BY SHARON SIBINDI

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has arrested Bean There Restaurant managing director Delny Deanna Ashley Davies on allegations of defrauding a fellow businessman of US$700 000.

Davies was picked up in Bulawayo on November 25.

In its request for remand document case number HCR. 73/11/2019, Zacc stated that Davies (43) committed fraud as defined in section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Allegations are that sometime in November 2018, she hatched a plan to defraud the complainant Prince Abraham, managing director of Nedlac Automation based in South Africa and Nedlac Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd based in Zimbabwe of US$700 000, which she used to settle her loan with Zakanya Patel.

Zacc’s charge sheet states that pursuant to her plan, Davies approached Abraham and misrepresented to him that she had some free funds in South Africa and if the complainant had any payments to settle in the neighbouring country, she had the capacity to settle it.

In return, Abraham would then transfer US$700 000 into her account.

Abraham told Davies that his company had two major invoices which had to be settled to Nedlac Automation South Africa totalling R3 500 000.

The invoices were to be settled as R3 070 000 to Maggotteax South Africa for goods bought and delivered to PPC Bulawayo and R430 000 to Toyota Nelspruit for Nedlac Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd company vehicle.

“The accused instructed the complainant to deposit US$700 000 into FMC Finance Company Ecobank account and acting on the misrepresenting, on 26 November 2018, the complainant made two internal transfers of US$200 000 and US$500 000 into FMC Ecobank account through interbank banking using his Ecobank account,” Zacc papers state.

Zacc avers that Davies misrepresented that she had free funds in South Africa because she had a preconceived plan to swindle Abraham of his money to settle her loan with Patel.

“Investigations established that when the money was transferred into FMC Financial Services Ecobank account, US$72 000 financed an overdraft for FMC Financial Services and US$628 000 was transferred to a Steward Bank account, on instructions from Zakanya Patel,” Zacc stated.

Investigations also established that on November 29 2018, R450 000 was paid to Nedlac Automation South Africa FNB account by Davies and she converted a balance of R3 050 000 to her own use.

Zacc stated that investigations further revealed that Davies made another deposit of R110 0000 into Nedlac Automation FNB account.

“The accused person’s conduct caused an actual prejudice of US$664 200 and a total of US$7 432 was recovered,” the charge sheet read.

Davies on Tuesday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya and was granted $5 000 bail before being remanded to December 11 for trial.

BY Stephen Chadenga

Gweru residents will have to absorb a massive increase in tariffs next year if the council’s proposed $2 billion 2020 budget is approved by the Local Government ministry.

The local authority has proposed a $2,2 billion budget up from this year’s $46 million, with the burden expected to be passed on to the already financially struggling ratepayers.

In a financial statement to the proposed budget, acting finance director, Owen Masimba said in coming up with the proposed budget, council had considered budgeting for capital projects which have previously been suspended and also the prevailing exchange rate which has seen the skyrocketing of procured goods needed for service delivery.

“The 2020 budget proposal is based on the need to budget for capital projects which have been suspended,” he said.

“This is also based on actual quotations we got from suppliers using the prevailing exchange rate. This year’s budget is $46 million because when we did it the exchange rate then was 1:1. But since we are now using our local currency, the budget proposed is $2, 292, 117, 879.”

He said they had to use the inter-bank rate in calculating the budget since goods and services were also increasing at that rate.

Masimba said while council was trying to have a pro-poor budget, it was driven by the prevailing market forces to finance its operations.

“Before the removal of the 1:1 exchange rate by the government, we were paying $221 000 for our electricity bill, in September it was $1,1 million and this month it’s at $2,9 million. (On) water chemicals, we had budgeted $26 000, but we have been quoted $1,2 million,” he said.

“We were also charged for three broken pumps an equivalent of US$40 000 for repairs done in Harare and now to redeem them that company is asking for $948 000, which is far (more than the previous) amount. So while we try to be pro-poor we are working with what is prevailing on the market.”

But Gweru Residents Forum director, Charles Mazorodze said council should not expect residents to foot its budget increase through high tariffs as they (residents) were already struggling to pay the current rates. Mazorodze said council was not a money-making organisation, but should rather implement strategies that generate income instead of relying on ratepayers.

“The budget increase from this year to next year’s budget is by more than $1,9 billion,” he said.

“Obviously the burden will eventually fall on already struggling residents, who will have to brace for massive rates hike. But we are saying when city fathers hold their strategic meetings to run the city they should always think outside the box. They need to come up with income-generating projects.”

