000 appeal cases while the Supreme Court had
122 cases.

He lamented the huge backlog citing combination of factors.

Last year, police confirmed that hardcore criminals released from Harare
jails were believed to be committing armed robberies and carjackings.

Some of these criminals were reportedly released on bail, bail pending
appeal and others were said to have completed their sentences.

Zanu PF in plot to assassinate MDC: Biti

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

Monday, 25 February 2013 11:10

HARARE - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC claims to have unearthed a
plot by Zanu PF to assassinate its leadership ahead of watershed elections
expected this year.

The sensational claims were made yesterday by party secretary-general Tendai
Biti while addressing over 2 000 supporters in Chitungwiza town, 30 km south
east of the capital Harare.

Biti, who is also Finance minister in the shaky coalition government, said
his party had information that Zanu PF would not resort to open violence
against his party supporters as was the case with the controversial 2008
presidential run-off but will use systematic elimination of the party’s
leadership through assassinations.

He said Zanu PF was afraid of losing the right to host the United Nations
World Tourism Organisation general assembly set for August and would thus
change tactics.

“I have been informed today by our friends in the security forces that they
have a plot to assassinate our leadership to instil fear into our
supporters. They cannot win any elections without using violence but we are
not afraid of anyone,” said Biti. - Mugove Tafirenyika

Biti assassination claim pathetic: Zanu PF

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

25/02/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporters

ZANU PF has dismissed as “pathetic lies” allegations by MDC-T secretary
general Tendai Biti of a security services plot to assassinate party leaders
ahead of elections expected later this year.

Biti, who is also Finance Minister, told supporters at a weekend rally in
Chitungwiza that the party had been alerted to a Central Intelligence
Organisation (CIO) plot to assassinate its leaders ahead of the new polls.

“Very reliable sources within the security forces (CIO) have informed us
that they are going to make attempts on the lives of the leaders of the
party,” he said.

“What we want to tell you is that you may kill one person thinking that you
have thwarted the process of emancipation, but you will never kill an idea.”

He said the MDC-T was taking the threats seriously since party leaders have
previously been attacked by suspected security services agents and hooligans
linked to Zanu PF.

But Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo dismissed the allegations as a pathetic
attempt by the MDC-T to appeal for financial support from the party’s
Western backers.

“These are all, but pathetic efforts by the MDC- T to appeal for sponsorship
from their foreign funders on the basis that there is politically motivated
violence in the country,” said Gumbo.

“It is disturbing to note that towards elections, when we have agreed that
we are going to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections,
the MDC- T is still orchestrating plans to discredit other political parties
in the race.

“These are manufactured lies and they are only meant to win the hearts of
their sponsors. We are not even moved by their lies and what they should
know is that we are not going to eliminate anyone from the race that way. We
will eliminate them democratically.

Vice President Joyce Mujuru appealed for peaceful election campaigns at the
weekend, warning that any violence would attract unhelpful international
attention on the country.

“No parent wants to see his or her children fight each other, let alone kill
or maim each other. As a mother and a grandmother, I feel strongly about
this,” Mujuru told mourners attending the burial of war hero John Mayowe,
who was Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, the MDC-T claims attacks continue against its supporters across the
country.
“The MDC is extremely enraged at the increase of politically motivated
incidents of violence taking place throughout the country at the instigation
of … Zanu PF,” the party said in a statement Monday.

“The MDC is extremely enraged at the increase of politically motivated
incidents of violence taking place throughout the country at the instigation
of the chaos faction of Zanu PF.”

Zimbabwe will hold a constitutional referendum on March 16 with elections to
choose a substantive government expected later in the year.

Chinamasa, Biti deny securing referendum cash

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
25 February 2013

Finance Minister Tendai Biti and Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa on
Monday denied that the millions of dollars needed for the upcoming
constitutional referendum have been secured.

Chinamasa was quoted by the Sunday Mail on the weekend as saying the poll,
just three weeks away, “will not be stopped because of lack of money,” and
that some US$85 million was “sourced locally” from commercial and business
interests.

These comments were made two days after Biti announced that the government
had failed to source external funding for the referendum.

But Chinamasa on Monday refuted the Sunday Mail report, insisting he was
“misquoted.”

SW Radio Africa’s Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa spoke to Chinamasa on
Monday and he insisted the money has not been secured.

“He said that the government was likely to raise the money from within the
country, but that had not happened yet,” Muchemwa said.

Minister Biti on Monday also denied that the money had been secured,
reiterating during a press conference that the government was still planning
to source the funds from local firms.

“Both ministers have reiterated there is no money yet,” Muchemwa said.

However, Chinamasa then called Muchemwa late Monday afternoon to once again
retract what he had previously said. He said the money HAS been secured, but
SW Radio Africa still needs to confirm this new statement.

Judge to deliver ruling Wednesday on NCA’s referendum challenge

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
25 February 2013

Judge President Justice George Chiweshe will on Wednesday deliver his ruling
on an urgent chamber application filed by the National Constitutional
Assembly (NCA), which is seeking to stop the referendum set for March 16th.

NCA spokesman Blessing Vava told SW Radio Africa the Judge will look at the
merits and de-merits of the application, which President Robert Mugabe has
said should be dismissed by the High Court.

The state controlled Herald said Mugabe had, through Justice and Legal
Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa, filed an opposing affidavit arguing that
in terms of the Referendums Act, the publication of the referendum date was
the prerogative of the President.

Mugabe said it was up to the people of Zimbabwe and not pressure groups like
the NCA to decide whether or not to approve the draft constitution, adding
that those against the holding of the referendum or the draft constitution
were at liberty to campaign for a ‘No Vote’ rather than stopping the
process.

COPAC has meanwhile launched its countrywide campaign to familiarise the
people with the draft Constitution ahead of the referendum. SW Radio Africa
correspondent Simon Muchemwa said translated versions of the draft are also
being distributed to all the districts in the country.

He said COPAC officials will address various public meetings targeted at
main centres in urban and rural areas.

‘There is also an advocacy program being done by the Civil Society
Organisations on behalf of COPAC to do so. The NGO’s signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with COPAC in Harare last week setting the conditions under
which they are going to operate and the material they are going to use,’
Muchemwa said.

Members of Parliament have also started carrying out publicity campaigns in
their respective constituencies.

