Tsvangirai and Mutambara in SA for talks with Mbeki
The leaders of the two factions of the MDC travelled quietly to South Africa on Tuesday for talks with the SADC appointed mediator on the Zimbabwe crisis, President Thabo Mbeki. MDC Presidents Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara left the country for Pretoria together and have said they will present one candidate for the presidential elections, a sign that they are united.

MDC election chief out on bail
The MDC’s director of elections Ian Makone will be back in court on Friday for a remand hearing, two days after he was released from political detention facing charges of allegedly recruiting and training terrorists. Makone was granted bail Wednesday by High Court Judge Tedious Karwi who lavished praise on him before releasing him on Z$150 million bail.

Zimbabwe Dollar slides to record low on parallel market
The dollar set a new milestone on Thursday with most parallel market dealers paying Z$105 000 for one British pound. What is more startling is the fact that 3 zeroes were removed from the currency by the Central Bank last year and if these were added back, it’s Z$105 million buying one pound. These rates translate into skyrocketing prices for ordinary people.

Shocking bus fare and bread price increases
Price increases are not new to Zimbabweans as they happen daily in these times of hyperinflation. But the latest round of increases are truly worrying. From Harare our correspondent reports that bus fares to the central business district from Chitungwiza now cost Z$30,000 up from Z$7,000. A trip from Mabvuku is now Z$25, 000, up from Z$5,000.

Another student leader abducted in Goromonzi
A day after two student leaders were abducted in Bulawayo another one Tellington Kwashira, was abducted by suspected ruling party thugs in the Goromonzi farming area on Wednedsay. Kwashira is the ZINASU Education and Research secretary and was serving his industrial attachment with the General Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) in the area.

Mugabe says no to new constitution ahead of elections
In an exclusive interview with a London-based magazine, Robert Mugabe is reported to have strongly rejected opposition demands for a new constitution ahead of next year's joint presidential & parliamentary elections. Both factions of the MDC insist they will not participate in the 2008 elections under the current constitution. But Mugabe has refused, saying the opposition has no mandate, especially after they voted against a draft version back in 2000.

Save Zimbabwe Campaign lobbies Mbeki to broaden talks
The Save Zimbabwe Campaign has written a letter to South African President Thabo Mbeki with a specific request to include civic groups in the current political negotiations between the government and the opposition MDC. Spokesman of the grouping Dr Lovemore Madhuku told Newsreel any mediation worth its salt in Zimbabwe should involve all stakeholders.

Govt raises salaries for civil servants more than 100% as teachers threaten strike
Teachers had just begun a sit in strike to protest against poor salaries and working conditions when government agreed to hike salaries for its workers by more than 100% on Wednesday. According to a circular from the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, the lowest paid teacher will be earning $2 586 000 per month, up from only $456 000. The highest paid will be earning $4 267 000, up from $723 000.

Expanded police force will be used to rig elections
Enos Nkala, the former Home Affairs Minister after Independence, said Mugabe is ‘so scared’ of losing next year’s elections that he is turning to the police force to help him rig the poll. In recent elections Nkala claimed Mugabe trusted the CIO and the army to rig the elections for him. But Nkala said because Mugabe is facing one of his biggest challenges next year he will rope in the police to ensure victory.

South Africa opposition says Mbeki’s pre-conditions for talks unfair
The Democratic Alliance has criticised pre-conditions for talks that President Thabo Mbeki is reported to have placed on Zimbabwe’s opposition. Mbeki was appointed the regional mediator on the Zimbabwe crisis by SADC Heads of State last month. But according to the DA there were reports last week that 3 pre-conditions were placed on the MDC but no conditions were given to Mugabe.

Badly scarred MDC activists await June 4 bail hearing
It’s been over 62 days since 32 MDC officials were arrested and locked up in Harare’s remand prison without trial. They face what have been described as flimsy charges of alleged petrol bomb attacks. Visitors say the group remains resolute in fighting for democratic change and have expressed hope the wheels of justice will slowly move to set them free. On 4th June the High Court will decide on an urgent bail application put in by defence lawyers.

Over 200 MDC activists released without charge
There was high drama at MDC Harvest House offices Saturday, when truckloads of riot police besieged the premises and arrested over 200 youth members. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the youths were in a meeting when police cordoned off the building around noon and started beating up everyone in sight.

