Tuesday, 1st June 2010

Howzit

"But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

Matthew 6:23

-o00o-

Just over thirty years ago, Jimmy Carter was one of Mugabe's staunchest supporters and, together with the then Prime Minister of England, Margaret Thatcher, they pulled out all the stops to hand what was then known as Rhodesia to Mugabe. Following a 15 year bloody bush war, Mugabe was 'elected' as Prime Minister to a new, independent Zimbabwe, and since that time has worked hand over fist to establish himself as a dictator who helps himself to whatever the country offered, thereby reducing the population to paupers in their own land.

So why, in 2010, should we listen to the likes of Carter?

"Former US President Jimmy Carter called Zimbabwe a "tragedy still waiting to be resolved," but cautioned that it would be premature for the country to try to organize new elections until a number of measures have been taken.

Following a meeting in South Africa, the group of Elders voiced their great concern on Monday at the slow pace of implementation of the Global Political Agreement for Zimbabwean power sharing more than a year after the formation of the chronically troubled national unity government in Harare.

Struggle icon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu said the Elders were disappointed that the Harare political accord underpinning a government including President Robert Mugabe's ZANU PF and the Movement for Democratic Change of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has not relieved the country's impoverished masses."

I am a little disgusted that the "Elders" have not spoken out about the obvious intention of Mugabe to remain in power, without sharing anything with the MDC - who won the March 2008 parliamentary election. Couple that together with the obvious reluctance Mugabe has in resolving the impasse in negotiations between his party and the MDC factions, and the world is remiss in suggesting that Mugabe should have anything to do with the solution to Zimbabwe's problems.

"The Elders also said they did not take lightly rumors and threats circulating in South Africa as to a new wave of attacks against immigrants when World Cup of soccer concludes in mid-July.

Formed in 2007, the Elders comprises former heads of state, Nobel Peace Prize recipients and prominent defenders of human rights who seek to support peace-building and reduce human suffering through moral suasion.

Elsewhere in the region, the Southern African Development Community's Namibia-based tribunal will consider an application by a group of Zimbabwean white commercial farmers who are asking it to tell SADC to suspend Zimbabwe for ignoring tribunal rulings holding that Harare’s seizure of white-owned farms was discriminatory and illegal."

If SADC suspends Zimbabwe, then Mugabe will continue along the line that he pursues, and the suspension will not hinder his intention to reject any SADC ruling. Mugabe acts as if Zimbabwe is his, and he does not care a jot about the population or who is watching whilst he continues along in his goal to ruin Zimbabwe completely.

It borders on a 'scorched earth' policy.

-o00o-

I do notice that the ZimDaily has decided that no one can use their work on their web sites and everything from text to images is blocked by a 'copyright' notice. That is their choice, but they do themselves no favours as their news will not be distributed around the world.

The lead story on their website today is that Mugabe has withdrawn Zimbabwe from the Anglo-Africa summit that began in Nice yesterday.

With the story now being subject to copyright, I am not about to type it in and will just have to do without that site.

-o00o-

Another report says that Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara met in Harare yesterday - but any details of that meeting are not forthcoming and this is as frustrating... frustrating insofar as these are three men that are deciding the future of the Zimbabwean population and the people continue to operate blind...

"Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur Mutambara eventually met in Harare on Monday to discuss the final report on the Global Political Agreement.

The three principals last met more than a month ago. There has been much concern that the leaders were displaying a lack of urgency in dealing with the implementation of the remaining issues in the GPA.

James Maridadi, Tsvangirai’ spokesman, confirmed to SW Radio Africa that the leaders were meeting in the capital. It is believed they are considering the final report by their party negotiators, on issues impeding the full implementation of the GPA.

"The meeting started at 3pm and usually they finish around 6 in the evening. But I don’t know the agenda of the meeting," Maridadi said."

I find it quite amazing that the three principals last met a month ago. Mugabe has been travelling, Tsvangirai has bee n travelling, and so has Mutambara (I think), but surely the need to resolve the impasse is more important that flitting around the world?

Mugabe does it as a matter of course - and has done for thirty years - but I don't expect Tsvangirai and Mutambara to follow suit.

The problem is in Zimbabwe so I expect the three to resolve their differences in Zimbabwe...

"Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara have kept South African President Jacob Zuma, the facilitator in the protracted dialogue, waiting since April 3rd. The three political principals have to deliberate on the negotiators’ report before the South Africans can resume their mediation process. The report, compiled by the six party negotiators, gives advice to the principals on the implementation matrix - the formula to be used to share provincial governors and how to deal with the other issues.

Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa told us the principals need to resolve the outstanding issues in the GPA for the country to move forward.

Part of the outstanding issues being contested by ZANU PF and the MDC are the appointment of senior government officials including MDC treasurer general, Roy Bennett as deputy minister of Agriculture and the removal of targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his senior officials.

Mugabe refused to swear in Bennett, citing terrorism charges he was facing. However, Bennett was this month cleared of the charges, although the state is said to be considering an appeal against his acquittal.

Two weeks ago, Tsvangirai also wrote a strongly worded letter to Mugabe warning him that he risked plunging the country into a constitutional crisis, following his unilateral appointment of three High Court judge.

One of those appointed by Mugabe was the controversial former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairman, George Chiweshe, who is now Judge President of the High Court.

Tsvangirai, who only read about the appointments in the state controlled Herald newspaper, was expected to challenge Mugabe over the appointments during Monday’s meeting.

Mugabe’s unilateral decisions have threatened the fragile unity government on many occasions.

Unfortunately, once again, Zimbabweans are denied the right to know any details about Mondays meeting."

And therein lies the problem. The population are being prevented from knowing the latest news on the coalition, whilst they are obliged to live in the abject poverty brought on by the prolonged and enforced Mugabe rule.

And I am deeply disappointed that the international world has decided not to get involved with the impasse - although it was the international world that facilitated Mugabe's rise to power...

-o00o

On Sunday there was a report that Mugabe stated that no mining firms would be expropriated in Zimbabwe, and today we read how he is already looking to take over Anglo-American gold. It didn't take him long, did it?

On Sunday, I stated that Mugabe's statement was a lie and 48 hours later, I am proven to be right.

"President Robert Mugabe threatened on Friday to take over gold operations partly owned by London-based Anglo American Plc, which he blamed for disemboweling his country of minerals."

First of all, Zimbabwe is not 'his'. Mugabe is not a true Zimbabwe as his father was Malawian. He has as much right to hold the office of President of Zimbabwe as I do - and I was born in the UK.

Secondly, Mugabe feels nothing in lying to the people. He and his tinpot party control the diamond find in the Eastern Highlands - and there is reportedly enough mineral reserve there to rebuild Zimbabwe without having to look for international aid, but Mugabe would prefer to detour the money into his personal bank accounts than spend national resources on the plight of the population.

"I want to say this to Anglo-American, this company of Nicky Oppenheimer," Mugabe told the 71st Chamber of Mines annual general meeting held in Victoria Falls Friday: "We want them to come out in the open and tell this nation why they have been taking gold away. We don't see their empowerment initiatives. Do they still want to operate in partnership with our government? With our people? If not, we take over their enterprises."

