The accident occurred at the 166km peg along the Harare-Mutare Highway and involved Bolt Cutter and Smart Express buses.

Smart Express owner Mrs Arima Mkwamba said the money was their contribution towards assisting the families of the deceased and the injured.

The donation was handed over to the Civil Protection Unit, through the office of the Manicaland provincial administrator, Mr Edgar Seenza.

Mr Seenza said the money would be disbursed to the families of the deceased at Rusape Hospital when they came to collect the bodies of their loved ones.

Government has provided $25 000 towards the cause while the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) will settle all hospital bills. FSG and Nyaradzo Funeral Services are assisting with coffins and transporting the deceased to their final resting places. The total monetary assistance to each bereaved family is currently $1 350.

Meanwhile, Mrs Mkwamba has blamed the accident on recklessness on the part of the driver, identified as Cosmas Marembo.

Mrs Mkwamba said the company was deeply saddened by the loss of lives.

“We never thought our buses would be involved in an accident of this magnitude and it is really a sad development. This is happening because of reckless driving,” she said.

“The name of our buses, ‘Smart’, means we are operating a clean business. My family and I have never used any juju to enhance our business. We run a clean business. It is unfortunate that we have been a victim of so many accidents in a short space of time.”

Smart Express manager Mr Derick Sigauke said the company always instructed its drivers to exercise caution on the road and to drive within the stipulated speed limits but sometimes the drivers behaved differently.

He said Marembo had been with the company for over a year and was one of their best drivers.

He denied claims that the company was setting daily targets for its crews, which pushed them to speed to meet them.

“We do not set targets for our drivers and we never force them to go to Harare and come back to Mutare on the same day. If the bus cannot come back we urge the crew to sleep over in Harare and return the following day,” he said.

“This particular driver has been with us since we started the Beitbridge-Mutare route over a year ago and he has never had a problem. He was a Zupco driver for more than 10 years before joining us.”

Meanwhile, Marembo has handed himself over to Rusape Traffic Police, The Herald has learnt.

According to Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, Marembo handed himself over to the police at around 2pm on Wednesday afternoon.

“For now we cannot talk of the charges that he is facing because investigations are still in progress,” said Insp Kakohwa.- state media

THE Smart Express bus driver who fled the scene after the Rusape accident that claimed 46 lives on Wednesday evening has handed himself over to Rusape traffic police.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa yesterday confirmed the development saying the driver, Cosmas Marembo had handed himself to the police at around 2pm in the afternoon.

“For now we cannot talk of the charges that he is facing because investigations are still in progress,” said Insp Kakohwa.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day yesterday, Smart Express Bus Company owner, Mrs Arima Mkwamba conceded that her company had of late witnessed several accidents largely blamed on the recklessness of her drivers.

“We are very disappointed by the wanton loss of lives being caused by the accidents. Our drivers are reckless and we have on many occasions warned them against such driving,” she said.

— State Media

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released 36 names of the people who died on Wednesday this week near the Rusape tollgate.

Their next of kin have since been informed.

The names of those who lost their lives are:

Handsome Mugabe from Rusape

Grace Nyamhuri from Rusape (28)

Molleene Kunyaura from Headlands (35)

Alberick Nyamawanga from Odzi (1 year 10 months)

Nomsa Managani from Glen View, Harare (34)

Pertience Geza from Mutare (30)

Tsitsi Gweja of Nyanyadzi clinic (40)

Tafirenyika Nyarumbe of Highlands, Harare

Themba Mukaronda of Nyagota village, Rusape (33)

Kelvin Fombe of Mutare (33)

Gloria Malusi of Kadoma (28)

Wish Mhaambirwi of Chikanga, Mutare (22)

Daru Artson of Mabvazuva, Rusape (26)

Shamma Takunda Bhunu of Tynward, Harare (8 months)

John Mapika of Waterfalls, Harare (34)

Francis Mubaiwa of Amsterdam Park, Harare (46)

Amos Manyere of ADA Transal Odzi (52)

Lovemore Mudondo of Eastview, Harare (18)

