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i j t i n r i o h C The Real Change Times Movement for Democratic Change A Party of Excellence! The Official Mouthpiece of the MDC

Tuesday 18 January MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, , Issue 059: 2011 Zanu PF goons jailed …as 10 MDC supporters win millions of US$ in damages BEATRICE - Five Zanu PF zealots, involving acts of brutality perpetrated Zimbabwe, charging that such support part of a terror gang of eight, who on innocent Zimbabweans by Zanu PF was meant for Zanu PF supporters only. brutally maimed and assaulted MDC goons as they sulked over their losses supporters in Beatrice during the which effectively de-stooled their Mugabe and Zanu PF, using the military, abortive presidential run- off campaign party from the seat of government. literally declared war on Zimbabweans in the name of, and under the command Today, Zanu PF is merely a partner in a after their landmark loss in the of Zanu PF and after coalition arrangement, generously made 2008 election. the 29 March 2008 elections, started possible by the MDC’s magnanimity serving three year jail terms on and patriotism. Meanwhile, in another people’s victory Thursday for their crimes. against merchants of violence, the SADC The news was well received in the Tribunal has awarded damages of nearly Chitungwiza magistrate, Patience Beatrice area as it opened avenues for the US$17 million to nine Zimbabwean Ururu-Madondo convicted the senseless MDC supporters to claim compensation torture victims, in a landmark ruling hooligans for torture, assault, banditry from the criminals for loss of property that yet again exposes Zanu PF’s and theft, all committed after Zanu PF and injuries they sustained during that flagrant disregard of the rule of law. Two of the thousands of survivors of violence against the MDC on the waiting list for justice and peace and Mugabe lost the election for the period of Zanu PF madness. According to the judgment Case first time in 29 years of an unbridled The matter was before judge Ariranga the right to an effective remedy, the No. SADC (T) 05/2008 (see www. dictatorship and tyranny. The court heard that the five forced realchangetimes.com for a full text) Govindasamy Pillay who said right to have access to an independent MDC supporters and activists to sing delivered on 9 December 2010, Barry Zimbabwe has acted in contravention and impartial court or tribunal and the Those now in jail are: Carter party songs while they hammered Gondo, Kerina Gweshe, Nyaradzai of various fundamental human rights. right to a fair hearing,” Pillay said. Matengambiri, Tabeth Mubaiwa, them with logs, iron bars and sticks Katsande, Peter Chirinda, Phanuel The nine suffered bullet wounds, Oncemore Matangira, David Makina in an act the complainants described Mapingure, Ruth Manika, Sophia beatings and even paralysis as a result Justice Pillay further ruled that and Zacharia Moyo. Three others as extremely callous, heartless and Matasva, Trust Shumba and Mercy of the physical violence at the hands Section 5 (2) of Zimbabwe’s were lucky to be released for lack of barbaric – Zanu PF style. Magunje can now heave sigh of of the police and soldiers under the State Liabilities Act, which evidence. Collectively, they harrassed relief after they won the case with the Zanu PF regime eight years ago. protects the Zimbabwe government’s and tormented scores of people in They routinely visited the MDC assistance of the Zimbabwe Human internal property from being attached, the normaly serene farming district supporters at their homes, making Rights NGO Forum. “We hold, therefore, in light of the was not only in contravention of the which has since abandoned Zanu PF. random searches for MDC ceremonial authorities quoted above, that the Treaty but also violated Article 3 (2) outfits, literature, regalia, party cards, They had sued the government for failing Respondent is in breach of Articles of the African Charter on Human and The conviction of the five mark a and to extort food. In particular, they to comply with earlier orders of the High 4(c) and 6(1) of the Treaty in that it Peoples’ Rights which provides that beginning of thousands of similar seized all the farm inputs and seed Court. The government initially refused has acted in contravention of various “every individual is entitled to equal cases in the MDC’s files and records donated by the Reserve Bank of or neglected to compensate them. fundamental human rights, namely protection at law”. To Page 2 Chombo in fresh land scam …desperate mayors plead with Parliament to intervene