BY GARIKAI MAFIRAKUREVA/FARAI MATIASHE

CHIREDZI West legislator Farai Musikavanhu (Zanu PF) on Sunday vowed to deny MDC supporters food aid and government-sourced agricultural inputs, and put paid to long-standing allegations that the ruling party disenfranchises underprivileged members of society on political grounds.

In a seven-minute video, Musikavanhu, who was addressing Tongaat Hulett workers in ward 18 before distributing presidential inputs, said the councillor and his supporters will not benefit from the programme.

“This ward was won by an MDC councillor, but when it comes to Presidential inputs he and his supporters will not receive anything. You can mix with MDC thugs at work, but they will not get anything from this programme),” he declared.

Speaking to Southern Eye early this week, Musikavanhu said since MDC supporters had refused to recognise Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa as President, they will not benefit from the scheme.

“As the MP for Chiredzi West Constituency my record is very clear in respect of working positively with Chiredzi Town Council whose chairman is from the MDC-Alliance on government projects,” Musikavanhu said.

“The comments I made on 16 November 2019 are in respect of the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme: This is a special and direct intervention by HE President ED Mnangagwa. The MDCA have chosen not to recognise President ED Mnangagwa’s presidency and as such my position is as follows: I will not recognise the MDCA in Chiredzi West constituency in any programme I am tasked with originating from the Office of President ED Mnangagwa until they recognise the legitimacy of our democratically-elected President of the Republic of Zimbabwe HE President ED Mnangagwa.

“This is about our sovereignty as a people and as I stand by the full text of my audio clip.”

MDC Masvingo provincial spokesperson Derick Charamba said Musikavanhu’s remarks confirmed the policisation of aid by Zanu PF officials.

“Zanu PF has been abusing taxpayers’ money to fight MDC, yet the majority of taxpayers are from the MDC. The silent majority is not silent at all. Elasticity breaks at some point,” he said.

MDC proportional representation MP for Chiredzi, Mucharairwa Mugidho said as a party they believe that any programme that is funded by Treasury is supposed to benefit all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation.

“In a modern society, it’s not only shocking, but reckless for a community leader to be seen propagating hate and disunity among Zimbabweans on the basis of which political party one subscribes to. Leaders must unite people so that our collective efforts in our diverse ways contribute to the development of the country,” Mugidho said.

“As a party, we cannot hide the fact that we are disappointed by Musikavanhu’s gesture that breeds hate because the food in question is bought by taxpayers’ money. So this is clear evidence that Mnangagwa’s government is using food aid as a political tool against MDC.”

Ward 18 councillor Gilbert Mutubuki (MDC Alliance) described Musikavanhu as politically immature. “How can a whole MP stoop so low to distribute presidential inputs and aid? He should have left that to councillors. It clearly shows that he is not even aware of his role as an MP,” Mutubuki said.

Zanu PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya-Moyo said he could not comment as he had not seen the video.

However, Khaya Moyo recently said it was not Zanu PF policy to abuse food aid and urged the MDC to report all allegations of food handouts abuse.

Information permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said: “Government policy is that all Zimbabweans assessed to be eligible for food aid should be given it regardless of their political preferences. The same applies to the Presidential Input Scheme. President Mnangagwa is the leader of this nation. That means he superintends over the interests of everyone and everything in this country, including wild animals. So political preferences are not a consideration at that level.”

BY SIMBARASHE SITHOLE

SUNGURA musician Tatenda “Spannerboy” Pinjisi (pictured) yesterday claimed he has been called back into the music industry through a dream after announcing that he was quitting the industry two months ago.

The musician has since dropped a new album titled Africa Ine Varidzi, which he also said he received in the dream.

Pinjisi told NewsDay Life & Style that although the album — which is the third in his discography — was initially titled Shamhu Yenhubu, he decided to change it following a car crash that nearly claimed his life a few months ago.

“I am back in the music industry after announcing that I was quitting due to depression and insolvency after the accident, but I was called back to the stage through dreams,” he said.

“While asleep, I would dream playing the latest album on stage, hence I followed my dream and came up with this new album. The accident also made me believe that Africa has its maker.

