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The 2022 Marriage Act, which consolidated the previous separate laws for civil and customary marriages into a single law, did not outlaw the payment of lobola, according to a cabinet minister.
Lobola, also known as bride price, involves the groom’s family paying money or goods to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and appreciation for their daughter’s upbringing.
Some social media posts have recently claimed that the Marriage Act banned lobola for customary law marriages.
Responding to these claims, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/lobola-not-outlawed-in-new-act-minister/">The Herald</a> that the only significant change in the Act was the establishment of a minimum age of 18 for marriage. He said:
<blockquote>
Recent social media posts purporting to explain the meaning and scope of the provisions of the new Marriages Act (Chapter 5:17], which was promulgated in 2022, have been brought to my attention.
As the minister responsible for the administration of justice in the country and specifically assigned to administer the Marriages Act, I wish to categorically state that these social media posts are misleading, mischievous and deliberately intended to create alarm and despondency amongst the generality of the public.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi said the new legislation consolidates the laws governing all legally recognized marriages in the country into a single piece of legislation.
Before its promulgation, two separate Acts provided the legal framework for marriages: the Marriage Act [Chapter 5:11] for civil marriages and the Customary Marriages Act [Chapter 5:07] for registered customary marriages. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
The new Act did not and does not alter the erstwhile requirements for a valid civil or registered customary law marriage, save to the limited extent of placing a complete prohibition on child marriages — thus bringing our marriage laws into conformity with Section 78(1)(a) of the Constitution, which prescribes the minimum age of marriage as 18 years.
To this end, it is important to point out that the payment of roora/lobola or marriage consideration remains a requirement for customary law marriages.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi explained that the new Act recognizes three types of legally recognised marriages: civil marriage, which is monogamous between one man and one woman; registered customary law marriage, which is polygamous or potentially polygamous and is contracted between adult Africans; and qualified civil marriage, which is also polygamous or potentially polygamous, primarily catering to adherents of the Islamic faith. He said:
<blockquote>
The latter type of marriage is a new inclusion in the country’s marriage laws.
</blockquote>
Apart from legally recognised marriages, there are two other domestic arrangements in Zimbabwe: unregistered customary unions and civil partnerships. 
Though these are not considered legal marriages, they can affect how assets are divided if the relationship ends or when a partner dies without a will, as well as matters concerning children.
<ul>
<li>Unregistered customary union: This can become a legally recognised marriage if registered. The new law also allows for converting a monogamous registered customary union into a registered civil union.</li>
<li>Civil partnership: These are acknowledged under the new Act but only for determining the rights and duties of the parties involved.</li>
</ul>
These arrangements aren’t legal marriages but are recognized for certain legal purposes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The new Marriage Act in Zimbabwe didn't ban lobola payments. Lobola is when the groom's family pays the bride's family to show respect. The only big change in the law is setting 18 as the minimum age for marriage. There are three types of legal marriages: civil, registered customary, and qualified civil. Unregistered customary unions and civil partnerships are not legal marriages but can affect things like asset division and child matters. So, lobola is still allowed in customary law marriages, and some other types of marriages are recognized for certain purposes.

New Marriage Act Did Not Outlaw Lobola Payments, Says Minister

ZANU PF and the CCC will share ZWG 70 million under the Political Parties Finance Act, a law designed to support political parties in Zimbabwe.
The ruling party, ZANU PF, will receive ZWG 47.9 million, while the opposition CCC will be allocated ZWG 22.1 million.
The distribution of funds is based on each party’s performance in the most recent election, with government funding calculated according to the percentage of votes received.
To qualify for this financial support, parties must secure at least 5% of the total votes cast in the election.
Sengezo Tshabangu, who is the leader of the opposition in Parliament and CCC’s self-declared interim secretary-general, will most likely receive the party’s share of funds as he is the only opposition politician whose authority to nominate or recall representatives is recognised by the State.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi on Friday, 06 September, announced the disbursement of the funds through General Notice 1377 of 2024. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
IT is hereby notified, in terms of section 3(2) of the Political Parties (Finance) Act [Chapter 2:11], that the total amount of moneys payable to political parties in respect of the year beginning 1st January, 2024, and ending on the 31st of December, 2024, is seventy million ZIG dollars only.
The money shall be disbursed to political parties that qualify in terms of section 3(3) of the Act as follows- 
(a) forty-seven million eight hundred and eighty-three thousand five hundred ZiG dollars (ZiG 47 883 500,00) shall be paid to the Zimbabwe African National Union (Patriotic Front) ZANU (PF) which received 68.4049 % of the votes cast; and (b) twenty-two million one hundred and sixteen thousand five hundred ZiG dollars (ZiG 22 116 500,00) shall be paid to the Citizen Coalition for Change-(CCC) which received 31,5950% of the total votes cast.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF and CCC will share ZWG 70 million. ZANU PF gets ZWG 47.9 million and CCC gets ZWG 22.1 million based on election votes. Parties need at least 5% of votes to get funds. Sengezo Tshabangu expected to receive CCC’s share. Minister Ziyambi announced funds disbursement. ZANU PF got more votes and money. CCC got less money based on votes received. This is to support political parties in Zimbabwe.

ZANU PF And CCC To Share ZiG70 Million

The government has declined to declare Bulawayo a water disaster area, attributing the city’s water crisis to mismanagement by the local council rather than climate factors.
Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also leads government business in Parliament, said on Wednesday that councils in both Bulawayo and the capital, Harare, have failed to serve their residents effectively over the past two decades.
According to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/govt-refuses-to-declare-byo-a-water-disaster-area-cites-council-mismanagement/">CITE</a>, Bulawayo has faced a severe raw water shortage for many years, a situation that residents and local leaders believe demands urgent intervention.
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) recently announced that the city’s supply dams are operating at just 29% capacity and has called on the central government to declare Bulawayo a water disaster area.
However, in response to questions from legislators during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, Ziyambi asserted that the circumstances do not justify a national disaster declaration. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
We have refrained from declaring a disaster where we feel there is mismanagement by our local authorities. The majority of our local authorities, including Harare, even have their billing systems in shambles.
If there are local authorities that should not be broke, they are Harare and Bulawayo, but for the past 20 or so years, they have failed in their roles as city leaders.
</blockquote>
He said before the government could consider declaring a disaster, it needed to address the administrative failures of the council. Added Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
We are now working to upgrade the systems because they have failed. When we feel that we need help after dealing with our local authorities, then we can act, but for now, we do not believe there is an issue that requires a national disaster declaration.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi’s response came after Bulawayo MP Thokozani Khupe implored the government to declare the city a water shortage area this could help Bulawayo access external funding and bring a permanent resolution to the crisis.
Khupe also pointed out that water from boreholes in the Nyamandlovu aquifer, a critical water source for Bulawayo, has dropped to about five megalitres per day, against a potential of 26.
In response, Ziyambi claimed the government was committed to solving Bulawayo’s water problems, saying that once the Gwayi-Shangani project is complete, it will have enough water for its needs. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
What we have realised is that the current water shortages in Bulawayo are not due to insufficient raw water, but because the water reticulation system is outdated.
We have agreed that instead of scattering projects across the country, we will focus on one area and refurbish it completely before moving on to the next.
We are going to start with Bulawayo because we need to replace all the pipes and redo the water reticulation system to ensure continuous water delivery.
This is not a project that will be completed overnight, but we have committed to starting with Bulawayo, even before the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani project.
</blockquote>
Last week the Bulawayo City Council temporarily discontinued water supplies to all city areas except for the city centre and industrial site, due to low reservoir levels.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government says Bulawayo's water crisis is not because of climate but council mismanagement. The City Council asked for help as dams are only at 29% capacity. The government blames the council's poor management. They want to upgrade systems before declaring a national disaster. They are focused on fixing the water reticulation system in Bulawayo. The government says once a new water project is complete, there will be enough water for everyone. They stopped water supplies to some areas due to low reservoir levels but are working on the problem.

