BY TATENDA CHITAGU

SMARTING from a defeat in the Bikita East ward 31 by-election held on Saturday, the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC party has blamed Zanu PF and the State for intimidating voters through the arrest of party deputy chair Job Sikhala and deployment of riot police at the Bikita Magistrates’ Court during his initial remand appearance.

Zanu PF candidate Thomas Matanga garnered 1 112 votes against the MDC Alliance’s Moses Maphosa who polled 410 votes, while Peter Mavenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) came third with a meagre 23 votes.

The ward fell vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe in April.

MDC Masvingo provincial chair James Gumbi said the arrest of Sikhala had a knock-on effect on the rural voters, who over the years have been subjected to violence and
intimidation in previous elections.

“Sikhala’s arrest was a way by Zanu PF to instil fear in people (ahead of the) by-election in Bikita. Sikhala, who we feel is innocent, was set as an example to pacify the rural
voters and cow them down,” Gumbi said.

“His arrest had an impact and caused a lot of upset to the voters. Some people may take it lightly, but imagine the people of Bikita seeing riot police armed to the teeth at the
courts?”

But Zanu PF provincial spokesperson Ronald Ndaba said Sikhala’s arrest was not a factor in the ruling party’s victory.

“That is not true. Is Sikhala a voter in Bikita? His arrest was a non-factor. He is a voter in Harare, not in Bikita. We only know him as a person who was arrested and tried in
Bikita,” Ndaba told NewsDay.

BY RUTENDO MATANHIKE

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday urged citizens to desist from taking the law into their own hands by meting out instant justice on crime suspects, saying it had contributed to the spike in murder cases.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi in statement yesterday noted with concern the increase in murder cases, which he said could be avoided.

“The ZRP has observed that some cases of murder occurring around the country can be easily avoided. It is really unfortunate that perpetrators of this heinous crime have
completely lost respect for human lives,” Nyathi said.

“The ZRP urges members of the public to respect the sanctity of life and avoid meting instant justice on suspects; instead they must hand over suspects to law enforcement agents
for the law to take its course. Members of the public with mentally-challenged relatives must always monitor them and ensure that they do not cause harm to others while at the
same time they are assisted to seek medical attention.”

Nyathi said the body of a six-year-old female, who was murdered and dumped in a disused shaft at Northampton mine in Gweru, was discovered on 11 July.

In Mbare, a 24-year-old was fatally assaulted by a mob on July 14 for stealing buckets, while a mentally challenged man fatally struck his mother with a brick in Hurungwe on July
11.

BY VENERANDA LANGA

THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) says it has made inroads in ensuring observance of human rights at different problematic institutions such as prisons and refugee camps in the country.

In their latest report, the ZHRC said they visited prisons and during those visits, they found the conditions deplorable, with prisoners complaining that they were being beaten up and also called defamatory names when being berated.

But the ZHRC said after their intervention, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) adhered to their recommendations and were now taking a human rights approach when
dealing with prisoners.

“In 2017, inmates reported torture, beatings and other inhuman and degrading actions by prison officials in violation of section 50 of the Constitution, which provides for the
rights of arrested and detained persons, including the right to be treated humanely and with respect for their inherent dignity,” the ZHRC report said.

“The ZHRC continues to engage with ZPCS to adopt human rights-based approach to the care, protection and discipline of inmates.”

The ZHRC said counselling sessions have since replaced corporal punishment at prisons.

Previously, they said prisoners feared being beaten to death.

The rights institution also claimed that they caused the incarceration of an abusive war veteran who assaulted more than 100 pupils at a primary school in Mashonaland Central.

“The accused, who is 50 years old, assaulted 112 school children at the primary school in ward 12 Mt Darwin for inscribing some toilets at the school with political messages. It
was proven that the accused gave all Grade 6 and 7 pupils two lashes and told them not to write on the walls of toilets again. This happened at assembly in full view of staff
members,” the ZHRC said.

They said the Constitution outlaws corporal punishment and the ZHRC concluded that the rights of children were violated and the case was taken to court, resulting in the war
veteran being sentenced to 36 months, which was suspended subject to good behaviour.

On the welfare of refugees, the ZHRC said there was steady progress in enforcing the rights of refugees after Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge took on board their
recommendations.

