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Mphoko’s son arrested for rape, escapes from custody

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BULAWAYO – Former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko’s son, who handed himself to the police for allegedly raping his 12-year-old niece has since fled, saying he fears for his life.

Siqokoqela Mphoko told VOA Zimbabwe that he handed himself to the police after the law enforcement agents threatened to take stern measures against him.

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Mphoko said, “I was called by police investigators.

“Apparently police intelligence (operatives) called me this afternoon and told me to avail myself at the police station at Hillside Police Station and I asked them what it was all about and they told me that if I don’t appear they will use force in order to come after me.

“There is an allegation of rape against me.

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“A niece who has been staying with us at the request of her mother who is living in South Africa …

“She is my cousin, came from South Africa saying she wants to see the kid and the child was at school doing extra lessons at Wonder Park.

“They begged us to stay with her and help her academically. She is a 12-year-old.

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“She is turning 13 next month … This is what it is …”

Mphoko claimed that “my cousin has since taken the child from school and made a police report that I wore a condom when I raped my niece.”

He said his detention “has to do with the Choppies case and Professor Welshman Ncube has issues with this.

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“My former business partners are behind this. These people have a serious network. Why would my sister lie and say something like this.

“The allegation is that I used a condom on her.”

He claimed that he may be poisoned in police custody “like what nearly happened last time when I was locked up.”

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He further claimed that his father is opposed to his attempt to silence his former Choppies business partners, who want a big stake in the company.

Ncube was unreachable on his mobile phone.

He later told VOA Zimbabwe that he is alone somewhere and her distraught family is looking for him.

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“Let it be known that I have not been arrested by the government. When I complied last time I nearly died.

“I will not go down that road again. I asked the officer in charge who said the case is out of their hands. This is premeditated.”

The former vice president and his son claim that they are the majority stakeholders of Choppies Zimbabwe through their local investment vehicle, Nanavac with 51 percent.

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The High Court recently dismissed an application filed by the Mphokos seeking an order to declare that the majority holders of Choppies Enterprises.

They sued Nanavac Investments Private Limited, Choppies Enterprise and Choppies Distribution Center (Proprietory) Limited demanding payment for the 51 percent shares. – VOA

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National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

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The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

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The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

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Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

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The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

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Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

 

 

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Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

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According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

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Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

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Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.

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