Drama at the High Court as referendum case adjourned

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 31 minutes ago

HARARE - There was drama at the High Court of Zimbabwe as lawyers
representing President Robert Mugabe and National Constitutional Assembly
(NCA) Chairperson, Professor Lovemore Madhuku engaged in a legal duel to
outwit each other regarding the date of the referendum.
The referendum case spilled into courts after Professor Madhuku filed to the
High Court, challenging President Mugabe’s proclamation for the referendum
to be held on the 16th of March.

Professor Madhuku argues that 16 March is too soon a date for Zimbabweans to
have acquainted themselves with the draft constitution which has just been
availed to them.

In the court chambers, Alec Muchadehama, representing Professor Madhuku
insisted that President Mugabe’s proclamation for the holding of the
referendum on the 16th of March was arbitrary as it is a matter which
affects the position of private citizens.

He argued that the proclamation by the President should be set aside pending
the outcome of the matter, an argument which was rebutted by Deputy Attorney
General, Advocate Prince Machaya.

Advocate Machaya said it is not competent for the court to grant an order
which sets aside an enactment as this violates the intentions of the
legislature.

Advocate Machaya further argued that the court had no jurisdiction on the
matter as section 37 k, subsection 1 paragraphs (a) to (d) of the
constitution mandates the President to use his own discretion with no
preconditions which he must follow when proclaiming a referendum.

He added that Section 3 of the Referendums Act (chapter 2:10) accorded the
President a specific statutory power which makes his proclamation not
justifiable.

In a counter argument, Muchadehama said any exercise of power by the
President is reviewable by the courts unless the court’s jurisdiction is
specifically ousted by the constitution’s specific provision.

He also said in proclaiming the dates, the President did not take into
account the interests of the citizens as the 20 working day period is not
enough to deal with issues at hand.

Judge President George Chiweshe reserved his ruling on the application by
Professor Madhuku, saying he will proceed to address the preliminary issues
argued by both parties to the civil dispute before proceeding to deal with
the merits.

He postponed the matter to Wednesday the 27th of February.

Zec invites observers to apply

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, 25 February 2013 18:41

Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has started taking applications from
individuals and organisations who want to observe the forthcoming referendum
next month. This comes at a time the electoral body has also begun training
voter education supervisors and district election officers who will monitor
voter education exercises countrywide.

The country will hold a constitutional referendum on March 16.

Acting Zec chairperson Mrs Joyce Kazembe said all applications, foreign or
local, would be considered by the Commission's Observer Accreditation
Committee.

The committee would then recommend to Zec the persons or organisations to be
approved for accreditation.

"According to the electoral law the committee is chaired by the Zec
chairperson and the deputy chairperson is also a member together with a
Commissioner," she said.

"Other members will include representatives from the Ministries of Justice
and Legal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs mainly the immigration
department. This is the committee which looks at all the applications and
makes recommendations."

Zec chief elections officer Mr Lovemore Sekeremayi said applications to be
considered for accreditation include those from individuals representing
foreign countries or international organisations and foreign eminent persons
who would have applied to be accepted as observers.

"Individuals representing local organisations and eminent persons from
within Zimbabwe who have applied to be accepted as observers will have their
applications considered," he said.

"Also for consideration are applications from individuals representing
bodies that exercise functions similar to those of the Commission and that
have been invited by the Commission to observe an election."

Mr Sekeramayi said applications would also include those of people
representing foreign countries and international organisations and foreign
eminent persons who would have been invited by the Minister of Foreign
Affairs to observe an election.

He said local organisations and eminent persons from within Zimbabwe who
would have been invited by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs would
also be considered for accreditation.

"An application for the accreditation as an observer must be made to the
chief election officer by the individual or eminent person who wishes to be
accredited or the organisation that wishes its representatives to be
accredited or the Minister responsible for Justice and Legal Affairs or the
Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs in respect of individuals whom the
Minister concerned has invited to observe the referendum," Mr Sekeramayi
said.

"An application for the accreditation must state the names of individuals
whom the organisation or Minister wishes to have accredited."

On the training of voter education supervisors and district election
officers, Mr Sekeramayi said it would be done in all the 10 provinces in
preparation for the referendum and subsequently elections.

Training covers various aspects of the referendum, methods of disseminating
voter information, communication and code of conduct for voter educators,"
he said.

He said the training was being conducted by Zec provincial election officers
and staff.

"The next level of training will involve the voter educators at all district
centres before immediate deployment in all wards across the country in a few
days' time," he said.

The referendum next month will bring to finality the constitution making
process that began four years ago and gobbled over US$50 million.

The process took long because of bickering among the political parties who
have since agreed to campaign for a ‘Yes’ Vote.

Copac, a Parliament Committee, which spearheaded the drafting of the new
constitution, is holding campaigns countrywide to familiarise the people
with the new supreme law.

After the referendum, harmonised elections would follow to end the
inclusive government formed in 2009 following an inconclusive poll the
previous year.

Murky political party funding raises stink

http://www.theindependent.co.zw

February 25, 2013 in Politics

WHILE government is searching for money to finance the constitutional
referendum and general elections, political parties are also secretly
hunting for funds to bankroll their electoral campaigns.

Staff Writer

Official sources say Zanu PF and the two MDC parties are currently looking
for money at home and abroad to fund their campaigns despite the law
prohibiting foreign funding.

Zanu PF, which benefited from the largesse of the late British tycoon Tony
Rowland, accuses the two MDC parties of being foreign-funded, while its
rivals also say it is secretly getting money from outside.

The Zimbabwe Independent recently reported Meikles group mogul John Moxon
donated vehicles to Zanu PF last year to boost President Robert Mugabe and
Zanu PF’s bid to remain in power.

An official source said yesterday the main contributor to Mugabe’s secretive
and controversial US$20 million presidential well-wishers agricultural input
scheme was Equatorial Guinea leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

“That money came from Equatorial Guinea,” the source said. “While it accuses
the MDC of receiving foreign funding, Zanu PF also does the same. The party
covertly gets money from local and international sources. Party funding is
murky everywhere, including in Zimbabwe. Politicians campaign using dirty
funds.”

Mugabe is currently in Equatorial Guinea for the Africa-South America
summit. Sources say he may request for further funding from his ally Nguema
who has previously supplied government with fuel after Harare helped to
thwart a coup plot by a group of mercenaries led by former British Special
Air Services officer Simon Mann in 2004.