Cabinet approves proposal for govt takeover of private firms
After destroying agriculture through the chaotic land reform programme, Mugabe and ZANU-PF are now eyeing private industry. It has been reported that Cabinet approved proposed legislation that will force foreign-owned companies to give 51% of their shares to black Zimbabweans. Once a draft of this Bill is completed the ruling party can easily pass it through Parliament due to its majority.

MDC accuses government of building up arms stocks
A former senior police officer in Zimbabwe has claimed the build up of arms and manpower by the regime is aimed at crushing the opposition within the country. Isaac Dziya, former assistant commissioner with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, said a recruitment drive by the police to beef up its force ahead of next year’s elections was unwarranted.

More than 250 arrested as police raid Harvest House
The MDC reports that more than 250 youths and provincial leaders were arrested when the police raided the opposition’s headquarters around lunchtime on Saturday. Nelson Chamisa the spokesperson for the Tsvangirai MDC said three truckloads of riot police raided the offices in Harare were the opposition members were attending a forum at Harvest House. He said several people were beaten and taken to CID Law and Order at Harare Central.

Police extend ban on political rallies in Harare
Police have banned rallies and demonstrations in 4 districts of Harare until the 23rd June citing what they called ‘recent disturbances.’ The ban expired on20 th May and the extension has taken many by surprise as the security forces have been on the offensive abducting and torturing opposition activists.

Leading rights groups submit report on Zimbabwe crisis to Africa Commission
Pressure is mounting on the Africa Commission currently sitting in Ghana to take urgent steps against the human rights abuses in Zimbabwe . REDRESS, an international NGO working to obtain justice and reparation for torture survivors, joined forces with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Article 19 and the International Bar Association to produce a report giving the Africa Commission an alternative perspective.

MDC UK to hold strategic planning workshop in Birmingham
The first ever MDC strategic planning workshop to prepare for a new Zimbabwe will be held in Birmingham UK on Saturday. Activists will examine various issues including how the party could work with Zanu (PF) progressive forces. MDC member Makusha Mugabe said the workshop is open to all card carrying members of the party and has a number of guest speakers lined-up to present topics of major concerns to the opposition party.

Christian Alliance has successful youth rally in Mutare
About 300 youths from Mutare gathered at a church on Friday for a peaceful rally organized by the Christian Alliance. Coordinator Pastor Ray Motsi said the idea was to inform them about the issues concerning our country, how they ought to behave and what is the way forward. The event took place just a day after government extended the ban on political rallies.

16 miners & 4 police reported dead after fight over diamonds
We received reports that 16 illegal diamond miners, 4 police officers and a horse died during a fight that occurred last week in the Chiadzwa district of Manicaland. Our Mutare contact Brendon Dhliwayo said the deaths have not been publicised and others have occurred since. The situation in this area where diamonds were discovered last year is tense because government is trying to contain illegal miners who are desperate villagers with no income. With unemployment over 80% in Zimbabwe , many people are surviving by selling products on the black market.

Mawere takes property rights case to the UK Supreme Court
Zimbabwean business mogul Mutumwa Mawere is on a war path with the Mugabe regime. Currently in the process of fighting for his companies in South African courts, Mawere on Wednesday took another action by filing an application in the Supreme Court of England and Wales . He says his companies were taken by force by the Zimbabwean government with no compensation, and using draconian measures that were put in place through a presidential decree.

Amnesty says plight of Murambatsvina victims worsening
In its 2007 annual report on Zimbabwe , the human rights watchdog Amnesty International said the situation of thousands of people whose homes were destroyed continued to worsen without an effective solution being planned by the authorities. Of concern to the group is the fact that Mugabe’s regime continues to obstruct humanitarian efforts by the United Nations and other NGOs.

Cotton industry faces collapse
The state controlled Herald newspaper reported on Thursday that the country’s once-thriving cotton industry faces collapse and the situation is so serious there could be no cotton next year. The paper said the reason for the crisis is the prevalence of side-marketing, which sees cotton growers selling their crops to unregistered dealers instead of those they were contracted to produce for.

Police refuse to vacate invaded farm despite High Court order
We reported last week that the eviction of white farmers had intensified and become militarized, with police and army officials increasingly becoming the beneficiaries of this illegal campaign. The Zimbabwe Republic Police took over a farm in Matabeleland North province two months ago and have refused to leave despite a High Court order to vacate.

