Senior Clerical Assistant (Administration) – Grade 5

Records Assistant

Assistant Registrar – Faculties (Gweru)

Security Guards (Gweru, Harare, Kwekwe & Zvishavane campuses)

Technical Sales Person/ Aluminium (Harare)

Regional Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Officer (Bulawayo)

Boiler Maker (Harare)

Marketing & Sales Officer (Harare)

Compliance Officer (Harare)

Safety, Health and Environment Officer (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant - JAC (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – DONG FENG (Harare)

Billing Supervisor (Harare)

Sales Representative (Harare)

Auto Electrician: Artisan (Chipinge)

Sales Representatives (Harare)

Director Human Resource (Mutare)

Legal & Compliance Manager (Harare)

Processes Analyst (Harare)

Finance Manager Corporate (Harare)

The Government has decided not to renew licenses for all stand-alone bottle stores currently operating in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD). These licenses are set to expire in June.
Going forward, only liquor stores located within supermarkets will be permitted to operate within the CBD.
Gabriel Masvora, the Communications and Advocacy Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/cbd-liquor-stores-face-closure">The Sunday Mail</a> that all liquor retailing licenses will expire on June 30. He said:
<blockquote>
Specifically for Harare CBD, we have flagged all bottle stores and all their licences will not be renewed.
Together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s licensing inspectorate, they (Liquor Licensing Board) are carrying out a joint compliance inspection to check on all outlets that sell liquor.
Only bottle stores in large supermarkets will be allowed to operate in the CBD post-June 30, 2024.
</blockquote>
Masvora said in terms of the new regulations, liquor outlets “will not enjoy automatic (licence) renewal” for the year 2024 if their operations pose a threat to public safety. He added:
<blockquote>
It is up to the businesses to ensure that they register as stipulated by the law, and as Liquor Licensing Board (LLB), we process the application as long as it confirms the requirements as we have outlined them to prospective applicants.
</blockquote>
New regulations, introduced by the LLB last year, outline specific requirements for nightclubs. These guidelines include:
<ul>
<li>Soundproofing, air conditioning, and insurance.</li>
<li>Illuminated fire escape signs should be visible at all times.</li>
<li>A minimum of two water closets for each sex and at least three urinal bowls or a three-meter-long urinal are necessary.</li>
<li>Bar countertops and shelves must have a smooth, impervious finish.</li>
<li>Adequate firefighting appliances and fire escape facilities must be in place.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Stand-alone Bottle Stores In Harare CBD Face Closure

A 23-year-old man from Harare who sold beer to children on Christmas Day last year was on Friday, 01 March found guilty of selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18 by the Harare Magistrates Court.
The suspect, Phaeton Mutiyaya, was arrested after a video clip of children drinking beer in central Harare circulated on social media platforms.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Mutiyaya will be back in Court on Monday, 4 March for sentencing. The NPAZ said:
<blockquote>
Phaeton Mutiyaya (23) who sold alcohol to 10 minors aged between 5 and 11 over the festive season was this Friday found guilty by the Harare Magistrates Court.
When a video of the drunk minors went viral on social media, the public was outraged and condemned the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18.
Mutiyaya was selling alcohol illegally from a private residence in Mbare. He will be back in Court on Monday the 4th of March for sentencing.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man (23) Who Sold Beer To Children On Christmas Day Found Guilty

Police say they have identified and located six young girls and a boy who were filmed drinking beer at a shopping centre before a video of the incident was widely shared on social media platforms.
According to a statement posted on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) X page this Tuesday, 02 January, the incident occurred at Juru Growth Point.
Police also said they located the parents and guardians of the minors. The children are being counselled by the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit (VFU). Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to social media videos which went viral and showed some young girls drinking beer at a shopping centre in the country.
The ZRP has established that the place is Juru Growth Point, Murewa. The ZRP has identified and located the six young girls and one boy.
Their parents and guardians have also been located. The Police VFU is now counselling the minors in consultation with relevant Government departments.
</blockquote>
Last week, a shebeen operator in Mbare was arrested for selling alcohol to minors aged between 5 and 11 years on Christmas day. A video showing the minors drinking alcohol went viral on Boxing Day.
In Zimbabwe, the sale of liquor, including beer, is regulated by the Liquor Act, which, among other things, strictly prohibits the selling of beer to children.
Thus, selling alcohol to children is illegal and highly irresponsible. It poses serious risks to their health and development.
The legal drinking age in Zimbabwe is 18 years. Individuals who are 18 years or older are allowed by law to buy and consume alcoholic beverages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRP Identifies Young Girls Drinking Beer In Viral Video