Even if they are bitter rivals, it seems Zanu PF and the two MDC parties
agree on one thing: refusing to declare sources of their secret funds.
Analysts say there is need for clear funding laws, rules and regulations to
minimise chequebook politics destroying the right of voters to choose their
leaders freely and eroding democracy.

Ghosts of slain MDC activists haunt police

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/

25.02.13

by Nelson Sibanda

The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security on Monday took Police
Deputy Commissioner General, Innocent Matibiri, to task over the Zimbabwe
Republic Police’s failure to arrest suspected perpetrators of political
violence.

The committee asked Matibiri why suspected perpetrators of violence who were
fingered in murder cases of MDC activists such as Talent Mabika, Tichaona
Chiminya and Tonderai Ndira among others remained immune to prosecution.

Matibiri said there were no facts to prosecute in the MDC murder complaints.

“Police deals with cases which are supported by facts, not hearsay.

The problem with some of the complaints is that people tend to politicise
incidents which would otherwise be purely domestic. Some people are killed
because they would have taken away someone’s wife among other petty reasons.

“I would want to make it clear that some of these cases are as a result of
media imaginations. There is nothing to incriminate anyone in this regard,”
said Matibiri.

Matibiri’s comments almost raised emotions in the house as MDC legislators
among them Committee Chairperson Paul Madzore, Silobela Member of Parliament
Anadi Anold Sululu and Musikavanhu constituency Member of Parliament Prosper
Chapfiwa Mutseyami asked police to clarify what they meant by ‘there is no
evidence to link anyone to the indicated murder cases.’

“It boggles the mind to hear police say there is nothing suggesting that
Mabika and Chiminya were petrol bombed by some identified people.

Remember these atrocities were committed in broad day light, in full view of
people but all the same police remained inactive,” said Mutseyami.

Contributing to the session legislator Sululu told Matibiri that traditional
leaderships such as headmen and others were the major perpetrators of
violence.

“Partisan headmen and some other traditional leadership are at the
fore-front of perpetration of violence but police are not taking action in
this respect. This has resulted in people losing confidence in police as in
some cases MDC complainants have been turned into accused.

“Grassroots no longer approach police for assistance and protection against
perpetrators of violence since they have lost all faith in the law
enforcement agency,” Sululu told Matibiri.

He also sought police justification for its continued disruption of indoor
political party meetings under the Public Order Security Act.

“Police reasons for disrupting indoor meetings and failure to arrest due to
lack of evidence, stinks. Your excuses as police for not arresting
perpetrators of violence are sort of sickening,” said Sululu.

The parliamentary committee had invited the police to reflect on its
preparedness to help ensure coming elections are conducted in a peaceful
environment.

The committee will visit police provincial and district establishments for
the police election preparedness probe.

Police says it is prepared for the election task provided ZEC approves its
over $190 million budget. The exercise would need some 50, 000 police
officers to man the 10 000 polling stations across the country.

Each polling station would be manned by at least five police officers.

Tsvangirai warns of instability relapse

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

25/02/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

MDC-T leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has urged the
international community to remain engaged with the country ahead of fresh
polls this year warning that risks remained of a relapse to the instability
of the last decade.

Addressing an international peace conference in Seoul, South Korea, at the
weekend, Tsvangirai said elections expected later this year would be
critical in helping the country shake off the effects of the political and
economic crisis experienced between 2000 and 2009.

“Zimbabwe is today standing at the crossroad. Your solidarity with us as we
pull down the years of inequity and injustice will help us to achieve real
sustainable peace,” the MDC-T leader told the conference which was attended
hundreds and delegates including by current and past leaders of several
countries.

“The year 2013 offers us, SADC and Africa a defining moment for Zimbabwe.
Having avoided a total collapse of Zimbabwe, our priorities are clear. We
must build strong institutions and other political ‘firewalls’ to circumvent
a relapse.

“We must accept the imperative and manage the final stretch with care and
maturity in order to insulate our people from decades of political
uncertainty.”

Zimbabwe will next month hold a referendum on a new constitution, a
precursor to elections that will choose a substantive government to replace
the coalition administration between Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe
which came into office after the violent 2008 elections.

The European Union (EU) has already relaxed some of its sanctions against
the country to reward progress made in the constitutional reforms.

Tsvangirai however said the international community must continue to watch
developments in the country.
“As we prepare for an election, the world must continue to nudge us to be
open about this transformative process; to be accountable to humanity; to
embrace tolerance; and to allow the will of the people to prevail,” he said.

“What confronts us requires global attention if Zimbabwe is to move away
from dinner-table discussions, where it has been dominant, clearly for wrong
reasons, for the past few years.”

Tsvangirai edged Mugabe in the first round of the presidential ballot in
2008 but pulled out of the run-off, accusing the Zanu PF leader of
brutalising his supporters.

And as he faces another electoral showdown with the veteran 89-year-old, the
MDC-T leader could not resist a dig at his long-term rival.

“Granted, our founding fathers played a key role in setting the stage for
freedom,” he said.
“But, alas, this “greying” generation must accept its inability to cope with
the pace, demands and choices of today’s hyper-active and well-networked
children.”

Harare residents criticise Council water failures

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Nomalanga Moyo
25 February 2013

The long-suffering residents of Harare have expressed dismay at the failure
by the local authority to provide them with clean water.

All the suburbs in the city had no water over the weekend after the Harare
City Council shut down supplies, citing leakages on the transmission mains
from Morton Jaffray to Warren Control Pump Station.

Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi indicated that services had been restored
to most areas by Monday afternoon, although he could not disclose which
suburbs were yet to be connected.
He said he does not give interviews to radio stations.

While welcoming the restoration of services to some areas, representatives
of Harare residents said they are not holding their breaths regarding
consistent water supply. They accused the council of lacking a clear
strategy of addressing the city’s perennial water problems.

Simbarashe Moyo, chairman of the Combined Harare Residents Association, said
he was deeply concerned about the inconsistent and inefficient manner in
which the local authority was handling water provision.

He also criticised the council’s poor communication, saying residents are
not notified in time about impending disconnections to enable them to
prepare.

“We only get to know we have been disconnected when we no longer have
water,” he said.

Moyo said this was placing a huge burden on residents, particularly on women
who have to endure walking long distances and standing in long queues in
search of water. Some of them often resort to fetching water from
unprotected sources.