They said when they visited Tongogara Refugee Camp in 2017, then the number of refugees was 10 000, comprising people mostly from Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique and the Democratic
Republic of Congo.

“ZHRC found that most refugees from Mozambique, who had migrated to Tongogara in 2016, were housed in tents as they were still to be allocated land to build their housing units,”
the report said. “However, in 2019, there has been steady progress towards the provision of decent accommodation and houses have been constructed for the Mozambicans.”

The ZHRC said the number of refugees has since increased to more than 12 000.

They said during their follow-up visit, they found two blocks comprising four classrooms built and the number of pupils at Tongogara Primary School having increased from 1 700 to
2 300 in 2019. The ZHRC said a police station was built at the camp after their instigation to curb crime. They also said basic services such as access to clean water and
construction of toilets had improved at the camp.

BY NIZBERT MOYO

BULAWAYO mayor Solomon Mguni yesterday denied claims he was on leave last week when town clerk Christopher Dube was suspended by his deputy, Tinashe Kambarami.

Kambarami and other councillors last week suspended Dube without pay.

However, Mguni, who was reported to be on study leave in South Africa, lifted the suspension.

Mguni yesterday told Southern Eye that he was surprised to hear reports that he was on leave. He said he was only officially absent from work for two days.

“First, there was no vacancy in the office of the mayor. I was not on council leave as there was no certificate issued according the Urban Councils’ Act. I was only absent for
two days. The whole thing was not done procedurally. The town clerk is at work today,” Mguni said.

“We cannot just dismiss the deputy mayor’s allegations against the town clerk, the same way we cannot make a decision without the town clerk responding to those allegations.

Every citizen has a constitutional right to a fair hearing. The town clerk is at work today.”

On the issue of reports that councillors were plotting to pass a vote of no confidence on him, Mguni said he was waiting for them, adding he could not be suspended by them, but
by the minister.

Following the alleged ejection from office of Dube by councillors, some Bulawayo residents protested at City Hall on Friday, demanding that the suspension be removed. Residents
also clamoured for removal from office of the deputy mayor and councillors at the centre of the controversy.

Councillors Kambarami and Silas Chigora were arrested on Friday in connection with the suspension of the town clerk. They appeared in court on Saturday.

There was a heavy police presence yesterday at Large City Hall as police anticipated violence following the suspension of the town clerk.

Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police were at the City Hall to maintain peace and order.

“They were just there to maintain peace,’’ he said.

Zimbabwe telecoms sector has hit the May Day button yet it seems all normal for the average users and those in authority.

Ironically, ICTs are a key component of the social fabric, and we are yet to see the government subsidizing the telecoms sector the same way they do with the fuel industry and health sector, especially after endorsing that telecommunication is now a basic human right.

Zimbabwe imports data in foreign currency, infact millions in USD are paid monthly for data connectivity so do they also pay for international landing fees in forex but locally they are mandated to charge only in RTGS, with no way to recoup the forex value.

The reserve bank has not allocated a cent to the ICT sector for the past 2 years, because under their priority list, ICTs, unfortunately, are not that much of a priority so the sector must make its own means.

Zimbabwe is charging the lowest tariffs in Africa, if not in the world, At average of RTGS 22cents per minute, this cascades $0.024 USD per minute as at 12 July 2019.

This distortion, however, is not acceptable by the consumer who is also earning a salary in local RTGS and can not be expected to pay the equivalent USD price of the value of the communication.

When both service providers and consumers are stuck up in the RTGS currency, it makes it very difficult for local to then enjoy affordable and world class service because there are all operating in a lose-lose environment, which is a catch22 for the government.

Recently mobile network operators are pressing for price adjustments but these are just but a cushiony measure as millions of RTGS which can not be repatriated do not add business value.

It no longer makes sense for these players to continuously do tariff increase against subscriber base which ultimately will not be able to pay for the service, even if the regulator approves the price hike.

Revenue has continued to dwindle in the sector with the current record of $37.1m decline, the trend is not stopping and we must be worried.

Zimbabwe’s national mobile penetration has dropped to an all-time low of 57.9 %.

If these figures read right to you and you don’t see any need to hit the panic button then highly likely, you are one of the same people with strong interests to sabotage the once beautiful sector.

Zimbabwe telecoms sector has hit the May Day button yet it seems all normal for the average users and those in authority.

