Wednesday, 15th July 2009
Howzit
Foreign currency mid-rates updated...
-o00o-
This posting is later than usual today because of a late night last night following our attending the local high school's equivalent of "Britain's Got Talent". A most enjoyable evening and we watched some really great acts.
The local high school has got talent...
The local high school has got talent...
-o00o-
We begin today with a story about robbers in Zimbabwe.
"Two bodies lie lifeless on the ground as crowds gather - the bloody end of what police say has been a reign of terror by three armed robbers.
Gift Gibson Mwale, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri and Felix Mwariwa were shot dead by police sharp shooters after a gun battle at the Somerby Estates nearHarare 10AM on Monday.
Police say the men had hijacked a Mercedes fromMount Pleasant
Detectives from a dedicated CID crack team dealing with armed robberies stormed the robbers’ hideout at the Somerby Store, near Snake World, some 20km out ofHarare
Police say Mwale and Mwariwa, both armed with pistols, fired shots at the detectives who returned fire – cutting down all three suspects in a hail of bullets."
This is the depth to which Zimbabwe has fallen. Criminals not only rule the roost, but when cornered, are prepared to attempt to shoot their way out - or die in the attempt.
In all my time in the police in the early 1980s, with the Gukurahundi beginning all around us, I was only shot at probably three times - and whilst it is not a great feeling having to bite dirt hard, it was a comparably safer time.
Gift Gibson Mwale, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri and Felix Mwariwa were shot dead by police sharp shooters after a gun battle at the Somerby Estates near
Police say the men had hijacked a Mercedes from
Detectives from a dedicated CID crack team dealing with armed robberies stormed the robbers’ hideout at the Somerby Store, near Snake World, some 20km out of
Police say Mwale and Mwariwa, both armed with pistols, fired shots at the detectives who returned fire – cutting down all three suspects in a hail of bullets."
This is the depth to which Zimbabwe has fallen. Criminals not only rule the roost, but when cornered, are prepared to attempt to shoot their way out - or die in the attempt.
In all my time in the police in the early 1980s, with the Gukurahundi beginning all around us, I was only shot at probably three times - and whilst it is not a great feeling having to bite dirt hard, it was a comparably safer time.
-o000-
The Herald, ever sensationalising anything that would make Mugabe, ZANU PF or any of the armed forces look good, ran a story on a witness's account of the shootout...
"Ms Gumisai Zishenyambi was on her way to the front of the shop at Somerby Estates when all of a sudden several vehicles full of heavily armed men pulled up in front of her.
Before she could gather her thoughts, one of the armed men shouted on top of his voice ordering everyone to lie down and the next thing she heard were heavy gunshots.
"Before I could sense what was happening, I heard gunshots. All I could do was to reach for my cellphone in a bid to phone policemen I know," said Ms Zishenyambi, one of the shop assistants at Somerby Shop near Snake World where three notorious armed robbers were shot dead by police after a shootout on Monday.
Ms Zishenyambi was on her way to look for change that Gift Gibson Mwale alias Give Tyres and Felix Mwariwa had alleged that they had left in the shop. The two were following her, but their motive was not known since detectives from the CID Crack Team had ringed the shop.
They were all at the back of the shop where they had bought pork worth US$6 for braai at the gazebo. Mwale and Mwariwa produced pistols before firing back at the detectives."
If it sounds like something from a rough and ready American gangster movie, it should do - because the robbers were prepared to shoot their way out - or die trying.
"Another eyewitness who preferred anonymity said Mwale shouted to the detectives that he also had a gun before producing it.
"When he was shot, the gun dropped a distance away from where he was and he even crawled to try to reach it to fire back."
Mwariwa was already on the ground, bleeding from the gun wounds and the P1 pistol in his right hand had already dropped.
According to another shop assistant, Mr David Mushipe, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri alias Godzebvu was drinking Coke inside the shop. When he heard the gunshots, Godzebvu attempted to hide in one of the storerooms in the shop where there was some opaque beer.
"I told him to get out of the room and I didn’t know that he had already hidden a pistol and his jacket," said Mr Mushipe. He said Godzebvu pleaded with him saying: "Sha, unoda kuti ndife here? (My friend, do you want me to die?)"
In the jacket were three mobile phone SIM cards - one South African, one forBotswana
When Godzebvu finally came out of the shop, detectives fired shots, killing him instantly."
This is the reality in Zimbabwe. It is not uncommon to have criminals resorting to desperate measures to pull off their illegal activities.
"No one was injured during the shootout although there were bullet holes on four windowpanes at the shop, one on the wall, and three others on two cars, which were parked.
