Border traffic surges

August 7, 2013 

Beitbridge Bureau
The volume of traffic has drastically increased at Beitbridge Border Post and people are spending an average of three hours to enter South Africa. Traffic surged on Sunday night as people resumed their normal business soon after the announcement of the harmonised election results. A week before the elections, the movement of people at the border had become relatively low with the immigration department assisting less than 6 000 on both sides of the border.
Long queues have become common on the South African border, while people are still being cleared efficiently on the Zimbabwean border.
Travellers who spoke to The Herald said yesterday that they were spending more time on the south of the Limpopo as compared to the few minutes on the Zimbabwean border.
The assistant regional immigration officer in charge of Beitbridge Mr Charles Gwede said many people had suspended movement during the elections and had returned to their normal business.
“You will also note that this is a month-end and holiday where a lot of people cross the border for shopping and visiting in South Africa. We have also seen that people had minimised their movements during the pre-election period but they are now back to business as usual.”
http://www.herald.co.zw/border-traffic-surges/ 

Sunday News editor Paul Mambo buried

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Scores of mourners thronged the Mambo homestead in Mpande Village some 135km west of Beitbridge town to bid farewell to Sunday News editor Paul Mambo (46) who succumbed to meningitis at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo on Saturday evening. Speaker
after speaker spoke well of the veteran journalist at his grave site, whose career spans 19 years.
The burial was attended by people from various parts of the country including Mambo’s colleagues from Zimbabwe Newspapers group and other media organisations.
Zimpapers group editor-in-chief Pikirayi Deketeke told the mourners that the organisation had lost an iconic figure who was always focused on discharging his duties professionally. Deketeke said Mambo’s dedication to duty had never at any time been questionable.
He added that the veteran journalist had proved to be a remarkable leader during his tenure as the chairman of the Zimbabwe’s Editors’ Forum.
“This is a great loss to the Zimpapers family and I want to convey our greatest sympathy to his relatives during this hour of need.
“Furthermore as Zimpapers we are ready to assist you wherever you feel necessary. We will sadly miss one of our greatest team leaders,” said Deketeke.
Chronicle editor Itayi Musengeyi described Mambo as a principled man who had cultivated a culture of unity amongst his workmates and management. He said the late editor would always stand for the interests of his subordinates in ensuring that they got all the necessary resources in line with the discharge of their duties.
“We have lost a man who always stood for the interests of his subordinates and would also offer them guidance all the time.
“This is a great loss to the Zimpapers and the communities he touched,” said Musengeyi.
Former Sunday News magazine editor Delta Milayo-Ndou echoed the same sentiments, saying Mambo was a great leader who had helped in moulding her career as a formidable journalist. She described him as a great mentor, leader and traditionalist who never divorced himself from the rural community. Milayo-Ndou said the rural community had lost a man who would give a voice to the marginalised in the society and had shown a great interest in promoting rural news coverage across the country.
Several family representatives said Mambo would be sadly missed as a unifier and father figure who was willing to listen and assist any of them and the communities around.
They said he had left a void which would be difficult to fill. Mambo is survived by wife Egith and four childrenhttp://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88625:sunday-news-editor-paul-mambo-buried&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.UfDS1KxSVdg

Estate owner points gun at Mohadi’s team

Beitbridge Bureau
A 63-year-old farmer at Bubi Safari Estate and his 24-year-old employee have been fined US$200 each for pointing a fire arm at a member of Zanu-PF senate candidate for Beitbridge Cde Tambudzani Mohadi’s campaign team and for disorderly conduct.
The two tried to bar Cde Mohadi from holding a political meeting at the farm. Norman Dale Reed Sparrow, a South African, along with Milton Ncube, a game scout at the farm, were found guilty of provoking Cde Mohadi and pointing a fire arm at one of the campaign team members.
Sparrow was charged with contravening a section 41 (b) of the Criminal Law Reform and Codification Act on disorderly conduct in a public place, while Ncube was charged with breaching section 27 (b) of the Firearms Act for pointing the firearm.
They were both convicted on their own plea of guilty when they appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Miss Gloria Takundwa yesterday.
They risk imprisonment for four days should they fail to pay the fine.
Prosecutor Mr Jabulani Mberesi told the court that on Sunday morning at around 10am, Cde Mohadi went to Bubi Safari Estate in the company of her campaign team with the intention of holding a political meeting.
On arrival at the gate, Ncube denied them entry into the farm, saying he was acting on Sparrow’s instructions.
Cde Mohadi insisted on holding the meeting at the farm as per schedule, but Ncube remained adamant and called Sparrow to the gate.
Sparrow told Cde Mohadi that she was not welcome at the farm.
Mr Mberesi said Sparrow told Cde Mohadi that her request was “nonsense and stupid”.
When Beitbridge District vice chairperson of the war veterans association Cde Samuel Mulaudzi tried to intervene, Ncube pointed an ML5 rifle which was loaded with 20 rounds intending to shoot him.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87271:estate-owner-points-gun-at-mohadis-team&catid=46:crime-a-courts&Itemid=138#.UeTyB6xSVdg