Ironically, ICTs are a key component of the social fabric, and we are yet to see the government subsidizing the telecoms sector the same way they do with the fuel industry and health sector, especially after endorsing that telecommunication is now a basic human right.

Zimbabwe imports data in foreign currency, infact millions in USD are paid monthly for data connectivity so do they also pay for international landing fees in forex but locally they are mandated to charge only in RTGS, with no way to recoup the forex value.

The reserve bank has not allocated a cent to the ICT sector for the past 2 years, because under their priority list, ICTs, unfortunately, are not that much of a priority so the sector must make its own means.

Zimbabwe is charging the lowest tariffs in Africa, if not in the world, At average of RTGS 22cents per minute, this cascades $0.024 USD per minute as at 12 July 2019.

This distortion, however, is not acceptable by the consumer who is also earning a salary in local RTGS and can not be expected to pay the equivalent USD price of the value of the communication.

When both service providers and consumers are stuck up in the RTGS currency, it makes it very difficult for local to then enjoy affordable and world class service because there are all operating in a lose-lose environment, which is a catch22 for the government.

Recently mobile network operators are pressing for price adjustments but these are just but a cushiony measure as millions of RTGS which can not be repatriated do not add business value.

It no longer makes sense for these players to continuously do tariff increase against subscriber base which ultimately will not be able to pay for the service, even if the regulator approves the price hike.

Revenue has continued to dwindle in the sector with the current record of $37.1m decline, the trend is not stopping and we must be worried.

Zimbabwe’s national mobile penetration has dropped to an all-time low of 57.9 %.

If these figures read right to you and you don’t see any need to hit the panic button then highly likely, you are one of the same people with strong interests to sabotage the once beautiful sector.

By Staff Reporter

JEHOVAH’S Witnesses transformed Chiredzi Showgrounds into a house of worship for their three-day Love Never Fails regional convention at the weekend.

The joyous occasion was punctuated by the baptism of at least 40 during the main session of the convention on Saturday.

The oldest of the baptismal candidates was 86-year-old Chimunda Muzadzo Mafuvadze of Mbengwa, in Chiredzi North. The youngest was, Ruth Mutetwa aged 11 from Triangle Estates.

About 2 000 people from Mwenezi, Rutenga, Chikombedzi, Zaka, Jerera and Chiredzi attended the convention – the biggest in
the district in recent years.

For 86-year-old Mafuvadze, the theme Love Never Fails focused on studying Jehovah’s unfailing love by sending his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world and to redeem mankind.

Mafuvadze had this to say: “I can now look forward to my resurrection if my death precedes Jehovah’s restored paradise, which is in the short distant future. I am also looking forward to seeing my late wife and other relatives in the new world.”

The three-day Chiredzi gathering was one of the 62 conventions scheduled at various locations across Zimbabwe this year,
which started on June 21 through the weekend of October 11-13.

A unique feature of the conventions is that they are being presented in several languages, Swahili, French, Venda, Chewa,
Chinese, Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, Zimbabwe Sign Language and English.

Highlights of the programme included a public discourse by Zebron Sande, a travelling minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses,

while the concluding discourse was presented by John Jubber, a visiting speaker from the Zimbabwe Branch, among many
other speakers who urged all to consider Jehovah’s acts of loyal love and to love one another.

Jubber also urged witnesses to strengthen their faith as Jehovah continues to show loyalty to his people.

Friday’s speakers focused on how love can help people surmount obstacles such as a troubled upbringing, chronic illness
or poverty. On Saturday, the convention considered how the Bible can help family members show love for each another.
Sunday’s programme addressed overcoming prejudice and hatred.

Spokesperson for the organisation John Madyausiku said: “This was indeed, a big moment for us. To witness an 86-year old
showing his dedication to Jehovah is beyond comprehension. It’s a rarity, but it shows that Jehovah wants everyone to
survive the end of this system of things.”

Madyausiku added: “We were urged to consider Jehovah’s acts of love that never fails. This kind of love is amazing and
can only be found in Jehovah’s organisation. Regardless of challenges people are facing in this part of the country, the
huge numbers of those that attended showed that it is only in Jehovah we have hope.

“The theme this year is Love Never Fails. We feel that in the world today, there is just a great lack of love, but if we
focus on love and how that affects us as individuals, as family members, as members of the community, we’re hoping that
the impact, to even our area, is felt months after.”

