Governors and Bennett not sworn in as deadline approaches
There is still no information as to when the provincial governors and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Roy Bennett, are going to be sworn into office. Last week Gorden Moyo, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office, said that the governors and Bennett are supposed to be in office with effect from September 1st.

Besieged farmer’s house burned down in apparent arson attack
A beleaguered commercial farmer in Chegutu, who has faced months of intimidation and attacks by land invaders, was on Monday night without a home, after his farmhouse was burned down in an apparent arson attack on Sunday. Ben Freeth has endured some of the worst attacks on Mount Carmel farm since the renewed offensive against the commercial farming community began in earnest this year.

Shamu claims government to issue TV and radio licences soon
Information and Publicity minister Webster Shamu has said the inclusive government is ready to start issuing licences for new television and radio stations. Shamu told Radio VOP over the weekend that his ministry was ‘ready and raring to go’ to register new players in the electronic media, and then blamed Parliament for delaying the process.

Zuma publicly acknowledges Zim’s GNU problems
South African President and SADC chair, Jacob Zuma, arrived in Zimbabwe Thursday evening to try and break the political deadlock between the rival parties in the inclusive government. Observers say while Robert Mugabe has been implying there are no major problems with the Global Political Agreement, Zuma made it clear there were issues, when he officially opened the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Friday.

ZANU PF Chairman John Nkomo faces sodomy charges
A 31 year old Bulawayo man, Mncedisi Twala, has claimed that ZANU PF National Chairman John Nkomo, molested him in April 2002. After fleeing to South Africa Twala says he came back after the formation of the unity government and filed a police complaint in July. The police however refused to investigate his complaint until last week Thursday, when they called him for more information. But he was arrested, allegedly for making a false report, and spent 6 days in custody.

Aid groups remain on high alert after false alarm about cholera
Aid groups in Zimbabwe have said they will remain on high alert over potential cholera outbreaks, despite a false alarm about cholera near Chipinge last weekend. A dozen people in the Chibuwe district near Chipinge received urgent medical care last weekend after displaying symptoms similar to those associated with cholera, which last year spread through Zimbabwe leaving more than 4000 deaths in its wake.

Zuma to hold meetings with Zimbabwe principals Thurs evening
Jacob Zuma makes his first visit to Zimbabwe as South African President on Thursday, to meet with the partners in the inclusive government. The outgoing SADC chair is expected to hold separate meetings with the principals and then attend a banquet at State House late Thursday. Zuma is also in the country to open the Harare Agricultural Show on Friday.

Civil servants threaten strike if wage demands are not met
A day after state doctors called off a crippling 3 week strike over wages, civil servants under the Public Service Association have warned they will also go on strike, if their own wage demands are not met. Last week government representatives began negotiating with them before requesting a grace period of 14 days in which to consult their principals.

Global diamond trade monitor warns of Zim suspension
The World Diamond Council, the group representing the diamond industry in the mainly politicised Kimberley Process, warned this week that it would add its voice to the growing calls for Zimbabwe’s suspension from the international diamond trade. The warnings come as the Chiadzwa diamond fields remain under the violent control of the military, despite recent recommendations by a Kimberley process delegation, that the government demilitarise the zone.

Doctors finally end strike
Doctors from government hospitals returned to work Wednesday after a crippling two week long strike, but without their wage demands being met. Brighton Chizhande, President of the Hospital Doctors Association, said the union decided to call off the strike on humanitarian grounds and after receiving reassurances from Prime Minister Tsvangirai that the government understood their plight and would listen to their demands.

Government denies Mugabe is in poor health
Un-named government officials have rubbished reports that Mugabe missed the burial of the late nationalist Richard Hove because he was unwell and had flown to Dubai for treatment. One official said Mugabe was not sick but had been on holiday and had come back Tuesday. The presence of Mugabe’s urologist in Dubai, Awang Kechik, fuelled suspicion he was there to check up on the ZANU PF leader.

New toll road system causes chaos
The new road toll system introduced earlier this month, in an effort to get money into the Transport Ministry’s empty coffers, is causing chaos and concerns are also being raised about potential corruption at the toll sites.
Customs and excise agents, working from roadside tents, control the collection of money from drivers who are stopped at roadblocks set up by the police. But the system is reportedly causing confusion.