“This is a health hazard for residents. We talk about outbreaks of diseases
such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid, but these a result of the challenges
that we are facing, which are that the service provider is failing to
provide adequate water to rate payers,” Moyo said.

In 2012, at least five people were confirmed to have died from typhoid in
Harare’s Glen View suburb. In 2010, more than 4,000 people died following a
countrywide cholera outbreak. Both health crises were blamed on a lack of
clean water and the collapse of Zimbabwe’s sanitation system.

Harare Residents’ Trust director Precious Shumba expressed similar concerns,
adding that the recurrent problems show that the council does not have any
long-term strategy of addressing the water crisis in Harare.

Shumba also revealed that some residents, particularly in the northern
suburbs, who have at times gone for more than a month without water, have
been shocked to receive huge bills even for periods when they had no
supplies.

Seven die in accident

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, 25 February 2013 18:53

The wreckage of a commuter omnibus that was involved in a head on collision
with a haulage truck that ended up being on top of the commuter omnibus
killing seven people and injuring 23.

Herald Reporter
SEVEN people died on the spot while 23 others were injured at the
intersection of Joshua Nkomo (Airport Road) and Dieppe Road in a
four-vehicle collision this afternoon. Police spokesperson Superintendent
Andrew Phiri confirmed the accident.

"We can confirm that a fatal road accident occurred at the intersection of
Dieppe road and Joshua Nkomo. A Jumbo transport haulage truck which was
going to the east along Dieppe Road was involved in a three-vehicle
collission.

"The haulage truck first hit a land cruiser it was facing at its back then
the two commuter omnibuses. "All commuter omnibuses were coming from the
east facing the haulage truck.

Seven passengers who died were in the commuter omnibus which was in front
while eight of its passengers were injured. The two
commuter omnibuses were carrying 15 passengers each. "Of the deceased there
are four adult females, one male adult and two
minors. In the other commuter omnibus all the 15 passengers were injured and
were ferried to Parirenyatwa and Harare Hospitals.

The deceased were ferried to Parirenyatwa mortuary. "As police we want to
urge motorists to respect traffic signals at
intersections. An amber light indicates that a motorist must prepare to
stop.

There is nothing like a late amber," he said. A witness who only identified
himself as Peter said the haulage truck encroached into the lane of traffic
coming from the opposite direction.

"The truck was nearly involved in a head-on collision with a San Frontiers
land cruiser which it later hit at the back. He lost control and failed to
stop and ended up landing on top of the commuter omnibus which was coming
from the east.

"The bulldozer which is grading the airport road is the one that helped in
lifting the haulage truck which had landed on top of the commuter omnibus so
that people could be retrieved," he said.

In ground-breaking move, S. Africa steps in over alleged Zimbabwe mass rapes

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/

GEOFFREY YORK
JOHANNESBURG — The Globe and Mail
Published Monday, Feb. 25 2013, 3:00 AM EST

In a ground-breaking move, South African prosecutors will investigate
President Robert Mugabe’s political party for crimes against humanity for an
alleged campaign of mass rapes in Zimbabwe’s last election.

The decision, following a request by Canadian activist Stephen Lewis and
others, marks the first time an African government has used domestic laws to
investigate another African country under the emerging doctrine of
“universal jurisdiction.”

It’s also believed to be the first time that authorities have invoked
“universal jurisdiction” in a rape investigation – a sign of the growing
resistance to the use of rape as an organized political tactic.

Mr. Lewis and his organization, AIDS-Free World, plan to announce the South
African decision at a press conference in Johannesburg this week.

Its legal teams have gathered hundreds of hours of testimony from 84 rape
survivors in Zimbabwe who identified more than 200 perpetrators and
orchestrators in the alleged rape campaign.

In an earlier report, AIDS-Free World concluded that thousands of opposition
supporters were raped by members of the ruling ZANU-PF party “as a tool of
terror and intimidation” during the 2008 election campaign.

Many of the rapists wore the party’s shirts, sang its songs, chanted its
slogans, or made political statements showing they were party members, it
said. “Each woman, on average, was raped five times, although these numbers
may be underestimated because many women fell unconscious during the violent
rapes and therefore lost count of the number of rapists and rapes at some
point.”

Many victims were taken to the party’s “base camps” used for rape and
torture, which still exist today and could be reactivated in elections this
year, AIDS-Free World said.

With Zimbabwe scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum and national
election over the next few months, the decision by South Africa’s
prosecutors to investigate the rapes could be crucial in deterring further
attacks and ending the impunity of Mr. Mugabe’s supporters, Mr. Lewis said.

“This puts Mugabe on notice that the world is watching,” said Mr. Lewis, the
former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and the former UN
ambassador on AIDS in Africa.

Mr. Lewis and his organization have been working for more than four years to
find a way to prosecute the perpetrators of the Zimbabwe rapes, none of whom
have been charged. Zimbabwean police officials told the group that they
could not investigate “political” cases because Mr. Mugabe’s supporters are
still dominant, despite the coalition government that has ruled since 2009.

Zimbabwe has also refused to ratify the Rome Statute, which created the
International Criminal Court, so the ICC cannot investigate crimes in
Zimbabwe unless it receives a referral from the United Nations Security
Council, where Zimbabwe is protected by its ally, China.

South Africa has ratified the Rome Statute and incorporated it into its own
domestic laws, allowing it to prosecute. And because Zimbabweans often
travel to South Africa for work or business, anyone convicted by South
African courts could be vulnerable to arrest here.

After being stymied on every other avenue, Mr. Lewis and his organization
submitted their request to South Africa’s national police force and
prosecuting agency in December. Some experts warned them that South African
officials were unlikely to accept the request, since they had already
rejected a similar request by a coalition of Zimbabwean and South African
rights activists on allegations of torture during the 2008 election.

Even when a South African court ruled last year that the authorities had an
international legal obligation to investigate the torture allegations, the
government had chosen to appeal the decision, rather than accept it.

But to the amazement of the activists, within a few weeks of receiving the
dossier of evidence from AIDS-Free World, the South African prosecutors and
police agreed to investigate the rape charges, confirming the decision in a
Feb. 4 letter to the group.

“It sends a message to ZANU-PF leaders, and to raping regimes everywhere,
that orchestrating sexual violence of this nature and scale is an
international crime for which they will be prosecuted,” said a statement by
AIDS-Free World.