International rights group says Zimbabwe must be prosecuted at International Criminal Court
The international Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions announced on Wednesday that Operation Murambatsvina was a crime against humanity and they want the United Nations Security Council to take the case to the International Criminal Court. Between May and July 2005 more than 700 000 people were left homeless after the authorities embarked on the so called slum clearance exercise, described by the UN as a disastrous venture.

Gold output lowest in 90 years
Gold production in the country has plunged to its lowest since 1916, the Chamber of Mines announced on Tuesday. Jack Murehwa, head of the chamber, said Zimbabwe was also the only mineral-producing country in the world that failed to benefit from high global metal and minerals prices.

Hunger faces soldiers as army runs out of money
Parliamentarians were this week alarmed at the news that soldiers could starve if the government fails to come up with a financial rescue plan before the end of June. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Trust Maphosa, on Tuesday told a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee that they were allocated Z$32 billion to spend on rations for the whole year, but it has been exhausted.

Police set up roadblocks to intercept maize
Police have put roadblocks on all major roads to seize maize which they say is destined for the black market. GMB officials and the police are manning the roadblocks jointly. Maize producers are unhappy with the low prices offered by the GMB but government has responded by forcing their hand and blocking them from selling to private buyers offering better prices.

Army General Chiwenga & top brass implicated in sugar scam
It has been reported that senior army officials, including the commander of the Defence Forces, have been looting tonnes of sugar for personal gain. Junior soldiers at King George VI Barracks in Harare checked a truck and found 3 tonnes of sugar. General Constantine Chiwenga ordered the soldiers to let it pass.

Mawere takes fight for companies to the SA High Court Zimbabwean business mogul Mutumwa Mawere, who had his business empire seized by the government in 2004, has taken the case to the South African High Court. The SA based businessman has been on a campaign to expose how his business empire was destroyed and is being sold off by the Zimbabwean government.

ZPF thugs issue threatening letter to church goers in Mash East
In April youth militia were dispatched to harass church officials who read out the critical Pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops. The letter said those in authority are bad examples for Zimbabwe ’s youth because they are corrupt, greedy and immoral. The Catholic Bishops also criticised government for sponsoring violence against its opponents.

Missing student leader found safe but still in hiding
The outgoing president of the University of Zimbabwe students union, Tineyi Mukwewa, who was reported missing for several days, has been found safe but still in hiding. Washington Katema a coordinator with the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) told Newsreel Mukwewa was detained in a secret part of the university security control room.

Students send out SOS message over missing leader
The whereabouts of arrested UZ student leader Tineyi Mukwewa has generated concern in the student movement. On Friday the Zimbabwe National Students Union issued an appeal for information from anyone who might know where he is. Lawyers have also been unable to locate Mukwewa following searches done at Avondale and Harare Central Police stations.

MDC launches campaign to free detainees
The opposition launched a campaign last week to force the authorities to release the 32 political prisoners who have been in custody for 2 months now, on terrorist charges aimed at crippling the MDC. The campaign, which will include appeals to neighbouring countries to put pressure on the regime, is also an appeal to well wishers to donate towards helping the victims and their families.

Mugabe builds £2m shrine for himself in Zvimba
Robert Mugabe is reportedly spending £2 million on his own personal museum close to his rural home in Zvimba. While Zimbabweans are barely managing to exist in the face of a crumbling economy whose inflation is officially at 3,700 percent, but in reality much more, the Zanu (PF) leader has decided to construct a shrine to his life.

Zimbabweans in the dark as SADC mediation continues
A mediation team from the Southern African Development Community led by Sydney Mufamadi, South Africa ’s Minister of Provincial and Local government, is reported to have met Mugabe secretly in Harare two weeks ago. Zimbabwe ’s negotiation team comprised Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and labour Minister Nicholas Goche.

Analyst says repression keeping Mugabe in power
Government has admitted it’s broke, we have the highest inflation in the world, 80% unemployment and the fastest shrinking economy for a country not at war. ZANU PF has also admitted that the economy is now its number one enemy. Government says inflation is 3,700% but a senior accounting firm in Harare says the actual figure is closer to 8,000%. This has serious political ramifications.

Zimbabweans pessimistic on Mbeki mediation efforts
Many Zimbabweans have played down hopes of progress from the latest efforts by South African President Mbeki to end the deteriorating political crisis. The Zimbabwe Independent reported Friday that a South African mediation team recently held a crucial meeting with Mugabe in a bid to kick-start multi-party dialogue.