Government Blames Council, Not Climate For Bulawayo's Water Crisis

ZANU PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi reportedly walked out on his counterpart Christopher Mutsvangwa during the provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting at the Chinhoyi University of Technology gym hall on Monday.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027866/mutsvangwa-booed-as-factionalism-rocks-zanu-pf">NewsDay</a>, ZANU PF Politburo members in Mashonaland West Province are divided over a restructuring exercise that is underway.
Ziyambi reportedly left the meeting abruptly after Mutsvangwa reneged on the central committee and politburo members’ agreement during a briefing not to interfere with co-options conducted by the provincial committees. Said a source:
<blockquote>
It was a battle of politburo members over what has been done in terms of co-options done at provincial and district levels.
They seemed to disagree as Ziyambi walked out when Mutsvangwa was speaking in a sign of serious divisions within the higher ranks.
</blockquote>
A ZANU PF youth member from Chegutu, who did not want to be identified for fear of victimisation, told NewsDay that Mutsvangwa was booed by the youth after he interjected provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka telling her to sit down. Said the youth member:
<blockquote>
We are not happy with the way some politburo members belittled the provincial chairperson in PCC meetings.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment, Mliswa-Chikoka denied that Ziyambi walked out of the meeting but had excused himself as he was going for a hospital visit.
Mutsvangwa is reportedly supported by Politburo members Douglas Mombeshora and Webster Shamu, as well as Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Marian Chombo, while Mliswa-Chikoka is aligned with Ziyambi’s camp.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ziyambi Walks Out On Mutsvangwa As Factionalism Rocks ZANU PF

ZANU PF Politburo member, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has called for disciplinary action against his party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) and officials who habitually skip crucial party meetings.
Speaking at a ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Chinhoyi on Sunday, Ziyambi emphasized that attendance at party meetings is a constitutional requirement that must be respected and adhered to.
According to a report by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-to-crack-whip-on-mps-officials-bunking-crucial-meetings-of-party-organs/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Ziyambi expressed his disapproval of MPs and party officials bunking meetings without providing satisfactory apologies. He highlighted that such behaviour is unacceptable. He said:
<blockquote>
I have made a worrying observation that only three or so MPs out of the so many that we have in the province have come for today’s PCC meeting. Let me remind fellow comrades that attendance is a requirement.
Even in various organs of the party, the Youth, Women’s and War Veterans leagues, kindly ensure this requirement is fulfilled by having regular meetings with all members present.
</blockquote>
During the meeting, only four legislators — Chegutu West MP Shaky Timburwa, Magunje MP Supa Monga, Hurungwe East’s Chenjerai Kangausaru, and Chinjai Kambuzuma of Hurungwe West — were present out of a possible dozen-and-a-half MPs from the province.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, said the party will take disciplinary action against those who continue to be absent.
She informed the delegates that the ZANU PF national commissariat department had assigned the provinces the responsibility of preparing for the forthcoming cell and village restructuring initiative.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Warns MPs, Officials Skipping Crucial Meetings Of Party Organs

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said the Government will be guided by the law when distributing the budgeted funds for political parties.
ZANU PF and CCC are the only two political parties that qualify to receive the funds under the Political Parties and Finance Act.
However, a few weeks after the August 2023 general elections, a dispute arose within CCC after Sengenzo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general, challenged party leader Nelson Chamisa’s authority, mainly by recalling the party’s elected representatives.
Since the party has no proper structures, there could well be disputes over where the political funding should go.
Tshabangu has since written to Ziyambi, claiming that he was the one entitled to receive the money, while Chamisa has sought to assert his authority on the party.
Parliament, the courts and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have all sided with Tshabangu.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/well-be-guided-by-law-on-political-parties-funds/">The Herald</a>, Ziyambi said the Government will be guided by what the law provides in terms of the distribution of the money. He said:
<blockquote>
The political parties in Parliament are identifiable. We have ZANU PF and CCC, so in that process, we will gazette how much has been allocated and what each party is entitled to.
We will then ask authorised representatives of the said parties to submit names and account numbers where the money will be deposited.
We will not release money if there are disputes but will allow them to fix their issues.
If it means they go to court we will comply with whatever the court would have ruled.
</blockquote>
The money under the Political Parties and Finance Act is disbursed based on the percentage of votes the two parties received in the August 2023 harmonised elections.
For a political party to qualify, it should have garnered at least five per cent of the vote in a general election. Only ZANU PF and CCC reached the required threshold.
The Government promulgated the Political Parties Finance Act to bar political parties from receiving funding from foreign governments and organisations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Will Be Guided By Law On Political Parties Funds - Ziyambi

Paedophiles who targeted children under the age of 16 since May 25, 2023, are currently immune from prosecution in Zimbabwe. This is because the government failed to amend the law as directed by the Constitutional Court, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/paedophiles-immune-from-prosecution-as-government-dithers-to-close-loophole/">ZimLive</a> reported. The legal loophole was discovered by Justice Christopher Dube Banda of the Bulawayo High Court while ordering the acquittal of Nkosilathi Gumbo, who had been convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor.
The Constitutional Court had declared certain sections of the Criminal Law Code, which determined the age of consent for sexual intercourse, as unconstitutional on May 24, 2022. The court then allowed 12 months for the authorities to correct and amend the law to protect children from sexual exploitation. However, this deadline passed on May 25, 2023, without any new law being enacted.
As a result, Justice Dube Banda ruled that Gumbo’s conviction was based on a non-existent law and therefore should be set aside. The judge stated:
<blockquote>
Therefore, the accused was charged, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced with contravention of a non-existent law.
Charging, prosecuting, convicting and sentencing an accused person with a non-existent law is an irregularity so fundamental that the law cannot countenance.
Such proceedings are susceptible to be reviewed and set aside. I therefore find that the proceedings in the trial court were not in accordance with real and substantial justice, as a result, a substantial miscarriage of justice has actually occurred.
The conviction cannot stand… the conviction and sentence be and is hereby quashed and set aside.
</blockquote>
The Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, acknowledged the need for amending the law but cited a shortage of drafters as a delay in the process. He mentioned that they have requested the president to use presidential powers to expedite the amendment, to have it gazetted by the coming weekend.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Legal Loophole Grants Immunity To Paedophiles Targeting Children In Zimbabwe

