BY TATIRA ZWINOIRA

ARISTON Holdings Limited (AHL) says Cyclone Idai damaged the company’s plantations in the Eastern Highlands, with early indications suggesting that the damage could be worth US$1,5 million.

“In March 2019, the group’s estates located in Chimanimani and Chipinge were affected by tropical Cyclone Idai. The damage on the estates varied substantially, with the greatest effects being experienced at Roscommon Estate which is located in Chimanimani,” chief executive Paul Spear said in a statement accompanying the company’s half year results.

“While there was no loss of life, damage was incurred on infrastructure, including roads, bridges, irrigation equipment, housing and to a lesser extent,
orchards. The group is currently seized with rebuilding the infrastructure that was damaged. Early indications are that US$1,5 million is required for this
rehabilitation work. The group is engaged with the matter through an insurance claim.”

Roscommon Estate produces the red tea wanganella, macadamia and potatoes, with a potential to increase production along with other key crops.

“The group closed the half year with a profit-after-tax of ZWL$0,79 million compared to ZWL$0,028 million for the prior comparative period. Positive steps in
the restructuring of the group’s statement of financial position continued,” Spear said.

“The group was able to restructure the majority of its debt into long tenure and the weighted average interest rate continued to decline from 8% per annum to
6% per annum.”

Revenue was up 50% to ZWL$7,96 million in the period under review from the 2018 comparative of ZWL$5,3 million, driven by better pricing on export crops as
quality improved.

Of concern was a 249% increase in operating expenses to ZWLS$6,73 million from ZWL$1,92 million in 2018, which the group says was a result of the depreciation
of the ZWL$ versus the US$.

Total assets grew to ZWL$57,91 million for the period under review from last’s year comparative of ZWL$46,31 million.

In terms of liquidity, AHL had a current ratio of 1,79, indicating the firm was adequately covered to cover its liabilities should they come due. AHL’s net
profit margin was 22,34% at the end of the period under review.

In an outlook, Spear said the company would look to macademia and tea exports, while also leveraging on the interbank market to maintain value.

“The majority of our harvesting and selling activities occur in the second half of the year,” he said.

By Simbarashe Sithole

A BOGUS cop was arrested and arraigned before Bindura magistrate Ethel Chichera for impersonating a police officer and stealing a reed mat worth ZWL$15 from a hawker.

Batsirai Mandunde (36) pleaded not guilty to contravening section 179(i)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 and was remanded to June 17 on ZWL$20 bail.

The State alleges that last Sunday, Mandumbe met the complainant, Lovemore Chitumba (21), who was selling reed mates at Aerodrome in Bindura.

Chitumba told Mandumbe that he was selling them at ZWL$15 each and he negotiated for ZWL$10 and the seller agreed.

Mandumbe then introduced himself as a police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (Minerals section).

He subsequently ordered the complainant to surrender one reed mat or risk facing arrest.

In fear, Chitumba surrendered the mat and walked away. A witness, Joram Chaurura, enquired what was happening to Chitumba and he was told of the incident.

Chaurura advised the complaint to get his mat back or get his money.

When Chitumba demanded his mat back if the accused did n ot have the money, Mandumbe became violent and Chaurura intervened leading to Mandumbe being apprehended and taken to Chiwaridzo Police Station. Tariro Janhi represented the State.

BY PHYLLIS MBANJE

FOLLOWING a spate of arrests and detention of members of non-governmental organisations and trade unionists in Zimbabwe, families have been left in anguish by the experience which has been publicly condemned by the both the local and international communities.

One such family is that of Africa Union goodwill ambassador on Ending Child Marriages, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda.

Her 26-year-old daughter, Farirai, was among the seven human rights defenders who spent more than two weeks in remand prison after they were arrested last month and charged with plotting to subvert a constitutional government.

She was granted bail last Friday alongside four others.

From May 21, when Farirai was snatched right in front of her mother at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, there has been an outpouring of solidarity
messages and prayer petitions for the young girl and the other six.

Gumbonzvanda took to Facebook, pouring out her heart and pain.