HARARE - Fresh evidence implicating 3662/1954 was specifically endorsed to Records show that over the years, of Local Government, Rural and Ignatius Morgen Chiminya Chombo has effect the council ownership. For years, Chombo tried to transfer the land into Urban Development. emerged in yet another suspicious land the piece of land remained in that state. his name but failed. Correspondence, deal in which the Zanu PF politiburo dating back to 25 June 2004, between the A perusal of these documents shows member is a central figure in corruption When Chombo went into full time ministry (through the then permanent that they appear suspect, tampered with politics, he claims to have signed a secretary Mrs R. Pazvakawambwa), or completely manufactured. in Harare. lease agreement with this non-existent Harare City Council and lawyers government ministry on 2nd January Honey and Blackenberg show clearly Mrs R. Pazvakawambwa, in a letter to In the city’s plush northern suburb 1997 and agreed to pay Z$6 301 as the difficulties Chombo encountered the City Valuer and Estates Manager, of Glen Lorne lies a piece of land rentals per year. A further conflicting in wrestling the property from the a Mr Francisco, dated 25 June 2004 technically known as Subdivision “K” point here is that Chombo alleges to city council. requested that the piece of land be of Nthaba which used to belong to the have bought the same piece of land transferred to Chombo on the basis that city council. on the 1st of January 1997. How this Among the lawyers’ concerns were the stand had been allocated to him was possible on New Year’s Day issues of conflict of interest as in 1995. Chombo alleges that he was allocated beggars belief? Chombo, now as the minister, was literally intending to change the land The Town Clerk responded to Mrs the same piece of land in 1995 by the Chombo Chombo tried to sell the land to use for a personal advantage. Further, R. Pazvakawambwa’s letter on 21 then Ministry of Local Government, a Mr Alois Ndaziva Chimeri (63- the lawyers wanted a Capital Gains September 2004 advising her that Rural and Urban Development. But This piece of land was donated to the 556768T26) who was then residing at Clearance Certificate, Title Deeds and Chombo’s application had been there was no ministry with such a name city by a well wisher, Walter Serocold 69 Steven Drive , Msasa, Harare, for an Agreement of Sale – documents forwarded to the Director of Works, at the time although the date stamp on Pell Edmonds, in 1954 and transferred Z$250 million on 15th September 2003. Chombo did not appear to have. P.C. Chiwanga for onward transmission Chombo’s lease agreement says so. on the 8th of October 1973 to the City of But this could not happen as Chombo Additional documentation about to the ministry for a ‘change of use’ The ministry which existed was that of Harare on condition that it can only be was not the registered owner of this piece of land was generated in terms of Section 49 of the Regional Local Government and Housing. used as a public space. Title Deed No. the property. when Chombo was now the Minister Town and Country Planning Act (1996). To Page 2

Together, united, winning, ready for real change!

1 Upsurge in violence HARARE - The MDC deplores the if they voted for the MDC in the Ncube’s tiny toy current upsurge in violence, illegal next elections. arrests and abductions of its members and members of the members of the On Thursday, Zanu PF youths public by state security agents and caused disturbances at the MDC Zanu PF supporters. headquarters, Harvest House, Harare, and attacked innocent shoppers Reports received by the MDC and workers. Four councillors and across the country show that there five MDC youths were arrested in harmless- Khupe is a rise in cases involving violence, Victoria Falls last week on false arbitrary arrests on flimsy grounds charges of disrupting a council and kidnappings of its members meeting. They were each granted a - MDC Vice President “There is so much insecurity among especially in the rural areas. US$70 bail each on Wednesday. and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon those in the The party has noted a heavy presence has dismissed as group. The group is out to use them, of army personnel in the countryside, Chikomba district began the school inconsequential the purported rise particularly in Matabeleland, Masvingo harassing innocent villagers. Last year by disrupting classes and trying of Welshman Ncube in politics and and Manicaland,” said a senior official. week , a group of soldiers from the to push out teachers who are alleged vowed