So when I cheated death, I changed the name Africa Ine Muridzi.”

Pinjisi used the dendera sound on the track, Dhikinya, which he said has attracted Sulumani Chimbetu and the two are now working on a collaboration.

The Saina hitmaker reiterated that he was also working with the man of the moment, gospel musician Dalington “Mambo Dhuterere” Mutseta and a Malawian musician, Saint Akazanga on other projects.

BY FREEMAN MAKOPA

Newly-formed Zimbabwe Golf Course Superintendents Association (ZGCSA) have partnered with Zimbabwe Golf Association to host a two-day workshop meant to update members on the technological advances in turf, machinery and equipment management.

ZGCSA secretary-general Tizayi Tundu Sithole told NewsDay Sport that the workshop is expected to equip golf course staff with specialist skills in their work areas.

“We are hosting a two-day green-keeping workshop with relevant and reliable training. The workshop is designed to equip golf course and sports field maintenance staff with a range of specialist skills that are specific to their jobs.

“We are into sports field maintenance and management, especially golf courses. Our mandate is to spearhead golf course and sports fields’ development projects like research into sustainable golf or sports field management,” he said.

Sithole said they were targeting different sporting disciplines to help improve field management.

“We are mainly targeting golf, but other sporting disciplines such as cricket, soccer and rugby are welcome to participate. We are trying to equip people with necessary skills so that we meet international standards.

“This workshop will have an impact on the way golf courses are maintained so as to have world-class golf course in Zimbabwe. The sports turf, if well managed, will be ever green year round, that’s opening field to play for a longtime. Attendees will gain valuable educational information in turf management and the fact that we just came from South Africa where I attended a workshop and also took part in the volunteer green-keeping programme at the Nedbank Challenge Golf tournament in Sun City, will help us transfer our knowledge to them,” he added.

BY REX MPHISA

THE 433 vehicles recalled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) this week were smuggled and did not pay Customs and Excise duty, the revenue authority has revealed.

Zimra, which is yet to quantify the prejudice, said there was a possibility of arrests, criminal prosecutions and other punitive measures related to flouting import and export regulations.

Zimra spokesperson Francis Chimanda confirmed his organisation did not know how much was lost.

“The prejudice can only be determined after the vehicles are subjected to proper customs clearance processes,” Chimanda told NewsDay.

“Zimra systems indicate that the vehicles listed did not pay duty at all. The exercise is intended to regularise this irregularity.”

Zimra, through an advertorial in a government-controlled weekly, invited owners of vehicles it had listed to report to its Harare loss control office with import documents of the vehicles.

The plan, Chimanda explained, was to regularise the importations although criminal prosecution could not be ruled out.

“Customs (and Excise) laws and any other relevant legislation will be invoked and the necessary steps will be taken subject to the findings of the exercise,” he said.

According to a section of the Customs and Excise Act, any person who smuggles any goods shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or three times the duty-paid value of the goods, whichever is the greater.

The offence also attracts imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both.

Offenders are also liable to paying costs of investigations where smuggled goods were discovered by the use of any mechanical scanning device.

“In addition to any other penalty to which he or she may be liable under this Act, to pay a civil penalty equivalent to the value of goods in question.” The Act also empowers the Zimra Commissioner-General to recover costs through the courts.

The government recently enacted another legislation that provides for the forfeiture of any goods or assets deemed to have been acquired from proceeds of crime.

At Beitbridge, some shipping agents known to have been beneficiaries of this smuggling ring have built massive houses and drive expensive luxurious and all-terrain cars.

Yesterday, it was difficult to ascertain whether or not owners of the vehicles whose names appeared in the advertorial had complied.

Most of the cars were handled by shipping agents, who may have connived with certain border officials.

The Customs and Excise Act provides for the prosecution of both the agent and the importer.

A subsection substituted by Act 29 of 1998 and by Act 17 of 1999, subtitled Liabilities of Agent and Principal, says an agent appointed by any master, pilot, importer or exporter, or any person who represents himself to any officer as the agent of any master, pilot, importer or exporter and is accepted as such by that officer, shall be liable for the fulfilment, in respect of the matter in question, of all obligations, including the payment of duty, imposed upon such master, pilot, importer or exporter.