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has defended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) over logistical problems that occurred on election day, specifically the issue of insufficient ballot papers. The voting period had to be extended in several polling centres, most notably in Bulawayo and Harare, due to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/23/full-text-zec-speaks-on-delays-in-voting/">delayed distribution of the ballot papers</a> by ZEC.
Before the August 23 and 24 elections, ZEC had assured the Zimbabwean public that they had printed a sufficient number of ballot papers. However, during a parliamentary session last week, Justice Minister Ziyambi acknowledged the delays in the distribution process but shifted the blame onto the numerous court cases that had affected the planning. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020532/ziyambi-defends-zec-despite-ballot-paper-shortages">NewsDay</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
On August 23, 2023, we witnessed or heard about the logistical challenges that the commission faced, as a result, hindering the execution of its earlier mentioned function.
Mr Speaker Sir, the commission faced challenges in the production and distribution of ballot papers for a few constituencies and wards emanating from the unprecedented number of court challenges that it faced.”
More than 100 post-nomination applications were filed in the Electoral Court and the High Court of Zimbabwe.
Due to the large number of court challenges and the late determination of the same, the ballot papers could not be designed and printed without confirmed candidates.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi further explained that ZEC adopted a production and distribution strategy that prioritised remote and distant provinces to mitigate distribution challenges within limited timeframes. Consequently, delays were primarily experienced in Harare, as it was the last province to have its printing and distribution completed due to its proximity to the printer.
The minister also mentioned that there were a few reported cases of errors in the ballot papers, which necessitated last-minute reprinting, further delaying their distribution. He added:
<blockquote>
Further Mr Speaker, in mitigation of the said challenges, efforts were made to ensure that voters were not disenfranchised. The commission requested the President to consider exercising his powers under section 38 of the Electoral Act and alter his earlier proclamation so that voting could be extended to 24th August 2023 in those areas that had been affected by the delays.  As a result of these efforts, a statistical analysis of the average voter turn-out by polling station showed no significant difference between affected and non-infected polling stations.
</blockquote>
ZEC faced criticism for the logistical issues encountered on election day, with the opposition claiming that it was a deliberate strategy to rig the elections in favour of the ruling party, Zanu PF since Harare and Bulawayo are considered opposition strongholds.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Delayed Distribution Of Ballot Papers: Justice Minister Defends ZEC

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has claimed that the current shortage of essential medicines in major hospitals is a result of economic sanctions imposed on the country by the United States, Britain, and their Western allies.
Ziyambi who is also Zimbabwe’s Leader of Government Business in Parliament, made these remarks during a Question and Answer Session in the National Assembly. He acknowledged that the health sector in Zimbabwe is facing challenges, and he attributed the drug shortages to the country’s economic struggles, which have been worsened by the economic sanctions. He said:
<blockquote>
We used to have functional pharmaceutical companies that supplied us with medication but we were then slapped with sanctions.
However, with the advent of the second republic, President Mnangagwa got into an agreement with Egypt so that they provide us with medicine.
The Egyptian (government) has built warehouses so that they can store the medicine once they start supplying. In the meantime, we are getting our medicine from Egypt.
</blockquote>
Opposition legislators from the Citizens Coalition for Change demanded that the government visit the country’s hospitals to assess the situation firsthand.
The Health and Child Care Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, also acknowledged the serious shortage of medicine and drugs in public hospitals, leaving patients dependent on private health facilities. He described the unavailability of medicine as depressing. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020469/sanctions-to-blame-for-drug-shortages">NewsDay</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
Our ministry acknowledges that the country is facing a serious shortage of medicine and drugs, which is culminating in a crisis, especially at the lower level and has left patients at the mercy of private hospitals.
</blockquote>
The healthcare system in Zimbabwe was once considered one of the best in the developing world, according to the World Health Organization in 1985. However, the situation has deteriorated, with some hospitals operating without even basic painkillers. Critics attribute the current state of the healthcare sector to underfunding and corruption.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Minister Attributes Shortage Of Essential Medicines In Zimbabwe To Economic Sanctions

<div>The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Minister of  Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, has accused the European Union Election Observer Mission (EU EOM) of going beyond its mandate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Responding to the EU EOM final report on the 23-24 August harmonised elections at a press conference in Harare on Saturday, Ziyambi said the EU election observers strayed from their mandate by dictating to Zimbabwe how the country’s institutions and legislative framework should be structured.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ziyambi criticised the EU EOM final report that was presented the by mission’s head, Fabio Massimo Castaldo online from Brussels, Belgium, saying it was biased towards the opposition. Said Ziyambi:</div>
<blockquote>
<div>Observers come to observe. So, when observers meet a group of people who didn’t follow the due process of satisfying the requirements of the law in terms of their gatherings, they simply observe and take note of what that particular individual has said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Likewise, if they meet a group of people that are complaining that the other side is doing this, whether that complaint borders on an illegality on the act of the other party, they will simply note it. That is what observation is all about.</div>
</blockquote>
<div>He said election observers should not be confused with election monitors. Said Ziyambi:</div>
<blockquote>
<div>So, as Government, we are actually surprised that observers think that they are actually monitors, or they are here to change our laws.</div>
</blockquote>
<div>Presenting the mission’s final report on the elections on Friday, Castaldo said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) and the judiciary’s perceived political bias, as well as the actions of the Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), undermined the credibility of the polls.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The EU EOM report also criticised recent laws that it said eroded the separation of powers and limited civic and political freedoms. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The laws noted in the report include the so-called Patriotic Act, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) bill and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MPOA) which the EU EOM said closed space for the exercise of freedoms of association, assembly, and expression.</div>
<div>
The EU EOM provided 21 recommendations, listing seven as priority which the mission said may bring comprehensive and meaningful electoral reforms.
The recommendations include; enhancing election organisation and management in Zimbabwe, maintaining ZEC and its staff independence, providing timely and thorough information to the public, and protecting the freedom to assemble.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>
</div>