to trounce him, once again, in 4.2 Infantry Battalion went and beat to support the MDC. her Makokoba constituency if he dares “We no longer know what the group up people at Mupandawana Growth Point in Gutu, Masvingo province. Progressive Teachers Union of challenge her popularity. stands for. If one tries to ask questions, Dozens of people were injured. Zimbabwe Secretary General, they are immediately linked to Raymond Majongwe, confirmed Hon. Khupe said Ncube’s ascendancy Mudzumwe, Mguni, Bhebe or Sikhala On Wednesday, more than 30 people reports of staged demonstrations at to the leadership of his tiny grouping and suspended from the structures.” were injured and shops were forced Nhangambwe and Sadza Secondary was a non-event, unworthy of any to close at Jerera Growth Point in schools and said that the union was notice or impact on the broader national Ncube turned against , Zaka again in the same province after gravely worried. political scene. a man he hired in 2006 to lead the another group of soldiers attacked group after Ncube and other senior villagers. Chiefs in Bubi and Nkayi, “We have heard reports of the Matebeleland North province, are demonstrations that are targeting “I beat him in Makokoba in 2008 officials left the MDC over differences reported to be telling villagers that innocent teachers. This is a cause elections and I can beat him any time if that ripped the party’s leadership apart. soldiers will soon be deployed in for concern and should be stopped elections are called. He will never win the area as peace keepers ahead immediately,” said Majongwe. any national elections and his party “Yes its true, people all over the of elections. is now in a worse position than country are crying foul, they are Hon. Khupe Zanu PF thugs besieged Makuvimavi when Mutambara was leader,” said realizing that Ncube wanted to use Elson Mutonhori, the MDC Primary School in Chivhu demanding Hon. Khupe. them,” said Ncube’s former national “It was better if we had remained under Masvingo South secretary was that Edwin Mareve, a teacher there, chairman Jourbet Mudzumwe. Tsvangirai. We blame our leadership on Saturday morning abducted be transferred because of his support at gunpoint by Major – General for the MDC. She told journalists that Ncube’s group for all this mess. They are all power Engelbert Rugeje and one Major can hold as many so-called congresses “This is the reason why we still believe hungry and not worried about the Toperesu at his Renco Mine The marching crowds, led by Farai as possible and change leaders. But the Mutambara is our President not people’s welfare. Tsvangirai was home. Rugeje and Toperesu who Watambwa, accused the grade seven group remains the same and won’t pose Ncube. Our supporters are frustrated better,” said Lloyd Muchenyu, another were driving an unmarked white teachers of teaching pupils to follow a threat to the MDC. by the divisions in the party and this unhappy former supporter. Mitsubishi truck took Mutonhori to the MDC. is the reason why they think they the Rock Motel in Chivi some 100km “The change of leadership in that party were betrayed.” The MDC national spokesperson, away, where they interrogated and “There is need for the police to act will make them even weaker than they Hon confirmed a intimidated him until midnight for fast. Even though we reported the wearing MDC regalia. Mutonhori case to the police they just went were in 2008. They are now at their Mudzumwe and others registered surge in inquiries from the Ncube made a report at Renco Mine Police to the school and observed as the weakest level, without support and their disappointment with Ncube group seeking to be re-admitted in Station but the police officers refused hooligans abused the teacher,” riven by endless squabbles,” she said. just before the party’s lack-lustre the party. to open a docket claiming the issue the MP for Chikomba Central, congress in Harare two weeks ago. was political. Moses Jiri. Meanwhile, defections continue from “They have approached us, they want to the Ncube grouping as their previous Mudzumwe described Ncube as a come back to join us. They might come Self – styled war veteran, Jabulani “Classes were disrupted and parents supporters search for a home back in political schemer ‘who lured us to here even today because we told them Sibanda addressed a rally in seeking to register their grade the MDC, led by President Tsvangirai. dump Tsvangirai”. that our doors are open,” said Chamisa. Ngundu, Chivi, Masvingo province, one children failed to do so as the and threatened villagers with death administration block was closed.”

