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CSOs condemn arbitrary arrest of human rights defenders

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwean Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have condemned the arbitrary arrest of human rights defenders Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Vusumuzi Moyo, and Robson Chere at Robert Mugabe International Airport on July 31.

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“We are deeply troubled by the blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic principles displayed by the security forces,” said a statement from the CSOs.

“The detention of rights defenders, while enroute to a crucial African philanthropy conference in Victoria Falls, constitutes a gross violation of their personal liberty and professional rights.”

The CSOs described the subsequent charging of the defenders with disorderly conduct as a “cynical attempt to justify their unlawful detention”.

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They emphasized that Zimbabwe is a signatory to the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which enshrine the principles of freedom of assembly, association, and expression.

“The actions taken against these human rights defenders are in direct conflict with these commitments,” the CSOs said. “We demand a thorough and impartial investigation into their arrest and the conduct of the security forces involved.”

The CSOs also called upon the Zimbabwean government to immediately and unconditionally release the four defenders and take concrete steps to protect the rights of human rights defenders and create an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely.

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The international community and the region must also play its part in condemning this egregious human rights violation, the CSOs said.

“We urge regional and international bodies to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to respect the rights of its citizens and adhere to domestic and international human rights obligations.”

The arrest of the four defenders has sent shockwaves through the human rights community in Zimbabwe, with many fearing a shrinking space for civil society.

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But the CSOs remain resolute in their determination to continue advocating for justice and democracy.

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National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

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According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

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Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

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ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

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ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

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Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

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Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.

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