She lit candles, joined nightly vigils, posting heart-wrenching posts declaring her love for her daughter.

“My heart is bleeding. Farirai, my girl, be strong. Pray and breathe,” she posted.

When Gumbonzvanda went to visit her daughter at Chikurubi Remand Prison, she came face-to-face with the grim situation and later posted: “Spent the afternoon
with our Farirai at Chikurubi today. I died inside, seeing her in the green prison garb.”

Her agony was prolonged by the constant remanding in custody and newspaper headlines.

“I cannot read some of the news headlines. She is NOT coming home TODAY. Remanded in custody to June 6. Am gutted, and so deeply sad. Hurting and am trying to
find answers. I am hurting for my daughter. It’s painful, very very painful. I simply miss Farirai. I felt those birth pangs again today,” she posted.

Gumbonzvanda sang lullabies for Farirai, hoping she was safe in prison.

“Farirai, my baby, do not toss and turn. Sleep peacefully as hundreds of angels raise their voices in prayers for your freedom and for justice. Be still, and
know that there is a God. That God knew you before you were even born, and our God knows you are truly innocent. Sleep my flower, and rise tomorrow, bloom and
smile to all who visit you. I know one day soon you will be home.”

In the midst of all the chaos, the University of Massachusetts Boston conferred Gumbonzvanda with the honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, in recognition of her
work over the years in advocating and advancing the rights of women and girls around the world.

“I was smiling with one eye, and crying with the other, while carrying a heavy heart. I dedicated the recognition to my daughter Farirai Gumbonzvanda, as I
continue the fight for her freedom together with that of the #TheZimbabwe7,” she said.

“I managed the overwhelming day, fought the tears and cherished the standing ovation because I was surrounded by family and friends.”

Gumbonzvanda had also to content with her daughter’s global friends who were concerned about her welfare.

“Her global family and friends have been asking me one single question: ‘Is Farirai OKAY? Let her know we are thinking and praying for her!’ How do I answer to
her sisters and brothers she went to primary school with in Kenya; the close and very close high school friends from Geneva International School and all the
youngsters from her university, her networks in the national, and regional young women and girls’ networks?”

However, when bail was finally granted on Friday, Gumbonzvanda was elated, but still worried since the case is still pending before the courts.
“Yes, I am happy though I still carry a heavy heart. Farirai is home. It feels good,” she said.

Her pain and sorrow, which she chronicled for 18 whole days mirror what the six families of the other co-accused are going through.

While the case plays out in the court room, families fight their own battles.

BY FIDELITY MHLANGA

Seed Co Limited posted an after-tax-profit of US$90,7 million in the year ended March 31, up from US$21,4 million recorded in the prior year, driven by an increase in revenue.

Revenue was up 16% to US$73,4 million from US$63,3 million, spurred by upward price adjustments necessitated by the inflationary environment prevailing in the country.

During the period, majority Treasury Bills matured and were settled during the period, with part of the proceeds re-invested in government savings bonds last October.

Despite the inflationary challenges experienced by growers and the dry spell experienced during the production season, the company’s chief executive Morgan Nzwere said the group had adequate stocks to meet anticipated demand for the forthcoming season.

“We managed to contain our costs despite the inflationary pressure. We tried to increase our prices, but we were surprised the prices did not last long,” he said.

The company’s financials were denominated in United States dollars. Seed Co said after the introduction of RTGS dollar in February this year, it then used the interbank market rate to denominate the March earnings.

The book value of stock at US$7,4 million from US$17 million was substantially lower than at previous year following the conversion of local currency values to US dollar.

Trade and other receivables also declined to US$10,9 million from US$19 million due to the currency re-denomination.

The balance outstanding from government was settled post year-end.

During the period, the company’s assets totalled US$109,9 million from US$249 million during the similar period last year and liabilities were US$14,7 million
from US$60,8 million in the prior period.

Nzwere said the company experienced logistical challenges after the Government of Zambia banned the export of maize.