Tatenda Mushore of Glen View, Harare (9)

Esther Mazvimba of Village 12 Chinhenga, Inyati (80)

Anna Kambarami of Plot 98 Tynwald, Harare (26)

Tafadzwa Siwiti of Rusike Phase 1, Marondera (19)

Douglas Chimanga of Waterfalls, Harare (60)

Shalom Tariro Bhunu of Plot 98 Tynwald, Harare (3)

Michael Huta of St Therese Mission, Rusape (24)

Tavonga Mushore Glen View, Harare (8)

Willard Tatenda Mukanya of Makuwapasi village, Chief Makoni, Rusape

Themba Sorota of Court 26 Chareka, Mutare (39)

Ali Chiramba of Old Tafara, Harare (35)

Zodic Chikanda of Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare (27)

Molline Kunyaura of Marondera Prison (32)

Enwedy Chawapira of 3 Brigade, Mutare (32)

Nancy Mukwada of Vengere, Rusape

Kudakwashe Mupatsi of Dzivarasekwa 1, Harare

Simon Juru of Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare (50)

Grasten Chipangura of Harare (45).

Meanwhile,

48 people injured in the Rusape bus disaster who had been admitted at Rusape General Hospital have been discharged and only four are still being treated for the injuries they sustained.

33 bodies have also been collected by relatives for burial by late this afternoon.

81 accident victims were taken to Rusape General Hospital after the bus disaster that claimed 50 lives.

14 injured people were transferred to Harare another one to Mutare while 52 remained admitted at Rusape General Hospital.

Thanks to the sterling work by the Rusape Hospital staff, by this afternoon 48 people had been discharged.

Rusape General Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Steward Karembo confirmed the latest developments.

“The pressure that was on the General Hospital is slowly fading away as relatives are coming to collect bodies of the deceased while the majority of patients have been discharged,” he said.

Some of the injured who are still hospitalised hailed the treatment and assistance they have received so far.

“We are happy with the support and treatment we got after the accident as we were in a helpless situation,” said some of the survivors.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Passenger Association Organisation members comprising 75 percent of bus operators in the country visited Rusape General Hospital where they said there is need to regulate the transport sector to reduce loss of lives.

The association’s CEO Fungai Makoni said the transport sector should not be free for all but should operate under specific guidelines and standards to guide against overspending among other vices.

“There is need to regulate the transport industry in order to reduce road accidents,” he said.

The accident occurred on Wednesday evening near the Rusape toll gate claiming the lives of 45 people on the spot while five others died in hospital. — ZBC

“NOW that the truth is out about my money, those ladies should give it back so that I can get on with my life,” said Sandra (Sandy) Ndebele-Sibindi who was swindled of over $80 000 last month.

The dance queen had given one Simangani Gwemende, an illegal money changer from Bulawayo, almost $90 000 (US$8 330 and $80 000 bond notes) to trade the money on the forex black market.

Gwemende however, subcontracted another person, Lindiwe Ndlovu, to trade it in Beitbridge on her behalf as the rates were apparently more favourable there.

Ndlovu claimed to have boarded a private vehicle to Beitbridge on October 16 and was robbed of all the money when she got off the car in Colleen Bawn for recess and found the vehicle gone.

She then made a report of the stolen money to the police who initiated investigations.

She informed Gwemende who then informed Sandy of the mishap and the musician did not take the issue lightly.

The musician apparently viciously demanded Gwemende to repay her and allegedly forced her to sign an affidavit saying she would pay US$1 000 every day until the debt is cleared.

The matter, that is now before the courts, this week took a twist with Ndlovu admitting that she had made a false report about the money being stolen.

In mitigation, Ndlovu said she made the false report in a bid to raise money for medication as she suffers from cancer.

She was sentenced to six months imprisonment by Gwanda magistrate, Ms Nomagugu Ncube.

Three months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.

Sandy said the conviction had vindicated her suspicions that it was a bogus story to swindle her of her money.