Some of the people who had fled from the compound returned after the situation was calm and were trying to catch a glimpse of the bodies. The owner of the premises Ms Sheila Mabasa, also known as Cde Yondo, said most of the people coming to Snake World and going to Lion andCheetah Park
"This is the first such incident to occur here and I would like to urge the authorities to put up a police post nearby," she said.
She said police stations were very far from the area yet many people frequent the area to see snakes and other animals.
"I hope some of the criminals have learnt a lesson because he who lives by the gun dies by the gun," said Ms Mabasa."
"Ms Gumisai Zishenyambi was on her way to the front of the shop at Somerby Estates when all of a sudden several vehicles full of heavily armed men pulled up in front of her.
Before she could gather her thoughts, one of the armed men shouted on top of his voice ordering everyone to lie down and the next thing she heard were heavy gunshots.
"Before I could sense what was happening, I heard gunshots. All I could do was to reach for my cellphone in a bid to phone policemen I know," said Ms Zishenyambi, one of the shop assistants at Somerby Shop near Snake World where three notorious armed robbers were shot dead by police after a shootout on Monday.
Ms Zishenyambi was on her way to look for change that Gift Gibson Mwale alias Give Tyres and Felix Mwariwa had alleged that they had left in the shop. The two were following her, but their motive was not known since detectives from the CID Crack Team had ringed the shop.
They were all at the back of the shop where they had bought pork worth US$6 for braai at the gazebo. Mwale and Mwariwa produced pistols before firing back at the detectives."
If it sounds like something from a rough and ready American gangster movie, it should do - because the robbers were prepared to shoot their way out - or die trying.
"Another eyewitness who preferred anonymity said Mwale shouted to the detectives that he also had a gun before producing it.
"When he was shot, the gun dropped a distance away from where he was and he even crawled to try to reach it to fire back."
Mwariwa was already on the ground, bleeding from the gun wounds and the P1 pistol in his right hand had already dropped.
According to another shop assistant, Mr David Mushipe, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri alias Godzebvu was drinking Coke inside the shop. When he heard the gunshots, Godzebvu attempted to hide in one of the storerooms in the shop where there was some opaque beer.
"I told him to get out of the room and I didn’t know that he had already hidden a pistol and his jacket," said Mr Mushipe. He said Godzebvu pleaded with him saying: "Sha, unoda kuti ndife here? (My friend, do you want me to die?)"
In the jacket were three mobile phone SIM cards - one South African, one for
When Godzebvu finally came out of the shop, detectives fired shots, killing him instantly."
This is the reality in Zimbabwe. It is not uncommon to have criminals resorting to desperate measures to pull off their illegal activities.
"No one was injured during the shootout although there were bullet holes on four windowpanes at the shop, one on the wall, and three others on two cars, which were parked.
Some of the people who had fled from the compound returned after the situation was calm and were trying to catch a glimpse of the bodies. The owner of the premises Ms Sheila Mabasa, also known as Cde Yondo, said most of the people coming to Snake World and going to Lion and
"This is the first such incident to occur here and I would like to urge the authorities to put up a police post nearby," she said.
She said police stations were very far from the area yet many people frequent the area to see snakes and other animals.
"I hope some of the criminals have learnt a lesson because he who lives by the gun dies by the gun," said Ms Mabasa."
-o00o-
I use Google Alerts to get early warnings on events in Zimbabwe, and whilst I was doing this posting (and taking care of my domestic responsibilities as well), I received an email notification of the reaction by the Zimbabwe police chief on the shoot-out.
"Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday said the shooting and killing of three notorious robbers on Monday was "only the beginning" in the campaign to weed out dangerous criminals countrywide.
In an interview yesterday, Comm-Gen Chihuri said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would continue working hard to bring to book hardcore criminals. "We are working and we will continue working. The robbers must go and this is only the beginning," he said.
Police have been on record as saying they will not hesitate to use minimum force on any criminals resisting arrest and those firing at them when carrying out their constitutional duties. Comm-Gen Chihuri said although the force was operating under difficult conditions, they would continue striving for excellence.
"Right now, the organisation is working under very difficult conditions. The situation is difficult, but we still have Zimbabwe to ourselves and that gives us hope," he said. He urged officers to remain determined in securing the safety of the public and in maintaining peace."Remain resolute in looking after the people and peace. The people will develop their own country. They have the will. Let the world also give the (Zimbabweans) their chance and the ZRP will give support," said Comm-Gen Chihuri.
He said what was needed was to work together in serving Zimbabwe. "All we need is to put our hands together. Let's not have weak connections within the chain.
"We are here to serve Zimbabweans and Zimbabwe," said Comm-Gen Chihuri. Gift Gibson Mwale alias Give Tyres, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri alias Godzebvu and Felix Mwariwa died on Monday following a shootout with police two hours after they had hijacked a Mercedes Benz in Mount Pleasant."
I have a very simple question - who is going to police the police?