This is typical Mugabe. Say one thing and do another. He cannot play a straight game. Everything he does has to be full of feints, false promises and threats.

"Anglo American recently said it had put a new platinum mining project and other new investments in Zimbabwe on hold until political and economic stability returned. Company officials were not immediately available to comment."

And, in the event that Mugabe orders the takeover of the mining projects, it will be Mugabe's loyalists and apologists that benefit as opposed to the people of Zimbabwe.

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National healing is something which Mugabe and his supporters are working to delay and negate any good that it may do...

"Professor Arthur Mutambara, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Prime Minister, says elections would be conducted in Zimbabwe only after the country was ready in terms of national healing, economic and political reforms.

"The debate should not be about when the next elections would be conducted in Zimbabwe, but the calibre and quality of the elections," he said.

Prof Mutambara was speaking to journalists in Accra at the end of the first session of Ghana-Zimbabwe Business Summit expected to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs from both countries to trade.

The summit, the second in the series since its inception in 2006, is under the theme: "Intra-Africa Trade-The Way Forward for Africa’s Global Competitiveness."

Prof Mutambara described the call for next year’s general elections in Zimbabwe as premature, adding "when you start talking about elections, you make people confrontational. It is distractive and unhelpful to the process of reforms.

"We are busily working on national healing and a free and fair election. We are busily working on the national constitution, media, electoral, political and economic reforms. These are more important than calling for the next elections," he said."

The need for national healing is indicative of what has gone on before under Mugabe's rule. Beginning with events before independence - and Mugabe's 'freedom fighters' were responsible for some heinous acts - there is much to be looked at, analysed and worked upon for the victims and their families to go forward.

If ZANU PF were honest in their intention to seek and secure national healing, then, two years after the general election that they lost, why have they not been working with the MDC and the population to achieve just that?

It is because they have no desire to achieve national healing - presumably because without it, they are able to sustain the pressure on the victims and their families - apart from the idea that they may find themselves arraigned in the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Some healing can only be achieved with justice being meted out to the perpetrators.

"Meanwhile, contrary to the assertion by Zimbabwe’s Deputy Prime Minister, a report by Reuters posted on its website indicates that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday, May 27, said "Zimbabwe’s elections would go ahead next year, despite the infighting that continues to hamper the government’s power-sharing agreement."

According to Reuters, Premier Tsvangirai told a news conference in South Africa, during a trip to meet supporters that a date for the elections would be set after a national referendum."

The fact that the three principals don't meet regularly is displayed by this difference of opinion.

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This story I find rather interesting as it is a ruling made by the Supreme Court in South Africa, a country led by someone who is openly sympathetic to Mugabe and his intentions.

People may disagree with me, but one of the functions that Jacob Zuma has is as mediator in the inter-party negotiations in Zimbabwe, and we have seen him do little to finalise the talks.

In fact, Mugabe has deliberately and openly worked against agreements brokered by Zuma - and Zuma has done nothing about it.

However, we have seen Mugabe stick two fingers up at SADC - the guarantors of the GPA - and Zuma has done absolutely nothing to prevent his apparent disrespect of not only the body, but of the agreement he signed with the two factions of the MDC.

"One of Africa's biggest banks, Standard Bank, was right to close the accounts of one of Zimbabwe's richest businessman, John Bredenkamp, because of his links to President Robert Mugabe, South Africa's Supreme Court has ruled.

Dismissing an appeal by Bredenkamp against an earlier ruling by the High Court that upheld Standard Bank's decision to close the accounts, Judge Louis Harris said the closure of the accounts was purely a business decision by the bank meant to protect its name and reputation."

Targeted travel sanctions are in place against Mugabe and his cronies and also seek to prevent and limit business being conducted with Mugabe and his associates. This will be part of those measures...

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

Monday, 31st May 2010

Howzit

Foreign currency mid-rates updated...

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A new book, "Blood Lily" by Mason Cranswick...

"Scott is facing bankruptcy amid the turmoil that grips the financial markets of 2008. He is saved when money is transferred to his account from an unexpected source. We flash back to war-torn 1970's Rhodesia where Scott is growing up as a privileged white boy alongside his best friend, Simba, a black boy, on his parents' farm...

A sweeping tale of naivety, treachery, war and genocide, of love and friendship... and ultimately of hope and regeneration."

-o00o-

I receive emails from all over the world, and sometimes these include photographs. So, when an email arrived a few days ago with 2 photographs of a 'toll gate' on the Bulawayo-Plumtree road, my interest was piqued. I have travelled this road hundreds of times during my service in the ZRP and as a prosecutor in courts...

A couple of coloured cones, a minute desk, a torn chair and a hi-viz jacket - when I had a look at these snaps, it crossed my mind that at least Dirk Turpin had the decency to wear a mask...

-o00o

If you look at the photos above, you will note that the vehicle are reasonably new and in good condition. But the ZRP are obviously more interested in pursuing political ends than doing simple checks on the highway and, as a result, vehicles in non-roadworthy condition are permitted to travel the highways, which themselves are in shocking condition.

"Six people died while 16 others were injured when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in burst one of its rear tyres and overturned along the Harare-Bulawayo road yesterday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the accident saying four of the victims died on the spot.

He however, said the 16 survivors sustained minor injuries."

The toll gates have been in place for quite a while and the government has been hopefully banking the money. Why aren't they looking at improving the state of the roads - I am not suggesting this accident was caused by the road's condition - or stepping up the campaign to ensure that vehicles on the roads are roadworthy?

It is a sad day in Zimbabwe when we read of accidents on the highways that result in any number of deaths.

Mugabe, his apologists, Tsvangirai and his people need to start doing something to improve the quality of the roads in Zimbabwe and to prevent non-roadworthy vehicles from travelling within the country.

"The commuter omnibus suddenly burst the left rear tyre and veered off the road, overturning once and killing four spot.

"The driver and another passenger later died after they were admitted at Chegutu Hospital," said Chief Superintendent Mandipaka."

Wasn't their a report quite a number of years ago that Mandipaka had been confined to a wheelchair after an accident? Or is my brain playing tricks on me?

-o00o-

Mugabe is decidedly unhappy with the idea that his trading in diamonds should be monitored and regulated by the Kimberley Process - even more so that it seeks to limit the obvious enrichment of individuals rather than the country.

So, when the KP monitor visits Zimbabwe, it is not surprising that his paperwork should be surreptitiously copied and then published in an attempt to belittle the process.

"The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) monitor, Abbey Chikane last week made sensational revelations about how state security agents managed to open his bag without his consent and photocopy some correspondences, which were later publicised through the state media.

Halfway through his visit which ended on Friday, Chikane came under fire from government officials through the state media where he was accused of working under instructions from the United States government.

The unnamed sources said on the basis of the emails, it would be difficult for Chikane to present findings that would favour Zimbabwe.

Chikane told journalists in Harare on Wednesday that when he came into the country, "some naughty intelligent person" opened his bag and photocopied some printouts of his emails."

Diamonds are a national resource and belong to the people of Zimbabwe - yet Mugabe treats the find as if the precious stones are his and his alone.