“I suspected from the onset that this story of the money being stolen was just a cover up. I’ve filed a case against her (Gwemende) in the Bulawayo High Court to get my money back using the law,” said Sandy.
She said all she wants is her money.

“I know that the money is there. Maybe they’ve shared it among themselves. However, what I know is that they’ll pay back every cent that they took from me and claimed it was stolen.”

Asked where she got the lump sum, the mother of three who is married to a businessman — Nkanyiso — said she was a hard-working woman who makes money, not only from her music and shows, but from other business interests.

She said people should not think that she just sings and dances for a living.

“I do other things to make money and fend for my family like any other Zimbabwean who wants to make ends meet. I have over 7 000 chickens that I’m rearing and every six weeks, I sell them and buy chicks among other business interests across the country.

“Also, I’ve been performing a lot this year as it was election season. I was getting hired by political parties and money was coming in and I was saving it,” she said.

The money, Sandy said, was meant to be used for shopping in Dubai.

“That money was supposed to be used in Dubai to buy stuff I wanted to sell.

“I have nothing to hide, if people want to know where I got the money, I can prove to anyone without doubt.”

However, Sandy said this has taught her not to trust anyone.

“I trusted the woman (Gwemende) as I was introduced to her by her sister whose child learns with mine.

I thought she was genuinely helping me out.

“Now I’m broke all because I trusted people with my money,” said a disheartened Sandy.

State Media

LEGISLATORS have said the Government has taken too long to buy them service vehicles with the issue being among the most topical during the ongoing 2019 Parliamentary pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo.

Government in October announced that it would defer the purchase of new vehicles for MPs as part of austerity measures being spearheaded by Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube.

The country has about 350 legislators combining the National Assembly and the Senate and they are all entitled to vehicles which they are supposed to use in servicing their constituencies.

Government is expected to shell out more than $20 million to buy new vehicles for the 350 legislators.

In his presentation, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development, Felix Mhona, emphasised that MPs needed vehicles.

“Honourable Speaker Sir, purchasing of vehicles for our honourable members is not a luxury, these are our tools of the trade. So we are saying honourable members must be given their tools,” he said drawing applause from legislators across the political divide.

Mutare Central MP, Innocent Gonese, said they were entitled to their vehicles.

“I believe that when we look at the question of vehicles, MPs are entitled to vehicles and let’s submit that apart from those five appointed outside Parliament, my view is let’s have a one vehicle policy, one durable vehicle for all members.

“This will bring to an end the business of having those in the Executive having a Parliamentary vehicle as well as two other vehicles and those two other vehicles are the ones which are ultra-luxurious like your Range Rover Vogue or Range Rover Autobiography,” he said.

In a rare show of unity between MPs from both the ruling Zanu-PF party and main opposition MDC, the legislators said their vehicles were also a top priority in the budget and the Finance Minister has to expedite their purchase.

They said they preferred off road vehicles which would enable them to navigate the rough terrain in their constituencies.

Responding to the legislators, Prof Ncube said he understands that MPs need to be given their vehicles.

“I am on the side of making sure that you get your vehicles, but we have been debating as to whether we give you a 100 percent loan, partial loan or zero loans so we have that action on the table but either way vehicles are on the way,” he said.

Reserve Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya told the legislators the demand for foreign currency was crippling the economy and even legislators’ vehicles required foreign currency.

“If the expenditure is coming, it also has to be funded. Right now you are asking about your vehicles, those vehicles are imported also and they need foreign currency. This country does not make vehicles.

“I agree that these are your tools of trade; very good tools of the trade but those tools of the trade shall end up in my office looking for foreign currency. If the Minister says let’s look for foreign currency, I will look for it and buy your vehicles,” said Dr Mangudya.

Douglas Mwonzora writes on his Facebook page;

Recently the MDC National Council resolved that the party would soon embark on nationwide demonstrations.

The sole purpose of the demonstrations is to put pressure on the government to urgently redress the serious political, social and economic problems bedivelling Zimbabwe.

We will be demonstrating against corruption, state capture, and the refusal of government to implement devolution. We will demand a serious redress of the problems of poverty and misery to which our people have been consigned.

