ZANU PF to defend supporters who attacked Parliament
ZANU PF reportedly plans to defend its supporters who launched a violent attack in Parliament over the weekend, with a party official insisting that the group was ‘provoked’. A gang of ZANU PF supporters disrupted a hearing on the Human Rights Commission Bill on Saturday, beating up an MDC MP and assaulting journalists.

Mutsekwa blasts Mnangagwa for ‘misleading nation’
Giles Mutsekwa, the MDC-T secretary for security and defence on Friday lobbed a ferocious verbal volley at defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, after he said it was not mandatory for members of the armed forces to salute Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. On Wednesday, Mnangagwa told Parliament that only those in the military chain of command can be saluted by security forces, explaining that in the tradition of armies the world over, subordinates salute superiors and the seniors salute in return.

Part 5 of the leaked CIO list
SW Radio Africa continues with Part 5 of the list of Central Intelligence Organisation agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. The document dated 2001 contains a list of state security agents working at that time. Some may have retired or passed away, but evidence has shown many are still serving

Cynthia Manjoro released on bail after two months in detention
IT specialist Cynthia Manjoro, who was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a police officer in Glen View in May this year, was finally released on bail on Thursday. High Court Judge, Justice Samuel Kudya conceded there was “a change in circumstances” in Manjoro’s case, which warranted the 26 year old and mother of one to be released on US$500 bail. The judge however denied the other seven activists bail.

13 ROHR activists arrested outside High Court for protesting
13 activists from Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe were arrested outside the High Court on Wednesday, for protesting against ongoing human rights abuses in the country. ROHR said their activists were protesting against the continued incarceration of eight MDC-T activists who have remained behind bars since they were arrested on in May.

Policeman assaults MDC official in Mudzi
A policeman named Peter Pedzevere has been accused of assaulting an MDC-T official in Mashonaland East, reaffirming the party’s claims that police are in interfering in political affairs. Godfrey Maronge, the MDC-T Secretary for Ward 1 in Mudzi North, had to seek treatment after the assault on Friday.

South African drivers still held in Grace Mugabe case
Four drivers from South Africa continue to be held in Zimbabwe in a fraud case involving Robert Mugabe’s wife Grace. The four were arrested back in February this year, after they delivered trucks ordered by Grace from a “shadowy” businessman named Ping Sung Hsieh, who is based in South Africa.

ZANU PF hit squad still using murdered victim’s phone
Every Tuesday SW Radio Africa investigates unsolved and deliberately ignored cases of political violence, torture, murder. This week we focus on the brutal 2008 murder of Abigail Chiroto, the wife of Emmanuel Chiroto, the MDC-T deputy Mayor of Harare.

Speaker blames ZANU PF for disturbances that rocked Parliament
The speaker of Parliament, Lovemore Moyo on Tuesday blamed ZANU PF supporters ‘whose identities are known’ for the worst violence seen on the House of Assembly since Independence.

‘Glen View 8’ hearing postponed to Wednesday
A fresh bail application for the eight MDC-T activists still in remand prison on charges of murdering a police officer in Glen View, is to be heard at the High Court in Harare on Wednesday.

Police accused of inaction after ZANU PF attack in Parliament
The police approach to the violent disturbances in Parliament on Saturday is being described as unusual, even curious by Members of Parliament and some of the victims caught up in the violence.

SADC team shelves security sector talks
The SADC facilitation team on Zimbabwe has confirmed that it did not discuss the crucial question of security sector reforms, when they met representatives of political parties in the coalition government last week.

Zim environmental group warns of serious poaching threat
A wildlife and conservation group in Zimbabwe has warned that poaching is reaching critical levels, which threatens not only the welfare of the country’s wildlife, but also future tourism.

4 journalists and MDC-T MP have been assaulted by ZANU PF youths, who disrupted an open debate on the Human Rights Bill at Parliament. The journalists assaulted are: Tsvangirai Mukwazhi (AP), Aaron Ufumeli (NewsDay), John Cassim and Levi Mukarati. MP for Insiza South, Robert Tshuma, also assaullted. The meeting has been abandoned.

Mutambara an obstacle in ratifying SADC resolutions
There are allegations that Arthur Mutambara’s refusal to step down and allow MDC-N President Welshman Ncube to take over as a principal is a ‘CIO project’ intended to collapse the inclusive government.