“Every master, pilot, importer or exporter, or any owner of goods in a bonded warehouse, container depot or any manufacturer licenced in terms of section one hundred and twenty-eight shall be responsible for any act committed by any person acting in his place or on his behalf, whether the said act was done within Zimbabwe or beyond its boundaries, and the person so acting shall, if within Zimbabwe, likewise be liable to prosecution under this Act or any other law relating to customs or excise,” says the Act.

Chimanda said the ports with the largest number of smuggled vehicles were Beitbridge and Plumtree at the borders of South Africa and Botswana, respectively.

“The vehicles in question came through various borders, but mainly Beitbridge and Plumtree.

“The period covered for the vehicles in question is January to August 2019,” Chimanda said.
More vehicles are expected to be recalled as investigations widen.

SNEAK PEEK :Precious Chida

UNITED KINGDOM-BASED up-and-coming gospel musician Sharon Manatsa recently had her first performance on home soil at Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre. Dubbed “One Night With Sharon Manatsa”, the event saw her sharing the stage with her father-in-law, veteran musician Zexie Manatsa. The 29-year-old Manatsa is married to fellow musician, Zexie Manatsa (Jnr). She said being part of the Manatsa family made her grow into a better artiste. Although she was born in Harare and grew up in Bulawayo, she and her family migrated to the UK when she was nine. NewsDay (ND) Life & Style reporter Precious Chida caught up with Manatsa (SM), who shared her experiences as a gospel artiste in the diaspora. Below are excerpts from the interview;
ND: What made you venture into music?

SM: I started singing in the UK. My church, Forward in Faith Ministries, had opened another branch and there was need for people in the praise and worship team and I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed singing, although I was not a really good singer. However, later, after I met my husband, he helped me to nurture my talent.

ND: You have said the first time you ventured into music, you were not a good singer. What steps did you take to improve your singing?

SM: I went through a lot of practice. I did vocal training and exposed myself to new environments, which helped me to learn music.

ND: How was the adrenalin rush like ahead of your debut performance on home soil?

SM: Epic is an understatement. What can I say? It was the most exciting, yet scary experience, because I was not sure if people would accept me and my ministry. But I thank God for the people who came out to support me. It was an amazing experience.

ND: Tell us more about your music journey?

SM: My initial album was birthed in 2017 titled Friends in Christ. This year, I launched my solo career and released the album, Inyasha, alongside videos for the songs Inyasha and Simukai Jehovah, in which I collaborated with my father-in-law and Rudo, which I did with my husband Zex (Jnr). I will also be releasing a video soon in which I collaborated with (journeyman musician) John Cole.

ND: What can you say you have adopted from your father-in-law and applied to your music?

SM: Dad is a legend. I strive to hold the same veteran musicianship in my own right as a musician.

ND: Do you see yourself becoming a household name?

SM: That is my every day prayer, not for my personal gratification, but for the edification of the body of Christ.

ND: How has working with your husband been like?

SM: My husband is my confidante, my prayer partner and my main support, all of which has helped advance my music career.

ND: What are your impressions about the local gospel industry?

SM: So much talent which surrounds us! I pray we all come together and do the biggest outreach in Zimbabwe and all over the world through music.

ND: As a growing musician based in the diaspora, what is your strategy to penetrate the Zimbabwean market?

SM: Regularly, I visit Zimbabwe and this year I have visited twice. Getting personal with the people of Zimbabwe is a good starting point and sharing my music with them on an open platform.

ND: Are there any limitations you face for being a Zimbabwean musician in a foreign country?

SM: It is a challenge in many aspects, but there are also opportunities that are yet to be explored. The sky is the limit.

ND: Your parting shot?

SM: I have an upcoming video for my song, Tinofamba Munyasha, which was choreographed by John Cole and directed by the talented Andy Cutta. My fans can look out for it.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

CAPS United top goalscorer John Zhuwawo is upbeat ahead of their clash against Harare giants Dynamos and vowed to beat Premier Soccer League (PSL) top goalscorer Clive Augusto to the Golden Boot award.

