March 25 - April 1, 2015

Contents

Compiled by – Mike Taylor

1. Media crackdown and bizarre telecom involvement
2. Zanu PF factionalism
3. Grace Mugabe’s illness and implications on Zimbabwean politics
4. Mutasa’s Constitutional Court challenge
5. Chikurubi prison riot repercussions

Media crackdown and bizarre telecom involvement

Independent Media

Zimbabwe Independent, March 29, 2015

“Econet triggers raid on local news agency” by Hazel Ndebele and Fidelity Mhlanga

• The Source, a Zimbabwean news agency was raided by the deputy sheriff on Friday March 27. The raid allegedly took place in order to recover stolen documents related to a High Court order granted to Econet and Steward Bank (an Econet subsidiary). Econet is a major player in the Zimbabwean telecom sector.
• The order was granted to both companies to have The Source remove some stories from its website. One of the stories “alleged that Steward Bank was considering attaching residential stands to the tune of [$2.1 million] to recover funds borrowed by businessman Philip Chiyangwa.”
• Another article declared that the government borrowed $30 million from Econet. The money was dispersed through its banking subsidiary, Steward Bank.
• The police who were executing the search were looking for any information relating to the two stories. Media Institution of Southern Africa – Zimbabwe condemned the raid as an affront to freedom of the press. Information Minister Jonathan Moyo also condemned the raid. Moyo said that the raid was committed by “third parties with vested interests.”

State-controlled Media

The Herald, March 27, 2015

“Outrage as Econet raids news agency” by Felix Share

• Econet Wireless trampled on media freedom when it raided the Reuters affiliated The Source in an attempt to confiscate information relating to the activities of its (Econet’s) subsidiary, Steward bank.
• Econets action drew criticism from both media organizations and the government. The deputy sheriff, police officers and Econet lawyers executed a search warrant on the premisis of the business news outlet. The warrant was granted by the High Court.
• The Deputy Sheriff is alleged to have allowed the lawyers for Econet do most of the searching during the raid. Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jonathan Moyo, condemned the raid. 

The Sunday Mail, March 29, 2015

“Government and ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe cross swords” by Africa Moyo and Darlington Musarurwa

• Econet Wireless, a telecommunications company is ostensibly trying to coax investors in the telecom sector to share infrastructure. This is not liked by the government.
• The government wants to establish a single company that will control telecom infrastructure to resolve any questions regarding the ownership of infrastructure. • Infrastructure such as bases and towers are costly to establish and The Sunday Mail speculates that they are regarded as an eyesore. Econet’s fibre optic cables link all major cities in Zimbabwe.
• Econet is opposing the government’s plan regarding the monopolization of infrastructure; it is alleged that Econet has already invested $1.2 billion in infrastructure development and owns 80% of mobile phone infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
• Econet fears an impending illegal grab of its infrastructure and assets.

The Herald, March 30, 2015

“Econet rapped for hypocrisy” by Zvamaida Murwira

• Minister for Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Supa Mandiwanzira accused Econet of hypocrisy by pretending to be against infrastructure sharing. It is ostensibly already sharing infrastructure with companies TelOne and ZETDC.
• The minister said that if Econet’s statements were true, it should remove equipment that it is already sharing with other companies.
• Econet had earlier said that the ‘current debate on infrastructure sharing appeared to be aimed at compelling it to make its infrastructure available for the use by (sic) others who choose other investment priorities.’
• The minister said that infrastructure sharing was a globally accepted practice. The objective of infrastructure sharing is to make services cheaper. Mandiwanzira said that Zimbabweans are paying too much for voice and data. Econet has hinted at a hostile takeover of its infrastructure.

Zanu PF factionalism

Independent Media

Zimbabwe Independent, March 29, 2015

“Zanu PF restructuring stokes factionalism” by Owen Gagare

• The restructuring designed to expel remaining loyalists of former Vice President Joice Mujuru continues to fan the flames of factionalism. Current Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction is ostensibly worried about Grace Mugabe’s ability to attract power.
• The Mnangagwa and Grace Mugabe camps appear to agree that the remaining Mujuru loyalists need to be removed; still, relations between the two factions are not going well. Mnangagwa’s group is very suspicious of the restructuring exercise, possibly fearing that they will lose recently gained power. The ‘exercise’ is being carried out by Saviour Kasukuwere and the commissariat department he leads.
• Kasukuwere has sided with Grace Mugabe and others loyal to her. Grace’s camp is taking advantage of Robert Mugabe’s incumbency in order to consolidate support and power. Mugabe’s questionable health and old age are major contributing factors to ongoing factionalism.

Daily News, March 29, 2015

“Zanu PF’s Gang of Four splits”

• Saviour Kasukuwere who holds the post of political commissar in the politburo is currently responsible for running Zanu PF restructuring. This has put him at odds with others who may be speculating that Kasukuwere is eyeing the presidency in the future. It appears to be thought that he is restructuring the party in a manner that will allow him to consolidate power.
• Kasukuwere is heading a faction which is known as “Generation 40” filled with young and ambitious (and presumably Zanu PF) politicians. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, a former Kasukuwere ally is voicing displeasure with him.
• Muchingguri-Kashiri is allegedly looking to block candidates proposed by Kasukuwere in upcoming by-elections. 