Zanu PF goons jailed Chombo in fresh Harare land scandal From Page 1 From Page 1 “We therefore hold and declare On 19 November 2004, Chiwanga with their demands for documentation. In December, Chiwanga gave the that section 5(2) of the Liability informed the City Valuer in writing that This holding deed gave ownership to lawyers an Agreement of Sale between Act (Chapter 8:14) of the he had no objection to the land being the City of Harare. Chombo and Chimeri. In February Respondent is in contravention of transferred to Chombo. Because of a 2009, the lawyers demanded proof of the fundamental rights to have an stream that runs through the property, It appears this was not enough. payment and advised that Chombo additional legal work was needed with risked a heavy penalty from Zimra effective remedy; to have access The lawyers, on 10 February 2006, regards the water rights at the piece of advised the City Valuer that they needed since he claimed to have sold the land to the courts; to be entitled to a land. Chiwanga advised that this was more details and reminded him of their in 2005 and did not pay Capital Gains fair hearing, to equality before now unnecessary because the new Water letter on the 11th of April 2005. Tax within a month as required by law. the law and to equal protection Act nullified all water rights which had of the law; in so far as it provides been an obstacle in the transfer of the Five days later, the lawyers – in another By 13 October 2009, no transfer could that property of the States may land to Chombo. letter – complained about the non- be possible. Chombo – through an not form the subject-matter of delivery of the Agreement of Sale officer identified only as C. Gwada, th execution, attachment or process On the 7 of January 2005, the and the need for a change of land use. made another forlorn follow-up to satisfy a judgment debt,” the Town Clerk then wrote to Honey In particular, they raised the issue of with Town House to get the papers Broken limbs… Survivors of Zanu PF violence & Blackenberg to proceed with the sorted out. judgment said. ‘conflict of interests’ on the part of transfer, further informing the law firm Chombo as he was both the beneficiary in March 2006 by former High that all water rights have been nullified and the authority. On 28 October 2009, Chombo The MDC welcomes the judgment Court judge Justice Rita Makarau by Zinwa. obtained a Capital Gains Tax Clearance as it sends a clear message to after she sued then Defence Certificate, citing the date acquired by th To cut a long story short, as it reads like rogue elements in the state Minister for On the 11 of April 2005, the lawyers high-grade fiction, the council lawyers transferee as the 5 September 2003 security sector who still display Z$50 million for the assault she requested the necessary documents in another letter on 6th of June 2006 kept between Chombo and Chimeri and partisanship in the conduct of and her husband suffered at their and details for an effective transfer, on highlighting the conflict of interest done by one Theresa Chenjerai and their duties and continue to Glen View home at the hands of among them, the original Agreement issue with the City Valuer. There was Elias Foto, all said to be employees behave outside the purview of of Sale to Minister Chombo. Nothing a lot inter-departmental activities of Zimra. soldiers during the “Final Push” happened for a whole month until Mrs their constitutional mandate. demonstration organised by the and correspondence in the council as R. Pazvakawambwa wrote another officials frantically tried to regularise Honey & Blackenberg, in a letter dated MDC in June 2003. letter to the City Valuer enquiring about 3 November 2009, sought advice from The case of originally 12 victims the transfer of this piece of land the position regarding the transfer. to Chombo. the city’s rates department to determine was brought before the SADC Due to the hyperinflation On the 7th of June 2005, the Town Clerk Chombo’s liability. It nearly took Tribunal in April 2009 via the responded to Mrs R. Pazvakawambwa’s experienced in Zimbabwe over By December 2006, L. Chimba, writing another year before the sale could be Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO the past years, the original letter requesting for Chombo’s details effected because of the opaqueness of as they were needed by the lawyers. on behalf of the permanent secretary, the deal. Forum. Only one victim has been compensation amounts laid down informed Town House of a suggestion paid so far while the lawyers of years ago by the High Court would of a land swap with another piece of nine of the 11 remaining victims Ten days later, the lawyers reminded the On 26 October 2010, Chiwanga – the today be worth next to nothing. City Valuer that they were still waiting land in an unnamed low density suburb man implicated in all of Chombo’s have been forced to turn to the of Harare. Further exchanges took for Chombo’s details as per their 11 th fraudulent land deals from previous SADC Tribunal. According to the SADC Tribunal April 2005 letter. place until on 13 of June 2008 when investigations – advised the city ruling, the Harare government L. Chimba informed the Town Clerk treasurer that Sub-division K of Ntaba, The nine were represented by should pay Gondo US$5,6 On the 21st of July 2005, the Town that the property must be transferred Glen Lorne, had had its use changed lawyer Jeremy Gauntlett who million, Gweshe US$810 000, Clerk advised Mrs R. Pazvakawambwa from Chombo to Chimeri as a way of from a designated public space to a handling the conflict of interest issue. told the bench of three judges that Katsande US$133 144, Chirinda that the state can go ahead and transfer residential property. Not surprisingly, not only should the Zimbabwean US$3,26 million, Mapingure the property to Chombo. He advised this letter is dated 4 September 1996. Honey & Blackenberg to close their file Chiwanga