Tripple B, Rhinos draw

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge Bureau
Tripple B . . . . . . . (1)1
Rhinos . . . . . . . . .(1)1
A late equaliser was all Black Rhinos needed to spoil Tripple B ‘s party in a tightly-contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played before a capacity crowd at Dulibadzimu here yesterday. The two teams had to wait for the second leg of their encounter this year after they all failed to penetrate each other’s defense in Rimuka Stadium
a few weeks ago where the match ended nil all.

Tripple B predatory striker Alick Marime had put his team in the driving seat in the third minute after he converted a penalty sending Chipembere’s goal keeper Herbert Rusawo the wrong side. The home side was awarded a penalty after Marime was fouled by Clarence Zimbau in the box.

However Brian Muzondiwa made the teams even in the 40 minute when he capitalised on a counter attack after outpacing Tripple B captain Oscar Chove and sending Tapiwa Mafunga the wrong side.

The match kicked off with both teams playing fast paced football though their strikers failed to convert a number of chances in front of goals. Black Rhinos veteran striker Gilbert Mushangazhike was the most unlucky player for the better part of the day.

The fast paced Mushangazhike nearly scored for his team in the 9th minute but was denied by Mafunga who was equal to the task. The rhinos forward came knocking again in the 33rd minuet but his shot went wide.

Tshintsha Magiya tried to capitalise on counter attacks in the last 15 minutes of the first half but the Chipembere defence which was well marshalled by Shadreck Jimu was in a no nonsense mood.

The visitors upped their game in the second half with the duo of Muzondiwa and Wonder Kapinda literally camping in Tshintsha Magiya’s half for five minutes. Rhinos coach replaced Zimbau with Martin Mine in the 74th minute while his counterpart replaced the injured Marime with the quick Rainsome Pavari.

Philip Makanje earned himself a yellow card after he tried to pull a 'Hand of God' stunt in the 57th minute off a Webster Chingodza corner kick. Referee Mulindeli Ndebele was apt in disallowing the gaol.

In a post match interview Rhinos coach Arthur Tutani said his charges had played well as a unit  though they failed to convert a lot of chances in the second half.
His Tripple B counterpart Peter Manoti said his side has improved a lot as compared to the last matches.

“We played very well and our play has been improving and we hope to continue picking more points so that we stay in the PSL. We are not taking any chances as we will continue reviewing progress in all departments,” he said.

Marime nearly missed the match as Tripple B and Strikers FC executive were fighting over a debt involving $1000 in singing on fees. However the matter was resolved after Strikers FC were paid the money on Friday afternoon.

“We have paid them the money and as far as we are concerned that is a closed chapter. This was just a mere ploy to derail our progress buy some of our colleagues,” said Tripple B secretary Gibson Makanda.

Teams

Tripple B : T Mafunga, T Mkondwa, G Fireyi, O Chove, E Mwinga, T Mamvura, W Chingodza, P Makanje, S Maengeni, A Marime (R Pavari 76 min), S Maengeni.
Black Rhinos : H Rusawo, J Mukombwe, M Kurewa, B Homora, S Jimu, W Masenda, B Muzondiwa, G Mushangazhike, T Machacha, C Zimbau (M Mine 74 minutes).
http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36733:tripple-b-rhinos-draw&catid=50:sport&Itemid=142#.UeKVnaxSVdg 

MDC-T at Zanu-PF rally

Beitbridge Bureau
MDC T’s aspiring candidate for Beitbridge East constituency Mr Morgan Ncube was on Tuesday afternoon spotted at a Zanu-PF rally along with 15 other party youths.
The opposition candidate and his team, dressed in their party regalia, are said to have arrived in two vehicles.
Zanu-PF’s Dulibadzimu branch chairman Cde Gideon Muleya addressed the gathering at OJ Sports Bar (Ward 3) and also introduced the six candidates who are representing the party in the urban wards.
Ironically, Ncube is the former Ward 3 councillor. Ncube, who is the MDC-T Matabeleland South Youth Assembly chairperson, will square off against Home Affairs co-Minister Kembo Mohadi for the Beitbridge East seat.
Zanu-PF’s aspiring councillor for Ward 3 Cde Gift Nyoni said it was interesting to note that even opposition party supporters were interested in his party’s  programmes.
“It was very amusing to note that some opposition party supporters are curious and interested in our campaigns. Zanu-PF is a revolutionary party which is open to anyone, and if the MDC-T supporters feel they need to relinquish the regime change agenda and join the empowerment train they are free to do so.,” 0he said.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86639:mdc-t-at-zanu-pf-rally&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.Ud5YKKxSVdg