Govt Says EU Election Observer Mission Strayed From Its Mandate

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have criticised the government for its seemingly lazy approach to investigating politically motivated abductions and murders of their party members. This comes in light of the recent <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/14/police-confirm-death-of-tapfumanei-masaya/">death of CCC activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya</a>, who was abducted and later found dead. The legislators raised their concerns during a session in Parliament, where they grilled Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Masaya’s abduction occurred while he was campaigning for the party’s parliamentary candidate in the upcoming by-elections. This incident follows a pattern of similar cases, including the abduction and torture of CCC legislator Takudzwa Ngadziore, as well as the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/25/former-mp-for-mabvuku-tafara-james-chidhakwa-narrates-his-abduction-and-torture/">abduction and torture</a> of former legislator James Chidhakwa. These abductions have sparked fear and concern among opposition members, as well as human rights organizations and concerned citizens.
During a Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, CCC legislator Fadzayi Mahere questioned the government’s policy on ensuring that the police thoroughly investigate cases of enforced disappearances and murder of opposition activists. Mahere cited constitutional provisions that oblige the police to secure the lives of Zimbabwean people and guarantee the right to life, as well as protection against torture or cruel treatment. She said:
<blockquote>
Over the last few weeks, we have seen an escalation in abductions, enforced disappearances and unexplained murders. What is government policy on ensuring that the police investigate?
Section 219 (1) (c) obliges the Police Service to secure the lives of Zimbabwean people. 
Section 48 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and section 53 guarantees that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment.
</blockquote>
Harare East legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Allan_Markham/">Allan Norman Markham (Rusty)</a> also criticised the police for their biased approach in attending to reported cases, particularly those involving the abduction of opposition members. Markham said:
<blockquote>
When you ask for information, we have the registration of the vehicle used and the names of the people who did it but no one will take the report.
</blockquote>
In response, Minister Ziyambi challenged the opposition legislators to provide concrete evidence and assured them that the government does not condone such acts. He urged them to bring forth any information they have to the relevant authorities for investigation. Ziyambi said:
<blockquote>
We have a policy that informs what the laws must be and we have a Constitution that clearly indicates that we must protect the right to life. We have a Constitution that prohibits enforced disappearances. So, the policy of government is already there.
What is needed is, if there is anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of these individuals that they are alleging ‘abducted’ or did whatever they did, they must provide the investigating officers with that information so that they can investigate fully and ensure that they are prosecuted. The policy position of the government is that we are a peaceful nation. We do not want anyone to be harassed.
If there is anything, it is contrary to our beliefs as government and as a party. If she (Mahere) has information about the non-investigation of that particular issue, I am sure from what she is saying, she has a lot of information and the (Home Affairs) Minister (Kazembe Kazembe) will be glad to listen to that and be able to summon the commanders of the police why they are not taking that information and acting upon it, to ensure that those allegations are investigated
</blockquote>
The issue of enforced disappearances and abductions is not new in Zimbabwe. The abduction and disappearance of journalist and human rights defender Itai Dzamara in 2015 remains unresolved, and there have been concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing such cases.
The CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, has pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to cancel the upcoming by-elections in order to protect lives. Human rights groups, as well as the European Union and the United States embassy, have also called for investigations and the arrest of those responsible for the abductions.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

MPs Demand Police Action Over Abductions And Murder

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed six non-constituency Ministers into his Cabinet, out of a possible seven from outside parliament. Some of the Ministers had lost their seats prior to the election.
In 2018, the non-constituency Ministers included individuals like Professor Mthuli Ncube (Finance), Professor Amon Murwira (Higher Education), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kirsty_Coventry/">Kirsty Coventry</a> (Sports), Dr. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo/">Obadiah Moyo</a> (Health), and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo/">July Moyo</a> (Local Government).
The non-constituency Ministers for the period of 2023-2028 are Kirsty Coventry, Mangaliso Ndlovu, Mthuli Ncube, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Amon Murwira, and Anxious Masuka.

<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/09/12/president-mnangagwa-has-defended-the-reappointment-of-minister-kirsty-coventry/">President Mnangagwa Has Defended The Reappointment Of Minister Kirsty Coventry</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mangaliso_Ndlovu/">Mangaliso Ndlovu:</a></h3>
Mangaliso Ndlovu, former Tourism Minister, lost his seat as his previous constituency, Bulilima East, merged into a new constituency called Bulilima. The seat was won by Dingumuzi Phuti, who was the Member of Parliament for Bulilima West. However, Ndlovu has been given a new role. To accommodate him, President Mnangagwa split the old Ministry, appointing Barbara Rwodzi as the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, while retaining Ndlovu as the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife. Tongai Mnangagwa, the President’s nephew and MP for Harare South, was named as Ndlovu’s deputy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Anxious_Masuka/">Dr Anxious Masuka:</a></h3>
President Mnangagwa exempted Minister Anxious Masuka from constituency politics to focus on reviving the agriculture sector. Masuka and John Basera were recognised as top performers in the 2022 evaluation. Masuka will serve as a non-constituency legislator, according to Mnangagwa’s column in The Sunday Mail and Sunday News. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I have released Minister Anxious Masuka from the distractions of constituency politics so his sole focus and sole politics relate to this one goal of transforming our agriculture for a food-secure Nation for all times.
He will be a non-constituency Member of Parliament, so he has enough time to live, think and dream of agriculture only. 
In 2022, Zimbabwe achieved a record wheat harvest as farmers delivered over 375 000 tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Before last year’s output, the highest-ever wheat output since commercial production began in the 1960s was 325 000 tonnes realised in 1990.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi/">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a></h3>
Ziyambi Ziyambi was reappointed as the non-constituency Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs. Despite losing in the ZANU PF primary elections, attempts to save him through a rerun indicated his continued favour. Ziyambi’s history of pushing legislation to strengthen President Mnangagwa’s power is not surprising. He demonstrated his loyalty by criticizing observer reports. His deputy is lawyer Norbert Mazungunye, who won against <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fortune_Chasi/">Fortune Chasi</a> in the ZANU PF primaries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube/">Mthuli Ncube</a></h3>
Ncube retains the Ministry of Finance, now called Finance and Investment Promotion. He lost his constituency seat but was reappointed as a non-constituency Minister. Despite development initiatives, criticism remains for austerity measures, currency issues, and economic instability. Public scepticism lingers regarding his ability to address these concerns. Ncube’s experience and qualifications:
– Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank. 
– Expertise in finance, economics, investment, and public policy. 
– Entrepreneur and academic. 
– Professor at the University of Oxford, teaching economic development, public policy, and business in Africa. 
– HSBC Distinguished Professor of Banking and Financial Markets at the University of the Witwatersrand. 
– Founder and former CEO of Barbican Bank. 
– Lecturer in Finance at the London School of Economics. 
– Dean and Professor of Finance at Wits Business School. 
– Board member of the South African Financial Services Board. 
– Chairman of the National Small Business Advisory Council. 
– Chairman of the Board of the African Economic Research Consortium. 
– Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion in Zimbabwe since 2023.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amon_Murwira/">Amon Murwira</a></h3>
Amon Murwira is another non-constituency Minister who was appointed by President Mnangagwa. He is an academic and was retained as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Development. He holds a PhD in Geo-Information Science and has expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing. Murwira worked as an ecologist in Zimbabwe’s Department of Natural Resources and is a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