The group predicts that Mr. Mugabe and his supporters will try to portray
the rape investigation as “Western imperialism” and “racism” because it was
advanced by a foreign-based organization. In reality, the group said, many
Zimbabweans helped gather the evidence for the rape investigation, but they
are unwilling to be identified now for fear of retribution. Many civil
society leaders have been arrested or assaulted in recent weeks as the
elections approach.

Mugabe faces defiance on vote buying

http://nehandaradio.com

on February 25, 2013 at 5:17 pm

By Tatenda Mabasa

CHINHOYI – Zanu PF aspiring candidates who are campaigning clandestinely for
support are in breach of party rules regarding the use of money to get
grassroots support.

Robert Mugabe addressing Zanu-PF 13th Annual National People’s Conference
Party sources in Karoi town say those within the influential positions are
demanding a “talking fee” so that they can work for any preferred candidate.
A youth member said:

“Our camp is well known here and aspiring candidates must pay us to feed our
families as we are unemployed. Gone are days when we could get beer and be
violent. Our demands are simple as we want money” said the youth member who
declined to be named.

He admitted that what they are doing is against what President Robert Mugabe
is preaching against especially the “use of money to get votes”. Another
provincial member of the women league said:

“The party has no money and those who want positions must pay in cash if
they want our support they must pay whenever we want to meet”, she added.

However some men are into mobile money requests. “Who can buy me airtime if
an aspiring candidates is organising an outreach meeting? He has to give
airtime money that I am can communicate with in those outlaying areas. From
that money I will leave for my family. Those without money will not get our
support.” he added.

Party sources say the move on “money game” will dent the party ahead of
primaries. An aspiring candidate confirmed that they are paying from their
pockets but defended vote buying allegations saying, “I need support and
those who can support me get a small token if they request.”

However most of the aspiring candidates confirmed the indirect demands by
traditional leaders especially chiefs whenever they go to launch campaigns.

“Traditionally you have to inform the traditional chief that you will be in
their area and need their support. You buy groceries and a token fee as well
as some beads, black and white clothes among other issues” said the
candidate who said it was premature to release his name.

Unofficial Zanu PF candidates in Hurungwe Central covering Karoi town are
youth provincial member Anyway Chisaka, farmer Tsikira, sitting MP Godfrey
Beremauro, Sister Pellergia Mapfumo, Doubt Ndiweni and others.

Zanu PF MP hospitalised after assault

http://nehandaradio.com

on February 25, 2013 at 8:51 am

Zanu PF MP for Hurungwe East Sarah Mahoka was admitted at Chinhoyi
Provincial Hospital after being attacked by a violent mob of Zanu PF youths
who disrupted her address Zimonja business centre in Zvipani.

According to a Nehanda Radio correspondent in the area, about 13 youths
attacked Mahoka and deflated three tyres on her vehicle. They then abducted
Mahoka’s driver before dumping him eight kilometres away from the scene.

Mahoka sustained injuries all over the body. Police reportedly impounded a
vehicle that was used by the youths. Police provincial spokesperson,
Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara said police were investigating the matter.

“We are still in the process of getting details of what happened. Its
information that we got but the details are still sketchy,” Mabgweazara
said.

The Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson said the party
leadership will meet today to discuss the attack.

“We are still receiving information pertaining to the matter but yes as a
party we can confirm that there were skirmishes in Hurungwe,” he said.

The youths reportedly arrived in a vehicle pretending to be Zanu-PF
supporters waiting to be addressed by the legislator. They allegedly
questioned Mahoka on why she was addressing a meeting outside her
constituency.

The youths also accused the legislator of holding a meeting without
consulting the area’s elders. Sources told Nehanda Radio the skirmishes were
related to factional fights in the party. Mahoka’s phone was unreachable for
comment.

Newly-resettled farmers reel from AgriBank loans

http://www.theindependent.co.zw

February 25, 2013 in News

NEWLY-resettled A2 farmers in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central province are
living on the edge after AgriBank issued final letters of demand urging them
to settle outstanding debts or their properties lodged as collateral would
be auctioned, the Zimbabwe Independent has established.

Many A2 farmers have been struggling to access new loans to finance their
production after failing to settle previous debts. The farmers failed to
settle the debts for a variety of reasons, among them failure to receive
payment from the Grain Marketing Board on time or poor harvests.

Two weeks ago, Phillip Kunaka, a resettled farmer, committed suicide at his
Pembi Chase farm over a US$130 000 debt to Agribank.

Sources close to him said Kunaka left a suicide note in which he claimed
Agribank was threatening to auction the house he had lodged as collateral
for failure to settle the debt.

Kunaka had lodged his brother-in-law’s house as collateral and had failed to
settle the debt for the past two seasons leading to the final letter of
demand.

Mazowe North MP Cairo Mhandu confirmed the development.

“Kunaka committed suicide over some debt with Agribank,” Mhandu said. “He
left a note that said Agribank was about to auction a house he had lodged as
collateral but unfortunately it belonged to his brother in law.”

Agribank is reeling under bad debts as farmers fail to repay their loans. An
Agribank Mvurwi branch official acknowledged that some farmers were finding
it difficult to repay loans but refused to give further details.

“I am not at liberty to discuss the bank’s loan book. For that information
you can check with our head office,” said the official.

Finance minister Tendai Biti is on record telling parliament that government
is trying to restore land value by giving tradable 99-year leases to new
farmers that can be used as collateral at banks.

However, government is still to complete a comprehensive land audit and
survey of the new farms before it can offer the new 99 year leases.

Lands and Resettlement minister Herbert Murerwa says the survey has been
delayed by a shortage of surveyors in the country.

Government must zone out land for urban agric

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/

February 24, 2013 in Environment

It was the best maize crop I had seen in a while in Zimbabwe and Pioneer
Seed Company could not help notice a great marketing opportunity, flaunting
the crop with its company logos.

Report by Chipo Masara

There is just one catch however; this crop is not on some A1 or A2 farm, it
is on a field in Mbare, along Simon Mazorodze Road.

With an estimated 10% of land in Harare being used for urban agriculture
(UA), a 2009 report from Agritex showed that urban and peri-urban areas had
the highest maize yields in the country.

Urban agriculture has however been a contentious issue in Zimbabwe, which
has seen a number of altercations erupting between residents and their city
councils.

The case that would sooner come to mind is one that transpired two years ago
when hundreds of Harare residents invaded Harare City Council (HCC) premises
in protest against the cutting down of their mostly ripe crops.