then advised Honey & government pay compensation to US$950 000, Manika US$8 Blackenberg on 25 June 2008 that the victims but must also adjust the on the matter as it was now being dealt In conclusion, the MDC and hundreds 552, Matasva US$4 850 000, with directly by the state. Somehow, Chombo has since disposed of the land, of workers in the City of Harare and awards which were made during Shumba US$1,08 million and something did not seem right as shown which would make it easier for him in the Inclusive Government are aware the heady days of Zimbabwe’s Magunje US$9 030. by the subsequent turn of events. to authorise the change of land use in of Chombo’s activities since Mugabe world-record inflation. capacity as the Minister administering brought him into his Cabinet from It also ruled that the government On the 19th of September 2005 Mrs R. the Act. Here came in another obstacle, a lecture room at the University of Gauntlett further asked that the must pay interest on each of Pazvakawambwa wrote another letter and all this was happening without Zimbabwe in 1990s. Like the MDC, compensation should be adjusted the awards from the date of the to the City Valuer giving the available the knowledge of the 29 March 2008 they are baffled as to why he remains in th since Zimbabwe had introduced original High Court judgments. transfer details of Chombo. On the 11 MDC council. public office. the US dollar and the South of November 2005, the Town Clerk was The oldest judgment was the one On 24 November 2008, the lawyers African rand as currencies. back at Honey & Blackenberg with the For those who may be unaware, for Katsande which was handed Chombo’s details and requesting them insisted on the fulfilment of the Chombo sits in the Zanu PF politburo down in February 2003, followed to effect a transfer. demands of the letter dated 11 April as the secretary for land reform In Gweshe’s case, she was by Chirinda in August of the same 2005; requested an agreement of sale and resettlement. awarded damages of Z$10 million year and Shumba in 2004. The then acting Director of Housing for the purposes of Capital Gains by Services, James Chiyangwa, availed the Zimra. They also requested the consent See Mayors’ appeal to Parliament lawyers with the title deeds to conform of the City of Harare. on Page 3

2 Mayors plead with Parliament to rescue local government

HARARE – Mayors and council Local Authority, promote the generation spearheading the slashing of maize the image of the democratically chairpersons from across the country of employment and raise the quality crop, which the MDC councilors have elected councillors who are all from met in Harare last week and pleaded of life for the people of Zimbabwe, in said they have nothing to do with. the MDC,” secretary with Parliament to investigate Ignatius particular its necessary to amend Local for information and publicity Willias Chombo, the Minister of Local Government laws and realign them with Harare councillors last week held an Madzimure said. Government, Rural and Urban for emergency caucus meeting and said the the current needs and demands of the councillors had never made a resolution corruption and abuse of office. “We are dismayed by the cheap people,” the statement said. to slash the residents’ maize. propaganda of Zanu PF Harare province chairperson, The Mayors who met as Democratic The Mayors raised concern that Chombo “The MDC is a pro-poor political and who are Councils Forum (DemCoF) blasted had gone on a retribution campaign party and is fully behind all livelihood falsely claiming it is the councillors Chombo for his undemocratic and suspending and dismissing councillors support programmes among them urban who ordered the destruction. arbitrary interference in the running of in a move to protect his ill-gotten vast agriculture,” the councillors resolved The two were rejected by the voters cities and town councils in Zimbabwe. after their meeting. The Harare City in the March 2008 parliamentary interests and personal fortune. Council chief whip, Councillors Victor elections. As a party, the MDC is a pro – They called for collective action on Chifodya said their investigations had poor party that supports self-sustenance “DemCoF resolved the affected shown that senior council employees the Harare and Mutare land audit of the people of Zimbabwe both in councillors seek legal recourse against Mayor of Marondera, Councillor Farai Nyandoro who are mainly Zanu PF supporters urban and rural communities,” he said. reports on corruption by named Chombo in both his personal and have assigned junior employees to slash senior Zanu PF officials and the professional capacity,” the resolutions MARONDERA – Marondera the maize on the pretext of orders from Madzimure said there was no way that politically partisan manner of targeting police yesterday summoned Mayor the councillors. by DemCoF said. the MDC councillors would sanction democratically elected councils by Zanu Farai Nyandoro, to court today on the slashing of the maize crops of the PF functionaries. false charges of assualting Zanu However, the councillors are on a break same people who voted them into office. The mayors said they were disturbed by PF supporters in Rujeko Township and will only resume their meetings “It is clear that those behind the slashing The MDC is in control of all urban Zanu PF negligence of local authorities last week. on Monday. of the maize crop are from Zanu PF councils in Zimbabwe. for a period of over a decade and who are still bitter and failing to come this had led to massive collapse of Mayor Nyandoro and Councillor Carlos Meanwhile, the MDC Harare province to terms with the fact that the people infrastructure and service delivery had Madzongwe were on Monday informed strongly condemns the irrational of Harare and the rest of Zimbabwe “Aware of Chombo’s crimes, DemCoF by police officers from the Law and slashing of maize crops in high density rejected them