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said it has identified some of the minors who were part of a group of boys who were filmed while openly drinking beer in Harare’s central business district (CBD).
Two of the boys are siblings and their parents, who have also been identified by the police, separated over a year ago. The boys left home for the streets where they joined other “street kids”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 27 December, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi also said a local businessman recorded the viral video and is currently assisting the police with investigations. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the social media videos which went viral on 26th December 2023 showing minors drinking alcohol in Harare Central Business District and subsequent Police investigations into the incident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that the identity of two minors aged 13 and 11 years is now known.
Their mother and father have also been identified and located. The father and mother separated in November 2022 with the two minors being taken into the custody of their mother in the Epworth area, Harare.
It is alleged that they later left home and engaged in street begging, vending and some misdemeanours in Harare Central Business District with other “street kids”.
On 25th December 2023, the two minors who were in the company of eight (08) street kids obtained Mayfair alcohol through a person who is yet to be identified by the Police.
The minors sat on the veranda of a cellphone shop along Inez Terrez near a prominent food outlet. They consumed the alcohol openly in public.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also identified a local business person who recorded the viral social media video. He is currently assisting the Police to get full facts on the incident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is still pursuing the identity of the other minors who were in the company of the two and allegations that some women were seated at the corner of Speke and Inez Terez Street and interacted with the minors.
It has also been confirmed that the minors were drinking alcohol while eating some chips and chicken.
</blockquote>
Hundreds of street children roam in Harare and major cities in Zimbabwe. Factors contributing to street children include low household income and economic challenges, as well as rebellion against guardians or parents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Children Filmed Consuming Alcohol In Viral Video Are Streets Kids - Police

Media entrepreneur Plot Mhako has warned that the abuse of alcohol by minors will go out of hand if the Government and parents do not take measures to ensure that alcohol is not easily accessible.
This comes after a video emerged on social media in which several young boys are seen openly drinking beer in Harare, with adults seemingly unbothered. Said Mhako:
<blockquote>
If the Government and families do not act on the easy access and abuse of alcohol by minors in this country we have a huge crisis looming. What I witnessed in my rural areas shocked me. Young kids roaming around drinking beer.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday, 26 December, Police said that they had taken note of a viral video in which young boys, some barely 10, are seen drinking beer in public in Harare’s Central Business District.
In a post on X, the ZRP said that investigations are being conducted to identify the place where the incident occurred, as well as to identify the minors, their parents or the person or persons who gave them the beer. Read the post:
<blockquote>
The ZRP has taken note of a viral social media video, especially on WhatsApp platforms where minors (young boys) are openly seen drinking beer in a public place in Harare CBD.
Investigations are now underway with a view of identifying the place, the young boys, their parents and the person who might have facilitated the acquisition of alcohol by the minors.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the sale of liquor, including beer, is regulated by the Liquor Act, which, among other things, strictly prohibits the selling of beer to children.
The legal drinking age in Zimbabwe is 18 years. Individuals who are 18 years or older are allowed by law to buy and consume alcoholic beverages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Zimbabwe Risks Losing Its Children To Beer"

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has launched an investigation into a video circulating on social media in which several children are seen drinking beer in Harare.
The incident, which allegedly occurred on Christmas Day, involved children from Mbare suburb if claims made by one of the juveniles who appeared in the video are anything to go by.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Tuesday told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/underage-drinking-exposed-police-launch-investigation/">The Herald</a> that they were aware of the video and reports that some youths were abusing alcohol. He said:
<blockquote>
We are aware of the video being circulated and for now, investigations are in progress. We will update you on any developments soon.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the sale of liquor, including beer, is regulated by the Liquor Act, which, among other things, strictly prohibits the selling of beer to children.
Thus, selling alcohol to children is illegal and highly irresponsible. It poses serious risks to their health and development.
The legal drinking age in Zimbabwe is 18 years. Individuals who are 18 years or older are allowed by law to buy and consume alcoholic beverages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Probe Viral Video Of Children Drinking Beer In Harare