The conduct by HCC angered many, who blamed the public institution for being
an albatross to people’s efforts to earn a decent livelihood.

With the unemployment rate in Zimbabwe being well over 80%, many people are
struggling to put food on the table. This is more so in urban areas, where
the cost of living tends to be high.

Agriculture presents many a chance to feed their families, while some have
claimed to have put their children through school from money obtained after
selling their products. Children from families that consistently practise UA
have been observed by health officials to be better nourished than those
from families that do not.

Besides serving as a food security measure, UA offers environmental
benefits. The most significant benefit would have to be adding to the urban
areas’ greenery, in the process reducing pollution as the plants help by
absorbing dangerous gases like carbon dioxide and others emitted into the
air we breathe every day.

In that same vein, urban crops serve as a significant climate change
mitigation measure in the urban setup.

Considering all the above mentioned benefits from UA at both household and
national level, it has made no sense for many people that the responsible
authorities would criminalise the activity. That is why it was necessary to
try and find out Zimbabwe’s current stance on UA.

Banarbas Mawire, the country director for Environment Africa had this to
say: “We support what we are calling sustainable urban agriculture. It is
now a reality the world over that cities have to produce food for
themselves. The problem we have in Zimbabwe is that urban agriculture is not
regulated and that is why it ends up being done on sensitive areas like
wetlands. There should be zoning, so that correct things are done on
appropriate areas.”

Asked on his organisation’s stance on UA, Steady Kangata, publicity officer
for the Environmental Management Agency said: “Agriculture gives us a form
of livelihood, regardless of where you are, as long as it is done in
acceptable areas.

“If agriculture in the urban setting is done at designated points, there is
nothing wrong with that. What is not acceptable is farming on
ecologically-sensitive areas like wetlands.”

An official with a local seed company, who preferred anonymity, said it is
important to zone out land for UA and make sure that the farming does not
harm the environment.

“I don’t see why people cannot be allowed to plant on open ground. People
just need to be made aware they cannot plant on wetlands, hills, etc, as
that will cause environmental degradation,” the official said.

There have been reports of some urban farmers preferring to plant on
wetlands, where they would not need to worry about weather conditions, as
the ecologically-sensitive areas have an abundance of water stored in them.

An attempt to get more insight on HCC’s UA policy proved futile as Leslie
Gwindi, the council spokesperson asked for questions in writing, to which a
response did not come. Gwindi’s cellphone was continuously unavailable
thereafter.

Wetlands under threat
However, urban agriculture on vleis has been observed to act as a hindrance
to the function of wetlands, thereby threatening the cities’ water sources.

There has been growing concern in the country over the abuse of wetlands and
equally concerted efforts from various stakeholders to put a stop to it. The
Water Act and The Natural Resources Act ban cultivation in these areas.

But besides those that have decided to carry out their agricultural ventures
on unsuitable areas like wetlands, there are still many more people that
plant on open ground.

These are the people many of those that have spoken in support of UA would
have in mind.

For feedback, email; cmasara@standard.co.zw

Five Lessons From Zimbabwe's Richest Man, Strive Masiyiwa

http://www.forbes.com/

Mfonobong Nsehe, Contributor

Over two decades ago, Strive Masiyiwa took the Zimbabwean government to
court in a grueling five-year legal battle. Masiyiwa had been planning to
launch his own mobile telecoms company, but the government, which claimed it
held an exclusive monopoly to manage and operate telecommunications in
Zimbabwe,was desperately trying to thwart his ambitions. After the High
Court ruled in favor of Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean tycoon went on to build
Econet Wireless, a leading Pan-African mobile telecoms company with
operations across Africa, the U.K and New Zealand.

Today, Econet Wireless is an investor’s delight. It is easily Zimbabwe’s
most successful corporation. It is Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecoms firm,
with a subscriber base of over 6 million. Its profits for the year ended
February 2011 stood at over $145 million and the Johannesburg-headquartered
company has operations in Burundi, Lesotho, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana and
Rwanda. Econet has a market capitalization in the region of $600 million.

Strive Masiyiwa, the unassuming and soft-spoken founder of the telecoms
giant, is the richest person to emerge from Zimbabwe.

You can glean important business and life lessons by taking a close look at
what made Strive Masiyiwa a successful billionaire telecoms tycoon.

1. Identify A Human Need And Reach Out To Meet It

According to Masiyiwa, this is the most sure-fire way to succeed in
business.

In 1994, 70% of Africans had never heard a Telephone ring. People all across
Africa desperately needed a reliable and cost-effective means of reaching
out to their loved ones and associates wherever they were in the world. That
was a human need. Masiyiwa, as a young engineer set out to change that. He
had the technology to do it and access to substantial resources. “We didn’t
wake up and say we wanted to make billions of dollars; we said we wanted to
extend telecommunications to all the people of Africa,” Masiyiwa stated
during last year’s commencement address to graduating students of Morehouse
College. If you reach out to meet the needs of the people around you, you
will wear the crown.

2. Be Patient And Relentless; Never Give Up

Few people are as patient and as relentless as Masiyiwa. In 1993, when
Masiyiwa set out to establish Zimbabwe’s first independent mobile telecoms
network, he encountered stiff opposition from the Zimbabwean government. The
Zimbabwean Post & Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) – a government-owned
entity held a monopoly over the telecommunications business in the country
and the corporation was vehemently opposed to granting Masiyiwa a mobile
operating license. The Government threatened to prosecute him if he dared to
proceed with his venture. Masiyiwa took the battle to court, and the case
lingered for close to five years. It was a slow and long process, but
Masiyiwa never gave in. Of course the government tried to subdue and
frustrate him, but Masiyiwa was resolute. He was determined to challenge the
government’s monopoly of telecommunications services in the country and was
keen to launch his own mobile telecoms network. His persistence paid off. By
1997, the court ruled in his favour and Masiyiwa was able to launch Econet
wireless. Develop a tough skin; be relentless, and be patient. Success
hardly occurs in a split second; you need to learn to wait for your moment

3. Work Hard And Stay Focused

This is a no-brainer. Nothing good in this world comes easily, least of all,
success. You may have identified a need and possess the most brilliant
business ideas. You may even have the praying spirit of Jesus; but if you
are lazy you’re doomed to fail. Success requires hard work. Masiyiwa works
long hours every day and has cultivated the requisite discipline to be
focused. Work Hard And Stay Focused!