Despite the challenges, the company has enough maize carry over stock to kick-start early sales across markets this coming season

He said Seed Co would spend US$10 million to acquire an artificial seed drier, set to be commissioned in February 2020.

The company acquired Alliance Seed of South Africa, which will drive the vegetable seed production business.

“It is difficult to estimate the impact of exchange rate changes on future financial performance, but the group expects that it will maintain its market
dominance, with the new products expected to spur growth. The currency dynamics will continue to present product pricing challenges,” Nzwere said.

by VENERANDA LANGA

THE Education Amendment Bill went through its Second Reading stage in the National Assembly on Tuesday, with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) accused of refusing to air a programme on the Bill because the parliamentary committee leading the process was headed by an opposition legislator.

The Second Reading Stage was introduced in the House by Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Edgar Moyo who said among that other things, the Bill would ensure that it is compulsory for parents to send children to primary school and that there shall not be discrimination on grounds of colour, religion or political affiliation.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio on Education, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC-T) alleged that ZBC was throwing spanners into attempts to teach
people about the Bill because it was going to feature an opposition MP.

“I am disappointed with ZBC because we spoke to Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, running a programme called Identities to feature a programme with the committee on the
Education Amendment Bill,” she said.

“But the programme was blocked because a ZBC official said it was politically incorrect to air a programme which features someone from the opposition.

“They said they can only air the programme on the basis that Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima was part of the programme and yet it is not
the prerogative of the Executive to speak on Bills being dealt with in Parliament.”

Misihairabwi-Mushonga said it was important that government ensures that sanitary wear is offered freely at schools.

Her point was supported by Norton MP Temba Mliswa (independent) who said: “There must not even be debate on the issue of sanitary wear. In the same way we find
condoms in toilets, sanitary wear should also be there. We cannot allow the girl child to feel less (human) because they are using socks, tissue or crowding.”

Misihairabwi-Mushonga said during public hearings on the Bill people shot down proposals to allow pregnant girls to continue attending class.

“However, the issue is that these girls get pregnant by older men and if we stop them from attending school they won’t be empowered. Education in this country
is not well-funded and so we need to create a new Education Finance Bill so that there is funding for education in the country. We need to say that everyone
driving a luxury vehicle should be charged carbon tax so that it finances education for poor children,” she said.

Bikita South MP Josiah Sithole (Zanu PF) said there was need to sympathise with pregnant girls so that they continue with class. “In 1999, there was a
statutory instrument which stipulated that pregnant girls can stay at school. We need to sympathise with these girls – after all some are raped, impregnated
by older people like us and so we need to sympathise with pregnant girls,” Sithole said.

Zvimba North MP Marian Chombo (Zanu PF) said in Insiza mostly females said pregnant girls must not be allowed to continue with class.

“One woman even said what if the pregnant girl begins vomiting in class. They said it will encourage other girls to fall pregnant,” Chombo said.

Kadoma Central MP Muchineripi Chinyanganya (MDC Alliance) said there is need to come up with funding mechanism for education which will include non-
governmental organisations.

Meanwhile, MPs observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the late Glen View South MP Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java (MDC Alliance) who died on Monday.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

BUDDING cricketers in the Midlands province have been presented with an opportunity to showcase their talent following the inception of a provincial winter cricket tournament.

Seven teams are expected to participate in the tourney that is slated to commence later this month.

These include MSU Pirates, Gweru Sports Club, Redcliff, Mbizo, Kwekwe Queens and Zvishavane select.

Midlands Cricket organising secretary John Makuwalo said the tournament will mark the resurrection of the gentleman’s sport in the province having been dormant
for the last two years.

“This will be an important tournament for us in the province and it will give young cricketers from across the province, a chance to showcase their talent,” he
said.

“Seven teams are going to participate and we hope to continue playing from there until the end of the year. For this tournament, we will use T20 format.

“Then we are also going to decentralize the game and make sure that every part of province will host a game or two until the tournament ends.

“We have sponsors which we cannot reveal by name but for this tournament, those that make it into the top three will get prizes.”