Zimbabwe has been ranked one of the countries with a high alcohol consumption rate per capita in the world, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021171/zim-tops-in-beer-drinkers-survey">NewsDay</a>.
According to a survey by Wise Voter, an American global institute that researches politics, health, climate and economy, on average, an individual Zimbabwean consumes 62.8 litres of pure alcohol annually.
Tunisia came second with 36.6 litres of consumption per capita. Read the report:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe 62.8 litres, Tunisia 36.6 litres, Eswatini 34.4 litres, Maldives 33.7 litres, Afghanistan 33.5 litres, Namibia 32.4 litres, South Africa 29.9 litres, Algeria 29.1 litres, Turkey 28.5 litres and Iran 28.4 litres.
Zimbabwe has the highest alcohol per capita globally. An individual Zimbabwean may consume 62.8 litres of pure alcohol when compared to the alcoholic beverages they would have taken in 12 months, with a prevalence of alcohol dependence of 2.2%.
</blockquote>
The survey report said that one serving of alcohol was classified as 0.0177 fluid litres of alcohol. It said:
<blockquote>
This corresponds with a 0.354 litre can/bottle of beer, one 0.148 litre glass of wine, or one 0.044 litre shot of liquor.
When comparing alcohol consumption across countries, organisations will look at litres of pure alcohol.
</blockquote>
The Kingdom of Eswatini, which is a SADC member like Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, was placed in third place with 34.4 litres of alcohol consumption per capita, with a prevalence of alcohol dependence of 2.5%.
All top three countries, according to the report, do not have alcohol illegality but drinking is allowed to people above the age of 18.
According to Delta Beverages, Zimbabweans drank record amounts of lager beer in 2022.
Factors that contribute to varying levels of alcohol consumption across different countries include cultural and social norms toward alcohol, the availability and accessibility of alcohol, income levels and economic stability, social factors, such as peer pressure, cultural celebrations, and social expectations, as well as religious beliefs and practices.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Has Highest Alcohol Per Capita Globally - Survey

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has implored school authorities to monitor learners so that they do not consume alcohol during break time or lunch.
Posting on X, the ZRP said on Monday, that a Form One female learner was sexually abused by a drunk Form Two male learner at the school premises in Waterfalls Harare.
According to the Police, the assailant had been drinking beer with other learners at break time before he pounced on the victim. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is concerned with reports of students who are drinking beer at school premises and urges school authorities to monitor the students even when they are on break or lunch at school grounds.
On 25/09/23 a Form One female student was sexually abused by a Form Two male student following a beer-drinking spree with other students during break time at the school grounds in Waterfalls, Harare.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that drug and substance abuse is now rampant among juveniles as highly intoxicating illicit brews such as “kambwa” are now readily available and affordable.
There are also concerns among parents and guardians that teachers who are underpaid and demoralised no longer strictly monitor learners during school hours.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Beer-drinking Spree At School Results In Sexual Abuse Of Form One Girl

