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BY REX MPHISA A ZIMBABWEAN man has appeared in a South African court to answer allegations of killing his three-year-old son following a domestic dispute. Dzingirai Tapera (27) of Zaka, who is a migrant worker at Buiver Lodge Farm, allegedly used a pair of scissors to stab the toddler on the neck. He appeared at the Tzaneen Magistrates Court on April 13 2021 facing a murder charge. It is understood that Tapera had a misunderstanding with his wife who then threatened that she was leaving him and return to Zimbabwe. He left his workplace and went home where he allegedly committed the brutal murder. His wife, Rejoice Dzingirai reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest. The now-deceased was found with stab wounds on his throat, according to information supplied by Limpopo province police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo. Follow us on Twitter @NewsDayZimbabwe
The post Father kills son (3) in domestic dispute appeared first on NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Critics have called it a stunt to invite sympathy. Yet Amuriat says campaigning without shoes is a protest and that those who do not get its symbolism are missing a point.
Uganda is due to hold a general election on January 14. Amuriat and another opposition candidate, Bobi Wine have had their rallies violently dispersed by security forces or been arrested.
In mid-November, scores of people were killed as security forces attempted to quell protests against the arrest and detention of Bobi Wine.
Police has accused the candidates of addressing huge gatherings in contravention of regulations on COVID-19 prevention.
Swollen feet
In an interview with one of the dailies in Uganda, Amuriat said his feet hurt a lot and has to pour cold water on them in between campaign stops for some relief.
Doctors have cautioned him on the potential danger of contracting tetanus from cuts to his feet.
Yet Amuriat remains adamant. He says by refusing to wear shoes, he’s standing in solidarity with people whose wealth and opportunities have been stolen by the country’s longtime ruler Yoweri Museveni.
JUST IN: FDC presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat has been arrested at the border of Rubirizi and Bushenyi districts. The reason for his arrest is yet to be known📹 @MukhayeD#MonitorUpdates#UGDecides2021 pic.twitter.com/xopK4FMoD0
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) December 4, 2020
Museveni, in power since 1986 is seeking a new term. In 2017, he changed the constitution to remove age limits that would have stopped him from seeking re-election.
FDC is Uganda’s largest opposition party. In 3 previous elections, the party fronted veteran activist and retired army colonel Kizza Besigye for president.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Tommy Ross, Communications Director T: (850) 404-4091 tross@blacknewschannel.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Black News Channel is Now Available to Even More Comcast Cable Viewers Tallahassee, Florida – December 8, 2020 – The Black News Channel (BNC), the nation's only culturally specific news network that reflects the Black community's diverse viewpoints, announced today that its informative, enlightening, and empowering programming is now available to millions more viewers of Xfinity TV on Channel 1116. After a successful launch on its internet streaming service, having an assigned channel will make it even easier for Xfinity TV viewers across the country to […]
The post Black News Channel is Now Available to Even More Comcast Cable Viewers appeared first on Black News Channel.
[Monitor] Government has cleared Chinese Community of Liao Shen Industrial Park to import 4,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) into the country for their own use.
… who would be the first African American secretary of defense.
But … , doctors struggle to sell Black Americans on the vaccine.
“Fewer … than half of Black Americans say they would get a … at best, with many Black Americans … saying they want more …
Less than a week after Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) was hit by tougher lockdown restrictions, another district has asked for the same treatment.
Maryland officials announced Tuesday that the first batch of 155,000 coronavirus vaccines could be distributed as soon as next week.