MDC says Zuma to tackle Gono, Tomana issue
South African President Jacob Zuma is expected in Zimbabwe on Thursday to open the Harare Agricultural Show and to also consult with the partners in the inclusive government in his capacity as SADC chair. Gordon Moyo, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office, said Zuma’s expected meeting with the political partners follows concerns raised by the two MDC formations regarding the implementation of the Global Political Agreement.

MDC dismiss 5 year extension to unity government
Senior party figures in the Tsvangirai MDC have denied speculation that the life of the current unity government will be extended to 5 years. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Newsreel that the Global Political Agreement that forms the basis of the unity deal makes it clear it is a transitional arrangement and 5 years could not be considered transitional.

Mangwana says land reform backfired on Mugabe regime
A key architect of Zimbabwe’s indigenisation laws, which paved the way for violent land invasions in the name of ‘reform’, said on Monday that the land redistribution system was ‘erroneous’. Paul Mangwana, a ZANU PF legislator for Chivhi Central and former Minister for Indigenisation and Empowerment, told an investment conference in Harare on Monday that the land ‘reform’ programme had essentially backfired.

ZANU PF ministers walk out of retreat in response to Mutambara
ZANU PF ministers, led by Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, abandoned a strategic planning retreat in Nyanga on Sunday after Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara said last year’ms elections were ‘fraudulent and a nullity.’ Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and cabinet ministers from the two MDC formations continued with the weekend retreat without the majority of members from ZANU PF.

New survey shows Mugabe has lost support
Two new surveys by the Mass Public Opinion Institute show that support for Robert Mugabe has dropped by 20 percent since the unity government was formed in February. The two polls conducted in April and May also reveal that ZANU PF would be reduced to a small opposition party if it went into elections against the MDC right now. Only 10 percent of adults polled said they would vote for Mugabe, while Tsvangirai would easily getting 57 percent of the votes.

Health fears rise as new cholera cases recorded
Fears of a looming health crisis are on the rise after a dozen new cholera cases were recorded over the weekend, coinciding with the ongoing doctors strike. In an alert circulated among NGOs working in Zimbabwe, aid officials said 12 cases of cholera were detected in Chibuwe district near Chipinge. No fatalities were recorded and 10 patients were successfully treated and discharged from hospital, while two were held for observation.

ZINASU splits into two factions over constitution
Zimbabwe’s National Students Union has split into two, allegedly over differences on whether to support the government sponsored constitution making process or not. An extraordinary congress convened on Saturday said it had re-called President Clever Bere, over what was alleged to be his ‘dictatorial’ tendencies. His Vice President, Brilliant Dube, was elevated to the post of President in place of Bere.

MDC petitions AG’s office over murders
The MDC says hundreds of its supporters were killed in recent years, with at least 500 supporters murdered by Zanu PF and State security agents last year alone. The culprits or perpetrators of violence have never been brought to justice. On Thursday MDC Security Director, Chris Dhlamini, wrote a letter to the Attorney-General’s office, asking him to urgently deal with the murder cases.

Zim diamonds will not be banned despite human rights abuses
Zimbabwe will not face suspension from the international diamond regulatory body, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, despite the ongoing human rights abuses at the Chiadzwa diamond fields. The regulatory body’s chairman, Namibian Mines Minister Bernhard Esau, told a press conference in Harare on Wednesday that calls by the group’s members to suspend Zimbabwe over human rights abuses will not be taken seriously.

Police set to charge expelled Mutambara MDC MP
Lupane East MP Njabuliso Mguni, who was recently expelled by the Mutambara MDC, has told Newsreel that police want to resurrect a 4 month old incident and charge him with ‘causing alarm and despondency’, amongst a host of other charges which might include treason.

Mugabe attempts to diffuse SADC tensions over GNU
Robert Mugabe this week apparently used a meeting in Namibia to brief regional leaders on the progress of the inclusive government, in what is being described as a pre-emptive strategy to diffuse tensions on the non-resolution of outstanding issues. The move is reportedly meant to prevent the Southern African Development Community from taking a hard line with Mugabe when it meets in Kinshasa next month.

Arrested MDC MPs say they refuse to enrich ZANU PF officials
The 10 MP’s from the Tsvangirai MDC, who were arrested Wednesday at the Ministry of Finance, were released after being held for several hours at Harare Central. The MPs had gone to the Ministry to enquire about their vehicle loan scheme. They were charged with disorderly conduct, but MP Pishai Muchauraya denied they were disorderly and said they are being harassed by some ministry officials.