in the 2008 elections. resolved that Parliament moves a virtually collapsed. Order section that they should appear in areas by some rebel Zanu PF Harare motion to investigate Chombo for abuse court to answer to assault charges. City Council employees who are bent “The MDC will never destroy people’s of public office as a matter of urgency They resolved that there should be an on tarnishing the image of the Party of property like what Zanu PF did in 2005 and in the national interest,” reads a improvement of sanitary facilities, Mayor Nyandoro said he was with Excellence – the MDC. when it destroyed tens of thousands of statement issued after the meeting. restoration of health centres with a Councillor Madzongwe on official people’s homes and livelihoods under focus on primary health care, repair and business in Rujeko on 9 January when “Harare province further notes with Operation Murambatsvina. We urge “DemCoF pledges to work with all maintenance of roads and infrastructure his council vehicle was attacked by concern that the employees are falsely those behind the slashing of the maize visibly drunk Zanu PF hooligans. claiming that they were assigned by residents, in their diversity, to realise crop to immediately desist from such and provision of housing, and other the councillors to slash the maize in acts and let the residents of Harare and restore the vibrancy of Zimbabwe’s essential amenities. He made a report at Marondera Police a desperate bid by Zanu PF to tarnish harvest their crops in peace,” he said. Station on the same day but was shocked to be called by police officers and told he was facing assault charges. The latest case seems to follow a pattern in which MDC officials are being targeted for prosecution in cases which smack of political harassment. Last week, four councillors and five MDC Youth Assembly members were arrested and prosecuted in Victoria Falls on charges ranging from violence and causing public disturbances. In Harare and Bulawayo, Zanu PF has launched a hate campaign by Mayors meeting at Harvest House last week Our record in leadership …as we move together with the people Bulawayo – The Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr. has said although his ministry is still facing some challenges in ensuring a totally effective and effecient health service delivery, much improvement has been noted in the health system since the formation of the inclusive government in 2009.

Dr. Madzorera who is the Senator for Kwekwe made these Hon. Henry Madzorera Hon. Lynette Karenyi Kore Hon. Simon Hove Hon. Settlement Chikwinya statements after his two day tour of Bulawayo’s two major public “The health sector is grossly under – Community Health and Empowerment At the handover ceremony of the development fund disbursed by hospitals, United Bulawayo funded and currently depends heavily Network, CHEN is a brain child of the machines and football jerseys, Hon. the Ministry of Finance, managed Hospital and Mpilo, last week. on donors,” he said. He said strict MDC Women’s Assembly. Makone said the donations would to utilise the funds to renovate “After loosing thousands of measures would be taken against go a long way in empowering single quarters in Mbizo’s people to cholera, malnutrition corruption in the sector by health MP Simon Hove said the graduates people especially women of section 7. and other diseases, it is notable officials especially those stationed would be assisted in accessing funds Chimanimani West. that we have come a long way at State hospitals who were in the from various organisations to finance Hon Chikwinya installed water in improving the health sector in habit of asking for kickbacks and their businesses. “We need to empower the women and meters for each quarter for easier the country. looting medicines. He further urged the youth through providing such basic billing and payments management hospital staff not to harrass patients and Hon , the MDC equipment to assist them in self help which was difficult to do as more visitors. Minister Madzorera toured the programmes,” she said. than five families shared a single “We have been able to bring back Women’s Assembly Chairperson two hospitals last week on Thursday handed over sewing machines and water meter, as well as replacing some of our professional health and Friday. He was accompanied by Hon. Makone, urged the community tattered doors. clothing materials to the Highfield West workers who had fled the country, local MPs and councillors. to form sewing clubs that would making the situation a lot better MP, Hon Simon to assist the graduates benefit people in each ward. She The constituency has requested but we are still far from were Meanwhile, 400 residents of Highfield with capital equipment for self urged MPs to show serious dedication that market stalls be constructed to we want to be as a country,” the West constituency, Harare, graduated help projects. and selfless leadership such as lessen burden on vendors and these minister said. He explained that in business management at Zororo demonstrated by Hon. Kore who is the are expected to be constructed in the unavailability of funds was Community Hall on Friday. In Manicaland, Hon. Lynette Karenyi MDC Women’s Assembly National ward 11 and ward 5. the ministry’s biggest challenge Kore, the MP for Chimanimani West, Organising Secretary. in trying to attract professional The graduates underwent a one month last week donated twenty-two sewing The amount allocated to health workers as well as to training course on business management machines worth thousands of dollars to Meanwhile, Hon Settlement constituencies under the train as many more practitioners in running small-scale businesses. 11 wards in her constituency as well as Chikwinya, the Member of Parliament development fund was raised as possible. The programme being run by the soccer jerseys for each ward. for Mbizo has, through the Constituency substantialy in this years budget.