The recent monetary policy has among other things led to the failure of our people to access healthcare facilities.

These demonstrations will be done in terms of Section 59 of the constitution. The threats by the state to violently suppress these demonstrations will not deter us.

VIDEO BELOW

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VIDEO LOADING BELOW.

MDC Alert: CIOs follows and attacks President Chamisa convoy

The people’s President Nelson Chamisa is safe following an attack on his Convoy and a failed abduction attempt on one of his drivers near Mabvuku turnoff today on his way from addressing a bumper crowd in Marondera.

The driver managed to escape by jumping of the moving abduction viechles. The President was being followed by up to six registered and unregistered vehicles.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW.

The vehicles are the same that have been reported in the past to be following President Nelson Chamisa. The registration numbers are AET 8699, AES..6615, AES 0015, ADR 9409.

Our security have reported these numbers at Avondale and Harare Central Police stations and nothing has been done up to date.The state is playing a dangerous game with the life of our President.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW.

By Own Correspondent| The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called on public transport operators to help curb road carnage due to overspeeding through installing speed limiting devices on their vehicles.

PAZ President Tafadzwa Goliath said this in his condolence message to the families of the 50 people who died in an accident involving Smart Express and Bolt Cutter buses in Rusape.

Over a day later there was (as at Sunday morning 0010) still not a mention in the state media on the below accident in Beatrice.

It was not clear how the state media failed to cover another fatal mishap which instantly killed 3 people injuring many others, an accident which follows the horrific Rusape disaster.

BELOW EARLIER STORY STREAMED LIVE AT THE SCENE FRIDAY NIGHT 7pm:

By A Correspondent| Three people were killed on Friday night in a bus accident in Beatrice Road. ZimEye sources spoke to journalists at the scene explaining that two vehicles and a bus were involved. It was a Mercedes-Benz sedan, a pick up truck, and a bus.

When ZimEye passed through the scene, the driver of the pick up truck was still trapped inside his vehicle (See LIVE video below).

The accident occurred in Beatrice Road. There was drama when during interviews (video below) a kombi which had no lights confidently passed by the accident scene. WATCH VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By A Correspondent| MDC Treasurer Chalton Hwende says it is true there was an attempt on his boss, Nelson Chamisa today.

Writing following the video shocker covered previously by ZimEye, Hwende said, “I can confirm that there was an attempt to kidnap President Nelson Chamisa today. We have alerted the police and the President has been moved to a secure place.”

WATCH THE LIVE COVERAGE BELOW:

ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa has used temporary powers for a new law that will see illegal currency traders being sentenced to up to ten years in jail, while ill-gotten wealth will be confiscated.

Under regulations that come into effect tomorrow, Government will track unexplained movement of money in the financial system.

Mnangagwa’s intervention – which involves amending the Exchange Control and Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Acts – is through constitutional provisions of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act.

Parliament needs to approve the law within six months to make it permanent.
The new law prescribes a maximum 10-year custodial sentence for illegal currency traders, and authorities will be empowered — through the Unexplained Wealth Orders Statute — to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority have been empowered to pursue perpetrators of financial crime.

Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba yesterday told The Sunday Mail that Mnangagwa had signed the law that will be gazetted tomorrow.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said: “Our teams have been working tirelessly on the laws for the past few weeks and the legislation is ready for gazetting. It will be issued through an Extraordinary Government Gazette.”

Secretary for Justice Mrs Virginia Mabhiza said the new law illuminated grey areas that were being exploited by criminals to escape culpability.

“There have been two legislative interventions which have been made by His Excellency. The first one is amendment to the Exchange Control Regulations (Exchange Control Act). The definition of ‘dealer’ is further clarified to assist judicial officers in interpreting the law and also the general public in appreciating the law.

“The second amendment is to the Money Laundering (and Proceeds of Crimes) Act to provide for unexplained wealth and the respective enforcement agents where a public office holder or someone previously in that capacity fails to account for wealth accumulated in a manner suspected to be criminal,” she said.