With the correct management, the find could conceivably finance the rebuilding and restructuring of Zimbabwe. But Mugabe is not interested in helping the population - but is interested in personal enrichment. This, we know, is nothing more than grandiose theft - but Mugabe sees no reason to change the habits that he has had for the last thirty years.

"In this particular case, what happened is that I had copies of emails in my bag," said Chikane, shortly after meeting members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy.

"The emails were photocopied by someone. They (the people who photocopied the emails) basically copied and pasted the content from different email messages.

"These are messages from different countries - Canada, the European Union, and even some African countries…

"But I think some naughty intelligent person decided to photocopy and make use of the emails," said Chikane."

In Zimbabwe, if it is within the borders, then Mugabe and his apologists believe that it is public domain - everything, except, of course, their own communications..

"In one of the photocopied emails, US State Department special advisor on conflict diamonds Brad Brooks-Rubin reportedly advised Chikane to "endeavour to meet with the representatives of the Parliamentary Committee", as well as civil society organisations.

Chikane’s meeting with the committee on Wednesday, according to sources, followed a conditional request by the monitor put to the Zimbabwe government through the Minister of Mines, Obert Mpofu.

Chikane however said all the business he carried out in Zimbabwe was according to the programme, which he developed himself and was approved by the government of Zimbabwe.

The KPCS monitor’s visit reportedly attracted a lot of interest from state security agents. On Thursday, the police in Mutare reportedly raided the offices of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), an organisation that has exposed rights abuses at the Chiadzwa diamond fields in Marange.

After failing to locate the organisation’s director Farai Maguwu, the police allegedly proceeded to his home, where they arrested his young brother, who could not be immediately identified."

The younger Magawu's whereabouts are now unknown.

-o00-

"President Robert Mugabe said on Friday Zimbabwe had voluntarily agreed to comply with the requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme but can break ranks with the body if it continues to be a stumbling block to the country’s ability to sell diamonds. Opening the 71st annual general meeting of the Chamber of Mines Mugabe said: “We entered voluntarily and we can get out voluntarily.

"I haven’t seen a single diamond from Chiadzwa but we are obeying the rules set for us to obey since we went in voluntarily."

He said if the KPCS "comprising some countries which are not friendly to us continue to hinder us then we might have to do some rethinking".

"Countries like Britain and Australia want to take advantage of us so that the process creates the same effect as sanctions are doing," he said."

Here we go again. What is it about Mugabe that he attempts to impart the falsity that their are economic sanctions in place against Zimbabwe? There are targeted travel sanctions against Mugabe and his motley crew, and these also include a ban on doing business with companies associated with these people.

The Kimberley Process seeks to ensure that diamonds sold by participating countries are not being sold to fund wars and conflicts.

Mugabe may have entered KP voluntarily, but now he decides he doesn't like the limitations and will move along if he wants. This is just like his signing agreements that he never had any intention of fulfilling in the first place. Mugabe uses his threats and statements to buy him time. Time which is now permanently etched on the faces of the surviving Zimbabwean population.

"Abbey Chikane, the KPCS designated monitor was in the country last week to assess if Zimbabwe was ready to release gem stones from the controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields to the international market.

Human rights groups want the country banned from selling the diamonds citing alleged human rights abuses and rampant smuggling by security forces.

On indigenisation, Mugabe said he was shocked by the level of opposition to the new regulations being pushed by ZANU PF.

Government is reviewing legislation that would have seen foreign-owned companies ceding 51% of their shares to locals within the next five years.

"I am just amazed by the ruse of negative publicity towards this policy of indigenisation when in fact its regulations provides for flexibility where necessary," he said."

Diamonds are Mugabe's best friends right now, and he will use them any way he wishes - but with his and ZANU PF's objectives in mind before he considers the population of Zimbabwe.

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

Sunday, 30th May 2010

Howzit

I am sorry that yesterday's posting was abruptly cut short, but sometimes a change is as good as a holiday. We were home by five thirty and the weather didn't help. This time last wee we had brilliant sunshine and it was quite hot - yet this weekend it is just raining.

-o00o-

We have seen the farms forcibly expropriated, and then we have seen the creation of laws and regulations in preparation to take over the larger foreign owned companies in Zimbabwe.

We would be forgiven for thinking that next in line will be the mines. But Mugabe has stated that the government has no intention of taking the mines over. Which, for me, is like Mugabe telling us that the mines will be taken.

"Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe on Friday said the government would not expropriate mining firms under the country's controversial equity laws.

"Government has no intention of expropriating the mining industry. No mine has been nationalised since independence," Mugabe told an annual congress of the Chamber of Mines in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

Mugabe's remarks sought to allay fear raised by a new law that compels large foreign companies to sell at least 51% stakes to local shareholders.

Mugabe has said the mining sector will be the first target for the rules."

So, he says no takeovers are planned, but then says that the mines will be the first to be forced to sell 51% - is that not a contradiction in terms?

And right now, it is the mining sector that is keeping Mugabe's administration going in the form of diamonds from Marange - albeit illegally...

"The implementation of the empowerment initiative will take cognisance of the need to promote growth," Mugabe told the miners.

"Such growth requires new investment, particularly foreign direct investment.

"Accordingly, mechanisms are being refined to ensure that investors find it attractive to expand current operations and bring in new investment into the country," he said.

"Local investors have to demonstrate fair value for their equity in the process."

Sorry, I remain unconvinced.

-o00o-

Mugabe will react to this with some scathing comments about Australia being a 'convict colony' or some such put down. We have to remember that Mugabe does not like the Australian government, no matter who is in charge.

Australia's previous leader described Mugabe as a 'grubby dictator'...

"The Australian government has insisted that Robert Mugabe must be out of Zimbabwe's political picture, before international aid will be available to help rebuild the country.

In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent in Canberra, Australia this week, the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith, said his government wanted Mugabe to go before financial aid for reconstruction can be extended to Zimbabwe."

It makes sense not to give money to the demolition expert to finish the job. The problem that the coalition government has, is that whilst the MDC are looking to repair the damaged to the economy and infrastructure caused by Mugabe and his mob of loyalists, they are not being given money to begin that phase as Mugabe is still in government.

"Our position is that Mugabe should move off the stage to allow a new beginning," he told the Independent on Tuesday. "The coalition government has failed to implement the global agreement in full because of Mugabe. He should move off the stage if the country is to re-engage with the international community."

Mugabe will not take kindly to this view and will, if anything, respond with his normal anti-West rhetoric. He feels no compunction to adhere to the normalities of politics - and will make all manner of spurious allegations... No change there then.

"These statements come ahead of a meeting of global superpowers, known as the 'Fishmongers' who are discussing Zimbabwe next month in Norway.

America, Britain, Germany, France, Sweden, Holland, Norway, Canada and Australia make up the Fishmongers Group and their meeting next Tuesday will deliberate on the state of the inclusive government, debt relief, public finance administration and the controversial indigenisation regulations."

-o00o-

Mugabe doesn't care how it gets done, just as long as it is done. And if that means utilising the female support that he has in ZANU PF, then so be it.

"Female ZANU PF youths were trained to terrorise suspected MDC supporters in the run up to June 27, 2008 presidential elections, and some lived to tell the tale of attacks at their hands.