'Extend business hours at Chirundu’

Thupeyo Mleya Beitbridge Bureau
Border authorities and customs clearing agents operating at Chirundu Border Post have appealed to Government to consider extending business hours at the border as a long-term solution to the challenges that have been affecting the movement of both human
traffic and cargo. Stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Immigration, VID, the police and the Shipping and Forwarding Agents’ Association of Zimbabwe agreed during a crisis meeting held at the border post last week that most of the problems at that port of entry were due to the limited opening times.
Chirundu Border Post opens for human traffic between 6am and 6pm while commercial traffic is allowed entry between 8am and 5pm.
The chaos on the country’s northern border has also been blamed on the mismatch in operating times between Chirundu and Beitbridge post, which operates 24 hours.
SFAAZ chief executive officer Mr Joseph Musariri said in an interview yesterday that the decision was arrived at in an ad hoc meeting involving various players at the border last week in the wake of delays and congestion.
He said the previous week had seen long queues of haulage trucks stretching more than five kilometres while some drivers were spending more than five days at the border post due to the short working day in which a lot of documents needed processing.
“As stakeholders we agreed that the long-term solution to the challenges at Chirundu is to let the border operate 24 hours daily. My personal take is that the border needs to open at 0600hrs and close at 2200hrs daily for commercial traffic.
“This would achieve the balance between the need to extend the operational hours and the obvious need to increase staff for both Government departments and Customs clearing agents (shortage of residential accommodation is the major challenge here).
“To achieve this, the law has to be amended and an appropriate recommendation will be made by the association,” said Mr Musariri.
He said they had noted that the main reasons for the resultant congestion included the fact that the Beira Port was becoming more popular than Durban which had also affected the truck turnaround time that has become much shorter resulting in more trips per truck.
“There has been a marked increase in truck fleets. Big truckers had more than doubled their fleet since 2011.
“Furthermore some traffic had diverted from other routes (e.g. Tete and Victoria Falls routes) in preference for Chirundu,” he said.
Mr Musariri said the limited crossing capacity of the bridge was also affecting the movement of cargo.
He said they had also noted that the difficulty in prioritising tankers and open bulk trucks before entry into the Customs Control Zone on the Zimbabwe side of the border coupled with a lack of co-ordinated approach amongst stakeholders was another factor which had turned the situation into near chaos.
He added that a number of stop-gap measures were being introduced to facilitate the speedy flow of traffic.
“Through the joint efforts of SFAAZ, Zimra, VID, ZRP and Immigration, the backlog was contained yesterday through an operation that was intensively executed on Saturday July 6.
“I had the honour of being asked by the stakeholders to chair the ‘crisis’ meetings that we had throughout the period. Ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation together with Ministry of Industry and Commerce officials who had visited Chirundu on a different mission were also in attendance.
“By end of day yesterday the situation had almost normalised. All trucks that arrived on Saturday had crossed the border. The remaining trucks numbered less than 50 and had arrived on the same day.
“For the record, 360 trucks (northbound) crossed the border on Saturday 6 July up from 264 that crossed on the 5th and 270 that crossed on the 4th. The average truck movements for the month of June was 223 (north bound) and 221 (south bound),” said Mr Musariri.http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86315:extend-business-hours-at-chirundu&catid=41:business&Itemid=133#.Ud0L7KxSVdg