4. Pray Hard

“God will do nothing except you pray; and you have to be clear what you
want”- Strive Masiyiwa

This might sound like illogical business advice particularly if you’re an
atheist. But according to Masiyiwa, a devout Christian, prayers are
essential for success in business. Masiyiwa has stated countless times that
when he was battling the Zimbabwean government in court for the right to
operate a mobile Telecoms license, he prayed fervently. While the court case
lingered, Masiyiwa prayed for victory. Even though it took four years,
Masiyiwa’s prayers were eventually answered. Employees at Econet and people
close to Masiyiwa confirm that the tycoon never takes any important business
decision before first going on his knees. Judging by Econet’s raving
success, Masiyiwa’s prayers actually work. Prayers may work for you as well.

5. Give Back

What you give comes back to you ten-fold. Masiyiwa is Zimbabwe’s biggest
philanthropist. Along with his wife, Tsitsi, Masiyiwa is a co-founder of the
Capernaum Trust, a Zimbabwe-registered privately funded Christian charity
which sponsors the education of over 28,000 Zimbabwean orphans. Apart from
providing scholarships to these children, the organization also provides
food packs and healthcare for them. Masiyiwa funds the trust from his own
personal resources with support from Econet Wireless. The Universe seems to
have rewarded his generosity with brilliant success and a $600 million
fortune.

Police onslaught on NGOs ominous

http://www.theindependent.co.zw/

February 22, 2013 in Opinion

NOW that the electoral season is in full gear, Zimbabwean security forces
are at it again spearheading renewed repression and terror.

Human rights activists are coming under growing pressure as police
dramatically escalate a crackdown on dissent casting doubt on the country’s
readiness to hold a credible constitutional referendum and general elections
this year.

The wave of arbitrary arrests of civil society activists on all sort of
charges, that do not constitute crimes in civilised and democratic
societies, seem to signal the resurgence of political repression last seen
in the run-up to the bloody June 2008 presidential election run-off.

In Zimbabwe today you put yourself at risk if you do anything that might
fall outside the increasingly narrow confines of the police state and what
authorities deem acceptable.

Anything from setting up a pressure group, joining a non-governmental
organisation (NGO), expressing dissent or even joking about President Robert
Mugabe can land you in prison. In the ongoing crackdown, the Zimbabwe Peace
Project and Zimbabwe Election Support Network offices were raided by police
on accusations of subversion and possessing unauthorised recording equipment
and voter education display materials as well as conducting illegal voter
registration.

Anti-riot police also tear-gased, beat up and arrested Women of Zimbabwe
Arise (Woza) marchers during a Valentine’s Day march for peace and
tolerance. A pastor and community campaigners were arrested after a meeting
in Chegutu for encouraging unregistered adults to register as voters.

These events appear to be a calculated state-sponsored terror campaign to
instill fear in NGOs doing election-related work as polling approach.
Besides, the timing of these arrests shows conditions are not yet conducive
for free, fair and credible elections.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba acknowledged
what we have always been saying that the force is highly partisan when she
revealed they would arrest and detain NGO activists that disseminate “false”
information which discredits Zanu PF ahead of elections.

Charamba denied the arbitrary arrests and detentions were an onslaught on
civil society, claiming they were lawful searches that had “unearthed
criminal activities”.

“Certain NGOs are engaging in political processes to the detriment of state
security and the stability of this country,” charged Charamba.

At least we now know from Charamba’s comments that discrediting Zanu PF is a
crime, but what about her threadbare claims that NGOs are deploying monitors
to gather information at Zanu PF rallies?
What useful information from a Zanu PF rally and how can attending these
soporific gatherings be detrimental to state security and stability of the
country?

If anything, it is when security forces curtail people’s constitutionally
entrenched civil and political liberties that they themselves actually
become a threat to national peace and stability.

The break up and prevention of public gatherings and arrests of Zanu PF
political opponents is actually detrimental to the stability of the nation.

Constitution Scorecard

BILL WATCH 8/2013 of 25th February [Senate Votes Against POSA Amendment Bill]

BILL WATCH 8/2013

[25th February 2013]

Both Houses of Parliament will sit again on Tuesday 26th February

Zimbabwe Youth Council (General) Regulations [SI 4/2013]: Update

Parliamentary Legal Committee [PLC] adverse report The PLC’s adverse report on these regulations has not yet been presented to the Senate, but this is expected to be done soon. As explained in Bill Watch 7/2013 of 19th February an adverse report, if approved by the Senate, may result in the regulations being annulled by the President without anyone having to go to court for them to be declared ultra vires and invalid. [Report is not available until tabled in the Senate.]

POSA Amendment Bill

On Tuesday 19th February Mr Gonese, the MP who introduced the POSA [Public Order and Security Act] Amendment Bill, tried valiantly, with the help of MDC Senators, to persuade the Senate to vote for his motion to revive the lapsed motion from the previous session seeking the Bill’s restoration to the Senate Order Paper. The ZANU-PF Senators who spoke opposed the motion, claiming Mr Gonese had withdrawn the Bill when he agreed to the POSA issue being dealt with at GPA Principals level. The facts, according to Hansard, were: in August 2011 Senators had asked for more time to examine the Bill, and Minister Chinamasa had objected to the Bill on the ground that the POSA issue was under consideration by the GPA negotiators as part of the Roadmap to Elections; but Mr Gonese did not withdraw the Bill and the Roadmap negotiations did not result in agreed amendment or replacement of POSA. After over an hour of debate a vote was taken and Mr Gonese’s motion was rejected by 28 votes to 17. The vote illustrates ZANU-PF’s domination of the Senate; the Chiefs who voted followed the ZANU-PF lead.