MDC scoffs at police search for terrorist training bases in SA
18 MDC activists facing allegations of petrol bombings have been denied bail again because the state has sent police officers to South Africa to locate their alleged training bases. The MDC has scoffed at the searches saying there is nothing to find and it’s a plot aimed at demonising the party.

Residents call for ZINWA to be disbanded over water crisis
The Combined Harare Residents' Association has expressed deep concern about the management of the capital’s water resources by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. Shortages have become so critical people in many areas are relieving themselves in the bushes, creating a health hazard. Residents in areas like Mabvuku & Tafara can go weeks without water.

Two more student leaders abducted
Security forces have maintained a crackdown against student activism by abducting two more student leaders from the Bindura University of Science Education. Student Representative Council president Tinashe Madamombe and Secretary General Moreblessing Mabhunu were abducted by suspected state agents at the old site campus in the morning. ZINASU said the abductors used a vehicle whose registration details they could not verify.

Senior doctor says health service has totally collapsed
A senior medical practitioner confirmed Thursday that a huge number of patients have died of preventable conditions, because of the state of the country’s health delivery service. Dr Henry Madzorera said the country’s health delivery system was now on its knees and the situation was set to worsen as operations at central and district hospitals have been suspended while emergencies were not being dealt with.

Chinamasa urges Africa Commission to help close radio stations
At a summit in Ghana Thursday Minister of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Patrick Chinamasa launched an attack on radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe and called on the African Commission to help shut them down.

Jambanjas continue on farms despite food shortages
Government is continuing with its policy of violent evictions known as jambanjas. While food shortages intensify and experts say the situation will worsen, a campaign of illegal and violent removals of white farmers continues. The evictions, originally carried out by resettled farmers and war veterans, are now under the control of the military.

High profile lawyer Samkange released after state drops charges
Outspoken criminal lawyer Jonathan Samkange has said his arrest was an attempt to frustrate him but warned that it has only made him determined. Samkange was released on Tuesday after the state withdrew charges due to lack of evidence. Although it’s been reported that he was accused of violating a section of the Immigration Act Samkange said the arresting officers did not even have any clue as to why they were arresting him.

Zimbabwe abuses to be scrutinised at Africa Commission in Ghana As violence & arrests continue in Zimbabwe , the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights opened in Ghana Wednesday. Zimbabwe is due to present its State Party Report responding to allegations made by the 2002 ACHPR fact finding mission. A copy of the report is on our website and in it the authorities deny all the allegations of abuses & blame external forces for the crisis.

Students released and taken to private clinic
Two University of Zimbabwe student leaders Prosper Munatsi and Munyaradzi Chikorohondo were released Wednesday following a High Court order issued Tuesday. State prosecutors had refused to prosecute arguing the students had not violated the Public Order and Security Act during a demonstration last week. Upon release Chikorohondo and Munatsi were immediately taken to a private clinic for treatment following injuries sustained during assaults by university security guards and police.

Respected cricket body recommends suspension of Zimbabwe
A well respected and powerful cricket body, the Marylebone Cricket Club, has recommended that Zimbabwe should be suspended from Test and one-day cricket until standards improve and the playing infrastructure is rebuilt. The 15-man MCC World Cricket Committee comprising former cricket legends, including former Zimbabwe Captain Andy Flower, made it clear during their annual gathering in London that the decline of the sport in the country was directly linked to the political regime of Robert Mugabe.

Prominent lawyers arrested in Harare & Mutare
Lawyer Jonathan Samkange was arrested late Monday night for allegedly misrepresenting facts in a case involving his client, the alleged British mercenary Simon Mann. Lawyer Tafadzwa Mugabe said Samakange was arrested on allegations of contravening the Immigration Act.

More than 60 vendors and youth leaders arrested
The Zimbabwean republic police are reported to have descended on a group of vendors and youth leaders who had gathered to share ideas at an informal market near Eastgate shopping centre Harare on Tuesday. A statement released by the Zimbabwe Youth Movement said the vendors were rounded up and arrested.

60 Fish vendors arrested
The fish vendors were arrested this past weekend for allegedly disrespecting Mugabe when he passed with his motorcade on his way to Harare from his rural home in Zvimba, at the place called Fish Corner. According to the website Zimonline the soldiers, who were armed with rifles and truncheons, accused the vendors of insulting Mugabe after they displayed their "smelling fish" to the President.