BY MISHMA CHAKANYUKA

BORDER Timbers Limited (BTL) posted a 751% increase in revenue to $48,96 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 driven by improved quality and output from its value-addition plants.

The increase was from a prior year figure of $5,75 million.

“Revenue saw positive improvement compared to prior comparable period mostly driven by improved quality and output from our value addition plants resulting in better average selling prices (ASAP) on lumber,” the company’s judicial manager, Peter Bailey said in the group’s trading update.

During the period, BTL recorded a net loss before tax of $11,65 million from a comparative 2018 profit before tax of $1,53 million owing to unrealised exchange losses.

“Loss for the year is mainly driven by unrealised exchange losses primarily from a foreign loan, the net unrealised exchange loss amounts to $31,42 million,” Bailey said.

Bailey said lumber production and sales volumes were down by 6% and 14% to 15 365 and 15 223 cubic metres respectively.

“Lumber production is lower compared to period prior year due to low production at the Charter sawmill caused mainly by machine breakdown and power outages. The low production had a knock-on effect on sales volumes as this resulted in lower sales compared to prior year,” Bailey added. Treated poles amounted to 2 621 cubic metres down from 3 004 cubic metres recorded in prior year while sales volumes also declined to 3 750 cubic metres from a comparative 4 011 cubic metres in 2018.

“Treated poles reflect a decline in production as focus was placed on specific orders that require re-sizing of stocks on hand. This is reflected in sales being higher than production as these sales were coming out of stock. Demand remains high within the region and an increase in both production and sales is anticipated within the next quarter,” Bailey said.

He said the company would remain under judicial management in the foreseeable future as discussion about the settlement and sharing of the US$25 million that was awarded to the company by an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) tribunal have not been finalised.

The company was placed under judicial management in 2016 after failing to service debts to several financial institutions. After Public Accountants and Auditors Board has given the green light to report using IAS 29 which is a hyperinflation reporting standard, production of financial positions will be restated to factor in annual inflation and exchange rate position.

BY NQOBANI NDLOVU

LAWYERS representing political activist Josphat Mzaca Ngulube have challenged the incarceration of the aspiring Bulawayo legislator who was last week jailed six years for public violence.

Ngulube was convicted on charges of burning three cars and property at a house belonging to Zanu PF Bulawayo provincial women’s league chairperson Eva Bitu during the violent January protests.

He was convicted alongside Fortune Masuku, Melusi Moyo and Otilia Sibanda by Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya.

Ngulube contested last year’s parliamentary elections as an independent candidate in Bulawayo South constituency before joining the MDC early this year.

His lawyer Nqobani Sithole said Ngulube was in “high spirits” despite his six-year conviction.

“He is in high spirits. We knew that regardless of his defence the probability of his conviction was high…he was prepared and not taken by surprise by the unfair conviction…otherwise, we are filing an appeal at the High Court against his unfair conviction,” Sithole told Southern Eye before visiting his client at Khami Maximum Prison.

The State’s case, as presented by Jetro Mada, is that on January 14 at about 7am, Ngulube, acting in connivance with 100 others, unlawfully blocked the free movement of traffic at the intersection of Sizinda Road and Nketa Drive.

Mada said the crew accused Bitu of solely benefiting from taxpayers’ money and pushed her Ford Ranger out of the yard and set it alight.

“Accused persons went back into the yard where they had left a Nissan NP300 and a Toyota Vitz. They set alight the Nissan whose flames destroyed part of the Vitz. The Ford Ranger and Nissan NP300 were burnt beyond repair,” Mada said.
Mada said the cars had a total value of US$95 000.

BY SILAS NKALA

Zipra war veterans yesterday bemoaned the escalating levels of intolerance between State and non-State actors, which has bred violations of the rule of law, freedoms of association and expression in the country.

Zipra Veterans Association spokesperson Buster Magwizi told Southern Eye that his organisation was concerned about the current levels of intolerance which have resulted in violence.

“We appeal to the citizens and the State to exercise restraint on violence. We have noticed the escalation of intolerance, particularly between the State and non-State actors, with some organisations conducting meetings without informing the State and the State applying maximum force to stop such meetings, leading to violence,” Magwizi said, adding that the repressive government was infringing on freedom of expression and association and should relook at its stance.

Magwizi said such incidents tarnish the image of the country and will further deepen the political and economic woes.

Zipra’s remarks come in the wake of recent police attacks on MDC supporters at Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare where their leader Nelson Chamisa was expected to deliver his Hope of the Nation speech.

Magwizi also said Zipra will hold its end of year general meeting in Bulawayo on December 1, during which members will take stock of progress made in efforts to push government to return Zipra and Zapu properties confiscated at the height of Gukurahundi between 1982 and 1987.