The bitter rivals face off at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday in a match that is likely to be full of sub plots and might have a huge bearing on the destiny of the championship this season.

Caps lead the league table with 55 points, two ahead of Chicken Inn and FC Platinum, with only three rounds of matches left in the campaign.

And Zhuwawo, who has been the torch bearer of the Green Machine attack in this campaign, having scored 10 goals thus far, four behind leading PSL top scorer Augusto, now plying his trade in South Africa, and two behind Dynamos’ Evans Katema, believes he can catch up.

“We have three more games to go and on Sunday we are playing Dynamos. It won’t be easy because it’s a derby. But we are determined to go all the way as a team. We know what it means to win the league title, so we are focused. It’s possible I can win the Golden Boot at the end. I have been working hard and I hope I keep scoring in the remaining matches, but what is important is to achieve the overall team objective of winning the league title,” Zhuwawo said.

“The Harare derby is self-motivating and there can’t be any other motivation one needs than just playing against Dynamos. We are all looking forward to it as a team,” he added.

After squandering a two-goal lead on Sunday to allow Yadah to force a share of the spoils, Caps will be determined to avoid another setback in their championship bid.

With Dynamos also battling for a respectable finish after another disappointing campaign, sparks are certain to fly on Sunday.

In the reverse fixture, the two teams could not be separated and the match ended all-square at 1-1. The weekend match will be more significant, especially for Caps, who if they win it, will give them confidence going into the final two games. Besides the need to win the championship, there is always the desire to settle the burning issue of supremacy between the two rivals.

There is the issue of pride at stake and Dynamos, who also drew their last league match against army side Black Rhinos, will be eager to bounce back and collect maximum points against their number one enemy.

Fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Harare City v Yadah (Rufaro)
Sunday: Black Rhinos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), Caps v Dynamos (NSS), Mushowani v TelOne (Trojan), Hwange v Herentals (Colliery), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot).

BY SILAS NKALA

THE Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has challenged the government to scale up efforts to address sanitation problems in rural and urban areas amid revelations that 26% of households do not have toilet facilities.

ZLHR, which made the calls as the world celebrated World Toilet Day on Tuesday, also raised concern over outbreaks of preventable medieval diseases such as typhoid.

“On the World Toilet Day, ZLHR reminds government to scale up efforts to address the sanitation problem in urban and rural communities,” ZLHR said in a statement.

Commemorated every year on November 19, World Toilet Day aims to inspire collective action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

This year’s theme, Leaving No One Behind, resonates with current global efforts towards achieving universal access to sanitation.

“Adequate sanitation is a human right and the State has an obligation to ensure that everyone has physical and affordable access to sanitation, in all spheres of life,” ZLHR said.

“The benefits of a functional sanitation system is not limited to restoring dignity, but also leads to saving money that may end up being spent to get treatment for preventable diseases related to poor sanitation.”

“This admission was made during the presentation of the combined 11th to 15th periodic report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights during its 65th ordinary session in the Gambia,” ZLHR said.

“It is a testimony that the scale of the problem of poor sanitation in Zimbabwe is serious. Open defecation remains a deeply-rooted practice.”

The organisation expressed concern that in this day and age, Zimbabwe continues to record typhoid outbreaks; a “medieval” waterborne disease that is largely preventable.

“The outbreaks of preventable waterborne diseases is a terrible consequence of local and central government’s failure to commit adequate resources, and lack of capacity to manage the country’s health care system and provide basic services such as water and sanitation infrastructure,” the statement read.

“ZLHR holds both local and central government accountable for outbreaks of such waterborne diseases. Government has dismally failed to fulfil fundamental constitutional obligations, particularly section 48, section 51, section 73, section 76 and section 77 of the Constitution, which places an obligation on State actors to ensure that citizens’ rights are not compromised, but progressively realised.”

ZLHR called on government to allocate adequate resources to ensure to everyone has a safe toilet by 2030 and provide clean, potable water and sanitary environs to curb the spread of preventable and deadly diseases.

The lawyers also challenged government to increase funding for provision of water, sanitation and hygiene and strive to achieve 15% allocation to health as stipulated in the Abuja Declaration to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

PEOPLE from various places in Mashonaland East sat in the shade at Marondera Provincial Hospital to avoid the scorching October sun. The temperatures were so intense that they brought discomfort to many.