New Cabinet: President Mnangagwa's Non-Constituency Ministers

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has issued strict guidelines for the upcoming elections. ZEC’s vice-chairman, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, emphasised that all political campaigning must end by midnight on August 21, with legal consequences for any violations. August 22 is designated as a quiet day with no political campaigning allowed. Kiwa said:
<blockquote>
Any campaigning by any political party, candidates, or individuals should end on August 21 at midnight. August 22 should be a quiet day and no political campaigning is allowed. If any party campaigns they will be liable to the law, it’s in terms of the Electoral Act and they will be criminalised. Those who campaign will be bound to prosecution, as ZEC will see to that. Midnight on August 21 is the deadline.
</blockquote>
ZEC has also published a list of prohibited activities within a 300-meter radius of polling stations, including the ban on party regalia, slogans, political vehicles, leaflets, public performances, and the use of cameras or phones.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, the electoral body also said it is a punishable offence to refuse to leave a polling station when a Presiding Officer orders one to do so. Read the notice:
<blockquote>
<h3>REFUSAL TO LEAVE A POLLING STATION </h3>
It is an offence to refuse or fail to leave a polling station when lawfully required to do so by the Presiding Officer. Offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding level four or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (Electoral Act – Chapter 2;13, Section 90).
</blockquote>
Regarding ballot printing, ZEC announced the following quantities produced for each election category:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Election: 7,126,600 ballot papers</li>
<li>National Assembly Elections: 7,098,750 ballot papers</li>
<li>Council Elections: 6,861,650 ballot papers</li>
</ul>
ZEC’s chief elections officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana, explained the reasons for the variation in the number of ballot papers printed for each election category. He stated that for the National Assembly election, the passing of an independent candidate in the Gutu West National Assembly constituency led to a postponement. In the local authority election, elections won’t be held in 91 wards due to unopposed candidates and the unfortunate demise of four candidates. These elections will be conducted at a later date.
ZEC has also published a list of the 12,374 polling stations distributed as follows:
<ul>
<li>Bulawayo: 434</li>
<li>Harare: 1,559</li>
<li>Manicaland: 1,623</li>
<li>Mashonaland Central: 1,107</li>
<li>Mashonaland East: 1,420</li>
<li>Mashonaland West: 1,507</li>
<li>Masvingo: 1,416</li>
<li>Matabeleland North: 920</li>
<li>Matabeleland South: 721</li>
<li>Midlands: 1,667</li>
</ul>
ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba confirmed that 6 623 511 people have been registered to vote in the elections. She also confirmed the following categories of participants in the elections:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Candidates: 11</li>
<li>National Assembly Candidates: 518</li>
<li>Independent Candidates: 64</li>
<li>Local Authority Candidates (sponsored by political parties): 4,648</li>
<li>Independent Local Authority Candidates: 266</li>
</ul>
Regarding the election of two Senators to represent persons with disabilities, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, provided the following information:
<ul>
<li>The Electoral College, consisting of specified associations and institutions, will convene on August 26.</li>
<li>The election will be conducted in accordance with section 120(1)(d) of the Constitution.</li>
<li>The specified associations and institutions are listed in Statutory Instrument 133 of 2023.</li>
<li>The Electoral College will gather at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 7 am to 7 pm to elect the Senators representing persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
Last month, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, prescribed a list of 119 associations and institutions. These entities will nominate individuals who will compose the Electoral College responsible for filling the Senate seats for Senators elected to represent persons with disabilities. The list was formulated after consultations with Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Paul Mavima.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZEC Sets Strict Election Guidelines, Including An August 21 Campaign Deadline

The Government has expressed concern over the declining number of women participating in elections over the years.
On Monday, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi said it has always been the government’s wish that women become involved in politics more and more.
He made the comments while addressing diplomats and foreign observer missions accredited to cover the 23 August 2023 general elections. Ziyambi said:
<blockquote>
We have always wanted women’s involvement in our politics and we introduced the women’s quota so that more women can take part in our politics, but since 2013 and 2018 the numbers have dropped significantly affecting women’s involvement in our politics.
We will continue to encourage more and more women to take part in our politics.
</blockquote>
United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) president, Elisabeth Valerio, is the only female presidential candidate for the 2023 elections.
In the last election, in 2018, there were four female candidates for the presidency, a record.
For the National Assembly, there are 70 women candidates against 637 men in 210 constituencies. This represents 11% of candidates, down from 14% in 2018.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Women's Participation In Elections Declines

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators expressed concerns about the biased coverage of State-controlled media, particularly the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), during general elections.
During a meeting to discuss the Electoral Amendment Bill, the CCC MPs suggested that the bill should further bind State media to be impartial in the pre-and post-election periods. However, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi argued that ZBC should not be constrained by laws and should be allowed to operate freely, like any other media house. He claimed that the issue of ZBC being singled out for impartial coverage had fallen away due to the advent of technology and the presence of several media houses. He said:
<blockquote>
I also agree that the issue of ZBC being singled out to be impartial, we now have several media houses. I think that has fallen away because of technology and the times that we are in, it is not necessary to single out the State media during elections.
There are several media houses and because of the advent of technology, there is no prejudice whatsoever. ZBC should be allowed to behave like any other media house according to their way of working. They should not be constrained to the rules set up by ZEC.
</blockquote>
Charlton Hwende responded to Ziyambi saying ZBC is funded by taxpayers’ money and should, therefore, provide fair coverage to all political parties. He said:
<blockquote>
On journalists, we are happy that you are also agreeing but the issue of ZBC, I do not understand your logic because the reason why ZBC is being singled out is because it is funded by taxpayers’ money.
The reason why it is funded by taxpayers’ money is precisely for them to cover all political parties, kwete zvenyu zvamunoita zvekuti (not what you are saying that) ZBC is only covering ZANU PF. They are not covering all other political parties and so forth.
</blockquote>
According to the Electoral Act, ZBC and other public broadcasters and state-controlled media houses are required to provide equal coverage to participating political parties. However, State media has been accused of failing to comply with the Electoral Act during past elections.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

CCC MPs Express Concern Over Biased State-controlled Media Coverage During Elections

The Zimbabwe National Assembly has removed a clause that allowed employers to terminate permanent staff contracts with just three months’ notice. This action was taken after the country’s Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that companies could end staff contracts at any time without offering them compensation, provided they received at least three months’ notice. The ruling led to an increase in terminations of employment without disciplinary action, and had been considered a burden to the country’s labour laws.
During debates on the Labour Amendment Bill, the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, agreed to remove the requirement of notice. The Bill also proposed the use of “labour brokerage arrangements” to be removed, as it was deemed to be modern-day slavery.
In his submission, Harare East legislator Mr Tendai Biti said the import of the Zuva Petroleum judgment was to create an untenable situation on the labour law in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
When that happened, labour law died because what is the point of having a disciplinary hearing when you can simply give three months’ notice? We need to go back to the status quo. We need to go back to the old position where you cannot terminate on notice. In other words, we need to remove no-fault termination and go back to fault termination to protect workers. You are allowed to employ seasonal workers, but a normal industrial worker should only be terminated on fault. That means that the only no-fault situation is retrenchment
</blockquote>
During discussions on the Labour Amendment Bill in the National Assembly, opposition CCC legislators proposed amendments for paternity leave, which were rejected by Minister Ziyambi. However, the Minister agreed to remove a Clause on “labour brokerage arrangements” after legislators argued that it was a form of “modern-day slavery.” These arrangements involve a middle-man employing their own workers who are then sub-employed to a third party, such as cleaning services. The Bill was passed in the National Assembly and will now be sent to the Senate for approval.
The Zimbabwean National Assembly also passed two other bills: the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Children’s Amendment Bill. The Electricity Amendment Bill aims to impose deterrent sentences for those who vandalize electricity infrastructure, while the Children’s Amendment Bill aligns the Children’s Act with the Constitution and international conventions to strengthen child protection.
The Parliament also continued discussions on the Electoral Amendment Bill, with lawmakers agreeing that there was duplication of duties between the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Registrar General in voter registration and document issuance. The Registrar General’s office was suggested as a solution as it issues national identity documents. However, any changes would require a constitutional amendment. Minister Ziyambi suggested that the Delimitation Commission be separated from the electoral body to avoid conflicts during elections, but any changes would be kept in mind for future parliamentary sessions.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Removes Clause Allowing Employers To Terminate Contracts On Short Notice