Highlanders Football Club has offered to assist the police in apprehending supporters who allegedly looted alcohol from a supermarket in Kwekwe.
<a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/police-seek-rogue-bosso-fans/">B-Metro</a> reported that the alleged looting spree occurred when a group of travelling Bosso fans ransacked a supermarket on their way from an away Castle Lager Premiership match against Ngezi Platinum Stars on 30 July 2023.
Highlanders had won the match 1-0 before the looting later that afternoon.
Speaking at a mid-year meeting held at the clubhouse last Sunday, Highlanders chairman Johnfat Sibanda, said:
<blockquote>
It’s unfortunate that we still have supporters among us who continue to soil the name of the club by engaging in unruly behaviour.
We received complaints that a group of supporters who travelled for an away match looted a supermarket, stealing alcohol.
We can’t be certain if they are indeed Highlanders supporters because anyone can wear a Bosso jersey and behave in a manner that goes against the values, principles and tradition of Highlanders.
Police have been handed the security footage of the incident and if they ask us to assist them apprehend the culprits, we will certainly do so.
We have a security department that can assist us and say; the people on that footage are so and so, and these are their addresses.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, in the same mid-year meeting, club board chairman Luke Mnkandla, praised Highlanders fans for a peaceful 2023 half-season of the Castle Lager Premiership campaign. He said:
<blockquote>
We would like to commend our members and supporters in general for good behaviour that has seen fewer cases of missile throwing at Barbourfields Stadium.
Throwing missiles and invading the pitch hurts the club financially so we are happy that the first half of the 2023 season has been peaceful.
</blockquote>
In previous seasons, Highlanders has been fined more than US$20 000 by the Premier Soccer League for unruly behaviour by supporters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Highlanders Fans Loot Alcohol From Kwekwe Supermarket

Eddie Chanetsa, the ZANU PF Chimurenga district chairman in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mazowe/">Mazowe</a>, allegedly died on Friday after accidentally drinking poison thinking it was alcohol.
An official confirmed that he had consumed an animal chemical he had mistaken for alcohol, which he added to a bottle of beer. Chanetsa was rushed to Howard Hospital where he was declared dead upon admission. He had been drinking small quantities of illicit beer at the time of the accident. Chanetsa’s funeral is set to take place today in Chiweshe.
An official told Bulawayo24.com that he died at Howard Hospital where he had been rushed after consuming poison. The unnamed official is quoted as saying: 
<blockquote>
I can confirm a sad incident in our district where Chanetsa mistook animal chemical that he had sought from neighbours for alcohol.
He was drinking small illicit beers so he put the chemical in a  bottle of beer and on his way home he drank the chemical thinking it was beer, he was rushed to Howard Hospital where he died upon admission.
</blockquote>
How to prevent similar accidents
It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming substances that are not intended for human consumption. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, especially in rural areas where such incidents are more common.
It is also important for people to properly label potentially hazardous chemicals and store them in a safe place, away from food and drink.
Additionally, individuals should exercise caution when consuming alcohol, especially when drinking in small and unregulated establishments.
Finally, emergency medical services should be easily accessible in case of accidental ingestion, and prompt medical attention should be sought in such cases.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZANU PF Official Dies After Drinking Poison Thinking Its Alcohol

Local football fans are still not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages into stadiums on matchdays, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has said.
Late last month, PSL Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Ndebele said they had given clubs the green light to sell beer at local football stadiums provided clubs meet the set requirements.
However, one football fan complained that he recently brought alcohol to the National Sports Stadium in a plastic container but was forced to pay a US$5 bribe to be allowed to get into the match venue with the beer. Said the fan:
<blockquote>
Please clarify to me if I can bring my alcohol the next time I come to the ground because on Sunday at NSS I was forced to fork out a $5 bribe in order to enter with my alcohol which was in plastic containers. The officers said you did not send any comms regarding that. Pliz help.
</blockquote>
In response, the PSL said alcohol remains banned from stadiums and that position has not changed. The PSL said:
<blockquote>
Alcohol is not allowed in the stadium even in plastic containers. That position has not changed. Clubs are required to meet certain requirements for them to be allowed to sell alcohol at the stadia. Until that is done, no alcohol will be allowed.
</blockquote>
In his statement released in March, Ndebele said clubs should secure written permission from stadium owners for the sale of alcohol. He said:
<blockquote>
Following a Board resolution made at the Annual General Meeting held on 17 March 2023 to allow alcohol sales at the stadia, Clubs are advised to secure written permission from stadium owners for the sale of alcohol.
Clubs are further advised to get amended Lease Agreements that allow the sale of alcohol, police clearance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as well as liquor licenses from the Liquor Licensing Board.
Clubs are also required to indicate where the alcohol will be sold at the stadium.
</blockquote>
In the top tiers of football in England, that is in the EFL and EPL, all fans are banned from consuming alcohol “in view of the pitch”.
Alcohol is sold in the concourses of stadiums before and during the game but cannot be brought into the stands.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Alcohol Remains Banned From Premier Soccer League Matches