“Our meeting will be speaking a message of hope for the comrades. We will also speak about our engagement with the government on issues of our properties and Gukurahundi. You will remember that sometime this year we met President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss properties confiscated by the government in the 1980s, Gukurahundi and the non-vetted cadres,” Magwizi said.

“We will discuss the way forward on these issues.”

Zipra said government should vet 20 000 Zipra cadres who are yet to receive their benefits.

Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya

BY CHELSEA MUSAFARE

UP-and-COMING gospel musician Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya recently launched a new entertainment website she believes will empower local female artistes as well as provide a platform for people to know more about African music.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday,Rushwaya said the website that mainly focuses on female artistes is set to empower women who have the desire to succeed against all odds.

“On this website, we worked hard to make sure it contains valuable information for our young female artistes. It will uplift us as women since we are looked down upon and society labels us as people who cannot stand up on our own. Let us show the world that we can do it and we are not limited by gender,” she said.

“Our goal with this new website is to provide fans, international and local promoters an easier way to learn about Tatenda Chioniso African music, new album launch, shows and also to allow them the ability to contact me for bookings and hiring on special events,” she said.

Rushwaya, who draws her inspiration from the Holy Spirit and Tariro neGitare, said her dream is to expand and make sure African music is on the map.

“The website is meant to maintain the African culture and tradition. The beauty about African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad story. African music must get more respect as it is like the origin of a lot of kinds of music,” she said.

“Among the new features, on the site include integrated social media icons for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to foster improved communication with our fans and even promoters. We will be constantly updating our content to make our clients stay abreast.”

Rushwaya has had a fair share of the limelight. She represented Zimbabwe in the World Choir Games which took place last year in July as part of the award-winning Choir Note2eton.

She also participated at the concert for change in Quelimane, Mozambique.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

Police in Chinamhora have launched a manhunt for two suspects who allegedly pounced on female worshippers in Domboshava Hills and stole apostolic faith garments, among other items.
The Domboshava Hills are being targeted by armed robbers who pounce on unsuspecting people visiting the area to worship and perform rituals.

Mashonaland East provincial acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Misheck Dendere yesterday said cases of armed robberies in the hills were on the rise and warned worshipers and ritualists to be extra cautious.

“We have been recording various cases of robberies in Domboshava targeting those who visit the hills for worshiping, among other reasons,” Dendere said.

“This week, two different groups of people were robbed of their valuables. We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to alert the police. As police, we are warning those visiting the hills to be careful, especially at night and avoid carrying valuables.”

According to the police, on November 22, Barbra Mano (51) and Estella Kanhukamwe (27), all from Harare, went to Pasipamire village to worship.

It is reported that at around 9pm, two male suspects approached them and assaulted them all over the body using logs, demanding valuables.

The suspects then took 10 garments, two cellphones, two pairs of shoes and $27 and fled. The two sustained injuries and were referred to Makumbe District Hospital for treatment after they had filed a police report.

On the second incident, on November 23, Isaiah Madongorere (34), Tafadzwa Mtukudzi (40) and Farai Chimanga (28), all from Harare, went to the hills in Mungate village to hold prayer sessions.

At around 1am the following day, they decided to take a break and locked themselves in their vehicle parked at the foot of the hill.

While inside, the complainants were approached by a male suspect who told them that they were worshiping at a prohibited place. The suspect then produced a pistol and ordered them to lie down, took all their cellphones and ordered them to leave the place.

The complainants filed a police reports and no arrest has been made so far.

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

SUNGURA prodigy Romeo Gasa has described his latest album titled Tamba Iri Kurira to be launched tomorrow at East Point (Formerly Jazz 105) in Harare as a special project he would use to fundraise for various charities across the country under his Rome Gasa Trust Foundation.

The Extra Valembe frontman speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of the launch said he decided to depart from the norm of pocketing proceeds from an album launch. This time he will channel all the takings from the event towards charity.

“Our album launch this Friday (tomorrow) is a bit special to us on behalf of the Rome Gasa Trust Foundation running under the theme Touching and Changing Lives. Unlike most album launches where artistes will be expecting to cash in from the fruits of their sweat and of course recover production costs, we have decided to give back to the community,” he said.

“As an award-winning artiste who has seen it all, my heart bleeds for the less-privileged, hence we have decided to channel all the proceeds from the launch to charity.”

Gasa said in line with the album launch theme, Touching and Changing Lives, they have decided to rope in artistes living with disability among them the visually-impaired street musician, Daniel Gonora, and Greatman.