Madyausiku said that the programme examined how Bible principles help people in practical ways.

Every convention uses an identical theme and programme, which keeps everyone in the faith on the same page, Madyausiku said.

In ancient times, annual festivals and other gatherings for worship strengthened God’s servants spiritually and were joyful occasions.

In modern times, annual regional conventions provide Jehovah’s Witnesses with spiritual refreshment and encouragement along with joyful Christian association. The conventions also give a fine witness, provide an opportunity to experience
Jehovah’s love, and offer a taste of life in the new world.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the creator and that, Jesus Christ, his son, was sent to Earth to die for
mankind. As Christians, they also believe that Jesus Christ is the “first and foremost” Jehovah’s Witness.

Their beliefs are based in the whole Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, which the faith recognises as “God’s
inspired message to humans”.

There are more than 8,5 million Jehovah’s Witnesses earth-wide, making up over 120 000 congregations. Nearly 120 000
Bible students,interested ones and Witnesses will attend this year’s conventions countrywide.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

STANDARD Chartered has launched its digital bank in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia as part of its digital transformation strategy in Africa.

The digital-only bank launch follows launches in Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya in the first quarter of the year and Côte d’Ivoire in 2018.

The expansion in Africa comes at a time when the continent, with a growing economy and population, is demanding wider access to digital services. The digital banking solution provides Standard Chartered customers across the eight markets with affordable, convenient, fast and easily accessible banking services.

“This is a significant achievement for the bank having now launched digital banks in eight markets in 15 months of our initial launch in Côte d’Ivoire,”Africa and Middle East regional chief executive officer Sunil Kaushal said in a statement.

“The growing population of Africa is demanding faster and more convenient banking and it has been very rewarding to witness increased acceptance and a growing demand for our digital products across the continent. We have an exciting pipeline of product launches on this platform which will position us as the premier digital bank in our markets of choice,” he said.

By digitalising the entire banking experience, customers will be able to enjoy simple, secure, and affordable banking anytime, anywhere.

Active customers of the digital bank will also be eligible to receive loyalty benefits and promotions.

The bank is expected to continue its digital expansion in African markets with another launch planned in September for Nigeria.

Standard Chartered has also launched social banking with SC Keyboard, which allows customers to access a variety of financial services from within any social or messaging platform without having to open the Banking app.

Initially launched in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Tanzania, the solution is a first for the bank in Africa and will be rolled out in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria during the rest of the year.

The keyboard-based banking solution allows clients to transfer money in real-time, pay utility bills and instantly check balances from within any social or messaging platform.

BY KUDZAI KWINJO/CLOUDINE MATOLA/MISHMA CHAKANYUKA

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) plans to install prepaid meters on government buildings to curb wastage and contain government’s debt to the power utility.

Speaking at a Ministry of Industry and Commerce breakfast meeting, which was held in conjunction with Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) yesterday, Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi said Zesa was being weighed down by debts.

Parastatals owe $43 million, industry US$95 million and farmers US$143 million to Zesa. Local authorities also owe Zesa US$359 million

Chasi said he had already asked Zesa to give him a rollout plan for installing meters at all government departments.

“No time for politicking on the issue. When you have a debt, you simply must pay. This is what I want. I would like to
make a very impassioned appeal to commerce and industry; to say you owe a significant amount of money to Zesa, initially
denominated in US$. This is a very serious situation we are facing, partly because we have been irresponsible; we did
not pay our debts,” he said.

Chasi said the current tariff was untenable.

“The current tariffs are not sustainable, considering the import and production cost. Tariffs are going to be reviewed
as a matter of urgency. Kariba is currently at 24% capacity; the situation is dire. Without power, no investor will come
so this is an issue we really must address together,” he said.

Zimbabwe is enduring 18 hours of load shedding as the generation capacity has plummeted way below the country’s peak
demand of 1 800MW.

The country is generating just 738 MW with Munyati power station at 16MW, Harare (15MW) Kariba (530MW) and Hwange
(177MW).

The power outrages have crippled business, resulting in lost production, with companies forced to reduce work hours and
rely on generators.

AMH are the publishers of NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard newspapers and operates Heart & Soul
Broadcasting Services.