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has given clubs the green light to sell beer at local football stadiums provided clubs meet the set requirements.
A statement issued by PSL Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Ndebele reads:
<blockquote>
Following a Board resolution made at the Annual General Meeting held on 17 March 2023 to allow alcohol sales at the stadia, Clubs are advised to secure written permission from stadium owners for the sale of alcohol.
Clubs are further advised to get amended Lease Agreements that allow the sale of alcohol, police clearance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as well as liquor licenses from the Liquor Licensing Board.
Clubs are also required to indicate where the alcohol will be sold at the stadium.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Beer To Be Sold At Premier Soccer League Matches

Former CAPS United captain Moses Muchenje (31) says he is ready to re-launch his career after successfully undergoing rehabilitation from drug addiction.
Muchenje, who is yet to find a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, on Wednesday told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/former-caps-united-captain-opens-up-on-drug-abuse/">The Herald</a> that started excessive alcohol consumption due to a myriad of challenges that he was facing. He said:
<blockquote>
For close to two years, I was a victim of alcohol abuse as a result of too many problems. I was stressed and the stress culminated in depression.
The alcohol abuse spree affected my relationship with so many people including my family.
I wasn’t myself. I last played competitive football in 2021 during that Chibuku Super Cup bubble when I was still at Harare City Football Club. So many things were happening and I got too stressed.
I failed to handle the pressure and eventually I slipped into acute depression. That’s how I started abusing alcohol. I became addicted and for the rest of 2022, I was on the sidelines.
But, somehow, something kept telling me that I was supposed to be a footballer and I even trained with Yadah with a view to signing a contract with them last year. But again all that came to naught as I always abused substances.
Then my brother (name withheld) came up with this idea of rehabilitation to save not only my career but my life as well.
</blockquote>
With the help of Jadel Football Academy, Muchenje was placed under rehabilitation at Mubatirapamwe Trust. He said:
<blockquote>
I have spent close to three months here (Mubatirapamwe Trust) and next week I will be leaving. I am very happy as I have become myself once again.
… I am very fit due to the training I have also been receiving during my time here. Physically and mentally, I am ready to play the game again.
</blockquote>
Muchenje advised fellow athletes and members of the public to find safer and better ways of dealing with their problems rather than indulging in alcohol abuse.
Mubatirapamwe Trust executive director, Christina Madamombe, said Muchenje has been successfully rehabilitated.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former CAPS United Captain Saved From Drug Addiction

Six (6) imbibers in Karoi were left stunned after they found three condoms at the bottom of a beer container popularly known as a “scud”.
The six, Garikayi Musakambeva, Sheppard Mahwande, Robson Nyamande, Josphat Nyamapfeni, Lazarus Venganayi and Alec Kamwaya were sharing the scud when they made the shocking discovery.
The incident occurred at the Zingwe bottle store near Chikangwe bus terminus last Wednesday.
The men have since reported the matter at the Delta depot in Karoi and investigations are underway. Musakambeva told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
I was taking my last sip when I came across an open condom inside.
We found out that there were actually two more condoms in the scud.
We went to report the matter to the police, who referred us to the hospital.
</blockquote>
Their medical report dated 19 January 2022 indicates that the men were referred to Delta via the police.
Mahwande said one of the condoms had been opened, while the other two were sealed.
In a written response to NewsDay, Delta general manager for corporate affairs Patricia Murambinda confirmed that she received the report last Friday. She said:
<blockquote>
The said product sample was only left yesterday (Thursday) at our Karoi Delta distribution centre for further analysis in Harare by our quality control department.
We haven’t had such cases. For now, I can’t comment on anything until the full process of investigation has been done to ascertain the contents of the pack.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/01/karoi-men-find-used-condoms-in-scud/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Karoi Men "Find" 3 Condoms In Scud