Marondera resident and MDC-T supporter, Betty Amidu Kachichidza (42), explained how she narrowly escaped death at the hands of a female ZANU PF thug.

"It was one night in 2002 when I was asleep in my house in Dombotombo. I was woken up by a loud noise from people forcing my door open. My children were asleep in my room.

"To save my children from imminent death, I went to the room to challenge and possibly fight off the thugs. A group of youths numbering more than 50 including Garikai Nyamakombo and Juliet Kanchito if 42 Kuwe Street, grabbed and whisked me to a nearby truck.

"They started beating me up. Juliet Kanchito hit me with a sharp metal object on the head, legs and arms. I lost consciousness and they drove me to Dombotombo dam, where they intended to dump me. They rub salt into my wounds, to increase pain. I had never experienced or heard about such inhumane brutality."

As I say, Mugabe will use whoever he can to influence the minds and decisions of those that do not conform to the ZANU PF mantra.

In many respects, the violence that Mugabe has his people visit upon the people works against him as people are even more resolute in their need for democracy in Zimbabwe.

"Since I have gained fitness, I am back in the trenches fighting for democracy. The struggle for freedom from tyranny in my life. Nothing will scare me for the justified and worthy cause."

-o00o-

Mugabe treats the mineral wealth of Zimbabwe as a personal possession. He does not flinch when it comes to using the proceeds of an sale - legally or otherwise - to fund his extravagant lifestyle and to finance his party's activities.

If he were to manage the monies generated by the diamonds correctly, he could not only rebuild Zimbabwe and return it to its former glory, but he would gain a lot of the popularity that he has lost.

But Mugabe would prefer that the money be detoured into hi own personal purse.

"The illegal diamond trade in Zimbabwe is believed to be the single biggest source of "blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds" in the world today - and one of the last cash lifelines of the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, and his cohorts.

An investigation by The Times of London established how the Marange diamond fields in eastern Zimbabwe - a fabulously wealthy but virtually unexploited diamond find - had fallen under the control of the top men in Zimbabwe's secret services.

And despite the news this week that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) ordered the Zimbabwean government to halt all illegal diamond dealings, that country's government seems hellbent on circumventing the directive.

The KPCS is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against other governments.

The KPCS imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as "conflict-free". As of December 2009, the KPCS had 49 members, representing 75 countries, with the European Union and its member states counting as an individual participant."

It is incorrect for the KPCS to blanket the sales of diamonds illegally as being overseen by the 'Zimbabwean government' as we know that Mugabe and ZANU PF are a part of that government, but not in absolute power. The MDC, if they have any control at all, does not have any say in the sale or disposal of any currency gleaned from the diamonds.

Mugabe is the king pin here - and what he says goes. The money from the illegal sales goes to him and his senior loyalists - it does not find its way into the State coffers where it is most needed.

"KPCS monitor Abbey Chikane, who is also chairman of the Southern African Diamond Board, ordered that Zimbabwe stop unlawfully selling diamonds to Dubai.

Mines Minister Obert Mpofu last week confirmed he had suspended the sale of diamonds pending the finalisation of the KPCS process.

"The real issue is (that) Chikane told Zimbabwean authorities that while they can try to go it alone and sell their diamonds outside the KPCS, they were going to face serious problems. He demanded that they must stop their diamond sales," a senior diamond mining executive said.

In 2006, the Mugabe regime cancelled the mining lease for Marange that had been secured by a British-registered company called African Consolidated Resources (ACR). Last year a court confirmed that ACR was the rightful owner - but Mpofu and General Constantine Chiwenga, the defence force chief, have shown no intention of lessening their grip on such a lucrative trade.

Mugabe's wife, Grace, is also alleged to be involved."

The problem that we have is not necessarily the dominance of ZANU PF in the illegal diamond trade, but rather an all embracing love and greed for riches and opulence - whilst the population of Zimbabwe starves.

-o00o-

And the land grab, the forcible taking of white commercial farms from their owners - some of which had been bought from Mugabe's government after independence - still continues.

A couple of weeks ago, "Mugabe & The White African" was screened on British television, and the one thing that was brought home to me is the flagrant violence visited upon the people by Mugabe's hired thugs. Not only did they hurt people beyond our imagination, but they did it knowing that they were immune from prosecution because their actions were done in Mugabe's name.

And then, once the SADC tribunal had rules in favour of the farmers, Mugabe still chose to ignore the ruling. And he still continues with that attitude today.

What will it take for Mugabe and his violent hoodlums to actually abide by the law of the land?

"At 5.15 pm on the 25th May 2010 six truckloads of armed police arrived at Goff and Shirley Carbutt’s Oscardale Farm in the Inyathi district of Matabeleland North. They surrounded the homestead and proceeded to arrest Goff for being in illegal occupation of state land in spite of him having a very recent High Court order which confirmed the Administrative Court’s earlier ruling that he may reside on the remaining portion of his property; the rest having been given up for resettlement in line with earlier government policy. After relieving his wife of all the house keys, Shirley and elderly parents were given a short while to pack up some possessions and were then evicted from their home at gunpoint.

Goff, who has recently had a kidney transplant, was taken to the police station in Inyathi where he has had to sleep on the concrete floor of the police cells for the last two nights. He is to be charged under the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act for being in occupation of state land without an offer letter, permit or lease.

The convoy of police then proceeded to the vacant home of Ed Grenfell-Dexter of Riverside and Riverbank farms. There, on some pretext, they convinced his watchman to lure Mr Dexter out from Bulawayo where he now lives. When he arrived he too was arrested and was also detained in Inyathi police cells pending his being charged for the same offence in spite of him no longer being resident on the farm.

The police then went to Mike Huckle’s Felton farm where at about 9.00 pm they breached the security fence and broke in to the house where staff reside. They gathered all of the staff together and told them they had one hour to vacate the farm. Mike Huckle is resident in South Africa and in terms of another Administrative Court order has leased out the remaining portion of his farm which the Court ordered he may keep."

How do these people sleep at night. How can you order a farmer out to the land that has already be forcibly taken away - and then arrest him to being there? No doubt if he had ignored the police order, he would have been arrested on another pretext.

"The following morning after their first night in jail, Advocate Tim Cherry went to Inyathi to try and arrange for the release of the two farmers. He was kept waiting for some four hours whilst the Officer-in-Charge repeatedly telephoned code 04 (Harare) numbers.

On the same day - 26th May - Mrs Carbutt, after being checked to ensure she was not in possession of a camera, was allowed to regain access to the house to pack the rest of her possessions at gunpoint. She was not allowed to take the curtains which the alleged beneficiary named Ncube of the CIO/police required be left behind. He also insisted the garden hosepipe remain as it was "irrigation equipment". There is no law in Zimbabwe which requires movables of any sort to be left behind in this manner.

She found the pantry had been locked during the night and asked for the keys to open the door so as to remove her deep freezer. The police refused to part with them and denied that they had the keys. They told her that should she break into the pantry to remove her deep possessions they would arrest her for "damaging state property". Allegedly both Dexter and Carbutt are to be taken to Bulawayo today 27th May to appear in the city Magistrates Court. How the Magistrate is to override the ruling of the superior High Court remains to be seen."