“The Exchange Control Regulations have also been amended to introduce a presumption where one conducts themselves in a certain manner to be held liable for dealing.”

Mrs Mabhiza said the Unexplained Wealth Orders would give crime-fighting entities like the National Prosecution Authority, Zacc and the Zimbabwe Republic Police power to seize unexplained wealth.

“The President has invoked his powers so that law enforcement agents such as the police, the NPA and the Zacc have more teeth to compel suspects to explain their wealth. All those who fail to give satisfactory answers risk forfeiture of their assets or monies in their accounts.

“This instrument can be in place for six months. Within these six months, Parliament can use its powers to make the law permanent.”

A legal expert involved in crafting the legislation, who elected to be anonymous, said the regulations were in line with international best practice.
“In the past it was difficult to do anything to people that were suspected of corruption or those that have unexplained huge amounts of money in their accounts.

“Authorities now have a firm basis to make demands on people to account for their wealth. What this means is that Zacc, the police or Zimra can now go to court to seek an order to compel any person to explain his source of wealth. In the event that there is no satisfactory explanation, that person risks losing money that is in his account or properties that he or should would have acquired through the suspicious dealings.

“This year, Britain introduced Unexplained Wealth Orders with the idea being to fight white-collar crime and mafia-like corruption. These orders are served on any persons who are suspected of white collar crimes.”

Last month, President Mnangagwa instructed the Justice Ministry to work expeditiously with the Attorney-General’s Office to draft regulations to bring currency manipulators and money launderers to book.

The Head of State and Government labelled parallel market activities a national security threat that his administration would not tolerate. -state media

By Own Correspondent| Addressing parliamentarians at the on-going 2019 pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mangudya said people should be grateful for the sacrifice he has made to get Zimbabwe’s economy running.

There have been calls for Mangudya to resign like he promised he would if the Bond Notes failed.

Mangudya however said bond notes are a success, giving the example of the growth in exports since their introduction as an export incentive.

He also said removing bond notes will not solve the foreign currency shortages in Zimbabwe.

Said Mangudya:

“Some of us have gone out of our way to get this economy running. It is about time that the people of Zimbabwe are grateful for this sacrifice.”- DailyNews

MDC national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo yesterday expressed her unhappiness on being left out in Nelson Chamisa’s choice of vice presidents.

Chamisa’s MDC has a male-bloated presidium with Elias Mudzuri, Morgen Komichi and Welshman Ncube as his three vice presidents.

Sources close to the on-goings in the party allege Khumalo thought she was going to become an automatic replacement for Thokozani Khupe (MDC-T president) after she left the party.

Khumalo is said to have been unhappy by Welshman Ncube’s ascendency into the presidium ahead of her.

Asked if she felt a female should have been appointed into the presidium, Khumalo said the party had already “closed doors” on her.

“Lalingaphi lisekela ukukukhuluma khonokho, khangelani sebengivalele phandle,” (You should have raised those issues before the appointments were made, now look they have already shut doors on me),” she said.

“They have already chosen; a decision has been made and there is no going back.”

Responding to allegations that she views herself as the ‘‘godmother” of Bulawayo and Matabeleland provinces, Khumalo said that was not true.

“I have never sold drugs, that term is used for women who are in the business of selling drugs.”

Analysts contend that this week’s elections for deputy mayor in Bulawayo, after the MDC party leadership ordered councillor Tinashe Kambarami to resign, were a sideshow in the opposition’s factional fights.

MDC’s vice president, Ncube was reportedly against Kambarami standing in the election but Khumalo, in her capacity as the national chairperson, ordered the election to proceed resulting in Kambarami’s re-election.

Councillor Mlandu Ncube, who was the party’s preferred candidate in the previous deputy mayor election, was deemed unsuitable by fellow councillors due to his alleged scandals.

According to insiders in the opposition, Khumalo wants to assert herself as the party’s ‘‘godmother” in Matabeleland region and is not happy that Ncube was elevated to the party’s vice presidency ahead of her.