15 vapositori perish in crash

Peter Matambanadzo in Harare and Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
FIFTEEN church members of the Johanne Masowe weChishanu branch in South Africa died on the spot after their car collided head-on with a bus along the R510 highway in Rusternburg in that country on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred between Northem and Rustenburg while the victims were coming from church. It is reported that the
pick-up truck was travelling towards Johannesburg with 15 people on board including the driver.
According to the church’s international spokesperson, Mr Edward Manyara the worshippers were all based in SA and were travelling from a church gathering in Ndabezitha in KwaZulu-Natal in their Mitsubishi Colt when the fatal accident occurred.
“We are working on repatriating the bodies of our members back home and we expecting all the bodies to arrive tomorrow (today) morning,” he said.
Mr Manyara said relatives of the deceased have since been informed.
He identified the deceased as Andrew Tonderai Dzvairo and his wife Mildred Chimba from Murehwa, Barbsy Marufu from Hwedza, Andrew Mahachi, Stanely Zvichapera and Brian Muzhingi all from Harare, Lucky Takaedza from Mt Darwin, Blessing Zhaware, Blessing Chimbi both from Marange in Mutare, Paida Chiurirayi and relatives Mercia Chiyangwa, Penia Chiyangwa, Pride Chiyangwa from Guruve, Lawrence Mureya from Zvishavane and Evias Mudzamiri from Musana communal lands.
South Africa’s North West Public Safety Department spokesperson, Mr Simon Mmope said among those who were killed were 10 men, two women and three children, aged between 8 and 12 years.
“According to traffic authorities the pick-up truck was overtaking another vehicle when it collided head on with a bus.
“As a result all the people in the truck died on the scene,” he said
Mr Mmope said several passengers from the bus were also injured during the collision.
He said both the injured and the deceased were taken to Rustenburg Provincial Hospital.
Zimbabwe’s Consular General to South Africa Mr Godfrey Magwenzi said in a telephone interview yesterday that the victims had since been positively identified by their relatives though he could not release their names.
He said they had approached their hosts to assist the relatives in repatriating the victims through the Road Accident Fund.
“We have positively identified the 15 victims with the assistance of their relatives.
“We also approached our hosts who offered them (relatives) assistants in repatriating the bodies and other logistical issues.
“The bodies have since been collected for burial in Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of the Zimbabwean Consulate, I would want to express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on the sudden death of their loved ones.
“At the same time we want to urge motorists to always exercise caution and ensure the safety of the people they will be carrying.
“Some of these accidents are avoidable if will all abide by the basic road regulations.
“It is worrying that we continue to lose lives due to unnecessary road accidents”, said Mr Magwenzi.
The bodies are expected to arrive in the country through Beitbridge border post this morning.
The incident comes a few weeks after 13 Zimbabweans were killed in another road accident between Musina and Makhadho towns in Limpopo province when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in rammed into a stationary truck.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85731:15-vapositori-perish-in-crash-&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.UdvN7axSVdg
 and
 http://www.chronicle.co.zw/15-apostolic-sect-members-perish-in-sa-traffic-accident/

9 more Vapositori perish in SA accident

Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
NINE members of Nyenyedzinomwe Apostolic sect were killed, while six others were seriously injured in a road accident along the R25 Highway near Kempton Park on Sunday evening when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a delivery van.
It is reported that the victims were travelling from a church service in Swaziland heading for Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s Netcare 911 spokesperson Mr Santi Steinmann said the latest incident occurred at around 11pm adding that the six injured were treated on the scene and were later transported to nearby hospitals.
The latest accident brings to 24 the number of Zimbabweans who were killed in road accidents in South Africa’s Gauteng Province in a space of a week.
Last week 15 members of Johane Masowe weChishanu were killed when a Mitsubishi-Colt they were travelling in collided with a bus along the R510 Highway in Rustenburg while they were also coming from a church service.  The incident occurred between Northem and Rustenburg.
One of the church members Mr Simbarashe Nengomasha appealed for well wishers to assist the church in repatriating the bodies to Zimbabwe.
“This is shocking and we are appealing to well-wishers to assist us in securing coffins and repatriating the bodies from South Africa for burial,” he said.
He said the victims were all based in Zimbabwe and that they had gone for prayers at one of their branches in Swaziland.
Zimbabwe’s Consular General to South Africa, Mr Godfrey Magwenzi said they were yet to get a detailed report on the accident.
“We are yet to get a detailed report on the accident so that we verify their nationalities. We will give them the necessary assistance as soon as that process is complete,” he said
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86259:9-more-vapositori-perish-in-sa-accident-&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.UdvLxqxSVdg
and
 http://www.chronicle.co.zw/9-more-apostolic-members-die-in-sa-road-accident/