3 Violence endangers national renewal - Bishops HARARE - Zimbabwe’s Roman The letter was signed by Angel Floro, of those undermining the fight Catholic bishops say they are concerned Bishop of Gokwe (ZCBC President), against corruption. about the rise in political violence, a Robert C. Ndlovu, Archbishop of plague that has dogged Zimbabwean Harare, Alex Thomas, Archbishop “Corruption is a cancer destroying our elections for the past three decades. of Bulawayo, Alexio Muchabaiwa, nation. Prosecute wrong doers and Bishop of Mutare (ZCBC Vice widely publicize any disciplinary action “Without sincere engagement, we will President), Michael D. Bhasera, Bishop so that no one is seen to commit crime continue to be dogged by violence, of Masvingo, Martin Munyanyi, with impunity,” they said. political intolerance, hate language Bishop of (ZCBC Secretary and in the public media, injustice, rigging Treasurer), Dieter B. Scholz SJ, Bishop “Desist from intimidating and of elections, fear and deception,” of Chinhoyi, Albert Serrano, Bishop of mistreating members of the public, the Hwange, Patrick M. Mutume, Auxiliary media and civic communities. they said. Bishop of Mutare. “Uphold human rights. Uniformed “It is disheartening that the state media “The liberation of Zimbabwe was never went out of its way to promote forces should maintain peace and achieved through the efforts of those security for all citizens at all times COPAC and its quest for a people- who were inside the country, both driven Constitution. and especially before, during and after armed and unarmed, outside the country elections, and do so impartially.” and by the international community. “So too, national healing reconciliation The bishops further implored the and integration which was so vital for “The claim to have monopoly in the national well being never seem to be political leadership in the inclusive liberation struggle by any single sector government to reflect deeply on the given much serious media coverage.” or party is therefore, false and may be the misconception solely responsible timing of the elections bearing in mind In a pastoral letter on Friday the for the abuse of human rights and the the unhealed state of the nation and the fragile state of the economy. bishops warned that violence, prevalent erosion of the sovereignty of the citizens in Zimbabwe,” the bishops said. in some provinces, could send “They shoulder a heavy responsibility Zimbabwe back into the dark days To save the nation, the bishops said to serve and save Zimbabwe. it experienced after Mugabe and Zanu They must think and act in pursuit of the PF lost the 29 March 2008 election. Zimbabwe needed saints in high political office: saintly politicians who common good. In the event of elections, will clean the continent of corruption, implement the SADC guidelines in To avert the slide into chaos once more, full,” they said. there was an urgent need for the full work for the good of the people, and know how to galvanize other men implementation of the Global Political The bishops’ pastoral letter appears to Agreement (GPA). Zimbabwes Catholic Bishops and women of good will from outside the Church to join hands against the have steered away from identifying Priority must be acciorded to poverty our concern that every political party common evils that beset our nations. the primary sources of Zimbabwean Failure by the Inclusive Government reduction, anti-corruption efforts should engage in serious discussion violence, although it is common cause to adhere to the requirements of the and the prosecution of perpetrators about the Common Good,” they said. “We urge our political leaders to; that Zanu PF has been at the centre of GPA has resulted in Zimbabwe’s of violence and other wrong-doers, prioritize poverty eradication by using the scourge. continued international isolation. said the bishops, while expressing “Without this sincere engagement we proceeds from natural resources like deep concern over the detriorating diamonds, land, for the development of The events after Zanu PF’s loss on 29 Political violence, intolerance, hate political situation. will continue to be dogged by violence, the whole nation and all its citizens. March 2008 left close to 500 MDC language and fear remain pervasive and political intolerance, hate language in supporters dead and thousands displaced very little has been done to realise a “Given our situation it is important the public media, injustice, rigging of The bishops called for an end in a carefully executed military style climate of national healing. that we express openly and strongly elections, fear and deception. to the active and tacit collusion operation directed by Zanu PF.