MDC-M MPs to challenge ejection from parliament
Three legislators from the MDC Mutumbara faction, who were this week officially expelled from parliament, are set to challenge the move in the Supreme Court. The expelled MPs, Norman Mpofu (Bulilima East), Abednico Bhebhe (Nkayi South) and Njabuliso Mguni (Lupane East) were expelled from the party last month and had since been trying to fight the expulsion through legal means.

National AIDS Council spends millions on ‘luxuries’
Thousands of people affected by HIV and AIDS are dying while the National Aids Council abuses funds collected under the national aids levy. Surprisingly it took the state owned Herald newspaper, notorious for pro-government articles, to reveal that out of US$1,7 million collected in AIDS levies since February only US$20 000 was spent on buying Anti Retroviral drugs.

Zuma expected to tackle Zimbabwe’s political crisis next week
South African President Jacob Zuma is expected in Zimbabwe next week, and is set to tackle the political stalemate threatening the stability of the six-month-old unity government. Zuma will officially open the Harare Agricultural Show next Friday.

10 MDC-T MPs arrested over vehicle allocations
Ten MDC MPs were arrested Wednesday when they went to the offices of the Ministry of Finance to inquire about the allocation of vehicles, due to them under the controversial parliamentary car loan scheme.

Independent candidates removed from media commission list
The transparency of the appointment of commissioners to the Media Commission is under the spotlight again after two candidates, who had passed the first round interviews, have allegedly been removed from the final list to pave the way for ZANU PF loyalists.

PM’s office proposes changes to citizenship laws
Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s office is working on proposals to change the country’s citizenship laws, which have been used to disenfranchise millions of voters.

ZCTU leader honoured with international courage award
The President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Lovemore Matombo, said he is humbled and honoured after winning an international award, recognising his courage in continuously defending the rights of workers, in the face of arrests and beatings.

Crisis Group to issue damning report on unity government
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition will be issuing a damning report highlighting the shortcomings of the 7 month coalition government. The report will analyse the critical issues which were meant to address the country’s democratic deficit. Programmes Manager Pedzisai Ruhanya told Newsreel on Tuesday that the report criticizes the inability of the inclusive government to deal with issues of transitional justice.

Rights lawyers urge Speaker to clarify issue of commissions
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has blasted the state controlled media for increasing confusion around the establishment of independent commissions. They’ve written a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Lovemore Moyo, asking him to give a public clarification on the selection of national commissions.

Doctors remain on strike increasing fears around swine flu
Doctors in Zimbabwe have vowed to remain on strike until the unity government addresses their salary grievances. This is increasing concerns around swine flu, in a country with an already unacceptably high death rate in the hospitals. Many African countries are already affected by immune-weakening illnesses like AIDS, making them more susceptible to new viruses.

Air Zim to cut 500 jobs to counter financial woes
Hundreds of Air Zimbabwe employees are set to lose their jobs, after the airline announced Tuesday it was forced to take drastic action. About 500 jobs, one-third of Air Zims 1500 workforce, will be cut to mitigate the airline’s significant financial losses incurred over the past several years. The airline’s annual passenger numbers have dropped drastically in the last decade, as a result of the country’s economic and political crises.

State media says Constitutional Commissions put on hold
Serious backtracking by the politicians in the power sharing government has been exposed. The state controlled Sunday Mail newspaper reported that that the process to nominate candidates to the four constitutional commissions, including the Zimbabwe Media Commission, has been suspended.

Minister’s husband dies after attack in June
Dr Chris Mushonga, the husband of Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the Minister of Regional Integration and International Cooperation, died at his home in Harare on Saturday, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a vicious attack two months ago. Dr Mushonga is expected to be buried on Friday at his rural home in Chishawasha, about 20km outside Harare. Dr Mushonga, who was in his 70s, is survived by 9 children.

MDC legislator dies after contracting flu
A legislator for the MDC- T passed away this weekend, shortly after contracting flu. The House of Assembly representative for Emakhandeni-Entumbane constituency in Bulawayo, Cornelius Dube, died Saturday after being admitted to hospital with respiratory complications. His family described him as a committed, dependable and principled man who not only stood for his family but the nation at large.

Minister Mhashu robbed in South Africa
National Housing Minister Fidelis Mhashu was assaulted and robbed at gun-point in South Africa, while on a visit to the home of businessman and friend Mutumwa Mawere. The incident raised the ire of South African authorities, who accused the minister of not following protocol and notifying them of his trip. Police say this would have enabled them to offer him VIP protection.

