BY STAFF REPORTER 

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day. 

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge. 

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed. 

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also  investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare. 

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident. 

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.” 

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers. 

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment. 

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ” 

BY MANDLA TSHUMA

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has lamented a high staff turnover in the organisation which it says attributes to the prevailing harsh economic conditions in the country.

The Zimbabwean economy has been deteriorating over the years, with the local currency continuing to weaken against major currencies such as the United States Dollar.

Officially opening the 2024 legal year at the Bulawayo High Court on Monday, Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza the JSC’s activities were not smooth sailing throughout 2023. “Staff turnover remained a cause for concern,” she decried.

“The economic climate adversely affected the remuneration levels for the majority of the members of the Judicial Service. That inevitably led to a high staff turnover, especially in the lower ranks of the organisation.”

Gwaunza implored the government to continue supporting the JSC’s initiatives to ensure that the conditions of service for members of staff involved in the administration of justice continue to improve.

“Retention of experienced employees is integral to the efficient discharge of the JSC’s constitutional mandate,” said Gwaunza.

“Whilst the sterling work done by the JSC through the Secretariat in supporting the courts and by extension the financial support provided by Treasury is acknowledged, improvement of conditions of service of the Judiciary as a matter of priority remains consistent with the ideal of promoting constitutionalism.”

She said while the JSC is grateful for the support rendered by the treasury during the period under review, the timeous and consistent disbursement of funds would assist in ensuring effective justice delivery for all, and the completion of the outstanding projects.

This year’s theme is: “The role of the judiciary in entrenching constitutionalism.”

In light of that, Gwaunza said judges and magistrates must be agents of constitutionalism through observance of the principles that guide the Judiciary in terms of sections 164 and 165 of the Constitution.

“Judicial officers are the gatekeepers of the constitution,” she said.

“It is therefore imperative that their conduct remains lawful and beyond reproach at all times. It is the only way that the public will retain confidence in the Judiciary. Where there exists the unfortunate scenario of judicial officers whose conduct is reproachable and is in violation of the provisions of the Constitution or the Judicial Code of Ethics in the case of Judges and the Judicial Service Regulations and the Magistrates’ Code of Ethics in the case of magistrates, it will be inevitable that the relevant disciplinary measures will be invoked.

She added: “There is the grim potential to undermine constitutionalism by condoning or legitimising unlawful conduct by judicial officers which erode the outlined fundamental values and principles of the Constitution.