Mutapa fund fires key cylinders for take off

Mutapa Fund is collaborating with IDC to attract investors for resource exploitation through joint ventures or other concessions.

Chiredzi July 31 protesters remanded to Nov 11

Eleven Chiredzi residents who participated in the July 31 anti-corruption protests have been further remanded to November 11, 2020. The postponement was agreed upon after police failed to record statements from witnesses. The accused, represented by human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri, were arrested on July 31 and are on $5,000 bail each, with the requirement to report to the nearest police station twice a week until the matter is finalized.

MDC Alliance veterans condemn ‘captured’ justice system

The MDC Alliance Veterans Activist Association (VAA) criticizes Zimbabwe's justice system for being compromised, leading to wrongful imprisonment of political activists. The Supreme Court recently acquitted two MDC Alliance activists, Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere, after they spent eight years in prison for a 2011 murder. VAA secretary-general Charles Musimiki condemns the delayed verdict and compares current oppression to that of the Rhodesian regime. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights argue that the activists were denied a fair trial.

High Court quashes Chiredzi farmer’s jail sentence

Tony Renato Sarpo, a Chiredzi commercial farmer, had his 10-month prison sentence for theft of trust property quashed by the High Court. Sarpo was initially convicted for stealing 40 wheelbarrows and a Toyota Hilux truck from Matabeleland Engineering. Despite previous convictions and sentences, Sarpo successfully appealed at the High Court, which ruled in his favor, setting aside his sentence and declaring him not guilty. This marks several legal victories for Sarpo against Matabeleland Engineering.

Chiredzi cancels culture week over COVID-19 scare

Organizers of Culture Week in Chiredzi District canceled the event due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, following an outbreak at Bondolfi Teacher’s College. Despite the cancellation, a virtual gala will proceed, adhering to COVID-19 regulations. The cancellation has disappointed local artists and raised concerns about political interference, as a Zanu PF meeting was held at the same venue days earlier. The Lowveld Arts and Culture Association, co-hosting the event, plans to continue with the virtual gala to support local artists.

Former MP’s death exposes Zanu PF’s intolerance

The death of former Gweru Urban legislator Rodrick Tutsvara has highlighted deep-rooted political intolerance within the ruling Zanu PF party in Zimbabwe's Midlands province. Tutsvara, a former MDC-T opposition legislator and prominent businessman, passed away due to kidney failure. His death sparked a heated debate within Zanu PF social media groups, with some members opposing the mourning of an opposition figure on their platforms. The incident underscores the severe political polarization in Zimbabwe, where even death does not bridge the divide between opposing political factions.

Chiredzi resident to present child prostitution report to Parliament

Marko Shoko, a resident of Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, is scheduled to present a report on the increase in child prostitution to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on May 9. The report attributes the rise in child prostitution to several factors, including the displacement of families due to the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam project, the fast-track land reform program, and the withdrawal of NGOs. The report highlights the dire living conditions at Chingwizi Transit Camp, family breakdowns, and lack of government support as contributing factors. Children, some as young as 11, are engaging in prostitution, leading to a spike in pregnancies, violence, drug abuse, and the risk of HIV/AIDS. The petition aims to urge Parliament to take action to protect children's rights and combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in the district.

Cyclone Idai leaves trail of destruction in Bikita

The article reports on the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe, particularly focusing on the Bikita district. Four people were confirmed dead, and 220 were left homeless due to the storm, which caused extensive damage to houses, infrastructure, and communication lines. District development co-ordinator Bernard Hadzirambwi provided the statistics and highlighted ongoing challenges in assessing the full impact due to inaccessibility and communication issues. Aid has begun to arrive from various sources, including the Red Cross and Bikita Minerals, but more assistance is needed. The Bikita Development Forum is actively working to gather resources to aid the victims, emphasizing the need for broader support beyond the most publicized areas.

Ex-employees to pay US$1,500 for terminating contracts with school

Errymaple Junior School in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, is suing former employees for leaving without notice, requiring them to pay between US$1,200 and US$1,600. The CEO, Ashell Ruswa, stated the actions are legal, with affected workers informed at the labour court. Teachers were allegedly prevented from retrieving personal belongings until they signed debt acknowledgments, with some having their parents as guarantors. A lawyer noted that under the Labour Act, either party breaching an employment contract by not providing three months' notice must pay three months' salary.

Mermaid ‘vanishes’ with Mwenezi girl (11)

In the Mwenezi district under Chief Chitanga's area, villagers have been performing traditional rituals for five days on the shores of Runde River, where Vongai Mateza vanished 11 years ago while bathing. The community believes she was taken by mermaids, a common element in Zimbabwean mythology, and expects her return as a powerful healer. Despite the official belief of a crocodile attack, her body was never found, only her undergarments. The rituals include continuous singing, dancing, and beer drinking, and may last up to three months. This follows a similar case where Rowai Chihwakwa resurfaced after 40 years, having been taken by mermaids at the age of eight.