Some of the sick groaned in pain, with hopes that a doctor would appear to attend to them, with their health deteriorating with each passing hour.

Inside the hospital, there was chaos, with a few nurses doing most of the work under instruction from a medical superintendent.

There was a hive of activity following word that a doctor had arrived, but the patients’ joy was short-lived when they discovered the “Messiah” had merely come to pick up his mobile phone charger.

This was soon after the doctors had declared “incapacitation” and went on industrial action about three months ago.

“We were relieved to see the doctor arriving, but he left without attending to anyone. They are saying he had come to fetch his mobile phone charger. He left without even talking to any patient,” Maria Nyambuya (56), who had brought her ailing mother from Mutoko, said.

As of yesterday, there was only one doctor — the medical superintendent — out of a possible six on a good day, attending to patients. It was an overwhelming call given the high numbers of patients from the entire province needing attention. The hospital was operating at a very low scale.

The doctors’ strike has crippled the public health sector, raising fears of a spike in hospital deaths across the country.

The government’s heavy-handed response through firing nearly 300 medical practitioners has not helped matters, only piling up more misery on patients desperate for professional medical attention.

According to a circular dated November 17 issued by the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), there is no going back until government meets their demands and equip the hospitals.

“Our unity has brought us this far. We have overcome all the hurdles coming our way and collectively we continue doing so,” read the circular.

In some cases, mortuaries have exceeded their carrying capacities while those with low incomes at the mercy of fate as they cannot access pricey healthcare costs at private institutions some of which have been charging their fees in foreign currency.

Addressing scores of party supporters during the official opening of Mahusekwa District Hospital in Mashonaland East province recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the striking doctors as unpatriotic.

“Do you see these two doctors who are working here (at Mahusekwa Hospital)? They didn’t do what their colleagues did, turning their backs against the sick. I thank them for they are not possessed by the spirit of legion but by the spirit of Jehovah,” he said as he paraded the two doctors who work at a district hospital that caters for thousands of villagers.

According to the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), the honourable thing for Health minister Obadiah Moyo was to step down and admit that he has failed the Health ministry.

Apart from the mass deaths at local medical institutions, there is also a massive shortage of medicine and drugs. In a survey conducted in Hwedza district last month, hypertension patients were struggling to secure the life-saving HCTs in rural clinics with most now depending on getting them from central hospitals and pharmacies.

In a Cabinet briefing recently, Moyo said government was seized with the current health crisis and that they would soon buy medicine to restock the empty hospitals.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure, whose organisation has thrown its weight behind the doctors’ strike, said there was need for government to prioritise genuine concerns of the civil service.

“We applaud the doctors for remaining resolute and united pressing for a living wage. The doctors’ actions are an inspiration to the working class in our fight against neo-liberalism.

“We call upon government to prioritise the genuine concerns of our doctors and the broader civil service before the collapse of all public services,” he said.

The noise of the ambulance sirens have lessened, the incinerators are no longer puffing up smoke while the stench of betadine and other strong drugs have since died away.

Today, the hospitals have become habitats of the beetles and spiders. The shadow of the doctor has become an important thing, but his presence is not being felt as the undertakers get down arranging dead bodies in the overloaded mortuaries that are also grappling with power cuts.

BY BRENNA MATENDERE

HEAVY rains and whirlwinds have left a trail of destruction in Matabeleland South province, with key institutions including schools, churches, retail shops and a clinic being destroyed, while a Grade 4 pupil in Umzingwane district was washed away as she crossed a flooded stream.

The downpours, which are accompanied by wind, lightning, hailstorm and flooding, were expected to continue pounding Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces from yesterday until tomorrow, a Meteorological Services Department (MSD) rainfall alert stated.

A Southern Eye snap survey showed that property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed since last weekend in Matabeleland South in the wake of the violent storms.

A Grade 4 female pupil from Nswazi Primary School in Umzingawane was washed away in a stream on her way from school in the company of friends.