It is a sad reality in Zimbabwe that the police operates outside the law. They support ZANU PF to the core, yet refuse to involve themselves anything remotely 'political'. Nice work if you can get it.
The police are supposed to be apolitical, but the police chief himself is a dyed-in-the -wool Mugabe-ites and feels nothing for the people of Zimbabwe.
This shoot-out allows him to pay lip service to policing in Zimbabwe only.
"Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday said the shooting and killing of three notorious robbers on Monday was "only the beginning" in the campaign to weed out dangerous criminals countrywide.
In an interview yesterday, Comm-Gen Chihuri said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would continue working hard to bring to book hardcore criminals. "We are working and we will continue working. The robbers must go and this is only the beginning," he said.
Police have been on record as saying they will not hesitate to use minimum force on any criminals resisting arrest and those firing at them when carrying out their constitutional duties. Comm-Gen Chihuri said although the force was operating under difficult conditions, they would continue striving for excellence.
"Right now, the organisation is working under very difficult conditions. The situation is difficult, but we still have Zimbabwe to ourselves and that gives us hope," he said. He urged officers to remain determined in securing the safety of the public and in maintaining peace."Remain resolute in looking after the people and peace. The people will develop their own country. They have the will. Let the world also give the (Zimbabweans) their chance and the ZRP will give support," said Comm-Gen Chihuri.
He said what was needed was to work together in serving Zimbabwe. "All we need is to put our hands together. Let's not have weak connections within the chain.
"We are here to serve Zimbabweans and Zimbabwe," said Comm-Gen Chihuri. Gift Gibson Mwale alias Give Tyres, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri alias Godzebvu and Felix Mwariwa died on Monday following a shootout with police two hours after they had hijacked a Mercedes Benz in Mount Pleasant."
I have a very simple question - who is going to police the police?
It is a sad reality in Zimbabwe that the police operates outside the law. They support ZANU PF to the core, yet refuse to involve themselves anything remotely 'political'. Nice work if you can get it.
The police are supposed to be apolitical, but the police chief himself is a dyed-in-the -wool Mugabe-ites and feels nothing for the people of Zimbabwe.
This shoot-out allows him to pay lip service to policing in Zimbabwe only.
-o00o-
More misery and mayhem in Zimbabwe...
"The search for more people believed to have died alongside five others who were burnt beyond recognition on Sunday in a Colbro Transport truck has yielded no results.
The truck was sideswiped by another vehicle, forcing it to veer off the road, overturn and catch fire.
Two people who were in the pick-up truck were injured.
Police called off the search yesterday saying there was no hope of finding the bodies since the fire had been completely extinguished.
The accident happened along theMbalabala-Zvishavane Road 6:30pm on Sunday."
The roads in Zimbabwe are deteriorating at a mean clip. This accident has echoes of the accident that killed the Prime Minister's wife earlier this year. The driver of the vehicle that hit their vehicle is claiming the state of the road caused that accident.
"We have since called off the search since we have realised the prospects of finding any bodies are next to none. However, investigations are in progress," said the Matabeleland South police spokesman Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe.
He identified the driver as Paul Madziva (54) ofBulawayo
It is reported the truck was ferrying cement to Zvishavane and when it got to the 154km peg, the driver encroached onto the lane of oncoming traffic lane side-swiping a Toyota Hilux which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road and overturned once before landing on its roof.
The truck caught fire and the five occupants were burnt beyond recognition while two people in the Toyota Hilux escaped with minor injuries."
-o00o-
In Zimbabwe, the law is so warped that the authorities are capable of prosecuting someone for agreeing with the President!
Gono admits taking money from accounts in the RBZ without permission - but Mugabe says that Gono is not a thief!
And just to add insult to injury: "Police arrest and detained a Bulawayo-based MDC activist Shareck Chifamba on allegations that he had insulted Robert Mugabe."
According to the MDC in a statement, Chifamba was detained for five days.
"Chifamba was last week detained for five days at Bulawayo Central Police Station on false charges that he had insulted President Robert Mugabe," said the MDC.
Four armed men who refused to identify themselves picked up Chifamba, 35, of Ilanga at his workplace.
The four men then drove him around the city threatening to kill him and asking him why he was an MDC supporter."
It is my understanding that it is a criminal offence to threat to kill someone.
Now - which crime is worse (supposing for just one second that Chifamba insulted Mugabe)? And which 'crime' is to be punished?
Ja - you guessed it - the one that seeks to protect Mugabe...
"He was only released after his wife reported the case to a local human rights lawyer who then facilitated his release from the unlawful custody.
However, Chifamba managed to identify one of his assailants as Joram Chiyangwa, a known ZANU PF official.
If one is found guilty of insulting the president inZimbabwe
Based upon that last sentence, then I am due to spend a few lifetimes behind bars...