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi lost to Maruva Mercy Dinha again in the ZANU PF Primary elections rerun in Zvimba West yesterday.
This time Dinha beat Ziyambi by a bigger margin.
Reports indicate that almost 2 000 ZANU PF members who voted for Ziyambi in the initial election abandoned him in the rerun.
Ziyambi reportedly garnered 2 331 votes while Dinha won 6 022 votes in the rerun.
In elections held on 25 March, Dinha garnered 4 104. Ziyambi came out second, with 4 074 votes.
The third candidate, Gifford Gomwe, who won less than 1 000 votes, withdrew from the race before the rerun.
ZANU PF ordered a re-run in Zvimba West where an earlier primary election was marred by reports of violence and rigging.
ZANU PF also conducted reruns in Mbare, Churu, and Gokwe Nembudziya constituencies on Saturday. Another rerun will be held in Insiza South on 22 April.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ziyambi Ziyambi Loses Again, This Time By A Wider Margin

One of the candidates for the ZANU PF primary election re-run in Zvimba West constituency Gifford Gomwe has withdrawn his candidature.
This leaves Maruva Mercy Dinha who won the first round to face incumbent Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
The election outcome was nullified by the ZANU PF Politburo following violent clashes between supporters of the candidates.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zvimba-west-primary-election-candidate-withdraws/">The Herald</a> reported Gomwe as saying unity and subsequent electoral success were more important than personal ambitions. He said:
<blockquote>
I have come to the decision to withdraw after considering the negative effects of divisions in the party (ZANU PF).
I feel we need to unite so that we meet the goals of the party to ensure a resounding victory for the President (Mnangagwa) and the party in upcoming General elections.
</blockquote>
Gomwe said he had a meeting with Ziyambi and other Mashonaland West party provincial members recently before he withdrew from the race.
He has since circulated a letter on social media platforms confirming his withdrawal from the race.
ZANU PF is also going to conduct reruns in Insiza South, Mbare, Churu, and Gokwe Nembudziya constituencies.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zvimba West ZANU PF Primary Election Candidate Withdraws

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a>, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, has said Zimbabwe’s upcoming harmonised elections are scheduled to take place sometime between July 26 and August 26 of this year.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to proclaim the election date soon.
Preparations for the polls are, however, at an advanced stage, Ziyambi told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/2023-poll-dates-the-die-is-cast">The Sunday Mail</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
The preparatory work for holding this year’s harmonised general election is at an advanced stage.
The next step that awaits the electorate is the announcement of the election date, through a proclamation by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa.
It is anticipated that the elections will be held between July 26 and August 26.
This is in line with Section 158 (1) of the Constitution, which provides that a general election must be held so that polling takes place not more than 30 days before the expiry of the five-year period upon swearing in of the President and/or Parliament.
Consequently, this will result in the dissolution of Parliament at midnight on the day before the first polling day.
As you are aware, the Government has budgeted $76 billion for the 2023 harmonised elections, to which $53 billion is earmarked for the elections.
We urge ZEC to utilise the available resources set aside for it in order to ease the burden on the taxpayer. With that said, Treasury will try its best to mobilise adequate resources for the process.
</blockquote>
Treasury was presently mobilising additional resources for the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a>, which has tabled a $130 billion budget, Ziyambi said.
The last harmonised elections were held on July 30, 2018, with President Mnangagwa being sworn into office on August 26.
The government is pushing to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill before Parliament ends. The Bill has several objectives, including prohibiting driver’s licenses as proof of identity for voting, electing 10 young people to the National Assembly, and increasing women’s representation in government. It is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly and will move to the Senate for debate once it passes there.
Once Parliament completes its review, the Electoral Amendment Bill will go to the President for approval. The government is giving the Bill the attention it deserves since it is crucial for the upcoming elections. Minister Ziyambi expressed contentment with the electoral reforms made since the last elections.
He said the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/POLAD_(Political_Actors_Dialogue)">Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD)</a>, which includes the majority of political parties from the 2018 elections, has helped involve various stakeholders in the reform process.
Minister Ziyambi also mentioned that:
1). Citizens have had opportunities to express their views on electoral reforms through parliamentary consultations.
2) The government has also incorporated input from civil society organizations like ZESN, ERC, and ZLHR. Furthermore, there have been discussions among POLAD, ZESN, ERC, and ZLHR about creating a simplified bill on elections.
3). The government has also engaged in political dialogue with the European Union to consider issues related to electoral reforms.
4). Zimbabwe’s ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance demonstrates the country’s commitment to democratic electoral processes.
5). The government will follow the Electoral Act when inviting and accrediting election observer missions. The Act requires that observer applications be submitted no later than four days before the election. There is no limit or requirement for invitations, as the law allows for open participation in the electoral process.
Last week, ZEC concluded the final national biometric voter registration but indicated that registration is ongoing at the commission’s provincial and district offices.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Elections Will Be Held Between July 26 And August 26 - Ziyambi

The government on Friday tabled the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report before the National Assembly for consideration.
The report will determine the composition of the country’s wards and constituencies in the general elections to be held later this year.
Some legislators attended the sitting in person to discuss the tabled report while others attended the sitting virtually.
The report was tabled in the National Assembly by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. He said:
<blockquote>
I rise to move that whereas Section 161 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that once every ten years on a date or within a period fixed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission so as to fall as soon as possible after a population census, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must conduct a delimitation of electoral boundaries into which Zimbabwe is divided.
And Whereas ZEC commenced the delimitation process in June 2022 and submitted its preliminary report to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 26th December, 2022; and whereas Section 161 (7) (c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), states that the President must cause the preliminary report to be laid before Parliament within seven days, for Parliament consideration and referral of any issues to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for ZEC’s consideration.
Now, therefore, I, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, do hereby lay the ZEC Preliminary report before the National Assembly for consideration.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-tables-delimitation-report-before-parliament/">Chronicle</a>