UZ expels and suspends student leaders
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe Levi Nyagura , announced his return from a holiday in Lesotho by expelling an aspiring student leader and suspending at least 8 other candidates. According to Zwelithini Viki, an Information Officer in the students representative council, Terence Chimhavi has been expelled over Thursday’s demonstration at the university.

Chief Inspector Chaminuka hunts down MDC officials in Mutare
Two senior officials from the MDC in Manicaland province have gone underground fearing for their safety after being ‘invited’ for a chat at Mutare central police’s Law and Order section by a senior police officer.

Opposition poll boycott rattles Zanu PF
An election boycott of the Zaka East parliamentary by-election by the opposition has rattled the ruling Zanu PF party who responded with jibes that the MDC was running scared and feared another electoral loss. The seat fell vacant following the death of Deputy Mines Minister Tinos Rusere, a Zanu PF member of parliament.

Hospital crisis as Zimbabwe doctors go back on strike
Junior doctors at four of the country’s main referral state hospitals have gone back on strike, plunging the health sector into chaos. Doctors at Parirenyatwa, Harare Central, Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals started their indefinite strike on Tuesday.

Lawyers denied access to detained students despite pleas
Lawyers representing two University of Zimbabwe student leaders arrested last week Thursday were barred access to their clients on Monday. Beatrice Mtetwa who herself was assaulted by police last week and Harrison Nkomo were given the run around by police at Harare Central.

Roy Bennett finally granted asylum
Opposition official Roy Bennett was granted refugee status in South Africa Friday after a long struggle. The decision came after South Africa ’s Refugees Appeal Board reversed an earlier decision made by Home Affairs . The former Member of Parliament for Chimanimani said he was delighted to have received some sort of justice after seven years of persecution but would rather be back home in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe facing sporting isolation
Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Sunday banned the country’s cricket team from touring Zimbabwe in September. He described the ban as a ‘device and method of sending a very strong signal of disapproval about Mugabe’s regime.’ Observers believe this could be the start of international sporting isolation for the country.

Political detainees remanded in custody AGAIN
The MDC detainees who have been in custody for 44 days, without trial, were on Friday remanded in custody again. Their next remand hearing has been set to 1st June. One of their lawyers Andrew Makoni said they would appeal in the High Court. The ruling was actually made in absentia as the police failed to take the 32 political prisoners to court saying they had no fuel.

University turned into war zone as police and students clash
The University of Zimbabwe resembled a war zone on Thursday as students clashed with riot police following the disruption of a campaign gala. Student elections are due at the university and several candidates had hoped to address students and put forward their campaign manifestos. Speaking to Newsreel on Friday Benjamin Nyandoro, a Programmes Officer with the Zimbabwe National Students Union, said UZ security guards started assaulting students without provocation. The students responded by singing revolutionary songs and denouncing Robert Mugabe who is the Chancellor of the university.

Pan African Parliament adopts motion to probe rights abuses in Zim
By a majority vote of 149 to 20, the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on Friday voted to send a special mission to investigate human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Meeting in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa, this organ of the African Union said the mission would "investigate allegations of the abuse of human rights and the rule of law relating to the arrest and detention, assault and murder of political activists and members of the media." MP Suzanne Vos of South Africa’s Inkatha Freedom Party had introduced the motion. The PAP will now decide who will be part of the mission.

Hundreds of Zimbabweans captured in police raids in South Africa.
ZimOnline reported on Friday that at least 370 Zimbabweans were arrested during police raids in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The crime bursting crackdown targeted illegal immigrants in the city.
A building in central Johannesburg reportedly used as a sanctuary was stormed by the heavily armed police units. Police said the combined raid aided by officials from the departments of safety and security, justice and home affairs came following reports that the building was over crowded and accommodating illegal immigrants.

Senior police officers behind torture of MDC activist

A senior police officer in Harare has been exposed as a ‘vicious torturer’ behind the serial beatings of MDC activists at the notorious Law and Order section at the central police station. Senior assistant commissioner Musarashana Godwin Mabunda, an elder at the Zioga church, was described on Friday as a Christian who openly and unashamedly defends the use of torture and abuse against MDC activists detained by the regime in the last two months.

Student leader hospitalized after "falling" from 2nd floor window
Clifford Hlatshwayo, Vice President of the U.Z. Students Representative Council was hospitalized Tuesday after he was allegedly thrown out of a 2nd floor window on campus. In the early morning 4 to 6 suspected state security agents raided the room he was sleeping in and assaulted him. The agents kept taunting him with the words‘tinoziva zvamuri kuronga’ (we know what you are planning).