State security agents have warned journalists against using mobile phones to take videos or pictures of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This comes after a video of the President, who was captured appearing drunk at a fundraising dinner at State House last week, was leaked and went viral on social media platforms.
READ MORE: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/24/mnangagwa-took-a-drinking-oath-in-the-1970s/">“Mnangagwa Took A Drinking Oath In The 1970s”</a>
Addressing the media on Thursday outside the Parliament Building, a state security detail who only identified himself as Raymond, said scribes should know that the “sword is mightier than the pen”. Raymond said:
<blockquote>
We know that there are rules and regulations wherever we go. Even when dealing with the president, there are certain pictures that you are not supposed to capture, and some you are allowed to.
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but I still believe the sword is mightier, and here we have our swords and if we decide to unleash them, things may not end well for you.
</blockquote>
One journalist who had reportedly captured Mnangagwa disembarking from his official ZIM 1 vehicle, was pulled from the media crew gathered and ordered to delete all the pictures he had captured.
President Mnangagwa was at the Parliament Building for the presentation of the 2022 national budget statement by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube.
Meanwhile, last week presidential spokesperson George Charamba dismissed claims that the President was inebriated, saying he only takes alcohol in the first six months of the year, a routine drinking habit he has observed for over forty years.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ed-drunk-video-leak-state-security-bars-media-from-using-mobile-phones/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Journalists Barred From Using Mobile Phones After ED "Drunk" Video Leak

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa only takes alcohol in the first six months of the year, a routine drinking habit he has observed for over forty years.
Charamba said this in response to a video that went viral on social media platforms over the weekend which showed Mnangagwa seemingly drunk.
The video was shot on Saturday when Mnangagwa was officiating at a fundraising event and launch of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa University of Zambia scholarship programme.
In the video, Mnangagwa appeared to be struggling to walk steadily and was “helped” to get to the podium.
Posting on Twitter, Charamba said during the armed struggle, in 1978, senior guerilla army officials took an oath against heavy drinking.
The oath was taken in the aftermath of the death of Peter Baya, then Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) commander, according to Charamba.
ZANLA was the military wing of Zanu during the armed struggle.
Baya succumbed to a liver condition in the late 1970s, allegedly due to heavy drinking. Charamba tweeted:
<blockquote>
The visibly upset Tongogara (late chief of defence (CoD), Josiah) reminded all present that as freedom fighters, they all had taken an oath to die from enemy bullets, not from alcohol as had happened to Cde Baya.
From now onwards, bellowed the no-nonsense ZANLA CoD, every senior officer had to take mhiko (oath) committing them to a restrained drinking cycle.
</blockquote>
Charamba claimed Mnangagwa was among the guerilla leaders who took the oath. He wrote:
<blockquote>
While other commanders would break their oaths almost immediately upon making them, young Emmerson who was also head of security, adhered to his, religiously, right up to the end of the struggle.
He did more. He took this austere drinking schedule into independence, right to this day.
</blockquote>
Charamba further stated that President Mnangagwa takes alcohol moderately in the first half of the year and totally abstains during the rest of the year. He said:
<blockquote>
Those of us who work close to him know that the President’s year is divided between wet season, which starts on the eve of each year, and dry season which religiously commences 1st June again each year.
The wet season passes for the opening six months during which the President may entertain a bit of alcohol, even then on very few social occasions.
… Folks, the month is November, a good five months into the President’s dry season. A good five months into the no-no-no-alcohol part of his year. Let’s invent other stories of malice, in our vain hope to discredit him.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/11/eds-drinking-habits-explained/">NewsDay</a></h4>

"Mnangagwa Took A Drinking Oath In The 1970s"