Nyazura farm family forced to flee after mob attack
A farming family in Nyazura has fled their home after an attack by a mob of land invaders. The Smit family from De Rust farm has been fighting their illegal eviction from the property the whole week, after a self-confessed CIO agent, Onisious Makwengura, plus a gang of thugs, started harassing the family.

Biti writes to SADC over security sector reforms
The controversial issue of reforming Zimbabwe’s police, military and intelligence institutions has continued to dominate negotiations for a roadmap towards credible elections. And the MDC formations have reportedly taken the issue directly to the regional facilitators, faced with unbending resistance from ZANU PF.

Part 4 of the leaked CIO list
SW Radio Africa continues with Part 4 of the list of CIO agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. The document is dated 2001 and is a list of ‘operatives’ working at that time. Our list this week shows that the Deputy Ambassador in London is a member of the CIO and investigations show how members of the CIO are richly rewarded in terms of business contracts with government and parastatals.

COPAC deadline for a referendum now 31 December
The country’s draft constitution is now only expected to be ready for a referendum by December and not September, as originally stated at the beginning of this year. The new charter is meant to clear the way for fresh polls following the country's bloody 2008 elections, but the drafting process is running months behind after public outreach meetings were repeatedly postponed over outbreaks of violence.

18 reported killed in Malawi anti-government protests
Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika was under increasing pressure to quit after two days of anti-government protests spread to major cities. At least 18 people were confirmed to have been killed in unprecedented rioting over what they see as the Presidents increasing authoritarian rule.

Zuma’s team jets into Harare
South African President Jacob Zuma’s facilitation team arrived in Harare Wednesday to check on the progress made towards crafting a roadmap for free and fair elections. MDC-T negotiator Elton Mangoma confirmed that Zuma’s team arrived in the capital to look at the electoral timelines agreed to and it’s believed the facilitation team will also have a meeting with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Police assault delegates at youth meeting in Kwekwe
At least three people have been hospitalized after the police in Kwekwe disrupted a legally sanctioned meeting for youth on Wednesday, and beat up the delegates. The workshop was organized by Zimbabwe Youth in Politics, who had invited 90 youths from civic groups and political parties in Kwekwe district, including ZANU PF.

MDC-T urged to start championing Diaspora vote
The MDC-T has this week been warned against neglecting the rights of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, by ensuring they have voting rights.

Joseph Chinotimba and his violent past
War Vets leader Joseph Chinotimba might be known for being the butt of jokes which mock his broken English and clownish behavior but today on our Crimes of the Past series we look at his trail of violence, rape and murder. According to eyewitness testimonies, on the 5th May 2008 Chinotimba, in the company of his cousin, raped an MDC-T member in Buhera. He also encouraged his violent mob to use rape as a tool.

Abducted activist found and needs treatment for injuries
Allan Svotwa, the MDC-T district chairperson for Headlands who was abducted almost a week ago, has been located. The MDC-T said that Svotwa was taken by police from his house last week Wednesday. By Monday he had still not been found and there were fears that he was being tortured by his captors and deliberately denied access to medication and a lawyer.

UK detains Zim Vigil activist for deportation
An activist with the London based Zimbabwe protest group The Vigil, is being detained in the UK and faces deportation in the coming days.Josephine Chari is being held at the Yarls Wood detention centre in Bedfordshire and is set to be deported on Thursday night.

Lindiwe Zulu shrugs off latest attack by Jonathan Moyo
Lindiwe Zulu, International Relations advisor to South African President Jacob Zuma, on Monday dismissed as ‘a non event’ the latest verbal attack on her by ZANU PF propaganda chief Jonathan Moyo. Zulu, who also acts a spokesperson of the SADC facilitation team, said they are not bothered by what Moyo says because he’s not one of the GPA negotiators to the Zimbabwe crisis.

MDC-T continues hunt for abducted activist
The MDC-T says it is still trying to locate an activist abducted last week by the police. Last Wednesday night Allan Svotwa, the MDC-T district chairperson for Headlands, was taken by police from his house and there are fears he is being tortured and denied access to medication and a lawyer.