Court dismisses application by expelled MDC-M MPs
A Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maphios Cheda, dismissed on Friday an application by three expelled legislators from the MDC-M. They were appealing to the court to bar the Speaker of Parliament from ejecting them from house, as had been instructed by their party leadership. The news comes a day after the party’s National Council endorsed a letter written by its Standing Committee, expelling the MPs.

Doctors remain on strike as salary talks continue
Efforts to end a strike by doctors at state hospitals across the country failed on Friday, with striking doctors dismissing promises to amend their monthly allowances. Many doctors this week joined a two week long strike action by junior doctors, demanding higher salaries and the restoration of allowances, which had been withdrawn last month by the government.

Residents shocked as Harare Mayor inaugurated in style
Harare residents have expressed their shock and anger over the lavish celebration held in the city on Friday, in honour of Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda’s inauguration. The event, hosted by the City Council apparently at the expense of disgruntled tax payers, attracted hundreds of invited guests, who were treated to live entertainment, platters of food and an array of liquid refreshment.

Mahlangu trial postponed and judge dismisses Bennett application
The trial of MDC official Thamsanqa Mahlangu, who is facing allegations of stealing a cell phone from war vet Joseph Chinotimba, was on Wednesday postponed to August 26th after the State said it needed more time to prepare. In a separate case a High Court judge threw out an application by MDC official Roy Bennett to have his bail conditions relaxed.

Zuma expected in Harare this month to tackle deadlock
South African President Jacob Zuma, who last month promised to intervene in the unity government’s political deadlock, is expected in Harare later this month, according to government sources.

ZAPU deny Mugabe approached Dabengwa for Vice Presidency
ZAPU, which broke away from ZANU PF last year, has denied reports suggesting Mugabe approached party leader Dumiso Dabengwa about replacing the late Vice President Joseph Msika.

UN labour group investigates torture of ZCTU leaders
A three-member delegation of the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation has started its probe into Zimbabwean workers rights violations, including the torture of leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.

Health Minister in appeal for doctors to return to work
Health Minister Henry Madzorera has appealed to doctors in government hospitals to go back to work while their conditions of service are looked in to. Two weeks ago junior doctors went on strike and this week senior doctors also joined in. Madzorera said the country was ‘in a state of recovery’ and it was premature for doctors to expect market rate salaries.

Support grows for Zim diamond ban
The Zimbabwe Blood Diamond Campaign on Wednesday added its voice to the growing chorus calling for the country’s suspension from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The international regulatory body is reportedly set to suspend Zimbabwe for six months following a recent visit to investigate reports of abuse at the Chiadzwa diamond fields.

Teachers say too many centres of power in education ministry
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has said too many centres of power in the education ministry are behind the problems in the sector at present. The union says it is very bitter because the government has still not addressed the challenges facing teachers, despite their many productive meetings with Minister David Coltart.

Homeless student arrested at University of Zimbabwe
A homeless UZ student was on Wednesday arrested by campus security guards for sleeping in a lecture room. The unnamed student is part of a group of ten students who say they cannot afford accommodation outside campus. The Zimbabwe National Students Union said an overzealous security guard confiscated blankets, clothes, kitchen utensils and a stove belonging to the arrested student and intends to use the items as exhibits.

Army generals finally salute Tsvangirai
After vowing never to salute Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe’s army Generals finally saluted the Prime Minister during the Defence Forces ceremony in Harare on Tuesday. The Generals, who had always said their loyalty was only to Mugabe, gave what is seen as a boost to the troubled coalition government by marking their respects, as the Prime Minister attended his first Defence Forces Day ceremony.

Mugabe dismisses Chiadzwa abuses in defence of the army
Robert Mugabe on Tuesday defended the role of the security forces against charges of human rights violations, dismissing the military’s role in the rampant abuses and killings at the Chiadzwa diamond fields. In an address to mark Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, Mugabe accused Western governments and rights groups of actively seeking to tarnish Zimbabwe’s name by ‘falsely’ claiming security forces had committed human rights abuses.

Swine flu fears as doctors strike spreads
A strike by doctors frustrated with their wages has now spread to most government hospitals leaving the country vulnerable to the raging world wide swine flu pandemic. Experts expressed concerns that, with few doctors available, the country would fail to deal with any potential disease outbreaks as happened with the cholera epidemic that wreaked havoc last year.