“On the launch day, we are appealing to those with old clothes, toys and cash to bring and drop them in a container were all donations will be put. This album is an early Christmas present to my fans and the needy,” he said.

The Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo-inspired singer said some of the songs on the seven-track album are Zino Irema, which he featured Botswana-based singer-cum-producer Dr Tawanda, Rudo Ibofu, Mukoma Zanda, Yellow Pop and Kudira Jecha.

He said after the launch of the album that was co-produced by Jabulani Ndlovu and Marcelo, he would take it to the people through a series of live concerts.

The Chinhoyi-bred singer released his first album Sungura Kompressor in 2007 before taking a five-year break due to economic challenges only to make a return in 2012 with the release of Simbi Hombe that was followed by Pin Code (a 2014 production), Mupedza Nyaya released in 2015, Bho Zvekuti (2016) and Code 263 released in 2018.

Guest Column: Dr Johannes Marisa

In politics, the youths are said to be the vanguard of political parties while in medicine I would put it that the junior doctors are the hummingbirds that bring life to central hospitals.

The current medical situation in our country can be described as deplorable, lamentable, regrettable or pathetic and this requires an urgent solution if a catastrophe is to be averted.

It is a fact that patients fret because of poor access to medical care due to unaffordability, doctors are also languishing in abject poverty because a majority of them cannot afford a decent meal at home. Some have resorted to walking from town to Parirenyatwa Hospital because of their tenacity to save patients.

The environment has become so bad that it now requires the government-doctor feud to an end.

While many may think that the issues raised by doctors are nothing, but a frivolity, the grievances need proper consideration if our nation is to move ahead.

For doubters, junior doctors offer some of the most important services in Zimbabwe and there is no alienation between central hospitals and them. They are thus both the stakeholders and stockholders of central hospitals to be frank.

A central hospital like Parirenyatwa has two important points of receiving patients, The casualty and emergency unit, and the outpatients department (OPD). The casualty department is supposed to receive emergency cases or cases that would have been referred from other medical centres while chronic or cold cases are seen in the outpatients department. In both places, it is the junior doctors (who include both junior and senior interns) who have a first touch on the patients. The initial assessment, examination and admission are all carried out by these juniors in consultation with their registrars or consultants. A lot of cases that present in the casualty department are medical and surgical cases that fall under the junior interns.

The phlebotomy and other investigations are done by junior doctors as patients are sent to the wards. Follow-up of results and presentation of patients during ward rounds is the prerogative of the juniors. So without them, life becomes a double tragedy to both patients and remaining staff. This would mean no casualty attention, no OPD attention, no laboratory follow-ups, discharges are impaired resulting in a serious burden on the nursing staff. It will be bizarre to see a specialist doctor in the casualty clerking patients, bleeding them and running up the stairs to follow up on blood results. Without these juniors, hospital function is delegated to a white elephant that has nothing to offer. Critics will tell you that junior doctors are just students or some unscrupulous elements, yet my own experience and knowledge tell me they are of great value and importance if health delivery service is to remain afloat.

It is unfortunate that government and its agents like the Health Services Board (HSB) see junior doctors as cantankerous interns who are always argumentative, unco-operative, yet they have genuine concerns.

In 1996, government fired striking doctors only to reverse the decision within a month after health delivery plummeted to unprecedented levels. In 2007, the then chief executive officer at Harare Central Hospital fired 60 junior interns for going on strike for more than five weeks.

The minister quickly reinstated the fired doctors and the conflict was resolved. Today, I hear that 448 doctors have been fired which is never going to benefit us as a nation, but is actually detrimental to the whole health sector considering the high morbidity and mortality associated with inadequate medical staff.

It is actually incredible to note that some of those in the firing line are actually renowned specialists who have helped everyone since time immemorial. Some served our dear Zimbabwe when they used to be the only ones doing specific operations. It should be noted that conflict resolution includes embracing conflict, talking together, listening, finding solutions, providing guidance and forgiving rivals.

If such steps are observed, it would not take time to solve the health crisis that has ravaged the entire nation. I believe dialogue that has mutual respect is the way forward.

Advertising for doctors’ vacancies will only work as a temporary measure as the fundamentals have not been corrected. We run the risk of cycles of incapacitation repeating themselves.
Government and doctors should immediately find each other with sincerity as heavy-handedness does not help anyone. Together, we will build Zimbabwe!

Johannes Marisa is interim president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioner’s Association of Zimbabwe. He is also into private practice. He can be accessed on doctormarisa@gmail.com