Minister Mohadi intimidates judiciary over political detainees
The bail application of the 32 political detainees in remand for over a month now was postponed to Thursday after the defence team asked to review ministerial certificates issued by Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi. The certificates barred the judiciary from granting the MDC activists bail. Alex Muchadehama, one of the lawyers representing the detainees said the state is deliberately making it more and more difficult for the defence team to represent their clients properly.

Lawyers beaten and detained during protest march
Several lawyers were beaten and 5 others were detained and assaulted on Tuesday when police violently broke up a protest march by the legal fraternity. The lawyers were holding a peaceful demonstration at the High Court Harare to protest the unlawful arrest of their colleagues Alex Muchadehama & Andrew Makoni, and against the abuse of the legal profession and the defiance of court orders by police.

Warrant of arrest issued for arresting officers in ZCTU case
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions reports that 11 of their activists from Chegutu, arrested last year during the September 13 mass protests, were found not guilty of behaviour likely to cause an uprising and disturbing peace. A Chegutu magistrate made the ruling Tuesday after State witnesses, who were the 4 arresting officers, failed to show up to testify.

Tutu says Africa should condemn rights abuses in Zimbabwe
South Africa ’s Nobel peace prizewinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called on Africa to condemn human rights violations in Zimbabwe. He also called on the South African government to consider action against Mugabe if the situation remains unchanged. In an interview with Reuters Tutu said Zimbabweans felt betrayed by the failure of African leaders to condemn a widening crackdown on the opposition.

Pan African Parliament to host special debate on Zimbabwe
The Pan African Parliament opened its seventh session on Monday and Zimbabwe was already high on the agenda. Parliamentary clerk Murumba Werunga announced that a motion would be introduced on the deteriorating human rights crisis.

Human Rights lawyers finally released on bail
Alex Muchadehama and Andrew Makoni were finally released Monday evening after spending three days in police custody. The lawyers who were arrested on Friday were being held despite a court order, ordering their release. Advocate Eric Matinenga said although the two were not physically abused Muchadehama was held at the notorious Matapi police station under inhumane conditions.

Government announces elections in January and March
The state controlled Herald paper reports that local government elections will be held in January 2008 and the joint presidential, parliamentary and Senate elections will be held two months later in March. The announcement was made by the Minister of Local government Ignatius Chombo, who said the ruling party would choose its candidates in November.

4,500 teachers quit since January
The Progressive Teachers’ Union reports that 4,500 teachers have resigned since January because of poor salaries and working conditions. PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe teachers are now demanding a 650% salary increase.

Minister admits to serious divisions over Mugabe leadership
State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa openly admitted for the first time that there are serious divisions within Zanu PF over who will succeed Mugabe. He tried to paper over these divisions by saying they had been resolved and party members will now back Mugabe for another 6-year term. But Mutasa indirectly admitted the country was in crisis and says Mugabe cannot to run away from a ‘burning house.’

Police disobey a High Court order to release lawyers Alex Muchadehama and Andrew Makoni.
Police invaded their offices on Sunday.
Read more - Read special appeal for the lawyers

Human rights lawyers Muchadehama & Makoni arrested
Alex Muchadehama and Andrew Makoni, the lawyers who have been defending and representing the 30 political detainees, were arrested on Friday afternoon. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition said the two were picked up from their legal offices in Harare . At the time of broadcast a team of human rights lawyers were at the Harare Central Police Station to try and ascertain why their colleagues had been arrested.

Tsvangirai willing to discuss amnesty for Mugabe and top officials
The president of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change has said he could consider allowing Mugabe to leave without being prosecuted for human rights abuses. The statement appeared in The Washington Times newspaper on Friday. Tsvangirai wrote that negotiations for amnesty must be aimed at bringing true freedom to the country and he said change would come whether Mugabe agrees to it or not.

Mugabe threatens Catholic bishops
A showdown is looming between the Church and the Mugabe regime after Robert Mugabe gave a direct threat to Catholic Bishops to ‘stay out of politics or suffer the consequences.’ Mugabe was commenting on the highly critical pastoral letter released recently by the Catholic Bishops Conference.

Australian government likely to call off cricket tour
Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Friday said his government would cover any financial penalties that may be imposed if the national cricket team boycotts their scheduled tour of Zimbabwe in September.