South Africa has expelled diplomats from Lesotho and Malawi for their involvement in the sale of duty-free alcohol to bars and restaurants.
The diplomats were declared persona non grata (unwelcome person) for engaging in the illegal sale of illicit duty-free alcohol and were given 72 hours to leave the country, failing which will lead to arrests.
The government of Lesotho has expressed shock and disappointment in learning of the diplomats who have been thrown out of South Africa.
There are reports that short of cash Lesotho diplomats and their spouses have been bringing alcohol into the country without paying duty and then reselling it in bars and restaurants.
Lesotho foreign affairs minister Matsepo Ramakoae said they saw media reports that some diplomats were involved in this. She said:
<blockquote>This means that this has been going on for quite some time. We are going to take the report from South Africa, look at it and take action.</blockquote>
The Malawian government has also issued a statement promising to take appropriate action against the diplomats.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), spokesperson Clayson Monyela announced the development. He said:
<blockquote>The Department of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to confirm that it has, on behalf of South Africa, declared several diplomats persona non-grata following an intensive investigation into their flouting of diplomatic privileges. The said diplomats were found guilty of engaging in illicit trade in duty-free alcohol.
… The government of South Africa has given the affected diplomatic staff members and their families 72 hours within which they should leave South Africa.
They are also expected to relinquish their diplomatic status by returning all the necessary diplomatic tools to Dirco.</blockquote>
Monyela said investigations of similar transgressions by other missions accredited to South Africa are at an advanced stage and similar action will be taken should they be found guilty.
He urged diplomatic missions accredited to South Africa to respect, uphold and comply with all the laws of the land, including adherence with the prescripts of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sa-expels-diplomats-who-allegedly-sold-duty-free-booze-339b1f74-b4cc-4fdc-8297-01e48e2bea72" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IOL</a></h4>

SA Expels Lesotho, Malawian Diplomats For Selling Duty-free Alcohol

The government’s decision to allow bottle stores and other liquor retail outlets to reopen has stirred controversy with some people in support of the move while others are apprehensive that it could lead to a spike in coronavirus infections.
During a Cabinet briefing on Tuesday in Harare, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with COVID-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises.</blockquote>
Owners of night clubs say the announcement has left them confused as their businesses operate at night when a curfew runs from 8 PM to 6 AM so they need to operate during the day when the relaxation applies. One imbiber said:
It’s like giving a child a colourful sweet that induces drooling, only to discover the mouth-watering goodie is tasteless.
Sports bar owners also feel that the move does not go far enough as they need customers to sit on the premises to enable them to make money. Pub Lagondola manager Bekithemba Masuku:
<blockquote>We are still confused as to how we are going to operate as sports bars. We are waiting on the regulations on that. We need people to sit down and drink for us to make money.
If they say a certain number are allowed to be on the premises and the times, we should be operating we shall reopen.</blockquote>
Reports indicate that there have been coronavirus “bar outbreaks” in some parts of the world.
For instance, in France, a 19-year-old with COVID-19 managed to infect 72 of his friends by partying at an over-packed bar in the small town of Quiberon.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bars-to-reopen-or-not-to/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Reopening Of Bottle Stores Ignites Debate

Four members of a family in Binga have died while three have been hospitalised after drinking smuggled alcohol in South Africa where the sale of alcohol is banned since March.
The tragedy was confirmed by Ms Takesure Ndlovu, a relative to the four deceased, who told Sunday News in an interview that the official cause of death had been listed as alcohol poisoning. She said:
<blockquote>It is being said that seven people passed away but that’s not the case. There were many people who drank the alcohol but seven got sick. Out of the seven, three managed to survive.
So four passed away and no one else has succumbed to what they drank. These are all people that are members from one family that are related in different ways.
When they found alcohol, they gathered each other as family and started drinking because as family you share everything as one people in a foreign place. That’s how they died as members of one family.</blockquote>
The seven men, who are from Chisawu under Chief Sinamagonde and were resident in Doornfontein, Johannesburg are said to have bought the alcohol from a man who is believed to be a fellow Zimbabwean.
The dealer is said to have disappeared following the death of his customers. The deceased were identified as Sumukai Ngwenya, Khumbulani Tshuma, Takoniwa Tshuma and Jealous Tshuma.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/four-family-members-die-after-drinking-alcohol/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday News</a>