The organisers want to use the tournament as part of their efforts to spread cricket to other parts of the country as competitive domestic tournaments are
dormant for the winter period.

BY VENERANDA LANGA

LEGISLATORS in the National Assembly on Tuesday expressed concern over the public’s poor attendance during hearings on important Bills.

Some of the participants in the public hearings also seemed not to understand the issues or Bills being discussed, the MPs noted.

For instance, during public hearings on the Maintenance of Order and Peace Bill (MOPA), which will replace the unconstitutional Public Order and Security Act,
some contributors in Harare raised issues around the economy and people with disabilities.

In Chitungwiza, less than 10 people attended the public hearing on MOPA.

Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya (MDC Alliance) raised a point of order with the Speaker, Jacob Mudenda, saying that Parliament must change its advertising
strategies of public hearings and also support MPs with constituency information centres.
He said this would enable MPs to distribute copies of Bills and explain their provisions to the public before hearings to enhance their understanding and
contributions.

Section 141 of the Constitution entails that before any law is crafted in Parliament, citizens should be consulted first for their input.

“I attended public consultations on the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency Bill and MOPA Bill in Kwekwe and the attendance was very poor,” Chikwinya said.

“There is generally very poor attendance on most Bills and we (Parliament) now need to have administrative introspection of how we call for these public
hearings because the majority of people expect MPs to distribute these Bills and discuss them in advance.

“Parliament must be able to capacitate parliamentary constituency information centres so that MPs market these public hearings for many people to attend, or
even to provide MPs with posters to inform people to attend.”

However, attendance is usually high on Bills which have a political interest such as the Electoral Law Act amendments, with political parties bussing their supporters to go and contribute.

But in the case of the Education Amendment Bill, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, boasted of
very high attendance during public hearings on the Bill.

She told the National Assembly that more than 600 people attended per sitting.

The Education Amendment Bill was highly supported by child rights non-governmental organisations, which assisted to explain the Bill and mobilise people to public hearings.

Parliament’s development partners that include the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust, have been pivotal in supporting Parliament public hearings on
Bills.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

FORMER Highlanders midfielder Richard Choruma believes Bosso will be highly motivated to win against rivals Dynamos on Sunday since it is the only accomplishment they can attain this season.

Choruma, who won titles with Bosso, believes Highlanders are already out of the title race and unless the Zifa Cup is reintroduced this year, a win over Dynamos will be their only accomplishment.

With this in mind, the former Warriors midfielder has tipped the Madinda Ndlovu-coached side to prevail on Sunday.

Choruma, who has a number of cup and championship medals with the Bulawayo giants, yesterday said if Highlanders employ the same approach as in the Uhuru Cup
in April in which they beat Dynamos 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium, they will prevail again on Sunday.

Bukhosi Sibanda, yet to make a mark in Bosso colours and Tinashe Makanda were on target against Dynamos in the Independence Cup.

“Highlanders will win on Sunday. That is all they have to fight for this year unless the Zifa Cup will materialise. Beating Dynamos will be their only
accomplishment this year after a bad start to the season. I don’t see them competing for the league title and the only thing that will make us their supporters
happy is beating Dynamos. I watched Highlanders beat Dynamos in the Independence Cup and if they play the same way they did that day, they will win,” Choruma
said.

Choruma, now at ambitious Zifa Central Region Division One side Filabusi United, where is director of football, however said Highlanders should be wary of Dynamos’ gaffer Tonderai Ndiraya, who he says is a shrewd tactician.

“Ndiraya is a good tactician and Highlanders can only under -estimate him at their own peril,” he said.

Both sides have had a bad start to the season, with Highlanders having only won two games in 11 outings while Dynamos have won four and the two giants are
separated by four points in the bottom half of the league table.

Choruma said the spark that characterised the yesteryear Highlanders and Dynamos’ games is still there but company-sponsored teams like league pacesetters
Chicken Inn, champions FC Platinum and Ngezi

Platinum are gradually taking over the big teams tag and community-based teams Bosso and DeMbare have to up their game.

