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Govt slammed for schools re-opening after lockdown extension

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The government has been criticised for ordering the re-opening of schools less than 24 hours after extending the lockdown to slow down the spread of Covid-19 by another two weeks.

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Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Wednesday told journalists in Harare that schools, which were closed two months ago, would start re-opening on August 30 with examination classes.

Non examination classes will re-open on September 6.

The current school term was supposed to start on June 28 but was delayed by the onset of the third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.

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“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education met with teacher organisations and deliberated on the safe re-opening of schools, among many other issues,” Mutsvangwa said.

“Noting with satisfaction, the preparations for the resumption of classes in schools, Cabinet is advising that schools will re-open on the 30th of August 2021 for examination classes and on the 6th of September 2021 for non-examination classes.”

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), however, accused the government of ambushing teachers, parents and learners with the announcement.

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“Parents, teachers and learners have all been ambushed,” PTUZ said on Thursday.

“Who has a stash of money just lying around to be used for fees or bus fare back to work?

“Government may be ready, but no-one else is. The so-called salary was used up around pay day for everyone.”

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Harrison Mudzuri, the PTUZ coordinator, said by ordering schools to open a day after extending the lockdown by two weeks, the government was sending mixed signals.

“What is means is that there is no more lockdown in Zimbabwe,” Mudzuri said.

The Zimbabwe Senior Hospitals Doctors Association said the extension of the lockdown was unscientific.

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“Data from the Ministry of Health clearly shows Covid-19 infections well below resurgence threshold,” the doctors said in a brief statement on Wednesday.

“Most hospitals countrywide have significantly reduced admissions,” they added.

“Lockdown has achieved its aims. If we are basing decision on stats and science, what’s the justification for the extension?”

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The government also announced that restaurants will now be allowed sit-in customers, but only if they are vaccinated.

Intercity travel will only be allowed for the re-opening of schools.

Mutsvangwa said the government had also extended the Covid-19 vaccination programme to the 14-to-17-year age group.

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Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

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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.” 

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Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools 

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As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

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ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

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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. ” 

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