Daily News, March 25, 2015

“Zanu PF terrorizes Mujuru supporters” by Fungi Kwaramba

• The Daily News alleges that the Zanu PF has ‘launched a brutal campaign of terror’ against former VP Mujuru loyalists. The current ‘restructuring’ program led by Saviour Kasukuwere is adding oil to the fire of party factionalism as well.
• Two Zanu PF and 21 MDC seats are currently vacant and several by-elections will be taking place. Seven MDC seats will not be contested by the Zanu PF however. They are list PR seats.
• Violence is increasing within the Zanu PF ahead of primaries, with Mujuru loyalists being targeted. Fearing further violence, victims speaking to Daily News asked not to be named.
• Rugare Gumbo, a former senior Zanu PF member said that many were being violently targeted for Mujuru affiliations.

*State controlled media did not report on factionalism this week.

Grace Mugabe’s illness and implications on Zimbabwean politics

Independent Media

Daily News, March 31, 2015

“Panic over Grace illness” by Fungi Kwaramba and Lloyd Mbiba

• Many Zanu PF officials who owe their jobs to Grace Mugabe may be worried now that the health of Robert Mugabe’s wife is in doubt.
• Grace has been out of the public eye for the past four weeks leaving many to speculate about her health and what that means for Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF.
• Oppah Muchingur-Kashiri, a top Grace ally has allegedly told the media that Grace is ill, but she did not give details about Grace’s illness.
• Reports are emerging that those Zanu PF members who rode to power on Grace’s coattails are now being bullied within the party. Her absence has generated some significant uncertainty. She recently returned to Zimbabwe on a flight from Dubai, but completely avoided the media and her Zanu PF duties. 

The Zimbabwean, March 30, 2015

“Grace battles colon cancer”

• On her return from an extended stay in Singapore over six weeks ago, Grace claimed to have had an appendix removed. Family sources may have indicated that she is actually battling colon cancer.
• The Zanu PF Women’s League boss left Zimbabwe last Wednesday via a commercial flight to South Africa. A family member reportedly told the media that Grace is very ill.
• The family member further questioned the secrecy surrounding Grace’s illness, saying that she needed prayers and sympathy.

*State controlled media did not report on this story. 

Mutasa’s Constitutional Court Challenge

Independent Media

NewsDay, April 1, 2015

“Mutasa/Mliswa loses (sic) case”

• Former Zanu PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa and his nephew, Temba Mliswa saw a challenge to their expulsion from Parliament fail in court. Mliswa was the Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson.
• The case was heard in the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe. Both were expelled last month following accusations of working against the principles of Zanu PF.
• Mutasa and Mliswa argued that the Speaker of Parliament had no right to throw them out of Parliament, adding that this was a violation of Zimbabwe’s constitution.
• Nine judges unanimously dismissed their case.

State-controlled Media

The Herald, April 1, 2015

“D-Day for Mutasa, Mliswa” by Daniel Nemukuyu

• The Constitutional Court will hear Mutasa and Mliswa’s challenge to their expulsion from parliament. They were expelled after several warnings for undermining Zanu PF.
• The Assembly Speaker was notified of their ejection by Zanu PF and subsequently declared that the seats were vacant.
• Mutasa lost his Headlands seat while Mliswa was stripped of his seat for Hurungwe West. Their lawyers argued that the Zanu PF did not follow due process in conducting the expulsions and therefore, the Speaker’s declaration should be null and void.

Chikurubi prison riot repercussions

Independent Media

Daily News, March 31, 2015

“Rioting prisoners tortured, court told” by Tarisai Machakaire

• The alleged masterminds of the Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison riot which left five dead have told investigators stories of emotional and physical torture. Deaths at the hands of prison wardens were also mentioned.
• Nine prisoners have revealed that since the riots, they have been denied healthcare and food and were forced to spend a day without clothes.
• One of the prisoners claimed that on the day of the riot, 13 March, 2015, prisoners were complaining about their condition and the way they were treated in prison. Authorities allegedly opened fire when the prisoners declared their grievances.
• Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe ordered prison officers to stop torturing prisoners or face prosecution themselves.

State-controlled Media

The Herald, March 31, 2015

“Jailbreak: Gumbura, 8 others in the dock” by Tendai Rupapa

• “Independent End Time Message” leader, Robert Gumbura allegedly incited the prison riot at Chikurubi Prison on March 13, 2015.
• Gumbura and eight other prisoners were in court facing several charges relating to the jailbreak attempt. Gumbura allegedly incited the riot by saying that South African prisoners would not accept the treatment that the prisoners of Chikurubi were facing. Gumbura was supposedly outraged at the food the prisoners were being fed.
• Some of the prisoners on trial removed their shirts in court to display evidence of physical abuse suffered at the prison.