“The glitz is still there but the company teams are slowly taking over. That is a wake-up call for Highlanders and Dynamos. Imagine for example, of late in
Bulawayo Chicken Inn has been sending a number of players outside some of whom are in the national team and what does that say about Highlanders. Most players
these days want to join Chicken Inn. Dynamos and Highlanders must change their approach.”

BY RICHARD MUPONDE

A POLICE officer, who allegedly led a heist at former Gwanda mayor, Knowledge Ndlovu’s Ettrick Mine and allegedly stole gold ore worth thousands of United States dollars, was reportedly arrested after a high speed chase.

The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night in Colleen Bawn, about 20km outside Gwanda.

Reports say the cop, Bhekimpilo Moyo, who is stationed at Gwanda Police Station, and his accomplices went to the mine when Ndlovu was milling some gold ore.

The gang came across the former mayor’s employees guarding some gold ore, which was waiting to be ferried to the stamp mill, and they attacked them.

Fearing for their lives, the employees reportedly fled from the mine, leaving Moyo and his gang behind. It is alleged that the gang then loaded the gold ore into their truck and left
the scene.

The workers phoned their employer, Ndlovu, who rushed to the mine and intercepted the gang as they were leaving the mine.

The cop and some of his accomplices were apprehended after a 10km high speed chase.

They were handed over to the police.

Contacted for comment, Ndlovu said he could not comment because it was now in the hands of the police.

“The matter is in the hands of the police. I can’t comment on the issue. It could jeopardise investigations,” he said.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele yesterday also declined to comment on the matter.

Last month, another police officer appeared in court accused of illegal gold panning and stealing gold ore from Gaika Mine in Kwekwe.

Donemore Nyashanu (33), of Mazvikite village under Chief Mposi in Mberengwa, a Support Unit operative, connived with five other members of the joint taskforce, who were tasked with guarding Gaika Mine, to conduct illegal mining activities and steal gold ore.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA/KENNETH NYANGANI

Two Chitungwiza women who were part of a gang allegedly involved in a spate of armed robberies across the country were each sentenced to 25 years by a Chivhu magistrate.

Idah Muyambiri (28) and Ruth Tarupihwa (30) were charged alongside their male accomplices Charles Mutize (34), who was given a similar sentence while gang leader Benisa Mutsvangwa (35) was sentenced to 35 years in jail after he was convicted on two more armed robbery counts.

The two women and Mutize will, however, serve an effective 20-year jail term each after five years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while Mutsvangwa will spend the next 28 years behind bars.

According to court papers, on May 24, at around 4pm, Etina Chikero (33) was offered a lift by the accused persons in a Honda Fit from Murambinda to Chivhu.

After travelling about five kilometres, the four told the complainant that she had boarded a vehicle belonging to armed robbers.

They then pulled off the road and drove towards Dauramanzi Farm.

The accused pulled out knives and threatened to kill Chikero.

They then took her laptop, cellphone and cash before tying her to a tree. Chikero captured the vehicle’s registration details before the accused fled the scene
towards Chivhu.

She managed to free herself and reported the matter at Chivhu Police Station.

A roadblock was mounted and the vehicle was intercepted at the 136km peg along the Harare-Chivhu Highway.

Police searched the car and recovered all the property stolen from Chikero. Also recovered was a wallet with national identity cards and driver’s licences
belonging to other victims.

Police also recovered eight kitchen knives in the vehicle. The police also found out that the car had been stolen in Marondera.

Investigations linked the accused to seven more armed robbery cases involving stolen vehicles and properties.

The total value of stolen goods was put at ZWL$27 965 and only ZWL$20 681 worth of property was recovered.

Mike Choto represented the State.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Mutare woman appeared in court facing eight counts of stocktheft after she allegedly stole 22 cattle.

Priscilla Chinyowa from Zimunya was granted ZWL$400 bail and remanded to June 26 by magistrate Tendai Mahwe. According to prosecutor Chris Munyuku, on an
unknown date in March and August last year, the accused, in the company of the late Paul Manyasha, stole the livestock from the Arda Transau grazing area in
Odzi.