MDC political detainees feared in bad health
Harare Provincial magistrate Lazarus Murendo on Wednesday dismissed an application by Glen View MP Paul Madzore and 12 other MDC activists who are being charged with undergoing terrorism training and petrol-bombing activities. They had applied for refusal of remand and for their case to be referred to the Supreme Court. Murendo said the prosecutor provided enough evidence for the 13 to stand trial.

Press Freedom Day, but not in Zimbabwe
Today is World Press Freedom Day but in Zimbabwe press freedom doesn’t exist. It’s been reported that the regime barred journalists who wanted to march to commemorate the Day. Media reports quote Matthew Takaona, the President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists saying the police banned processions that were planned in all the provinces in the country.

Rights group urges Mbeki to condemn violence in Zimbabwe
New York based Human Rights Watch has called on South African President Thabo Mbeki to condemn state violence in Zimbabwe. In March Mbeki was chosen by SADC to mediate a solution to Zimbabwe ’s worsening crisis but there is concern that he is turning a blind eye to Mugabe’s crackdown on the opposition, which has seen over 600 activists hospitalized following torture in police detention.

Hundreds of mourners pay last respects to Matongo
Hundreds of mourners from various parts of the country gathered in Warren Park, Harare on Thursday to pay their final respects to MDC national chairman Isaac Matongo. He died Wednesday of suspected heart failure, aged 60. Matongo’s first-born son Lovemore said sombre mourners, including MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai, shuffled past the open casket at the family home in the capital.

MDC national chairman Isaac Matongo dies
MDC national chairman and one of the founding fathers of the party, Isaac Matongo, has died at age 60 from suspected heart failure at his home in Chisipite, Harare . He had a history of diabetes and blood pressure problems. Party President Morgan Tsvangirai, who was scheduled to leave the country Wednesday morning for a business trip was one of the first to be informed of his death just after 3am .

IMF blasts Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for destroying economy
A working paperreleased by the International Monetary Fund has strongly criticised the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and its governor Gideon Gono for pursuing monetary policies that have destroyed the economy. The report blames the RBZ for creating losses by supporting government policy. Top economist John Robertson agreed, saying the Reserve Bank lacks independence because it is ordered by government to find money to meet some of its obligations.

Zimbabwe Youth Movement attacks divided civic society
The interim president of the Zimbabwe Youth Movement,Collen Chibango has criticised what he called a divided civic society in Zimbabwe that has helped to prolong Mugabe’s grip on power. This he said was why several groups in the country were not willing to coordinate their activities in unison with others. Chibango said there are several individuals benefiting financially from civic operations and these people were holding everyone else to ransom.

No celebrating for Zim journalists on World Press Freedom Day
May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, but for many journalists in Zimbabwe this is far from a day for celebrations. Since March alone Zimbabwe has seen at least four journalists arrested and tortured and one cameraman abducted and murdered.

Government hikes price of maize meal seven-fold
On Monday the Minister of Agriculture Rugare Gumbo announced that farmers will now get Z$3 million per tonne for their maize from government. The GMB will then sell to millers at $3,1 million per tonne. The new price applies to maize deliveries made from April 1, 2007 . Gumbo said the wholesale price for a 5 kg bag of mealie meal goes up from $2977 to $19,885.81 and the retail price goes up from $3,200 to $21874, 40.

ZCTU leaders threaten strike at May Day rally in Harare
The ZCTU held May Day celebrations in 27 different venues countrywide. But the labour union had to cancel rallies in Marondera, Norton and Bindura following threats from Zanu PF supporters. The main rally was at Gwanzura stadium in Harare where ZCTU president Lovemore Matombo demanded higher wages for workers living below the poverty line.

Lawyer denied access to detained opposition spokesperson
A human rights lawyer has expressed concern for the well-being of detained opposition official Pishai Muchauraya, who has allegedly been tortured. Alex Muchadehama said police officers confirmed the Tsvangirai-MDC provincial spokesperson had been detained, but he was denied access to him on Tuesday by the CID Law and Order Division at Harare Central.

SA overwhelmed by new arrivals of Zimbabwean refugees
There are reports South African authorities are being overwhelmed by the mass new arrivals of Zimbabwean refugees fleeing the current crackdown by Robert Mugabe’s security forces. According to Solomon Chikohwero, vice chairman of Zimbabwe ’s civic society organisations in Johannesburg , the latest victims of the turbulent situation back home have stretched the resources offered by the South African government.