— DailyNews

VIDEOS LOADING BELOW

Zimbabwe’s Defence minister, Oppah Muchinguri  on Saturday said she fears there will be a coup, because soldiers have got only one uniform per person.

Speaking at parliament’s pre budget consultative Forum in Bulawayo, as ZimEye reveals herein, Muchinguri also said soldiers are failing to access basics such as food.

She said, “We also had challenges as was indicated: inadequate budget, delays in cash disbursements to Ministry’s bank accounts; prices of goods and services – suppliers refusing to accept quotations; and also this affects our levels of our preparedness to deal with any eventuality;

“Non availability of adequate institutional accommodation is an area of concern. Our accommodation is in a very deplorable state, and I hope that … (sic)we are envisaging the putting up of 5000 accommodations of thousands of forces to build a hospital and also to provide family accommodation; and this we appeal to you because most of our soldiers depend accommodation in townships; sometimes [are] disgraced, insulted, and that brings our own force into disrepute; and this is the situation.

“When we compare ourselves with other countries we are lagging behind- lack of decent uniforms adequate, our soldiers have only one uniform and you can imagine how embarrassing this situation is; and for me to be exposing our force to this situation where I have to share with Parliament. I normally am not expected, to disclose these issues. But again, I appeal to you – failure to access health care, even food. But I want to thank the minister of Finance, who has chipped in and assured us that he will address the need to make sure that we are accommodated in terms of budgetary intervention or mitigation. We share these concerns because we are afraid of mutiny. We need to control the situation in keeping our forces comfortable and happy we know what has happened in other countries…” VIDEO BELOW:

By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe’s Defence minister, Oppah Muchinguri  on Saturday said she fears there will be a coup, because soldiers have got only one uniform per person.

VIDEO BELOW:

Speaking at parliament’s pre budget consultative Forum in Bulawayo, as ZimEye reveals herein, Muchinguri also said soldiers are failing to access basics such as food.

She said, “We also had challenges as was indicated: inadequate budget, delays in cash disbursements to Ministry’s bank accounts; prices of goods and services – suppliers refusing to accept quotations; and also this affects our levels of our preparedness to deal with any eventuality;

“Non availability of adequate institutional accommodation is an area of concern. Our accommodation is in a very deplorable state, and I hope that … (sic)we are envisaging the putting up of 5000 accommodations of thousands of forces to build a hospital and also to provide family accommodation; and this we appeal to you because most of our soldiers depend accommodation in townships; sometimes [are] disgraced, insulted, and that brings our own force into disrepute; and this is the situation.

“When we compare ourselves with other countries we are lagging behind- lack of decent uniforms adequate, our soldiers have only one uniform and you can imagine how embarrassing this situation is; and for me to be exposing our force to this situation where I have to share with Parliament. I normally am not expected, to disclose these issues. But again, I appeal to you – failure to access health care, even food. But I want to thank the minister of Finance, who has chipped in and assured us that he will address the need to make sure that we are accommodated in terms of budgetary intervention or mitigation. We share these concerns because we are afraid of mutiny. We need to control the situation in keeping our forces comfortable and happy we know what has happened in other countries…” VIDEO BELOW:

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been quoted by the state media saying High Court judge Justice David Mangota’s judgment on the   legality of the 1 Aug Commission of Inquiry does not implicate Emmerson Mnangagwa’s  deputy Constantino Chiwenga.

Ziyambi said the judgement did not implicate Vice President Chiwenga or say he ordered soldiers to shoot to kill.

Ziyambi said, “Justice Mangota was very clear in his ruling that the police invoked the provisions of the Public Order and Security Act to quell the disturbances.

“The motivation to request for assistance was not to kill. The Minister of Defence in granting the request, wanted to help police maintain law and order. The judgment is very clear. He merely acceded to the request by the police for assistance to quell the violent demonstrations. It is wrong to say that Vice President Chiwenga ordered the killings when his ministry then simply accepted the request from the police, people should not manipulate to say what they want.”

Ziyambi added sayinng the soldiers would be under the command of the Commissioner-General of the Police when they are helping the police.