-o00o-
'debvhu
"The search for more people believed to have died alongside five others who were burnt beyond recognition on Sunday in a Colbro Transport truck has yielded no results.
The truck was sideswiped by another vehicle, forcing it to veer off the road, overturn and catch fire.
Two people who were in the pick-up truck were injured.
Police called off the search yesterday saying there was no hope of finding the bodies since the fire had been completely extinguished.
The accident happened along the
The roads in Zimbabwe are deteriorating at a mean clip. This accident has echoes of the accident that killed the Prime Minister's wife earlier this year. The driver of the vehicle that hit their vehicle is claiming the state of the road caused that accident.
"We have since called off the search since we have realised the prospects of finding any bodies are next to none. However, investigations are in progress," said the Matabeleland South police spokesman Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe.
He identified the driver as Paul Madziva (54) of
It is reported the truck was ferrying cement to Zvishavane and when it got to the 154km peg, the driver encroached onto the lane of oncoming traffic lane side-swiping a Toyota Hilux which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road and overturned once before landing on its roof.
The truck caught fire and the five occupants were burnt beyond recognition while two people in the Toyota Hilux escaped with minor injuries."
-o00o-
The same article in The Herald reports on another accident.
"Two other people died on the spot when a Toyota Hiace kombi they were travelling in rammed into a stationary truck, veered off the road, overturned once and landed on its roof at the 242 km peg along the Masvingo -Beitbridge Road
The incident occurred at4 am on Saturday.
Insp Dzirutwe said the kombi was travelling towards Masvingo with 15 passengers on board and when it got to the 242 km peg, it rammed into a stationary Freightliner truck trailer.
As a result, the driver lost control and it veered off the road and overturned twice before lending on its roof.
Two people died instantly while three others were seriously injured. They were rushed toBeitbridge District Hospital
"Of late we have recorded an increase in accidents in our roads, most of them as a result of human error. We therefore urge motorists to be extra-cautious so as to avoid unnecessary loss of life," said Insp Dzirutwe."
All of this tells me just how bad the roads are in Zimbabwe. When I lived in that country, the roads were brilliant. In all my years driving in Zimbabwe - and in other African countries - I was involved in just one accident and that was in Harare in 1986 when a heavy vehicle ran over my small Alfa Sud at an intersection...
"Two other people died on the spot when a Toyota Hiace kombi they were travelling in rammed into a stationary truck, veered off the road, overturned once and landed on its roof at the 242 km peg along the Masvingo -
The incident occurred at
Insp Dzirutwe said the kombi was travelling towards Masvingo with 15 passengers on board and when it got to the 242 km peg, it rammed into a stationary Freightliner truck trailer.
As a result, the driver lost control and it veered off the road and overturned twice before lending on its roof.
Two people died instantly while three others were seriously injured. They were rushed to
"Of late we have recorded an increase in accidents in our roads, most of them as a result of human error. We therefore urge motorists to be extra-cautious so as to avoid unnecessary loss of life," said Insp Dzirutwe."
All of this tells me just how bad the roads are in Zimbabwe. When I lived in that country, the roads were brilliant. In all my years driving in Zimbabwe - and in other African countries - I was involved in just one accident and that was in Harare in 1986 when a heavy vehicle ran over my small Alfa Sud at an intersection...
In Zimbabwe, the law is so warped that the authorities are capable of prosecuting someone for agreeing with the President!
Gono admits taking money from accounts in the RBZ without permission - but Mugabe says that Gono is not a thief!
And just to add insult to injury: "Police arrest and detained a Bulawayo-based MDC activist Shareck Chifamba on allegations that he had insulted Robert Mugabe."
According to the MDC in a statement, Chifamba was detained for five days.
"Chifamba was last week detained for five days at Bulawayo Central Police Station on false charges that he had insulted President Robert Mugabe," said the MDC.
Four armed men who refused to identify themselves picked up Chifamba, 35, of Ilanga at his workplace.
The four men then drove him around the city threatening to kill him and asking him why he was an MDC supporter."
It is my understanding that it is a criminal offence to threat to kill someone.
Now - which crime is worse (supposing for just one second that Chifamba insulted Mugabe)? And which 'crime' is to be punished?
Ja - you guessed it - the one that seeks to protect Mugabe...
"He was only released after his wife reported the case to a local human rights lawyer who then facilitated his release from the unlawful custody.
However, Chifamba managed to identify one of his assailants as Joram Chiyangwa, a known ZANU PF official.
If one is found guilty of insulting the president in
Based upon that last sentence, then I am due to spend a few lifetimes behind bars...
'debvhu
posted by Robb WJ Ellis at 8:16 AM
Union Jack (1963 - 64, 1998 - ??)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home