Attempt to steal from motorist gives away habitual thief

Beitbridge Bureau
AN attempt to steal a handbag from a motorist gave away a habitual thief when he was apprehended by his victim soon after snatching the bag from the car along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road on Sunday evening. The officer commanding police in Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo, said the suspect, Trust Chikuku had been on the police wanted list for a series of housebreakings around the border town.
He said on Sunday Chikuku was offered a lift by Mr Alick Hove who was travelling to Masvingo with his wife. However, after travelling for about 85km from the border town, Mr Hove decided to stop so that he could pick some firewood at a nearby farm with his wife.
Chikuku who was left alone in the car stole a handbag containing identity documents, $39 and R200.
http://www.chronicle.co.zw/attempt-to-steal-from-motorist-gives-away-habitual-thief/“On their return, the Hoves discovered that a hand bag was missing and Chikuku was nowhere to be seen. They then decided to track the suspect until they caught up with him along the road as he was walking towards Beitbridge,” he said.
They apprehended the suspect and handed him over to security guards at a nearby motel where he was detained overnight.
The complainant discovered the stolen handbag but with missing particulars.
Chikuku was taken to Mwenezi Police Station the following morning.
“During interrogations it was discovered that Chikuku was on the police wanted list for several cases of unlawful entry around Beitbridge town and surrounding areas,” said Chief Supt Chinhengo.
Chikuku is expected to appear in court soon.
http://www.chronicle.co.zw/attempt-to-steal-from-motorist-gives-away-habitual-thief/

Exiled MDC-T activist re-arrested

Beitbridge Bureau
A 30-YEAR-OLD exiled MDC-T activist who was in February arrested for attempting to illegally cross into South Africa using a passport belonging to another person has been re-arrested at Beitbridge Border Post on a similar mission. Wellington Makumbinde, who is a member of the party’s youth committee for mobilisation and was resident in
South Africa, was intercepted as he was about to leave the country on Saturday afternoon.
Makumbinde is a former assistant in the office of MDC T’s late secretary for foreign affairs Professor Elphas Mukonoweshuro and served between January 2005 and January 2009.
He is also the programmes co-ordinator for the Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa and doubles as the governance programme officer for Institute for Democracy in Africa (IDASA) in Cape Town.
It is also understood that IDASA is the party’s think tank where MDC-T activists are attached to come up with election strategies.
Police officer commanding Beitbridge Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo said Makumbinde was arrested with other illegal immigrants during routine border                      patrols.
Makumbinde was yesterday brought to court for contravening section 4(20 as read with section 4(6) of the Protected Places Act Chapter 11.2.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges prompting the magistrate Mr Innocent Bepura to remand him in custody to 5 July for trial.
The State, led by Mr Tawonga Musina, alleges that Makumbinde arrived at the border post without travelling documents en route to South Africa.
He proceeded to the exit gate where he was intercepted by detectives on routine patrol who requested to see his passport.
It was then discovered that he had no passport resulting in his arrest.
On February 6 this year, Makumbinde was convicted by the same court for trying to cross into South Africa using Brian Tazviwana’ passport.
He was then sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which were wholly suspended for five years on condition he does not within the same period commit a similar offence.
The passport in question has since been forfeited to the State.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85547:exiled-mdc-t-activist-re-arrested&catid=46:crime-a-courts&Itemid=138#.UdUezdhSVdg

MSF implicated in political activities, four expelled

Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge district administrator has chased away four people employed by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without borders) for engaging in political activities following the discovery of subversive material. The council also discovered
minutes from a strategic meeting they held at their office early last month convened by Hanna Mari Majenen, project co-ordinator (Finland), Alexandro Arantegui Gracia (Spain), project co-ordinator, Trevor Mashingaidze (Logisticians) and the finance administrator Nokuthula Sibanda.
The acting district administrator for Beitbridge Mr Peter Moyo confirmed that the quartet’s services were no longer required as a result of their bad conduct.
“We held a meeting on Wednesday with the four and other stakeholders including all non-governmental organisations operating in the district where we reached a conclusion that they were acting in bad faith and that their services be terminated with immediate effect,” said Mr Moyo.
The four, he said, held a political meeting on June 13 at their offices.
Mr Moyo added that during their meeting (the four) discussed issues including the new Constitution of Zimbabwe, the harmonised elections and alleged intimidation of members of the public by the police.
They also discussed how best they could use medical assistance to access politically strategic areas among other issues which all fall outside their mandate and memorandum of understanding with Government to complement health intervention programmes.
“They also had flip charts and other documents which they would use to implement their programme and also facilitate the inclusion of workers in opposition political parties’ rallies and other activities,” said Mr Moyo.
He said they had also compiled a report on the stakeholders meeting where it was agreed that the four be expelled from the district.
Mr Moyo also issued a strong warning to all NGOs operating in the district which he said should focus mainly on the activities outlined in their MoU rather than poking their noses in the country’s political activities since it was not their primary objective.
He said those who would want to follow the same route would find themselves in murky waters.
A copy of the report culminating in Majenen and company’s expulsion stated that: “Concern is however, raised especially to the four that are engaged in questionable activities which subvert the country and district security pursuing systematic operations at the behest of hostile individuals not MSF Spain in its entirety as an organisation.
“These directly contrast the agreement drawn between MSF Spain and the Zimbabwean Government, specifically the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and the Beitbridge district administrator which binds the organisation to activities on health matters and not political activities as was discovered by the police on 21 June.
Police officer commanding Matabeleland South province Senior Assistant Commissioner Goodwill Musariri said the police would not tolerate individuals who break the law willy-nilly. He also warned other people involved in similar activities that they would face the full wrath of the law.
“It is very important for people to respect the laws of this country and as police we will remain resolute. We suspect these people, were abusing the trust between them and their hosts and decided to out-step from their mandate,” he said.
MSF inter-sectional spokesman Mr Kim Stambuli could neither deny nor confirm the allegations yesterday.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85053:msf-implicated-in-political-activities-four-expelled&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.UdE4V9hSVdg