Report back meeting… donations War veteran replaces Mbare could easily explode – Denga Hon. ’s HARARE - The MDC calls on the police to restore order in Mbare, Harare’s coffee with mbanje oldest suburb and a transit point for CHIMANIMANI - A war veteran public transport to the countryside. has been arrested for planting mbanje at a coffee farm which he helped to grab from Roy Bennett The situation there could easily the MDC treasurer. deteriorate to unmanageable levels due to the works of Zanu PF’s Chipangano Pachedu farm, one of the country’s militia, which seems to enjoy the major coffee growers and foreign support of the local police chiefs. currency earner was forcibly taken by a group of war veterans Area legislator Piniel Denga warned in 2005. of rising tensions after an unprovoked attack on an MDC vehicle on Tuesday Givemore Muusha, a notorious in which a party driver was injured. war veteran in the area was The attackers, known Zanu PF zealots, Hon. Piniel Denga arrested by police last week smashed the car’s windows and after the police got a tip from wounded the arm of Stanford Bote, of rage during the 2000 parliamentary fellow invaders. election, described its residents as “sell- Hon. Lynnette Karenyi Kore (far right) with women in Chimanimani West after a regular the driver. Parliamentary report back meeting; and donating sports wear to several soccer teams and 22 Police recovered 35 mbanje plants outs, totem-less aliens and politically sewing machines in 11 wards. She was accompanied by Hon Theresa Makone (centre). in the coffee bushes and in his ... police must act immature imbeciles”. pole and dagga house. professionally and After realising that Mbare was gone to “Muusha has been planting deal with Chipangano the MDC forever, Zanu PF changed the mbanje in coffee bushes for constituency boundaries in 2005 and a long time and selling the before it is too late registered rogue elements from its rural illicit drug to fellow invaders strongholds in a bid to sway the vote. and workers from surrounding “The police are working in cahoots with timber plantations,” said ZANU PF,” said Hon. Denga. That effort failed as the merchants of the source. violence and chaos were outnumbered “This is an issue that we need to Muusha has been fingered several and retreated, leaving behind a few times in political violence against deal with to make sure police do dozen trouble-makers surviving on the MDC supporters. Initially he had not harass people on behalf of Zanu patronage and illegal vending. occupied Bennett’s main farm PF in the next election.” He said he house when the farm was invaded was personally harassed by ZANU Denga believes that with a determined but was evicted by government PF youths in Mbare when he went professional will to clear the area of owned Agricultural Rural to commission wells sunk in Mbare scoundrels, miscreants and political Development Agency recently to alleviate water shortages. uncouth elements, the police could (ARDA) officers. perform the task in a few minutes. Bote said the party vehicle was attacked Meanwhile, more than 30 after being surrounded by a group of Hon. Theresa Makone, the Home people were left injured on youths wearing Zanu PF regalia. “They Wednesday after a group of soldiers Affairs Minister says the security sector went berserk and started to beat up menacingly told me that the MDC was has a partisan mentality. civilians who were doing banned in Mbare,” said Bote. “I found their private business at Jerera this to be strange since we comfortably “Nothing has been done so far to Growth Point, Masvingo province. won the seat in March 2008.” reposition the biased mentality in the army, police and the Central Intelligence Eye witnesses said they Before he could reason with the Organisation (CIO),” said Makone. were shocked to see rowdy youths, they started throwing unformed soldiers beating stones, smashing the vehicle’s “This is an indication that the GPA has civilians for no reason. windows and injuring him. Although not yet been fully implemented. For he reported the incident at the Mbare the country to stabilise and progress “Look we are not in a war, Police Station, the officers on duty why do they just descend politically and economically, biased Those who have names of perpetrators of violence in your constituencies on us and start beating showed no interest in the matter, telling mentality in the security sector has to feel free to phone or write to us. Even if we go to war, him to bring the suspects to the station. be removed,” she said. MDC Information and Publicity department. we think our soldiers Telephone: 04-770708 should be seen protecting MDC activist Crispen Mandizvidza She said the inclusive government Email: [email protected] us, they are paid to give us peace of died last year in Mbare in disturbances banked its hope of restoring security Postal Address: Harvest House, 4th Floor, mind not this kind of torture,” said during the constitutional review process. to normal operations on the guidelines 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare. an eye witness. - Radio VOP Zanu PF has never been able to reclaim and recommendations given by South Mbare since Robert Mugabe, in a fit African President Jacob Zuma.

MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe • Tel: +263 4 793 250 www.mdc.co.zw

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