Zim food security doubtful as harvest projections remain poor
Zimbabwe’s food insecurity is set to continue well into next year, with harvest projections already showing a critical shortfall for the country’s hungriest period in the coming months. This is according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance, which last week reported that only 45% of the country’s humanitarian funding requirements have been met.

Thousands commemorate Heroes Day & burial of Msika
The commemoration of National Heroes Day on Monday coincided with the burial of the late Vice President Joseph Msika, who died last week aged 86. The late Vice President was given full military honours as his white casket, draped in a Zimbabwe flag, was lowered into the ground. Thousands of people thronged the shrine including Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Deputy Prime Ministers Thokozani Khupe and Arthur Mutambara, cabinet Ministers and the families of those buried at Heroes Acre. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara told SW Radio Africa that Msika was a ‘stabilising force’ in the inclusive government. Mutambara also said the National Heroes Acre must be a national shrine not just a ZANU PF shrine. He said a National Heroes Selection Board is going to be created that will be above politics, is non partisan, and involves the private sector and civil society

Abuses continue as military grip on diamond fields tightens
Calls to suspend the trade of Zimbabwe’s diamonds have been renewed in the past week, as the military grip on Chiadzwa’s diamond fields tightens. The government has ignored the directives made as a result of an international diamond investigation to completely demilitarise the diamond fields, in order to end ongoing human rights abuses there. Instead, Human Rights Watch has reported that new military units have been rotated into the zone, where numerous abuses and hundreds of killings have been reported. Tiseke Kasambala, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch explained on Monday that rights abuses and smuggling are continuing, while even witnesses to earlier abuses carried out in Chiadzwa, who gave evidence to a Kimberley Process delegation are now being harassed and threatened.

SA admits they are considering selling arms to Zimbabwe
The MDC provincial leadership in South Africa says it is ‘stunned’ by weekend revelations that South Africa’s National Arms Control Committee is considering the sale of rounds of ammunition to Zimbabwe. The allegations were first made by the opposition Democratic Alliance who said the arms committee had approved a number of ‘dodgy deals’ with Iran, Syria, North Korea, Libya, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Committee Chairman Jeff Radebe denied any deals with Iran and North Korea, but confirmed they were considering selling arms to Zimbabwe. Sibanengi Dube the Publicity and Information Secretary for the MDC in South Africa said there was no doubt in their mind that Mugabe would use the arms to ‘butcher MDC supporters and leaders.’

Farmers compile blacklist as farm attacks continue
The Commercial Farmers Union has compiled a blacklist of known land invaders for apparent national healing processes, as the renewed offensive against the commercial farming community continues. The list was revealed in a CFU report unveiled at the group’s annual general meeting in Harare last week. The report follows the government’s continued refusal to protect farmers from ongoing attacks and harassment by powerful army generals, government officials and ZANU PF loyalists. CFU Vice President Deon Theron said in the report that the list is one of the most important records which the group is keeping, and will be extremely useful in the future.

Soldiers pull down Tsvangirai rally posters in Mutare
Prime Minister and President of the MDC Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to hold a rally for his supporters in Mutare next weekend, but his party claims soldiers have been pulling down posters publicising the event. A statement by the party said posters pasted by the MDC Manicaland provincial leadership in Sakubva Township were torn down by armed soldiers who were moving around in an army T35 Mazda truck on Wednesday. Meanwhile, despite forming a power sharing government with ZANU PF in February, the MDC says politically motivated violence and victimisation is still continuing, especially in the rural areas. The party said, in Mutasa Central soldiers based at Vhumbunu Primary School in Mutasa Central are harassing and torturing innocent villagers.

Clinton says US to work with South Africa on Zimbabwe
The United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday the U.S. and South Africa are working together to realise democracy, freedom and prosperity in Zimbabwe. Briefing journalists in Pretoria after meeting South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Clinton said they were working together to realise the vision of a free, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. Analysts said the pledge signals a shift in tone between Pretoria and Washington, with relations uneasy in recent years due to sharp disagreements over Zimbabwe under former president Thabo Mbeki. The US has been one of the fiercest critics of Robert Mugabe, pushing for urgent reforms under the new inclusive government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

MDC Ambassador designate disappears from diplomatic course
An MDC-M legislator nominated by his party to be the country’s next Ambassador to Senegal has gone absent without leave (AWOL), amidst reports he could be having second thoughts about his diplomatic posting. Siyabonga Ncube, the MDC MP for Insiza in Matebeleland South province had been selected by his party for the ambassadorial job, to make room for Vice President Gibson Sibanda to contest his seat. Sibanda ceased to be an MP following his failure to secure a Parliamentary seat within the constitutionally-stipulated three months. SW Radio Africa is reliably informed that five nominees, four from MDC-T and one from MDC-M, on Monday began an intensive three month course on diplomacy, run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Crowne Plaza hotel. The Insiza MP attended the welcoming session on Monday but has not been seen since.