Four Family Members Die After Drinking Smuggled Alcohol In South Africa

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Republic Police</a> has banned the sale of alcohol in retail outlets, bars and bottle stores countrywide during the 21-day lockdown to enforce compliance with social distancing requirements.
The ban came into effect on Thursday, with national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi saying police have been deployed to take action on shops that defy the ban. He said:
<blockquote>The lockdown measures were clearly stated and in light of ensuring that we fight COVID-19, there will be no sale of alcohol at any point in places like bottle stores and supermarkets. This comes as we have realised that people who buy alcohol at supermarkets are giving us challenges. They buy and drink as groups, be it either in their vehicles or places of residence thereby defying social distancing.
Action will be taken on all those who will defy the order and sell alcohol at any bases. The police today (yesterday) started to take full action and will be visible on the ground throughout the lockdown.</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi added that people should take heed of the threat posed by the novel coronavirus and put their health first and that of every citizen in the country.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/alcohol-sales-banned/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Alcohol Sales Totally Banned During Lockdown

Leadership Standards Systems and Strategy expert Mr Sebastian Zuze has expressed his concern over cheap imported whisky, usually smuggled into the country saying it is hazardous to one’s health as most of those whiskies do not conform to certain alcoholic beverages standards.
Said Mr Zuze:
<blockquote>We urge people to avoid smuggled alcoholic beverages because if the content is more than the prescribed limits it will cause serious harm to the liver and the brain.
…Excessive consumption of alcohol can affect the te_sticles adversely. It can effectively change the structure of the test_icles, leading to a fall in the Serum Testosterone level. Testosterone is the male reproductive hormone and a fall in the level of testosterone can cause male infertility</blockquote>
The price of alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe has continued to soar beyond the reach of masses because of inflation.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/cheap-whiskey-imbibers-risk-infertility-experts/">Sunday News</a>

Cheap Imported Whisky Likely To Cause Infertility, Drinkers Warned

The government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care is working on introducing the National Alcohol Policy which seeks to outlaw the sale of alcoholic products during certain days and to limit the number of hours when alcohol can be sold. The government said that it is worried about alcohol abuse and the National Alcohol Policy is said to be concerned with imparting behaviour change. Some of the proposes under the new policy include:
<ul>
<li>To bar the sale of alcohol during the week</li>
<li>To regulate the number of hours to sell the products </li>
<li>To provide guidelines on the consumption of alcohol during special events like parties and weddings based on the venue</li>
<li>To ban any alcohol advertisement within 100 metres of a road intersection, school, clinic, hospital, church and old people’s homes.</li>
<li> To arrest those found selling alcoholic products to pregnant women. </li>
</ul>
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Retired Brigadier-General Dr Gerald Gwinji said:
<blockquote>We took the proposed new policy to the working party which comprises officials from various ministries and it passed.
It also went to the Cabinet Committee on Social Services and Poverty Eradication and it went through. It now awaits to go to the Cabinet.
The current one is a revised version of the 2010 draft after realising that the initial one had gaps. The policy is concerned with imparting behaviour change.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/ban-on-alcohol-sale-imminent/">Sunday Mail</a>

Government proposing to ban the sale of alcohol during the week, says it  wants to impart behaviour change

Speaking at a Competition and Tariff Commission validation workshop in Bulawayo on Tuesday, deputy minister of Agriculture responsible for livestock, Paddy Zhanda mocked blacks’ drinking habits.
He said whites drink alcohol as a celebration of an achievement whereas black people just drink for any reason. Said Zhanda:
<blockquote>When you see a white person opening a bottle of wine, he or she will be celebrating success. But us blacks we just open and start drinking alcohol for no other purpose at all. My late father always used to ask us if the food which we ate ever queried us why we were eating it, what would you say.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://newzimbabwe.com/news-39018-Minister+Blacks+don%E2%80%99t+get+it+about+alcohol/news.aspx">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Minister mocks blacks' drinking habits

Thembelani Ncube (23) from Tsholotsho, was found dead on Saturday morning after a night of excessive drinking. The post mortem suggested that Ncube could have died of excessive intake of alcohol after he reportedly drank three bottles of vodka with two others.
Tradditional leader, Chief Gampu said:
<blockquote>I can confirm receiving a report of a young man who was found dead after a drinking spree at MaDawu Business Centre in Maminya Village.
The man allegedly drank too much hot stuff in the company of his two friends and the trio are said to have ended up taking the alcohol undiluted. He was found dead the following morning.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/death-by-vodka-tsholotsho-man-downs-three-750ml-bottles-dies/">Chronicle</a>

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