Upon further review, Erik Affholter still doesn’t know. He does remember lying just beyond the end zone at the Coliseum, with UCLA’s Marcus Turner nearby and a football in his hands and a Cardinal and Gold frenzy surrounding him. “Suspended animation,” Affholter said, 33 years later. “I remember looking up at the referee and thinking […]
… make history as the first African-American to lead the country’s … Pentagon, and is the only African-American to have headed U.S … in the Army, especially among African-American officers and enlisted soldiers, as …
The coronavirus COVID-19 is surging in the U.S., which has reported more than 15 million cases and 286,000 deaths from the virus since the pandemic began, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. President-elect Joe Biden has said the incoming administration will ensure the country will have 100 million doses available during his first […]
THE family of a minor who was allegedly raped by suspended MDC-T spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni has announced that it will appeal his acquittal at the High Court. BY NQOBANI NDLOVU Phugeni yesterday celebrated his acquittal for rape charges saying the charges were fabricated. He said he was a good man and not a rapist. Phugeni was acquitted at the Western Commonage Court in Bulawayo by magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondeze on Monday. The crime was allegedly committed between June and November 2018 when the alleged victim was 14 years. However, the case came to light this year when the victim started exhibiting a change in behaviour. In an interview yesterday, Phugeni said the charges were fabricated and were meant to “damage” his political career. “The charges were fabricated, and that is what the magistrate said. “It’s a great day for the Judiciary. “As a country, we must hang our heads in shame for allowing a good man to be charged based on false claims, with clear impunity and without any shred of evidence provided. “This was meant to tarnish my image, vandalise my political career beyond resuscitation but the people of Zimbabwe kept coming to my inbox to tell me how much they loved me. “There are rapists out there going for our children, and I hope that no child will be disbelieved when they report a genuine rape because of this sham accusation,” Phugeni said. While Phugeni is celebrating his acquittal, the family yesterday revealed plans to appeal against the judgment at the High Court. “We have met as a family and resolved to appeal at the High Court. “We hold no beef against Phugeni, it’s nothing personal against him as alleged. “In any case, Phugeni has been a family friend for years. “Why would I want to fight Phugeni over a Senate seat? “It’s disturbing that there are some people trivialising rape claiming that we want to tarnish his political image,” the mother of the victim said. Last week, Phugeni’s lawyer Kholwani Ngwenya filed an application for discharge at the close of the State’s case in terms of section 198(3) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9:07). Ngwenya cited the fact that a police report was made 28 months after the alleged violation and “moreover the report was not voluntarily made as it was made after she had been threatened to be beaten by her mother.” He argued that the evidence seriously fell short of establishing a prima facie case against Phugeni.
1. Civil Rights Leaders Call on Biden to Make Good Promise of Diversity What You Need To Know: During an almost two hour virtual meeting with President-elect Biden, leaders of seven Civil Rights organizations, pressed for wider diversity in the new administration. 2. Black 'Firsts': News Executive Rashida Jones and Army General Lloyd J. Austin […]
BULAWAYO residents have expressed concern over the state of the city’s drainage system that they claim is likely to cause flash floods and lead to loss of lives and property as rain season gets into full swing. PRAISEMOPRE SITHOLE They urged the city council to move with pace to improve the drainage system. On Monday, flash floods hit parts of Bulawayo resulting in several houses being flooded with water while some roads were waterlogged. The heavy downpour pounded the city for several hours. In an interview with the Southern Eye, Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson Ambrose Sibindi said they had received complaints from residents about the poor drainage systems. “For example, some of the complaints came from Cowdray Park where residents said that the water was flowing into their houses due to poor drainage systems,” Sibindi said. “In the central business district there are also quite a number of places experiencing the same problem. “Other complaints were received from Pumula South and Old Pumula. I think the BCC needs to come up with teams that will look into these issues because if it is not looked into effectively we may end up losing lives.” He said residents needed to play their part because in some situations, they were responsible for blocking drainage systems through dumping of waste. Meanwhile, Kadoma Progressive Residents Association (KPRA) chairperson George Goliati said the recent incessant rains had exposed that many councils did not improve their drainage systems. “The city's old suburbs, Rimuka and Munhumutapa, have contended with poor drainage systems for over a decade with the council engineering department failing to repair a single drain over the years,” Goliati said. “Rimuka Street particularly near Ndiweni up to Munda Street around Zengwe has endured poor drainage and of late raw sewage is flowing on the streets, putting residents’ lives at the mercy of communicable diseases.” Ibhetshu lika Zulu secretary Mbuso Fuzwayo said: “Our failing economy is the key contributor because the council is no longer servicing its drainage systems like what used to happen in the past. “The prevalence of vendors at all the corners of the city is another factor causing problems because some sell mangoes at places where there are no refuse bins to place litter.” Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni was not available for comment, while the deputy Mayor Mlandu Ncube said he was in a meeting.