Four journalists arrested for covering eviction of police officer
Four Bulawayo based journalists were arrested Friday at Ntabazinduna police camp, for covering the eviction of a women police officer from her house on the grounds that she is an ‘MDC-T’ sympathiser. Foster Dongozi, from the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists named the four as Nqobani Ndlovu from the Standard newspaper and freelancers Pamenus Tuso, Pindai Dube and Oscar Nkala.

Police abduct MDC-T official in Headlands
The MDC-T district chairperson for Headlands, Allan Svotwa, has been reported missing since Wednesday, when he was taken from his house by a Colonel Svodzai and some police officers. The abductors said they were taking him to Headlands police station but relatives who went to look for him were told he was not there.

Part 3 of the leaked CIO list
SW Radio Africa continues with Part 3 of the list of CIO agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. The document is dated 2001 and is a list of ‘operatives’ working at that time. At number 172 is Deputy Intelligence Officer Farai Machekanyanga. Last year a ZANU PF official known as Chikanya, from Marondera, stunned the community after she began confessing how she and a gang, which included Machekanyanga, assassinated suspected MDC-T supporters and dumped their dead bodies in shallow graves and dams in the run up to the June 2008 election.

MDC-T MP wants service chiefs to appear before Parliament
An MDC-T legislator said statements by service chiefs in support of Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF are unconstitutional and tantamount to treason. According to Settlement Chikwinya, the MP for Mbizvo in KweKwe, parliament should summon the service chiefs to answer questions why they issue statements that are contrary to the laws of Zimbabwe.

Gumede stands firm on explosive match fixing report
Zim football has been rocked by what is now known as the Asiagate scandal, where players, coaches, journalists and football officials were paid huge bribes to cover up for the fact that the country’s national team, and at times a bogus one, was deliberately losing matches hosted in Asia as part of a betting scam.

Human Rights Commission Bill ready for parliament
A Bill that will finally bring to life the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) was due to be presented to parliament by Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa this week.

Diplomats awarded for championing Zim democracy
Former Czech Republic Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa Jr and former US diplomat James McGee have both been honoured for their efforts in championing democracy in Zimbabwe.

Video exposes ZANU PF bullying of vendors
Video footage has emerged exposing how ZANU PF relies on force marching vendors from Mbare Musika and nearby markets in Harare, to attend and fill up venues for party meetings, heroes acre burials and, most recently, anti-sanctions rallies.

ZANU PF still divided over constitution making process
ZANU PF is still engaged in a fierce debate on how to proceed with the constitution making process, following serious in-house disagreements over the methodology to use in compiling data from the outreach meetings.

Hwange power station now working at full capacity
The was some good news for Zimbabweans this week following reports that Hwange Power Station (HPS) is now operating at full capacity, for the first time in 10 years. All six generators at the plant are said to be working at ‘full throttle’.

Police demand Biti mobile phone register from Econet
A campaign to vilify and tarnish the image of Finance Minister Tendai Biti has escalated, with police now demanding that mobile phone operator Econet hand over his call register.

Police detain Welshman Ncube and activists
Welshman Ncube, leader of the smaller MDC, was detained Sunday by police in Hwange, together with some of his senior party officials and 15 activists. The group was stopped at a roadblock on their way back from Victoria Falls where they had met local officials to discuss party matters.

Details of more ZANU PF infighting emerge
The details of more infighting within Robert Mugabe’s party have emerged, with ZANU PF factions reportedly squabbling for control of important departments.

Nyikayaramba threatens two MDC-T legislators
Controversial Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba, recently threatened two MDC-T MPs saying that he would deal with them for daring to challenge him over the deployment of soldiers in Manicaland province. Last month soldiers assaulted villagers at Daisy Hill in Chipinge East and left four of them seriously injured.

PM accuses Shamu and Charamba of stifling media reforms
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s office has accused Information Minister Webster Shamu and his Permanent Secretary, George Charamba, of misleading the public on what transpired during a meeting of ‘Principals’ at Zimbabwe House on Wednesday.

Jailed MDC Councillor still untreated for head injury
Prison officials continue to deny medical treatment for the councillor who was brutally assaulted by police at Harare Central Police Station. Councillor Tungamirai Madzokere of Glen View Ward 32, sustained serious head wounds, a fractured left arm and leg injuries during the assault.

Part 2 of the leaked CIO list
SW Radio Africa continues with Part 2 of the list of CIO agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. The document is dated 2001 and is a list of ‘operatives’ working at that time. Some agents may have retired or passed away, many are still serving.