Ziyambi Tables Delimitation Report Before Parliament

The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi on Thursday described CCC leader Nelson Chamisa as a pathological liar after the opposition leader told journalists that he had been barred from meeting jailed CCC activists by the ZANU PF politician.
On Thursday Chamisa visited Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison to see jailed opposition MPs Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and 14 other CCC activists who have all been languishing in remand prison at Chikurubi since June.
Chamisa said that after being made to wait at the jail for more than two hours, the officer in charge, one Hukurume, informed him that he had been instructed by Ziyambi that he (Chamisa) will not be allowed to see Sikhala and the other CCC activists.
However, speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/10/ziyambi-slams-pathological-liar-chamisa-dragging-name-into-prison-circus/">ZimLive</a>, Ziyambi castigated Chamisa for trying to drag him into the matter. He said:
<blockquote>
That guy is a pathological liar; who did I give that instruction to? I am not even aware of his request to go and visit the prison.
I do not stoop that low to go down to administer regulations on who is supposed to go to prison and who should not.
I have never been asked for permission for relatives to visit prisoners. I am actually hearing it from you that he is saying I denied him entry, when? I am very busy.
Chamisa is a politician; he plays to the gallery. I don’t know about it.
Call the officer in charge and ask him about it. I think that is the fairest thing that you can do because you want me to comment on hearsay. Call the actual person.
I cannot comment on hearsay. He never came to me but he is accusing me of things that happened when I was not there.
I have not spoken to any prison officer concerning Chamisa.
</blockquote>
Chamisa’s visit to Chikurubi on Thursday came after Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Chief Director Legal Resources and Corporate Affairs Commissioner Willie Risiro granted him permission to visit his comrades.
The CCC leader’s first attempt to visit the prison was denied two weeks ago, prompting him to engage lawyers to demand access.

Ziyambi Brands Chamisa "A Pathological Liar" After Prison Circus

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi on Thursday barred CCC president Nelson Chamisa from meeting jailed MPs Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and the other party activists from the Nyatsime area who are currently detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Chamisa visited the prison on Thursday morning and was made to wait for three hours before he was informed by prison authorities that he could not see his colleagues.
Speaking to reporters, Chamisa said prison authorities said they had received instructions from Ziyambi to bar him from seeing Sikhala and the other CCC activists. Said Chamisa:
It’s so disheartening to know that just after we had been made to wait for three hours, we were then told that we can now enter to be able to see our colleagues.
<blockquote>
We were then invited to the office of the Officer in Charge of prisons Mr. Hukurume. He indicated to us that it is unfortunate that we are not able to see Honourable Job Sikhala and the other Nyatsime colleagues, our citizen heroes because the Minister of Justice has instructed that we can’t see them.
We were surprised because they had made us wait for almost two, three hours. You can bear witness and testimony to that.
But all of a sudden they said they had received an instruction that you cannot see all your colleagues. So we are not able to see them.
It is an embarrassment, it is harassment, and it is unacceptable that we have this kind of abuse of the law.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPSC) said Chamisa was free to visit his colleagues at Chikurubi, and today’s events came as a surprise to the opposition leader.
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was recently given permission by ZPCS to visit Sikhala and Sithole but the duo allegedly refused to meet him.
Sikhala, Sithole, and the other 14 CCC activists from Nyatsime have been in pre-trial detention since June on charges ranging from inciting violence to public violence.

Ziyambi Blocks Chamisa From Meeting Job Sikhala At Chikurubi Prison

The government claims Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala (CCC), who has been in pre-trial detention for more than 100 days on allegations of inciting violence, violated past bail conditions, thereby resulting in the courts rejecting his new bail applications.
The outspoken lawmaker is said to have been arrested 67 times but has no single conviction. He has been denied bail five times by the courts in the current case.
Sikhala, Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole, and other CCC activists from Nyatsime were arrested on 14 June 2022 after attending the funeral of political activist Moreblessing Ali.
Ali was brutally murdered and her remains were dumped in a disused well and were only discovered three weeks after she had gone missing.
Responding to questions in the Senate on Thursday from Senators who wanted to know how the government was handling the matter, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said:
<blockquote>
… my understanding is that you are on bail on a specific case and there are conditions that are attached to that.
If you violate your bail conditions then the bail will not be granted should you commit another offence. That is a general principle.
The individual so concerned, my understanding which I just read, not to say that I was schooled by the Judiciary from going to ask about judicial decision but that is not my duty; the decision of the courts was on the basis of the fact that bail was granted, bail conditions were violated and that is the reason to deny bail.
… When we are in court, sometimes as politicians, we must refrain from abusing the courts for political expediency.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://cite.org.zw/ziyambi-wades-into-job-sikhala-case/">CITE</a>

Ziyambi Says Sikhala Has Been Denied Bail Because He Violated Previous Bail Conditions

Cabinet has received and approved the Electoral Amendment Bill 2022 which, among other things, scrapped the proof of residence requirement for voter registration.
The Bill was presented by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. 
The development was announced during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday by Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
<h2>Changes brought by the Bill:</h2>
<blockquote>
1). Prospective voters are now required to produce a valid passport or national identity card as proof of identity before they register to vote. Previously, prospective voters were required to produce proof of residence to register to vote and some tenants would face challenges in acquiring the proof of residence as some landlords were not so keen to indulge them.
2). The Bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] to provide for the timeframe within which national assembly and local authority candidates can withdraw from contesting in an election.
3). The Bill will also provide for the incorporation of the 30 percent women quota as well as the youth quota and the amendment of the definition of proof of identity.
</blockquote>
While some Zimbabweans have welcomed the new Bill saying it will make it easier for those without proof of residence papers to register to vote, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/electoral-stakeholders-raise-concern-over-secrecy-surrounding-the-electoral-amendment-bill-2022/">some electoral stakeholders bemoan “secrecy” surrounding the Bill.</a>
They say Minister Ziyambi did not consult as required by the laws of the land. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Proof Of Residence No Longer Required For Voter Registration - Electoral Amendment Bill 2022

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a> has said the process of issuing title deeds to Epworth residents is proving to be complex hence the delays. 
He told Parliament on Wednesday during the question and answer session:
<blockquote>
We thought it was easy to issue title deeds but there are some issues that need due diligence so that we do not give title deeds to people who are not deserving.
We have a committee which is moving around. At the moment we have identified 6000 households in Epworth.
</blockquote>
He added that the verification and review process was cumbersome but the government was doing its best, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-exposed-as-government-backtracks-on-title-deeds/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
He was responding to a question from Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Mufakose MP <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Susan_Matsunga">Susan Matsunga</a> who had asked why owners of mostly old suburbs such as Mufakose, Highfield, Glen View, Tafara and Mabvuku had no title deeds for their occupied houses yet council continued to demand payments for the properties which were built in the 1960s.
Ziyambi blamed the City of Harare for the failure of procedures leading to the government resolving to plan a new programme to be considered in every urban location.
He said the government would fund the processing of title deeds, such as surveys and plans and the verification process of the identities of the title deed holders.
Chegutu West MP <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dexter_Nduna">Dexter Nduna</a> urged the government to fast-track the processes alleging councillors and council officials were busy taking over houses from those that would have passed on. 
In the run-up to the 26 March by-elections, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised Title Deeds to Epworth residents, a move that was viewed as vote-buying by critics.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Minister Ziyambi Speaks On Delays In Issuance Of Title Deeds To Residents