I wonder if the lawyer Tim Cherry mentioned is the same former magistrate that I used to work with during my service in the ZRP...

But the police are now complicit to the crime of theft and they are aware that no court order will carry enough force to allow Carbutt to clear her pantry - or reclaim her curtains.

And Mugabe does nothing. The AU does nothing. And SADC does nothing...

Absolutely disgusting.

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

Saturday, 29th May 2010

Howzit

I had a very interesting discussion with a family member yesterday. It was suggested to me that the carving that I was given early last week is not a gondo, but a hungwe. What do you think?

-o00o-

Several years ago, Rockwell International decided to get into the
heavy duty transmission business. We were getting ready to tape
our first introduction video, as a warm up, the professional
narrator began what has become a legend within the
trucking industry.

The art of talking kak... Aren't we glad that this guy is not a politician? (Thanks to D&C in the US of A for the 'heads up!')

-o00o-

"A Johanne Marange Apostolic Faith meeting descended into a brawling contest near Gokwe centre when church members beat-up an MDC-T Councillor for allegedly "preaching opposition politics" during services.

Witnesses said the incident happened last Saturday when Councillor Onias Marisa - a church elder who represents Gokwe town's Ward One - defied a directive not to attend services.

Counsillor Marisa also confirmed the incident, adding he had filed a report about the assault at Gokwe Central police station."

In Zimbabwe, it would appear that the church is now becoming involved in daily politics. We have ZANU PF stating that Mugabe is the 'second son' of God, and that God is a ZANU PF member and now we have politicians being told not to attend church.

But when a church meeting is reduced to fisticuffs - well, I dispair...

"Church members said Marisa had been barred by sect elders for allegedly violating church rules by "preaching MDC-T politics" during the meeting."

Something tells me that the elders consist largely of ZANU PF members...

"Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Patrick Chademana said an assault report was made at Gokwe police station on May 15 adding investigations were underway.

"Police in Gokwe are investigation a case of assault that was reported on 15 May. The case was however not politically motivated as implied in certain quarters," he said."

-o00o-

It is a very difficult thing to say that a party is ready for elections.

Firstly, it is an indicator to the opposing parties that they are ready - and when that opposing party is ZANU PF, then things can get quite frenzied. Conversely, if the party doesn't indicate to the voters that they are ready, then disillusionment can seep in.

"Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Thursdsy election would go ahead next year once the constitutional reform exercise is completed.

Speaking in South Africa where he was meeting with supporters of the MDC-T, Tsvangirai said his party was in a 'marriage of convenience with Robert Mugabe's ZANU PF'."

It does warrant mention that it was the MDC that opted for a coalition government, recognising that they were going to be unable to do very much without ZANU PF, but the problem that has since shown itself is the reluctance of ZANU PF to share anything.

"When we emerge from the constitutional reform programme an agree timeframe will be outlined," said Tsvangirai.

He also dismissed allegation of divisions within his party, saying the MDC-T was trying to adapt to being in government and running a party at the same time."

Mugabe and his apologists will now swing into action, ensuring that the constitutional process is drawn out, delayed and generally unfulfilled...

-o00o-

ZANU PF are unrelenting.

"MDC-T MP for Makoni South in Manicaland, Pishai Muchauraya, has been summoned to appear in court over a case the state claims took place eight years ago.

Police officers from the Law and Order section in Mutare have visited his home twice since Wednesday, with an order for him to present himself to the Murambinda magistrate court on 4th June.

"To be frank, I cannot recall any police case against me dating back to that period. This is pure harassment by ZANU PF using state resources," Muchauraya told SW Radio Africa on Friday.

The MP, who is also party spokesman for Manicaland, claimed there is a plot being engineered by ZANU PF to open fresh dockets against MDC MPs ahead of the constitutional outreach programme.

"One way or the other, almost every MDC MP has faced trumped up charges since the formation of the party. Most of the cases against the MPs were thrown out by the courts, but ZANU PF wants to revive them in the belief there would be convictions this time around."

I do note that the article does not indicate the details of the allegation. Is this just wishful thinking by the pro-Mugabe ZRP, or are they attempting to put together a case against the MP as they issue summons for his appearance in court?

"Muchauraya believes he’s being targeted for exposing the crackdown on MDC supporters by armed soldiers, youths and war veterans in the province.

"There is lot of violence in Manicaland at the moment, waged by armed solders who are intimidating villagers to attend ZANU PF meetings. From Chipinge, Chimanimani, Nyanga and Makoni there is massive intimidation by ZANU PF for people to support the Kariba draft,’ the MP added.

Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe reported on Friday that families have been fleeing the escalation of violence in Chiweshe and Murehwa in Mashonaland Central and East provinces.

In Epworth, closer to the capital, ZANU PF thugs are threatening to mete out violence to anyone who defies their formula for the constitution-making process.

A statement from the advocacy group, The Union for Sustainable Democracy, tells of how people in Epworth have been ordered by ZANU PF to report for political meetings against their will."

-o00o-

Since I began this posting an hour or so ago, much has happened in our home, and we are now committed to a family get-together shortly - so rather than try and rush the posting, I would prefer to stop it here and catch up with the omitted stories tomorrow.

I trust that you will understand.

Take care.

'debvhu

Friday, 28th May 2010

Howzit

Foreign currency mid-rates updated.

-o00o-

As planned, I travelled to London by train on Wednesday morning, and amongst other things, I got to see the 4D Experience - if ever you get the chance, you have to go and see that - awesome! (And I didn't feel stupid wearing the oversize "Elton John" glasses!)

And also I got to ride on the London Eye.

An amazing piece of engineering and an unforgettable experience. At the top, you will have gone up 135 metres (443 feet)... There was a time in my life where I was absolutely petrified of heights - but thanks to a friend of long standing who flies aircraft for a living who allowed me to often 'fly' the right seat, those fears have gone completely. (Good man, KS!)

I could do this all day, every day.

It is so easy to put up classic stock photos of the 'flight'...
I also picked up most of the experience on video tape and
have already transferred that to DVD

Relaxing at the outdoor café after the 'flight'. I think that
the entire experience shows on my face, don't you?

The trip was an eye-opener for me, as whenever I have gone to London in the past, it has been at night. Don't ask me why! (Well, it was to meet various aircraft landing at funny times...) On Wednesday, I got to see just how big London is and get a feel for the place...

London is too big for me, too busy and too impersonal. But that is from a guy that was happiest living in Esigodini, Plumtree, Gwanda and Chiredzi... but I really did enjoy the day.

I finally got home at 0130 hours on Thursday morning.

Mission accomplished.

-o00o-

Now, there are loads of articles on Zimbabwe on the internet - not necessarily because of the two day break, but because there are things happening there, and not all of them questionable.

For me, the most worrying development is the intended launch of yet another political party...

"A new political party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is set to be launched in Zimbabwe with the aim of changing the country’s political landscape. In a wide ranging interview with News24, the party’s founder and president Pastor Timothy JM Chiguvare revealed how PPP is geared to face the challenge in its endeavour to oust President Robert Mugabe and his ZANU PF party.