Sikhala claims to have ousted Mutambara as party leader
Former St Mary’s MP Job Sikhala claims he is the new President of the MDC faction led by Arthur Mutambara following a series of 64 rallies countrywide that he says endorsed him. The controversial official, suspended and then expelled from the party for allegedly undermining the leadership, told Newsreel on Friday that he had to rescue the party from being auctioned off to Mugabe and ZANU PF. MDC-M spokesman Edwin Mushoriwa immediately dismissed Sikhala’s attempted coup saying it was ‘unconstitutional and dangerous.’ Mushoriwa said if party members were unhappy with the leadership they could call for an extraordinary congress. But Sikhala hit back saying the leadership was blocking the convening of such a congress because they knew they would be given a vote of no confidence.

Zimbabwe receives US$38m to fight diseases
The Global Fund, the world’s biggest public health donor has given Zimbabwe a grant of US$38m to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria for the next 9 months, in spite of the government’s failure to account for some of the funds 18 months ago. The Global Fund said US$20.4m of the total will go towards fighting HIV, whilst TB and Malaria will receive US$5.7m and over US$11m respectively.

ZINASU leader released
Clever Bere, the President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and three other representatives were released on bail on Friday, after being arrested during a gathering of students at the University of Zimbabwe. The four were ordered to pay bail of US$30 each by Harare Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, and to report every Friday to the Law and Order Section at the Harare Central Police Station.

Student leaders still in custody
Ten students who were arrested during a meeting at the University of Zimbabwe on Wednesday have been released without charge, but the police are still holding four representatives from the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union. The four, including ZINASU President, Clever Bere and General Councillor Archieford Mudzengi are accused of participating in a gathering, with ‘intent to promote public violence and breach of peace.’ Fourteen students including the ZINASU leadership had been arrested by Campus Security and later handed over to the police during a gathering organised by their union to address various concerns regarding their education at the tertiary institution.

Hillary Clinton to raise issue of Zimbabwe with Zuma
The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday, she would press South Africa to use more of its influence to counter the ‘negative effects’ of Robert Mugabe. Clinton, who is expected to arrive in South Africa on Thursday, told journalists in Nairobi, Kenya that she will raise the Zimbabwe issue with South African President Jacob Zuma, who is also Chairman of the regional SADC bloc. Zuma earlier this week, following his meeting with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in Johannesburg, said he was going to contact Mugabe over delays in implementing the power-sharing accord signed in February.

DA accuses Mugabe of preparing for war
South Africa’s main opposition party Thursday warned that Mugabe is preparing for war ahead of the next elections, saying the ageing dictator is in discussions with Venezuela, Cuba and Korea over funding a ‘war chest.’ MPs for the Democratic Alliance briefed South African media at Parliament following a fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe last week. The MPs, Wilmot James and Kenneth Mubu said ‘credible sources’ in the country reported that Mugabe was also trying to procure ammunition from South Africa. Mubu told Newsreel that Mugabe and his ZANU PF party appeared to be ‘mobilising for war against their own citizens.’ He expressed concern about the growing presence of youth militia and war veterans in rural areas, saying there is belief that violence will once again be used

Police begin drive to recruit youth militia
The country’s police force has already begun a major drive to recruit ZANU PF youth militia into its ranks under the guise of a national crackdown on crime. Our Bulawayo correspondent Lionel Saungweme reports that radio communications emanating from Police General Headquarters have put out instructions for localised recruitment of new officers. The entry requirements have been lowered and this, critics say, is meant to absorb more Border Gezi youth militia graduates who have been steadily filling the rank and file of the police force over the years.

Mutambara says MDC has no control in unity government
Deputy Prime Minister, Arthur Mutambara on Wednesday said the two MDC formations have no power to stop continued abuses of power by ZANU PF, and said the parties have no control in the unity government. Mutambara, who was speaking at a Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) congress on Wednesday, said the MDC’s efforts to influence positive change in Zimbabwe were being frustrated by ZANU PF loyalists fervently opposed to the coalition with the MDC.