This is not necessarily the end of the Bill. The other route open to Mr Gonese is to table a motion in the House of Assembly asking that the Bill, as passed by the House in December 2009, be sent to the President for assent, despite the Senate’s rejection of his motion. This is permitted by the Constitution, Schedule 4, paragraph 3, which sets out what can be done by the House when the Senate either rejects a Bill passed by the House or has not passed it within 90 days of its introduction into the Senate. Mr Gonese’s Bill qualifies on both counts – not only was it rejected by the Senate last week, but, as it was introduced in the Senate in December 2010, the 90-day period was completed long ago. [Bill as passed by the House available from veritas@mango.zw]

Parliament’s Role in Filling Vacancies in ZEC and ZHRC Chairs

It was announced by Prime Minister Tsvangirai that at their meeting on Monday 18th February the President, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara had selected two persons to fill the positions of chairperson on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission [ZEC] and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission [ZHRC], which had both fallen vacant. The selection was later corroborated by the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, under whose Ministry these Commissions fall. The persons selected are Justice Rita Makarau as the new chairperson of ZEC and Mr Jacob Mudenda as the new chairperson of ZHRC. The President cannot legally make either appointment until both the Judicial Service Commission [JSC] and the Parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders [CSRO] have been consulted. The JSC met last week. The CSRO has not met yet, but is expected to do so towards the end of the coming week. Until due process has taken place and the nominees have accepted the appointments and been sworn in, these appointments will not be legally effective.

In Parliament Last Week

Both Houses took it easy last week, sitting on Tuesday and Wednesday only, before adjourning until Tuesday 26th February.

House of Assembly

Bills [all available from veritas@mango.zw]

Income Tax Bill and Securities Amendment Bill Non-adverse reports were received from the Parliamentary Legal Committee [PLC], clearing the way for both Bills to move on to the Second Reading stage.

Microfinance Bill There was no movement on this Bill, which had previously received a non-adverse report from the PLC.

Motions

Debate started on:

· the condolence motion for the late Vice-President Nkomo, who died on 17th January

· the motion on the report on Zimbabwe soccer administration and the Asiagate match-fixing scandal presented by the Portfolio Committee on Education, Sport and Culture.

Senate

Bills There were no Bills for consideration. No Bills were transmitted from the House.

Motions Most of Tuesday afternoon was taken up by the debate on Mr Gonese’s motion on his Private Member’s POSA Amendment Bill [see above]. The rest of the Senate’s sitting time was occupied by further contributions to the debates on the Vice-President Nkomo condolence motion and the motion to thank the President for his speech opening the Session.

Question Time did not take place because the Senate did not sit on Thursday.

In Parliament This Coming Week

House of Assembly

Bills The three Bills introduced by Minister of Finance Tendai Biti [all available from veritas@mango.zw] are listed for the Second Reading stage on Tuesday, in the following order:

· Microfinance Bill

· Securities Amendment Bill

· Income Tax Bill.

Motions Debate will continue on motions carried over from last week, including the debate on soccer and the Asiagate match-fixing scandal. New motions listed for presentation include:

· a motion by Co-Minister of Home Affairs Kembo Mohadi, in terms of section 111B of the Constitution, seeking the House’s approval of Zimbabwe’s accession to the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. This is high on the agenda for Tuesday. [Text of Convention available from veritas@mango.zw]

· a condolence motion following the death of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Seiso Moyo, who died on 20th December

· motions to take note of Portfolio Committee reports on:

o the management of dam projects by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority;

o access to financial resources by small and medium enterprises;

o and local authorities [reports not yet available].

Question Time on Wednesday The 16 questions listed for Ministerial reply on 27th February include: questions previously on the list but carried forward as they had not been answered; for instance, questions for the Minister of Public Service about a Commission of Inquiry into the War Victims Compensation Fund and the payment of pensions for “exaggerated disabilities”; and one asking the Minister of Industry and Commerce to name authorised bottled water suppliers and to justify bottled water being sold at the same price as diesel fuel. There is still a problem of Ministers not turning up to answer questions. Newer questions include: two for the co-Ministers of Home Affairs on the Ministry’s policy on the display of ZRP force numbers on police uniforms, and on the revenue generated by police roadblocks, the custodians of that revenue and how it is managed; and one for the Minister of Health and Child Welfare on the availability of ARV drugs.

Senate

Bills The Senate is still waiting for Bills to be passed by the House of Assembly and transmitted for its consideration.

Motions No new motions are listed on the Order Paper, which lists only the continuing debates on the vote of thanks to the President for his speech at the opening of the Session, and the Vice-President Nkomo condolence motion.

Question Time on Thursday Only one question, carried forward from last week, is listed. It asks the Minister of Mines and Mining Development: for information on haphazard illegal mining activities at Benson Mine in Mudzi district.

Government Gazettes of 22nd February

Statutory Instruments [SIs] [NOT available from Veritas]

Pension funds administrators SI 20/2013 lays down new minimum requirements for pension fund administrators – they must be companies with the prescribed minimum capital and be registered as insurers under the Insurance Act.

Insurance business SI 21/2013 fixes new figures for the minimum equity capital of insurers, and for approved investments and compulsory professional indemnity cover to be held by insurance brokers.

Collective bargaining agreement SI 22/2013 sets out full conditions of service, including wages and gratuities, for the Baking Industry.

General Notice

GN 45/2013, made by the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, designates the 1st March 2013 as the date of commencement of section 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (General) Regulations. This means that from 1st March a legal practitioner may not commence practice as a principal, whether on his or her own or in partnership or as an associate, unless he or she first satisfies the Council for Legal Education that he or she has attended a full course of Council seminars on, and passed examinations in, the several subjects listed in section 4(2).

Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied

Zim to clamp down on civic society

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Statement by the United States Embassy on the death of Christpower Maisiri

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Zanu PF unleashing full scale violence - Morgan Tsvangirai

SA warned against ‘complicity’ in potential Zim violence

Armed robbers terrorise city over weekend

Zanu PF in plot to assassinate MDC: Biti

Biti assassination claim pathetic: Zanu PF

Chinamasa, Biti deny securing referendum cash

Judge to deliver ruling Wednesday on NCA’s referendum challenge

Drama at the High Court as referendum case adjourned

Zec invites observers to apply

Murky political party funding raises stink

Ghosts of slain MDC activists haunt police

Tsvangirai warns of instability relapse

Harare residents criticise Council water failures

Seven die in accident

In ground-breaking move, S. Africa steps in over alleged Zimbabwe mass rapes

Mugabe faces defiance on vote buying

Zanu PF MP hospitalised after assault

Newly-resettled farmers reel from AgriBank loans

Government must zone out land for urban agric

Five Lessons From Zimbabwe's Richest Man, Strive Masiyiwa

Police onslaught on NGOs ominous

Constitution Scorecard

BILL WATCH 8/2013 of 25th February [Senate Votes Against POSA Amendment Bill]