ZANU PF Minister threatens mass mine takeover
ZANU PF’s Indigenisation Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, has threatened to take over foreign owned mining operations, saying their indigenisation plans “fall short” of government expectations. He said government is now planning to take over these assets.

JOMIC urged to assist in Chombo corruption case
The Elected Councillors’ Association of Zimbabwe have urged JOMIC officials to assist in securing the arrest and prosecution of Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo, who is accused of “illegally acquiring property” around the country.

Over 75,000 ghost workers to be gone before August
Public Service Minister Eliphas Mukonoweshuro says he expects the 75,000 ghost workers still draining the government’s budget, to be gone from the payroll before August. Mukonoweshuro was responding to questions from our listeners on the Question Time programme.

Glen View 3 councillor beaten in police custody
MDC councillor for ward 32 in Glen View, Tungamirai Madzokera, has a serious head trauma, allegedly from police beatings after his arrest in May. Madzokera was arrested along with over 20 MDC-T members on trumped-up charges of murdering a police officer in Glen View.

SA role in Zim diamond trade slammed
South Africa’s role in getting Zimbabwe’s diamonds back into international trade is being slammed as “dangerous”, amid revelations that government officials there have helped export millions of dollars worth of Zim diamonds. South Africa’s State Diamond Trader officials admitted in parliament last week that they had helped Zim export diamonds from Chiadzwa, despite an international ban on the trade.

Negotiators fail to resolve security sector reform
After their meeting on Monday it has been reported that negotiators to the GPA had agreed to some timelines for the election roadmap, but once again failed to reach agreement on key issues such as security sector reforms, the staffing of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the monitoring of elections.

Zimbabwe elections set for August/September next year
Zimbabwe is poised to go for a general election around August or September next year, according to timelines agreed to in the elections roadmap by party negotiators to the Global Political Agreement. The six negotiators from ZANU PF and the two MDC formations met in Harare on Monday and unanimously agreed on the new timelines.

Video shows police violently dispersing peace prayer
Video footage has emerged showing how police in April this year violently disrupted a church service in Glen Norah that had been organized by a coalition of churches to pray for peace in Zimbabwe. ZANU PF youths are seen marching around the church chanting ‘war, war, war.’ A truck with about 20 riot police descended on the Harare suburb and stormed the church during the service.

ZESA managers sue Mangoma for pay hikes
Managers at ZESA have taken legal action against Energy Minister Elton Mangoma, for allegedly slashing their salaries and allowances. According to Caleb Mucheche who is representing the managers, the ZESA board awarded the managers an 18% increase this year with managers earning an average of $1,600.

Switzerland rejects unilateral decision on Zim diamonds
Switzerland has become the latest country to reject a unilateral decision to allow Zimbabwe to export diamonds from the Chiadzwa diamond fields, a move that has further undermined the credibility of the Kimberley Process.

Minister Makone criticized by mother of detainee
Co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone has been criticized for her lack of effort in supporting 24 MDC-T members, charged with allegedly killing a policeman in Glen View. Anna Manjoro, mother of Cynthia, a 26 year old IT specialist who is still behind bars, talked of her frustration in trying to get an audience with Makone.

ZANU PF officials ‘make overtures to MDC-T’
The MDC-T has said that key ZANU PF officials have been approaching them with the aim of working closely together in the post-Mugabe era. Reports of infighting to take over the party leadership from 87-year old Mugabe are increasing, as his health continues to deteriorate.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai ‘barred’ from Chiadzwa
Suspicion was high on Monday following reports that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was barred from touring the controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields over the weekend.

Part One of the leaked CIO list
Starting this Thursday SW Radio Africa will exclusively be publishing a list of CIO agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. The document is dated 2001 and is a list of ‘operatives’ working at the time. We will serialise the 480+ names alphabetically over six weeks.

Outrage as Cynthia Manjoro denied bail
There was outrage on Friday as High Court Judge Tendai Uchena denied bail to Cynthia Manjoro, the 26 year old IT specialist who, alongside 24 other MDC members, was charged with allegedly killing a policeman in Glen View last month.

More than a million Zims face deportation from SA
More than a million Zimbabweans in South Africa could face deportation in the coming weeks, after authorities there on Thursday confirmed that they will resume the forced removals.