Bennett accuses President’s office of threatening him
Senator Roy Bennett, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate has claimed he is being victimised by the President’s Office, in an attempt to intimidate him not to take up the government position. The MDC Treasurer General said that on Tuesday evening three armed men claiming to be from the President’s office went to his plot just outside Harare demanding to see the official. The men allegedly threatened to shoot his guards when they wouldn’t allow them access. Bennett said the men, who were very aggressive to his employees, refused to show their identities although they claimed they were from the President’s office. Bennett, who has been a’ thorn in the side’ for some members of ZANU PF for several years now said he didn’t bother to make a report to the police, who he says apply the law selectively.

Msika death threatens to tear Zanu PF apart
The death of Vice President Joseph Msika threatens to tear ZANU PF apart, with its two main feuding factions already jostling to have their own candidate replace him. The exact day on which Msika died is still unclear with suggestions Mugabe delayed the announcement to manage hostilities within his party. Most reports said he died on Tuesday, but Mugabe later told his party Msika died Wednesday morning after his organs stopped functioning. Current ZANU PF national Chairman John Nkomo is the front runner but Newsreel is told the faction led by Defence Minister Emerson Mnangagwa is jostling to have Mines Minister Obert Mpofu as the replacement. This has infuriated Nkomo and most in ZAPU who consider Mpofu a ‘sellout’ after his defection to ZANU PF before the unity accord.

Speaker sends list of ZMC applicants to Mugabe for approval
The Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo on Tuesday sent the final list of applicants selected to sit on the new Zimbabwe Media Commission to Robert Mugabe for approval. SW Radio Africa has learnt that the Presiding Officers of Parliament, who include the Speaker, his deputy, the Senate President, her deputy and the Clerk of Parliament Austin Zvoma approved the list before it was dispatched to Mugabe. MP Tongai Matutu, head of the legal and procedures committee commended the way the whole process was carried out, despite protestations from the state media that, ‘certain pro-ZANU PF applicants were deliberately failed by the panellists.’ He said there was nothing sinister about the whole process and that anyone condemning it was simply crying foul over nothing.

ZINASU President & 14 students arrested
The Zimbabwe National Students Union reports that 14 students from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) including ZINASU President Clever Bere were arrested at the campus, three days after the UZ opened for the new semester on Monday. The students were arrested while holding a meeting with their union representatives outside the UZ main library. Hundreds of students had gathered to chart the way forward on the issue of tuition fees, which many students have failed to raise. Like most tertiary institutions in the country, the UZ has been hit by disruptions over the years ranging from exorbitant fees, class boycotts by students and lecturers, and a serious crisis of accommodation.

Expelled MDC MPs take Parliamentary seat battle to court
Three MPs expelled from the Arthur Mutambara-led MDC faction last month, on Thursday took their fight against their ejection from the party to court, where they are seeking an order barring Parliament from removing them from the House. The three, Abednico Bhebhe (MP for Nkayi South), Njabuliso Mguni (Lupane East) and Norman Mpofu (Bulilima East), who were ejected from the party after being suspended in May, also want the court to bar by-elections in their constituencies.

Vice President Joseph Msika dies
Various news websites have reported that Joseph Msika, one of the country’s Vice President has died. At the time of broadcast there was no official statement as to when he died, or the cause of death. The Vice President had rarely been seen in public in recent months. News reports say the veteran nationalist leader had been unwell for several months and had suffered a stroke in June, and underwent an operation in South Africa. He co-shared the Vice President portfolio with ZANU PF’s Joice Mujuru. Vice President Msika was 86 years old.

Deputy Minister Mahlangu released on bail
Thamsanqa Mahlangu the MDC Youth Assembly Chairperson and Deputy Youth Minister has been released on bail after the State informed the defence team it was no longer going to oppose his bail. The Deputy Minister, who was arrested last Tuesday on allegation of stealing a mobile phone from war veteran leader Joseph Chinotimba, was released on bail late Monday and is expected back in court for his remand hearing on 7 August, and 12 August for the commencement of his trial.