Pastor Chiguvare also indicated dissatisfaction at the current government of national unity (GNU) formed by President Mugabe and the two MDC formations of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara, saying it has failed to bring significant change to the suffering people of Zimbabwe.

News24: People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that’s the name of your party – what does it mean and who is funding it?

Pastor Chigivare: PPP is the voice for the oppressed and it was formed in 2008 after the elections that left many Zimbabweans feeling betrayed. The outcome of the election was not what many people had expected and there had to be a way forward.

It was at that time that PPP started mobilising people by forming a union of the struggling youth of Zimbabwe. But later, we discovered some people were older and we thought it best to form another union for struggling women which was then followed by the union of the unemployed. These unions, when we put them together make up to 90% of the Zimbabwe population where we draw our membership from. And the idea behind the formation of these unions was to prove that we could change our people’s lives.

So the party was launched here in South Africa, Johannesburg in that same year 2008 and we made it a point that it was going to be funded by its members. This was because we didn’t want to be funded by organisations which would in turn want tell us what to do.

But when we launched, the party was called Christians for Peace, Justice and Democracy. In 2009, we decided to change the name because we looked at the aims and objectives of the party and realised that it (party) was supposed to be free of religion so that even non Christians could feel accommodated."

I have written recently about the creation of new political parties in Zimbabwe and how this can lead to a dilution of the voter potential. By splitting the voter base that is prepared to oppose ZANU PF's grip on power in the country - legitimate or otherwise - the new parties only ensure that ZANU PF will remain in power...

We now have two MDC parties, on split in two factions, and the PPP. Why? Does each party truly believe that they have the 'answer'? If so, then why haven't they joined forces to stop Mugabe instead of coming out with little, ineffectual parties?

"We have 3,5 million members and we expect the number to increase because of the projects and policies that we have as a party."

-o00o-

I find this quite reprehensible. A prison officer who uses cells to house his chickens?

"Harare Remand Prison Officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Chibaya has closed the Juvenile section of the prison and now uses the cells for keeping his chickens.

The juvenile section was designed to separate young offenders from hard core inmates who would sodomize them if they are keep in the same section.

"The officer in charge is keeping a total of 150 chickens in the section which he transferred deserving young inmates. This is exposing them to sodomy and other forms of bad behaviour as they will be taught criminal activities by recidivists who are ever imprisoned.

This is abuse of office by Chibaya as he is using government properties for his personal benefit. We want to write a letter to the Prison Head quarters expressing our anger over his behaviour," said Prison officers, names withheld."

Yesterday afternoon I had the misfortune of watching a drama that I had recorded from television which started with a prison break from Chikurubi. The intended shock value of the drama was hugely reduced as the prison was almost acceptable, the treatment of prisoners almost passed for human - and the drama attempted to place the prison within just a few blocks from the city centre.

I was saddened that the movie makers had chosen to go soft on the truth in Zimbabwe.

Later in the drama, two escapees were on the run for just two days - and somehow were south of Ngundu!

It was unbelievable to the point of frustration as the people behind the drama had every chance to make the whole thing a little more factual and expose the realities of life in Zimbabwe.

What has this got to do with chickens living in prison cells? Not a lot, bar the fact that a senior officer has decided that his chickens deserve a better life than those he ostensibly guards...

"Officials at the prison have confirmed that Chibaya last month closed the section and transferred all juveniles to sections where hard core inmates reside, adding that they there is a great potential of young inmates being abused.

Besides the issue of the juveniles being abused the officers say they fear for a disease out break if the chickens continue to be kept in the prison cells."

-o00o-

'Insulting Mugabe' seems to be the crime of the week in Zimbabwe. Roy Bennett, Job Sikhala and now these two individuals.

"Among the charges lodged against the two gay activists arrested last Friday in Zimbabwe is insulting President Robert Mugabe.

The men were arrested after police stormed the offices of the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) rights group. Various computers and documents were seized by officials.

Ellen Chadehama, 34, and Ingatius Mhambi, 38 – both employed by GALZ – remain in police custody Wednesday. Attorney David Hofisi says he has not been allowed to visit the pair in jail.

On Tuesday, Hofisi said the men were being charged with keeping pornographic materials and insulting the president, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.

“Police allege that Chadehama and Mhambi displayed a plaque from former San Francisco Mayor Willie Lewis Brown in their office in which the African-American denounces President Robert Mugabe's homophobia against gays and lesbians," he said."

Some years ago, Mugabe stated that lesbians and homosexuals were 'lower than pigs and dogs'.

How quickly he forgets that the first President of Zimbabwe, Canaan Banana, appointed by none other than himself was convicted of sodomy. It makes his selection just a little off then, doesn't it?

"Earlier this year, the president rejected a call to add sexual orientation as a protected class in a constitution being drawn up under a power-sharing deal. He said gay people are "destroying" the nation and called the idea "crazy".

At least 37 African countries currently outlaw being gay and anti-gay sentiment is common throughout the continent.

Last week, two men in Malawi were sentenced to a harsh 14-years of hard labor for participating in a symbolic engagement ceremony in December."

My own feelings aside, Mugabe is intent on removing from the community at large, homosexuals, lesbians, whites and anyone else that he decides that he doesn't like. It is total craziness to put people in categories that his party holds in disdain - and then to discard those boxes.

-o00o-

When Mugabe signed the Peace Accord with Joshua Nkomo in 1987, ZANU PF just took over ZAPU - including their assets.

Now ZAPU want their property back...

"Zimbabwe's opposition - the revived ZAPU party - this week said it is mobilising resources to mount a legal challenge that will force the government to return properties President Robert Mugabe's previous administration seized from the party during the early 80s.

The government seized numerous properties that included farms and several buildings in Bulawayo and Harare among other cities, belonging to the then opposition PF ZAPU led by nationalist and former Vice president Joshua Nkomo over alleged discoveries of arms caches at some farm belonging to the party."

I remember when Mugabe ordered Nkomo's arrest and the seizure of Nkomo's and ZAPU's property.

From my book "Without Honour":

"In 1982, Mugabe’s ZANU PF now publicly accused the ZAPU leaders of attempting to spark another war. As a result, ZAPU leaders were removed from the cabinet and arrested.

I was amongst a number of Police personnel that raided the Mbalabala Hotel, then owned by ZAPU leader Joshua Nkomo, following orders from on high. Our raid had been pre-empted and the story of Joshua Nkomo escaping through a bathroom window, dressed as a woman, was born out of this raid…"

Mugabe has always been of the belief that his word is law, and never to be opposed or argued. It should be very interesting to see how ZAPU get on in court. Even if they win, do we really think that Mugabe is about to return the property? I doubt it.

-o00o-

I could probably go on for hours, writing story after story on Zimbabwe, but I am cognisant of the time and the need to also not bore you, the reader.

Perhaps this story is a good place to stop.

There was a time that when Zimbabweans hit the headlines, it was because of their achievements in the country, or their feats on the sports field - but nowadays it seems to be the norm that articles just show the pro-Mugabe thinking that his officers around the world have adopted...

"When Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson took to the podium at Tuesday night's gala event, he probably didn't' expect any hecklers.