PM Tsvangirai in no show at rally

Thupeyo Muleya
PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday snubbed his supporters in Beitbridge after he failed to show up for a star rally at Dulibadzimu bus terminus which he was set to address together with national chairman Lovemore
Moyo and national executive member Theresa Makone.
It is understood that Mr Tsvangirai was also set to introduce local candidates who will represent his party during the forthcoming harmonised   elections.
He also failed to meet with the provincial party executive about the state of the party in Beitbridge district at White Lodge.
Several supporters were seen wandering at the lodge while Mr Tsvangirai was already on his way to Harare.
The rally flopped and was attended by less than 350 people most of them touts, travellers and a few MDC-T supporters.
Most of those who attended the rally were rewarded with free T-shirts and copies of the Zimbabwean newspaper. Some party supporters who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were unhappy with their leader’s unpleasant gesture.
“We were looking forward to his address and had gone out of our way to mobilise people and this is what we get from our leader. It appears he doesn’t want to associate with people from this area,” said a disgruntled party member.
The party’s national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo was then tasked with addressing the gathering when it became apparent that Mr Tsvangirai was not interested in meeting his supporters.
In his address, Mr Moyo said the premier had been held up with other pressing matters hence he could not attend the rally.
Mr Moyo said they would arrange another rally where the MDC-T leader would launch his presidential campaign.
“The prime minster had to attend to some pressing matters elsewhere hence I have been tasked to carry out the task of introducing to you our candidates who will be representing the party during the harmonised elections.
“We would have loved to have him around, however, he has promised that he will hold one of his presidential campaign rallies in Beitbridge District,” said Mr Moyo.
Those representing the MDC-T in the National assembly elections are Morgan Ncube and Moffat Ndou. Ncube is squaring off with Co-Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi in Beitbridge East constituency, while businessman Mr Moffat Ndou will be contesting for the Beitbridge West constituency with Zanu-PF’s Cde Metrine Mudau.
The premier’s spokesman Mr Luke Tamborinyoka yesterday said that the rally was not part of his boss’ visit to Beitbridge.
“The Prime Minister was in Beitbridge on private business and the Matabeleland South executive wanted to take advantage of his presence and organise a rally for him. They did not even include his office. He held his private meetings and left in the morning,” said Mr Tamborinyoka
.http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35137:pm-tsvangirai-in-no-show-at-rally&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#.UdE4MdhSVdg

SA deploys 40 more officers at Beitbridge

Beitbridge Bureau
The movement of both human and vehicular traffic has drastically improved on the South African border with Zimbabwe following the deployment of 40 more immigration officers by that country’s Home Affairs department. The staff complement was beefed
up last Friday following an outcry by travellers over the slow clearance of people leaving and entering that country for the past month.
In an interview yesterday the spokesman for South Africa’s border operations and co-ordinating committee, Mr Calvin Mulaudzi said they had also opened up more clearing points to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. He said they had also started adjusting their evening and morning shifts when the volume of traffic was relatively high. A total of 9 000 people access Beitbridge border post per day but the number has drastically increased following the recent weakening of the South African rand against the US dollar. The number also increases to between 25 000 and 30 000 during peak periods.
“We deployed 40 more officers at Beitbridge border post last week so that we ensure efficiency and a speedy flow of traffic entering or leaving the country. Zimbabwe is one of our largest trade partners and hence the need to address issue affecting free trade.
“Those who were deployed have just undergone a thorough training by the Home Affairs department with regards to facilitating a smooth flow of traffic and trade,” he said.
Mr Mulaudzi said they would deploy more officers later next month when they receive a report from the team which is investigating the movement trend at the border. He added that travellers had been grouped into various categories including those with permits, day trippers and those travelling by bus and those who would be visiting that country for more than two weeks.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84739:sa-deploys-40-more-officers-at-beitbridge&catid=38:local-news&It