Parliament draws up final list of Zimbabwe Media Commissioners
Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders Committee have drawn up a final list of applicants to sit on the new Zimbabwe Media Commission. The list contains 12 names, described by the Committee as ‘experts in the media, and highly professionals in the field.’ The speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo will send the list to Robert Mugabe who will whittle it down to nine. Media lawyer Chris Mhike impressed most during the interviews, and was placed top of the final list of 12. Others who made it were former diplomat Chris Mutsvangwa, veteran journalist Henry Muradzikwa and media lecturer Rino Zhuwarara, all 3 are also former chief executive officers of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Persistent problems dog UZ reopening
The University of Zimbabwe, which has remained closed since last year finally reopened on Monday, but only to a handful of students, set to battle persistent water problems. The campus itself remained empty throughout Monday and Tuesday, with no lectures taking place, leaving student’s unions concerned that another month of study will be lost. The university has faced intermittent closures over the past two years due to a plethora of reasons, among them student unrest over fees, a lecturers’ strike and water shortages.

Mbeki claims he wanted Mugabe to be ‘ceremonial’ President
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki told a South African news channel that he wanted Robert Mugabe to become a ceremonial President under the unity deal, but the Zimbabwean negotiators refused. The UK based The Zimbabwean newspaper reported that Mbeki spoke to E News channel’s ‘Africa 360’ programme on Monday. In the interview, Mbeki denied crafting the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which formed the basis of the current coalition government.

Zuma promises to mediate in resolving outstanding issues in GPA
South African President Jacob Zuma said on Monday he would act as mediator in order to conclude the disagreement between Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe over outstanding issues in the Global Political Agreement. Mugabe and Tsvangirai are still disagreeing on the appointment of the Attorney General and Reserve Bank Governor. The two were unilaterally appointed by Mugabe, but Tsvangirai and the other MDC formation led by Arthur Mutambara object to their re-appointment arguing that the selection was made without their consent. The South African President met Tsvangirai for three hours at Luthuli House, the headquarters of the ruling African National Congress in Johannesburg.

Parliament interviews candidates to sit on the ZMC
Twenty seven people, among them practicing and retired journalists, were on Monday interviewed by a Parliamentary select committee to sit on the newly constituted Zimbabwe Media Commission. MDC’s Masvingo Urban MP Tongai Matutu, Chairman of the Standing Rules and Orders Committee, confirmed that the interviews were held from morning to late afternoon. Over 600 people applied to sit on the four commissions. Matutu said those applying to be commissioners must be chosen for their knowledge and experience in the relevant field applied for. The prospective candidates were each asked if they were chosen, what would they contribute to the Commission to make it effective, what are two key ethical issues in their profession, and how have they lived up to them.

Biti’s gardener assaulted, & MDC Chinhoyi MP ‘released’
The MDC said Finance Minister Tendai Biti’s gardener, Howard Makonzi, had to be taken to hospital for treatment after he was brutally assaulted by soldiers at the Minister’s house in Highlands, Harare on Sunday . The party said the assailants are guards at the residence of ZNA Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda. In another issue, The MDC said Stewart Garadhi, the Chinhoyi MP arrested on Friday was released without charge on the same day. However the police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena told SW Radio Africa that the Chinhoyi MP was never arrested. He claimed they had received a report that the MP was found with material that was considered ‘seditious’ by the police and was cleared once he clarified the matter.

Driver who caused Tsvangirai tragic crash fined US$200
Chinoona Mwanda the driver of the aid truck that collided with Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s Land Cruiser and killed his wife Susan, escaped jail on Friday after he was instead fined US$200 by a Chivhu Magistrate. The magistrate Tapera Bvudzijena accepted defence submissions that the poor state of the roads contributed to the tragic crash in March. The country was engulfed by intense speculation and suspicion after Tsvangirai’s wife was killed in the crash. A history littered with road accidents that have claimed the lives of prominent politicians ensured that many people suspected it was an attempt on the Prime Minister’s life. Tsvangirai immediately issued a statement after the crash saying it was a genuine accident. Meanwhile, at least 40 people died on Sunday on the same Harare-Masvingo road when an over-crowded Mhunga Transport bus slammed into a truck.

MINISTER TENDAI BITI'S EMLOYEE BEATEN
Late this afternoon an employee of Hon Minister of Finance Tendai
Biti, was brutally assaulted by soldiers at Biti's home. The
circumstances have not yet come to light, but the victim has been
taken to a hospital for treatment.
More details to follow.

Many dead in Zimbabwe bus crash
At least 33 people were killed and several injured when an overtaking bus hit an oncoming truck on a notorious road in Zimbabwe.