Carson, was speaking at the Africa Day celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a meeting of embassy officials representing countries all over the African continent.

A soft-spoken diplomat with a professorial air, Carson spoke on the progress of Africa from a colonial dominion to a group of independent, if struggling states.

His remarks were going along as expected - until he started to talk critically about the downslide of human rights and good governance in Zimbabwe.

"You are talking like a good house slave!" came a shout from an audience member to Carson's right.

Your humble Cable guy nearly choked on his filet mignon as it became clear that the heckler, Zimbabwean Ambassador H.E. Machivenyika Mapuranga, was determined to keep interrupting the speech by shouting at Carson.

As the crowd hissed "Boo!" and other disapproving condemnations, Mapuranga wouldn't let it go, going on with shouts such as, "We will never be an American colony, you know that!" - repeating a tired ZANU PF template that has been used over the years to cover up failure and lack of proper civilised debate.

Mugabe has accused the US and Britain of a "regime change" agenda and has called Zimbabwe's opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, a puppet for Western interests."

Does the US want to turn the wreckage of Zimbabwe into an American colony? Inded, does Britain want to re-colonise the country? I don't think so.

Not only is the damage too deep for any idea like that to hold any water, but in a new progressive society, why would the West want to reverse the calendar some 100 years?

Are ZANU PF not aware that Mugabe has achieved that without the assistance and aid of the West?

Zimbabwe is ruined. Rebuilding would not be a repair job, but a total demolition and start from scratch.

Why would the West want to spend money rebuilding something that Mugabe destroyed?

Apart from showing the worst manners possible in a host country, the ambassador proves beyond any doubt that his opinions mirror those held by Mugabe - and perhaps he should be returned to the abject poverty of Zimbabwe instead of living in relative comfort in America...

"Zimbabwe Ambassador to the United States, Machivenyika Mapuranga, was evicted from a meeting to commemorate Africa Day after hurling insults at an American official who had criticised ZANU PF for failing to observe the spirit of the GPA."

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

Tuesday, 25th May 2010

Howzit

Please remember that there will be no posting tomorrow or Thursday as I am travelling to London on a personal mission and will only return very late tomorrow night, so will take Thursday off to recover. Travelling by train with a damaged arm such as mine is not fun!

-o00o-

Yesterday was a very busy day for me, the wife and members of our family as our next door neighbour's family came to clear out the bungalow.

The heat perhaps didn't help, but by just before midday the place was clear and the keys can be returned to the housing office.

It was strange leaving the house empty because we have been so used of our neighbour being there. He was not a loud person by any stretch of the imagination, was very private - a real gentleman and a good friend.

The son gave me a gift from his father's effects, which I will hold dear...

My Gondo...

Oh, and the family also gave us a lovely wardrobe which is now the replacement for the ageing one we had in the bedroom - which, strangely enough, was given to us by the family of the original tenant in the bungalow on the other side of us who had pass away about 7 years ago.

The old one is now advertised on FreeCylcle (which, here in Derby is called Freegle)...

-o00o-

As the situation in Zimbabwe continues to slide into obscurity, there are a few things happening that make us wonder if ZANU PF is playing with a full deck.

"The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has raided a car dealership in Harare and stopped the auction of 75 cars as part of investigations into alleged tax evasion by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

According to a letter written to the embattled RBZ governor Gideon Gono by Imperial Motors, ZIMRA officials also seized records from the dealership that also trades as AJ Motor Centre.

"The ZIMRA officials have not given any reason as to why they have placed an embargo on our vehicles but much of their research and audit is focused on vehicles sold to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)," said Imperial Motors chief executive officer, Ajit Patel in a letter addressed to Gono and in Radio VOP’s possession.

"We have had many contracts with RBZ and these contracts are based on the nature that Imperial Motors are only facilitating the RBZ purchases of vehicles by carrying out the logistics and documentation for the vehicles."

The RBZ imported hundreds of cars some of which were used during the currency change programmes.

Some of the cars that still do not have registration books were later donated to government departments."

And while Gono's supply company was making money by selling motor cars to the Reserve Bank, he was also taking money out of accounts held at the bank 'in the national interest' and that money has not been replaced, even though Mugabe says that Gono is 'no thief'.

Perhaps if he had paid the tax on the vehicles, then there would have been no need to raid accounts...

"Movement of Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai alleged some of the cars were used to abduct its supporters by state security agents during the bloody 2008 elections.

In the letter, Patel pleads with Gono to ensure that his company is not inconvenienced by the raids."

That's a laugh - they want their company to continue as normal whilst the investigations continue...

"He said his company had been a supplier of vehicles to State House, the army, the police and other government departments.

A ZIMRA spokesman confirmed the raids and warned that the authority would deal with any tax evaders regardless of their status.

Property worth millions belonging to the RBZ has been auctioned by creditors as the central bank is broke.

It is alleged the central bank imported thousands of vehicles in the past five years without paying duty."

-o00o-

I am not a huge FaceBook fan, although I do have an account there.

This article lays bare just how easily the private writings on people can be publicly exposed...

"A security hole in Social Networking website Facebook’s database has seen many Zimbabweans’ online chats being laid bare before the whole world to see, potentially exposing some to political victimisation by President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF party, as the company abruptly changes its privacy policy.

Facebook made sudden changes to their privacy policy on the 21st April which opened up its search facility, experts charge. As a result, websites armed with the simple-code will now within a split second show-cast selected data residing in the social network’s inner database, as Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmahdinejad calls on the United Nations to force America to loosen its control of the Internet.

One of these website, www.youropenbook.org freely interrogates Facebook’s naked database and can display a series of search query results with just a click of the mouse. As of Monday, a search for 'Mugabe' (http://youropenbook.org/?q=Mugabe&gender=any) exposed a number of chats which included one written by a lady, name withheld, who had scribbled a short prayer from her mobile phone.

"Dear God, I know you’re busy with Darfur, the Middle East, oil spills, planes falling out of the sky, those damn North Koreans threatening to blow the whole world up, etc. But Lord, when you have a wee moment won’t you please check on my neighbour Bob Mugabe. I believe his building a modern day ark Lord. And you won’t believe where he’s sailing to!! I smell a rat."

According to some experts, the data which is exposed to the rest of the world is that of people who have their privacy settings set to open. However, without adequate computer literacy tagged with Facebook’s sophisticated settings, many Zimbabweans have become prey to this security-hole."

Well, if Mugabe is sending an Ark of animals to various countries, I think we will smell more than a rat...

But, as Zimbabweans, we need to be aware of the inherent problems and potentially harmful results of using the FaceBook website.

-o00o-

Mugabe is intent on nailing as many MDC members, officials and followers as he can - for doing very nearly nothing...

"A Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Senator has landed himself in trouble with the police for allegedly insulting President Robert Mugabe.

Senator Morgan Komichi, who is the MDC deputy organising secretary, is accused by Bindura police of undermining the authority of or insulting President Mugabe after he allegedly sang a song with the lyrics: "Chimurume chagire chandifungisa dhongi rangu rakafa kare kare," which the police construed to mean "Grace’s husband reminds me of my donkey which died long long back referring to His Excellence (sic) President Robert Gabriel Mugabe who is husband of the first Lady Comrade Grace Mugabe".