BY LIFE & STYLE REPORTER LOCAL fashion house Trend-Zone Designer Wear, on Sunday hosted 30 University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students for the inaugural edition of their female students inspiration event themed She is Defined set to be an annual event. The event, which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, sought to empower the young ladies to be confident, well-groomed and focused on their life goals. Speaking at the event, Trend-Zone Designer Wear managing director Florence Rupapa said she understood the plight of the students and was hoping they would be empowered through the initiative. “I am a university graduate and I know the pressures that come with being a young lady at university. Your situation is even worse because the economic environment is generally difficult. So with this She is Defined initiative, we will be hosting female students annually for inspiration at the same time donating some goods for your upkeep and welfare,” she said. Rupapa’s sentiments were echoed by journalist and communications specialist Beatrice Tonhodzayi who also spoke on the need for the young women to stand up for their rights in the face of rampant abuse of women. “The environment you are operating in is generally difficult and I want to challenge you to be focused and value your worth. During our time at university we would get government pay-outs for our upkeep, but that is not the situation now. That is the reason for you to be wise and more diligent in your pursuit of goals,” she said. Other speakers at the event were George Munengwa of ProAir Group who spoke on entrepreneurship while Enrico Maverick of Maverick Foundation spoke on the importance of self-actualisation and leadership. The students were treated to early Christmas gifts in the form of food and drinks, heels, body lotion and sanitary wear courtesy of Trend-Zone Designer Wear in partnership with the Maverick Foundation. “The gifts are just, but a small gesture. Our main focus is to equip and psyche the students for success. I believe in the power of mindset shift and as Trend-Zone Designer Wear we will continue engaging partners for more such noble events,” Rupapa said. Guests at the event were entertained by rising musician Anita Jackson.
Morocco is gearing up for an ambitious COVID-19 vaccination program, aiming to vaccinate 80% of its adults in an operation starting this month that’s relying initially on a China's Sinopharm vaccine.
The first injections could come within days, a Health Ministry official told The Associated Press.
While Britain began its vaccination program Tuesday with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the U.S. and European Union are racing to approve a series of Western-made vaccines, other governments are looking to use vaccines from China and Russia.
Morocco is battling a resurgence in virus infections, with the number of recorded deaths from the virus surpassing 6,000. The North African kingdom is pinning its hopes on two vaccine candidates, one developed by China’s Sinopharm and the other by Britain’s Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
The Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for emergency use in a few countries and the company is still conducting late-stage clinical trials in 10 countries.
Morocco’s government seeks to vaccinate 80% of its adults, or 25 million people, as soon as the vaccines are approved by domestic regulators. Priority will go to medical staff and other front-line workers, as well as the elderly.
It will start with the Sinopharm vaccine, which was tested on 600 Moroccans as part of clinical trials this autumn. Morocco has ordered 10 million doses of the vaccine.
The initial deliveries will come from China, but Morocco also plans to produce the vaccine locally, Abdelhakim Yahyan, a senior official at the Ministry of Health, told the state-owned news agency MAP.
In the Moroccan trial of the Sinopharm vaccine, carried out in Casablanca and the capital Rabat from August through November, healthy volunteers received two separate doses of the vaccine. In the advanced trial, volunteers either received the vaccine or a placebo.
According to the health minister, early results have proven the vaccine to be “safe and effective” with no severe side effects reported.
Sinopharm’s shot relies on a tested technology, using a killed virus to deliver the vaccine, similar to how polio immunizations are made.
Leading Western competitors, like the vaccine made by Oxford and AstraZeneca, use newer, less-proven technology to target the coronavirus’ spike protein.