Tripple B massacre Buffaloes

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
Tripple B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 4
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Tripple B made their intentions of staying in the Premier Soccer League clear when they hammered a stubborn Buffaloes 4-2 in match played at Dulibadzimu Stadium yesterday.
The Beitbridge team went into the match seeking nothing short of a win as they started on the offensive from the onset. Had it not been brilliant saves by Buffaloes’ goalie
Tandadzai Chengetai, Tripple B could have won the game with eight goals as the trio of Alick Marime, Simon Maengeni and Timire Mamvura unleashed a barrage of shots at goals for the better part of the day.

It was for the third time that the newly appointed head coach, Peter Manoti, managed to get a win at home.

Though Tshintsha Magiya was playing attacking football, their efforts were harmless in front of goal in the first 10 minutes when both teams were trying to settle down.
Webster Chingodza nearly scored for the home team on the sixth minute, but his shot went wide.

Mamvura also made his intentions clear when he combined well with Marime and Maengeni in the strike force. Former Dynamos striker Marime put Tshintsha Magiya in the lead after he scored from a Maxwell Mavhuto pass in the 17th minute.

Buffaloes’ skipper Farai Banda tried to make matters even, but his shot was well collected by Tripple B goalkeeper Prince Dube.

The visitors tried to capitalise on counter attacks though their defence was porous and always found wanting.

Mavhuto’s 17-metre drive was well collected by Chengetai after he sent a powerful shot off a Marime pass.

The visitors’ Farai Banda, Steven Sibanda and Jacob Muzokomba tried to penetrate the Tshintsha Magiya rear guard through the wings, but they were always hitting against a brick wall.

The in-form Marime capitalised on Watungwa Watungwa’s shamble defending and scored a brace just before half time.

A minute from the breather, Webster Chingodza registered his name on the score sheet when he scored off a Marime shot following a well-co-ordinated counter attack.

From that minute Buffaloes started attacking from the centre as the wings were well marshalled by Oscar Chove and Thomas Kombora.

Tripple B’s fans that had been sceptical of paying to watch their team trickled into the stadium following Chingodza’s score. They joined the other legions of fans who were already in a frenzy. The Marime magic struck again in the 62nd minute when he combined well with Maengeni, beating Watungwa Watungwa’s four defenders and sending Chengetai the wrong way.

The visitors were outdone as Jacob Muzokomba capitalised on Tshintsha Magiya’s poor defending and sent in a volley beating Dube.

The Watungwa Watungwa, coach Timothy Masachi, introduced a fresh pair of legs in the form of Tawanda Mareya for Sithole.

Mareya did not disappoint as he scored from a rebound in the 80th minute, forcing Tripple B to go into defensive mode. In a post-match interview, Masachi said: “We defended poorly and conceded a lot of goals. Actually defence has proven to be our worst challenge this season. We are scoring many goals but conceding more.

“We have been working very hard to improve on that area.”

Tripple B coach Peter Manoti said the win was part of their game plan to win all the home matches and collect maximum points. He said their target was to collect at least 30 points in the second half of season and hope to survive. Manoti said they have enough arsenal to stay out of relegation.

Teams

Tripple B: P Dube, T Kombora, T Mkondwa, O Chove, E Mwinga, T Mamvura, M Mavhuto, L Chiwaridzo, W Chingodza (R Pavari, 86 min), S Maengeni (A Makiwa, 78 min), A Marime.

Buffaloes: T Chengetai, K Mwaramba, A Dzumbunu, P Chandisaita, P Matizanadzo, P Alfasi, F Banda (R Mwenga, 46 min), P Thembani (M Mageja, 58 min), W Sithole (T Mareya 73 min), J Muzokomba, S Sibanda. 
http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36323:tripple-b-massacre-buffaloes&catid=50:sport&Itemid=142#.U

SA to increase border officials

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The South African government will this week deploy more immigration officers at Beitbridge border post to facilitate a speedy flow of both human and vehicular traffic entering or leaving that country, an official has said. The deployment follows an outcry
from travellers over delays and congestion at that country’s border for the last four weeks where travellers were spending an average of four hours to enter or leave that country.
In some instances travellers had to abort their journeys because of the state of affairs south of the Limpopo River.
The Border Operations Co-ordinating Committee spokesperson Mr Calvin Mulaudzi said in a telephone interview yesterday that they had resolved to deploy more staff in light of an increase in traffic passing through the border post. He said an increase in movement of people between the two countries was a good sign of strong trade relations and hence the need to address barriers to free trade. He said they were operating with 20 officers per shift and were looking at increasing the numbers to between 26 and 30 people.
Mr Mulaudzi added that they had another team on the ground which was investigating the movement trend which they would use in making further adjustments on operations and deployments.
He said the team had been on the ground for the past two weeks and was set to conclude its mission by the end of this month.
http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83275:sa-to-increase-border-officials-&catid=38:local-news&Itemid=131#