“The incident left the community devastated because the stream is not that big and it has no name. Losing such young life was very sad. As she tried to cross the stream when several of her friends had done so, she was unfortunately washed away and her body was discovered later floating downstream,” said Nomore Ndlela, a villager in the area.

At Shashi Secondary School in Beitbridge, two teachers’ cottages, a computer laboratory and a classroom were destroyed by strong winds that came after rains had pounded the area.

“The situation has left the teachers and students stranded. Currently, the teachers have sought temporary accommodation at homesteads of parents with children at the school. Other teachers have sought shelter at their counterparts’ houses at the primary school. Computers were destroyed and there is urgent need for government to intervene in renovating the buildings,” a teacher at the school told Southern Eye.

About 30 electricity power poles were also destroyed in the vicinity of the school, thereby affecting power supplies. Shashi Clinic had a solar field which was also destroyed.

AFM, Zaoga, Lutheran and ZCC church buildings in the Beitbridge ward 8 Maramani cluster area had their roofs blown away.

Lifias Muleya, the Matabeleland South provincial education director, yesterday said he was still receiving reports from district officers.

“Districts are still compiling reports on the destruction done to schools by the heavy rains. The reports will detail damage at specific schools. So it will only be when I have received these that I can issue a comprehensive report. However, I can confirm that there are several schools that have been affected so far,” he said.

Beitbridge West MP Ruth Baloyi called on the nation to assist the Shashi community.

“The destruction was (quite extensive). I am appealing to well-wishers to chip in with materials that can be used to rehabilitate the buildings of key institutions that were destroyed. When I go to Parliament, I am also going to raise the matter so that we get support from government and well-wishers. The school authorities at Shashi Secondary have also reported to their line ministry and so we must soon start to get assistance,” she said.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said: “I can confirm that we received the report on the destruction of buildings at Shashi Secondary School, shops and clinic. Some homes of villagers around that area were also destroyed. There were no injuries that were recorded on people in that area. It was just destruction to infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Local Government minister July Moyo has called on the Department of Civil Protection to embark on awareness campaigns following the MSD alert message.

“Accordingly, all provincial and district development co-ordinators are to ensure all civil protection structures at sub-national levels, including schools, are aware of this heavy rainfall alert. Econet is also sending reminders on safety precautions through the SMS messaging platform,” he said in a statement.

Moyo advised people to minimise outdoor activities or travelling in areas forecast to receive heavy rainfall and those who live on river banks, islands and foothills to move to safer places.

He cautioned motorists, pupils and members of the public not to cross flooded rivers and to mitigate lightning strikes by avoiding getting into contact with metal objects and standing under isolated tall trees.

The minister urged communities to work as teams and take care of child-headed families, older persons and other vulnerable groups.
Moyo said mining syndicates should not carry out activities in major rivers and disused mines because the soils were now fragile and could easily collapse.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

The corruption saga involving three Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) officers at Marondera depot has been concluded with one of the top officials reportedly demoted and transferred.

Three officials including depot manager Munyaradzi Kachere, a J Musosa and a T Maphosa were suspended after they were caught in alleged corrupt activities that saw them issuing people with learners drivers licence without sitting for the tests. Several other officials from the VID depot were also suspended.

However, Musosa died a few months ago in a road accident before knowing his fate.

Transport minister, Joel Biggie Matiza (pictured) confirmed that the matter had been concluded and that he had received the report of the outcome.

He, however, said he would comment more on the issue after reading the report.

VID boss Joseph Pedzapasi could not divulge details saying the matter was being handled by the human resources (HR) department, but confirmed that one of the officials passed on.

“You need to check with the HR department; they are the ones who deal with misconducts. Are you aware that one of the guys passed on?” he asked.

However, according to a reliable source, Kachere was demoted and transferred to VID training school in Belvedere, Harare, while Maphosa is now stationed at the Eastlea depot.

“Kachere was demoted and is now a junior at Belvedere depot despite having been more than 20 years in the industry. As for Maphosa, he went back to Eastlea where he was once deployed,” the source said.

There have been reports of massive corruption at most VID depots, brewing allegations that most drivers being issued with licences were half-baked, thereby fuelling the carnage on the country’s highways.