Sacked High Court judge, Justice <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Edith_Kuda_Mushore">Edith Mushore</a>, sold a government vehicle, a top-of-the-range Land Rover Discovery given to sitting judges.
A fortnight ago, President Emmerson Mnangagwa <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/president-mnangagwa-fires-justice-edith-mushore/">removed Justice Mushore from the office</a> of Judge of the High Court for misconduct. 
The removal followed recommendations from a tribunal constituted in terms of the Constitution to investigate Mushore’s year-long absence from the Justice Cheda-chaired tribunal.
The Herald says Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a>, confirmed the sale of the vehicle.  He is cited as saying:
<blockquote>
Yes, indeed, she sold one of the Government issued vehicles. We are not sure why she did so. She has left more than 90 incomplete cases.
Justice Mushore did not attend the hearing despite valid notifications being sent to her. It was on that basis that the tribunal made recommendations that she is not fit to hold the office of a judge.
</blockquote>
Initially, when she was asked to explain her absence from work last year, Justice Mushore said she was unwell, but failed to produce a sick note, according to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/sacked-judge-inexplicably-sold-govt-car/">The Herald</a>.
<h2>Some context:</h2>
Mushore was appointed to the bench in 2015 from private practice where she was an Advocate of the High Court.
Justice Mushore, who was attached to the Family Law Court at the High Court, last reported for work in mid-June last year.
Judges are not allowed to be absent from work for more than three days without official leave.
In May 2021, Mushore was one of the judges who ruled that Chief Justice <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Luke_Malaba">Luke Malaba</a> had <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/15/luke-malaba-no-longer-chief-justice-high-court/">ceased to lead the bench</a> upon reaching the age of mandatory retirement. Malaba appealed the ruling and won, and he remains the Chief Justice to date.
Some believe she was punished for that ruling.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Justice Minister Says Fired High Court Judge Mushore Sold A Govt Vehicle

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney-General Prince Machaya face arrest for contempt of court after they defied a ruling ordering them to craft a code of conduct for the country’s Vice-President and ministers.
In June, High Court judge Justice David Mangota ordered the government to craft a law regarding office conduct for the VPs and ministers within 45 days.
This was after former law student Nyasha Chiramba approached the court in April 2021 seeking the enactment of the law.
Mangota ruled that the law was long overdue since the Constitution was promulgated nine years ago, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000553/ziyambi-ag-face-arrest">NewsDay Zimbabwe</a> reports.
In his court application filed through the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum on Wednesday, Chiramba said there was wilful disregard of this order. He added:
<blockquote>
The order was granted on 8 June 2022 and the respondents failed or neglected to act on that order until 25 days after the issuance of that order on 15 July 2022 when they requested a full judgment of that order.
In computing the timeframe to comply with that order, the respondents were supposed to submit to Cabinet this Bill by 17 August 2022. That order is still extant, and the respondents failed or neglected to comply with that order.
</blockquote>
Chiramba said Ziyambi and Machaya’s conduct goes against the founding principles of constitutional supremacy, rule of law and good governance.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Justice Minister Ziyambi, AG Machaya Face Arrest Over Contempt Of Court

The government has set new fines for various offences ranging from $500 up to $500 000.
The new fines were gazetted by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and are contained in Statutory Instrument 209 of 2021. [CAP. 9:23 Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) (Standard Scale of Fines) Notice, 2021.
According to the schedule, for offences in level one, offenders will be fined $500 while the highest amount of $500 000 is for level 14 crimes.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-sets-new-fines/">The Herald</a>

Government Sets New Fines For Various Offences

Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi has ordered civil servants to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to reduce the impact of the coronavirus or quit their jobs.
His remarks come when Zimbabwe which is grappling with a coronavirus resurgence has rolled out a massive vaccination programme in a bid to attain herd immunity.
Ziymabi made the remarks during a Covid-19 assessment meeting with heads of various government departments in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province.. He said:
<blockquote>_When you get employed you cede some of the rights to say if you want to be employed here get vaccinated so the Public Service Commission has regulations which we must comply with if you are a civil servant. If you don’t want to comply with that you have a right to quit._</blockquote>
The directive was strongly opposed by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) which said Ziyambi’s remarks are unlawful, adding that refusing someone insurance cover on the basis that the person was not vaccinated is discrimination that is not supported by law.
ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said:
<blockquote>_It’s unlawful because there is no law that supports that discrimination for someone to discriminate an employee that has not been vaccinated … There is no scientific support that someone who has been vaccinated will not be infected._</blockquote>
While vaccination is said to be voluntary in Zimbabwe, like the Vatican Pope, government officials have been threatening sanctions against those who are not willing to get the vaccine.
President Emmerson said those who are not vaccinated risk losing out on public goods and services and opportunities.
At a graduation ceremony (pass out) of over 3000 prison officers in Bulawayo last month, the president said no one “will escape being vaccinated” prompting some to say the government was indirectly commanding people to be vaccinated.
President Mnangagwa warned that those who don’t get vaccinated will not get<a href="https://vacancymail.co.zw/"> jobs in Zimbabwe</a>.
Experts, however, believe force-marching the citizenry will trigger resistance adding that the government should conduct awareness campaigns instead.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ziyambi-orders-civil-servants-to-get-covid-or-quit/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Civil Servants Ordered To Get Vaccinated Or Quit Jobs

Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi is reportedly battling for his life in the ICU of a Harare hospital after contracting COVID-19.
Zim Morning Post reported an unnamed government insider saying several ministers held private parties over the festive season with family and friends, some of whom were carrying the South African coronavirus variant. The source told the publication:
<blockquote>These ministers held private parties over the festive season with family and friends – some were carrying the South African variant. Having been infected, they went on to interact with colleagues oblivious of the impending implosion.
We are at the peak of the 28-day window period since Christmas. Naturally, the people whom they came into contact with including ministers are not only shocked but are living in fear.</blockquote>
COVID-19 has already claimed the lives of three cabinet ministers, that is, Perrance Shiri (Agriculture), Sibusiso Moyo (Foreign Affairs) and Joel Biggie Matiza (Transport).
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ellen Gwaradzimba and military commander, Brigadier-General Collin Moyo (Retired) also succumbed to the respiratory disease this month.
Zimbabwe has experienced an upsurge in COVID-19 infections and deaths since the festive season as the government allowed unfettered movement of people across the country at a time when other countries were reimposing stricter lockdown measures.
As at 22 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 30 523 confirmed cases, including 21 080 recoveries and 962 deaths.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/ziyambi-ziyambi-hospitalised-as-covid-19-paralyses-mnangagwas-cabinet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zim Morning Post</a></h4>

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