Ruling in Unki Mine case postponed

By Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau
JUDGMENT in a case in which Unki Mine is accused of smuggling a minibus fitted with new spare parts worth R236 375 into the country through Beitbridge border post has been postponed to July 5. Jimson Ruzvidzo (driver) and James
Madadangoma, a foreman representing the mine would have to wait a little longer to know their fate. The duo is jointly charged with smuggling and is denying the charges.
The case was postponed to a later date as the magistrate who is handling the matter Mr Innocent Bepura was away due to other pressing matters. Both accused were remanded out of custody on US$100 bail. Prosecutor Mr Tawonga Musina told the court that on May 10, Ruzvidzo was sent to South Africa by Madadangoma to collect a Mercedes Benz minibus belonging to Unki Mine.
The minibus, whose registration number is ACM7784 had been fitted with various items including seats, window panes, fire extinguishers, parcel shelves, radio and sound system among other accessories worth R236 375.
It is the State’s case that upon arrival at Beitbridge border post the two accused persons connived to smuggle the fitted accessories without declaring them to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority as per normal customs and excise procedures.
While at the border post Ruzvidzo went through all the immigrations procedures and decided to leave the border post without paying duty for the fitted items.
He was then intercepted by detectives from the Border Control Unit on suspicion that the vehicle had not paid any customs duty and levies.
Investigations then led to the discovery of documents that the bus had been fitted with an assortment of items which were liable to excise duty.
Ruzvidzo was subsequently arrested and the bus was in turn seized by Zimra. Further investigations led to Madadangoma’s arrest.
The documents indicated that the fittings had been made by Angelo Kater Motor Trimmers CC in South Africa.
 http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83105:ruling-in-unki-mine-case-postponed&catid=38:local-news&Itemid

Mbedzi for Miss Africa USA

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwean top model Vanessa Mbedzi (22) has been selected to represent the country at the Miss Africa USA finals scheduled for Silver Spring, Maryland, on June 29.
The Miss Africa USA brings together young women to represent their countries, share cultures and celebrate the power of the African woman. Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes is also
expected to grace the occasion among other notable guests.
Mbedzi is the reigning Miss Zimbabwe USA 2012 and a business student at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
She is expected to take to the ramp along with  23 other contestants from across Africa based in the States who are vying for the same crown. The beauty queen, who hails from the border town of Beitbridge, outclassed seven other beauties in last year’s contest.
In an interview from her base last week, Mbedzi said: “I will raise the Zimbabwean flag high and proud to be representing this beautiful nation at such a forum.
“Every aspect for preparation is important on how I will present myself, speaking on stage and personalities which will make me stand out.
“There is pressure when you are representing your country in such a big pageant but I’ll do the best I can and bring the crown home.
“I am also preparing myself for the contest and my thrust is to raise awareness against sexual violence where victims are put at risk of contracting HIV, teenage pregnancy and an ambassador of the organisation Black Girls Ignite Africa that I intend to work with.
“I will also dedicate my time to supporting and helping sexual violence victims who suffer in silence not to be afraid to speak out.
“I want to be able to be there for them, listen to them and, help them move through their recovery and focus on a brighter future.
“I also want to empower young women because if a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted there is practically nothing she can’t do.”
Black Girls Ignite Africa is an organisation that focuses on empowering encouraging and celebrating the development for young and old women all around Africa. She added that she was inspired to take up modelling by her parents, Mr Dambanyika Mbedzi (late) and Mrs Mavis Mbedzi, both business magnets. Vanessa is the first born in a family of four, comprising three girls and a boy.
The belle said naturally she had a positive attitude, high self-esteem and confidence to perform in front of big crowds.
“I believe that is a vital element tone needs to impress the judges,” said Vanessa.
She also called on other models throughout the country, especially those in Beitbridge, to go out and chase their dreams.
She added that Beitbridge was a very small town where there were very few modelling opportunities.
“I would want to encourage these young ladies not only when I get crowned but now that make use of that talent which is in you.
“The people who get on this world are people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, make them,” she said.http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83029:mbedzi-for-miss-africa-usa&catid=43:entertainment&Itemid=135#.