AP
ZIMBABWE Stock Exchange-listed property firm Mashonaland Holdings says it has deferred the reconfiguration of the iconic Charter House building in Harare into a hotel to the first quarter of 2021. BY FIDELITY MHLANGA In a statement accompanying the company’s financial results for the year ended September 30, 2020 board chairperson, Grace Bema said the Charter House plan was part of several projects whose implementation had been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The multi-storey Charter House, which towers above a sea of mostly empty high-end properties in central Harare, is one of the oldest real estate gems in Harare. But it has not been spared by an exodus of businesses from the central business district due to congestion and an influx of informal businesses. Many other buildings within this zone have also been earmarked for reconfiguration into other uses, such as residential properties. “The Charter House reconfiguration to a boutique hotel was equally delayed by the pandemic with on-site works now targeted to begin in Q1 2021 (first quarter of 2021),” Bema said. “However, the Bluff Hill cluster housing project is set to commence following the conclusion of the tender process. Construction of a model house for this project is scheduled for completion in Q1 2021. All the bricks required to complete the development have been procured and delivered on site,” she said. “Overall the COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to the property market, notably the tourism sector which has been left on its knees due to the global travel restrictions as the world grappled to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, the effect on other property market sub-sectors was not as dire as initially anticipated as reflected by the resilient occupancy and collection levels. However, the scaled down business operations due to the pandemic meant that most could not absorb upward rent reviews in a hyperinflation environment, especially when their businesses had been closed for an extended period due to the national lockdown,” she said. Bema said a key challenge for property developers was that construction costs remained high, while property market values were falling, rendering new developments inviable. “At the same time, building maintenance costs have risen sharply as contractors are indexing costs to the United States dollar based on the parallel market. The limited number of projects has also resulted in higher contractor charges in the absence of economies of scale. Resultantly, property owners have deferred non-critical building maintenance works which will likely have an impact on future values,” she said. Inflation adjusted revenue for the period increased by 30% from $133 million to $173 million, mainly attributed to rent reviews implemented during the year. The growth in occupancy levels from 77% to 79,2% also contributed towards revenue growth. Operating expenses to revenue ratio marginally improved from 50,3% to 50,1% as management exploited cost saving opportunities to protect profits. Operating profit to rev
Ethiopia's government admitted on Tuesday to firing on a United Nations team who were visiting refugees in the conflict-hit Tigray region.
But a government spokesman said they were to blame for Sunday's incident close to the town of Shire, claiming they ignored instructions and drove through government checkpoints.
UN and aid agencies are continuing to seek access to the region a week after fighting there was declared over.
\"They broke two checkpoints to drive hastily to areas where they were not supposed to go, that they were told not to go,\" Ethiopian government spokesman Redwan Hussein told a press conference.
\"They were left alone when (and) they broke two checkpoints, and when they were about to break the third one, they were shot at and detained. Now, of course they are free.\"
\"This country isn't no man's land. It has a government,\" he added.
Almost one million displaced
Ethiopia's army has battled the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the northern region since November 4.
Thousands have been killed and the UN estimates that more than 950,000 people have been displaced by the conflict,
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said there were four people in the UN team assessing roads in the area for aid deliveries.
Last week the UN said it had signed an agreement with the Ethiopian government guaranteeing \"unconditional access for humanitarian assistance\".
But Dujarric said the pact was not being met.
\"Are we getting unfettered, clear humanitarian access at this point? No. And that's why we're still in discussions with the government to try to get to where we want to be,\" he said.
\"We do have a number of humanitarian workers that stayed behind. I think most of them, if not all of them, nationals, they're trying the best that they can. But clearly, we're not able at this very moment to get the aid that we want to get in.\"
A Customs and Excise official in Beitbridge was nabbed for attempting to illegally move out of a State warehouse goods worth $6 million or US$8 483. BY REX MPHISA Nelson Chinguwa, 31, faces a charge of criminal abuse of office. Chinguwa was arraigned before Beitbridge magistrate Annia Chiweta and was released on $30 000 bail. He is denying the charge. According to State papers, on December 3, Chinguwa, of 103 Limpopo View went to Manica Transit Shed, which houses a State warehouse in contravention of his assigned duties. He then tried to remove the goods in question, which had been seized on June 30 pending payment of $2, 7 million or US$4 241, 56 duty equivalent to a level seven fine for importing goods without a licence. Chinguwa had taken the goods but was intercepted at the Malala Tollgate on the Beitbridge- Bulawayo Highway. He is expected again in court on December 21 this year. Lawyer Jabulani Mzinyathi appeared for Chinguwa.