Police allege that Komichi sang the "insulting" song when he addressed a rally at Chiwaridzo Shopping Centre in Bindura on 24 January 2010.

Police say the MDC deputy organising secretary made the insults when he knew or realised that there was a real risk or possibility that the statement was false and that it could "engender feelings of hostility towards or course (sic) hatred, contempt or ridicule of the President whether in person or in respect of the President’s Office"."

It is quite amazing that Mugabe's police seem to spend their time chasing and arresting MDC personnel when he and his senior apologists are allowed to say what they want about the MDC. The power-sharing agreement of two years ago makes provision against 'hate speech', but that only seems to apply to the MDC.

"Komichi becomes the latest MDC official to be charged with insulting President Mugabe.

In January Nyanga North legislator Douglas Mwonzora was summoned to stand trial on allegations that he called the octogenarian leader a "goblin" at a rally he addressed at Ruwangwe Growth Point in Nyanga North constituency on 21 March 2009."

Mugabe can dish it out, but he can't take it...

-o00o-

Job Sikhala is finding out the hard way that becoming a political leader in Zimbabwe, standing against the losers of the 2008 election, is not as easy as he first thought.

And following his arrest at the weekend, he intends to speak about it all in a press conference tomorrow.

"Outspoken leader of the newly formed MDC-99 party, Job Sikhala, on Monday launched a verbal attack on Robert Mugabe, describing him as an 'unrepentant dictator'.

The former St Mary's legislator told SW Radio Africa that Zimbabwe has not moved an inch towards human rights reforms since the days Mugabe was in total power.

The MDC-99 leader was arrested on Friday for launching his MDC-99 party 'without informing the police'. He’s also being accused of insulting Mugabe.

On Monday Sikhala appeared in court facing the two charges. He was released from custody and told to pay $100 bail. He’s now set to appear in court for trial on the 7th June. The presiding magistrate ordered Sikhala to report weekly at St Mary's police station."

Mugabe did it to Tsvangirai and many of his followers, including high profile defendant Roy Bennett, and now he has his eyes set on Sikhala. Just about the only person he hasn't gone for is Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, leader of the smaller MDC faction.

Mugabe knows that the smaller faction has enough seats to swing the majority one way of the other, so instead of going after him, he is happy to romance him...

"Sikhala said he will hold a press conference on Wednesday to challenge the international community to confront Mugabe over human rights abuses and his intimidation of political opponents."

No doubt we will read of Sikhala being arrested tomorrow and being held on various charges which will include insulting the President, unauthorised public gathering, and more lesser 'crimes'.

-o00o-

Another newspaper report suggests that some of Tsvangirai's people are jumping ship to join Sikhala.

"Job Sikhala’s newly formed MDC-99 has taken Zimbabwe by storm with confirmed reports that several senior MDC-T and MDC-M officials have joined his party, The Zim Diaspora can reveal.

There is no doubt that the threat of Sikhala’s newly launched party against Zimbabwe’s mainstream political parties could have led to his arrest last week, as a means of trying to weaken him.

Sikhala is now facing trumped up charges of allegedly insulting Mr Mugabe and he is being charged under the notorious POSA.

Senior officials who have crossed the floor to join the Sikhala-led party include Mr Timevious Acropol, who was the MDC-T district chairperson for Zvishavane, his wife, Lilien, who was the party’s provincial treasurer, Ishmael Mavukazuva, who was the MDC-T vice chairperson for Zvishavane district, Robson Mugwagwa, Midlands South Provincial youth information officer, Mr Antony Musiwa, a member of the Mkoba district executive, Mr Josiah Makombe, secretary for Gweru Urban and Mr David Sabola who was the Gweru urban district treasurer.

In a document entitled "The Way Forward", the former MDC-T officials said most of the officials who crossed over to the newly formed MDC 99 were frustrated by Tsvangirai’s MDC-T.

The party officials said they felt betrayed in the struggle by their former MDC-T party which they said had deviated from the party’s founding democratic principles.

They said they while they had for all along pinned their hopes on Morgan Tsvangirai, they were horrified by corruption within senior MDC-T officials giving examples of the appointment of Hebson Makuvise as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to German yet he was direct maternal uncle of Prime Minister Tsvangirai, they claimed."

I suppose the difference is that we had so many hopes for the MDC when they beat ZANU PF in the parliamentary elections in 2008, but over two years later we see very little has changed and ZANU PF seem to run the country although they are really the political opposition.

Tsvangirai's MDC faction finds themselves almost toothless in the government, largely brought about by the stubbornness of Mugabe in allowing the party that won the election any power at all. As I have said in the past, probably the quietest and longer coup in history.

"The officials who have joined the new party said after trying in vain to reason with the party leadership on the way forward, they decided to join the new party.

"Following the party’s dismal failure to deal with issues of factionalism in the Midlands South province, we the so-called Jatropha faction together with several others who felt that the issue of factionalism has not been dealt with in a democratic manner, have decided to cross over and join MDC-99 as we seek to follow the roots and principles that led to the initial formation of the united MDC in the year 2009," read part of the statement.

"We have since realised that the term democracy no longer exists in the MDC-T party as leaders have become dictators that do not accept any dissenting voices," read part of the statement."

Well - they are entitled to their opinions, aren't they?

-o00o-

I would suppose that being the son of the most guarded man in Africa would have its problems. And being a teenager as well adds to the potential problems.

"President Robert Mugabe’s son, Robert Jnr, is said to be causing security nightmares for his personal guards preferring a normal life.

Eye witness at the posh St John's College in Borrowdale where he attends school, said last Friday Robert Jnr had caused mayhem at the school when he drove to the nearby Chisipite shopping centre to buy lunch with his white friend in a bid to get a taste of public life.

"While at the shopping centre the two entered into Bon Marche shop where they bought some ice cream, a life Robert is rarely exposed to," said a source. "It is at this time that the state security, which takes him home for lunch, arrived and discovered that he was nowhere to be found."

People who reside near the college said there were noises of sirens coming from all directions during that time.

"We thought maybe the president had come for a meeting with the school when we heard noises of his motorcade. Everyone’s attention was drawn to that unusual noise. We quickly rushed to the school and discovered that the state security was asking children about the whereabouts of Robert (Jnr) who at that time arrived in a friend’s posh car," said eye witnesses."

Methinks that Mugabe will not be happy with his son rubbing shoulders with white friends... y'see, the president is a rabid racist.

"Robert is always telling us that he is tired of being closely monitored by the security. He told us that he misses a great deal because of confinement and that is why he decided to jump into his friend’s car to go to Chisipite," said students at the school.

The students said he deliberately left earlier for lunch to avoid his security personnel."

I would think that Mugabe (Snr) will probably have stern words with the school - and I would also guess that a close security operative will probably be detailed to shadow him 24/7 - including school...

"We have heard that he has on several times been denied getting out with friends by our security and we are now afraid that he might cause us problems with the state security if he continues avoiding them," said the teacher.

Robert Jnr, who is said to be doing his upper six at the elite College is normally drove home for lunch by state security every day."

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu