Category: zimbabwe

Arts Reporter

Today, Zimbabwe is celebrating its 44th year of independence and the festivities are taking place in, Murambinda, Buhera in Manicaland Province where Mutambi is privileged to be one of the musicians to perform at the big event.

The musician will play at this evening’s Independence gala where he will unleash his 11th album titled “Ndibvunze” with six tracks namely, “Tiripamutsetse”, “Vedzinza”, “Chembere Yako”, “Kwaunoenda”, “Upenyu” and “Ndibvunze”.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Mutambi said Independence Day meant a lot to the people of Zimbabwe.

“So I have pledged my album towards the celebrations,” he said.

The Cobra Kings frontman said that he owns two farms which he managed to acquire because Zimbabwe was no longer under colonial bondage.

He owns a farm in Beatrice and the other one in Chivhu where he is growing tobacco and maize.

“I own two farms, one in Beatrice and the other one in Chivhu. I am set to harvest maize and tobacco, so when it comes to celebrating our country’s independence, I take the event seriously.”

The talented sungura chanter encouraged fellow musicians to take Independence Day seriously because music played a major role in the liberation of the country.

“During the days of the liberation war struggle, our fighters played local music to get inspiration to fight the whites.

The “Mr Ibu” hitmaker hailed the Government for allowing musicians to perform during national events such as Independence Day and Heroes Day.

“I want to thank our Government because they call us whenever they have any national event, and they pay us well.

“Also, we gain mileage because there is coverage of galas by national radio and television stations,.

He said the music industry is a bridge that connects the citizens and the Government.

“We are obliged to preach unity and peace towards the citizens. We are the middleman between the Government and the public.

“We sing about the plight of the public and also we sing about the response of the Government to the public.”

“Recently I had a chance to move around the country to sample my new project. Last weekend, I was in Bindura alongside Alick Macheso and he gave me some notes,” he said.

After the Independence Gala, Mutambi will take his new project to Karoi, his hometown.

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has granted amnesty to over 4 000 convicts in various categories, in a move meant to decongest the country’s prisons.

The amnesty was granted under Clemency Order Number 1 of 2024, published in an Extraordinary Gazette on Tuesday, while the announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, under General Notice 467 of 2024.

Last year the President granted amnesty to 4 270 inmates.

The latest amnesty excludes those serving time for specified offences.

Beneficiaries of the amnesty include all female inmates who have served one third of their sentence by April 18, excluding those serving time for specified offences and those who have previously been released on amnesty.

Inmates under the age of 18 will also benefit if they have served one third of their sentence by today, but those charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act are excluded from this Amnesty.

In addition, prisoners serving an effective period of 48 months and below and who would have served one third of their sentence, also by today if the offences are not specified, will also be released.

The President also pardoned inmates certified terminally ill by a Correctional Medical Officer (CMO) or a Government Medical Officer (GMO), but those charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act are excluded from the amnesty, while the Department of Correctional Services should liaise with Social Welfare so that there is continuity of treatment for those released.

Inmates serving their sentences at open prisons, provided they were not charged under the Criminal Code, will also be released while those above 60 years will also benefit if they have served one tenth of their sentence by today and were not be charged under the Code.

“Full remission of the remaining period is hereby granted to all those inmates who would have served life imprisonment for at least 20 years. This includes inmates sentenced to life imprisonment and those whose sentences were commuted from death to life imprisonment. In this case the period of 20 years will include the period when the inmate was serving as a prisoner under sentence of death, inmates whose sentences were altered to life imprisonment on appeal or review,” reads part of the Clemency Order.

President Mnangagwa also commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment to all inmates who have been on death row for 10 years and above.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, said the amnesty was a joyous occasion as it comes when the nation is celebrating its 44th Independence Day today.

“As we celebrate the 44th anniversary of our great country’s independence tomorrow (today), let us rejoice in this great act of clemency.

“In due course our correctional facilities shall witness the joyous sight of inmates embarking on their journey back home, as soon as due processes to select deserving inmates are completed. This Presidential Amnesty serves as a tangible demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation of our fellow citizens. It is a significant step towards building a harmonious and inclusive society, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute positively,” she said.

“To beneficiaries of this amnesty, we extend our warmest congratulations and encourage them to seize this fresh start as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.

“This release is not only a second chance: it is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of their lives and become productive members of society, coming from behind bars to business. We encourage them to embrace this freedom with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to making amends for past mistakes,” she said.

After lighting the Independence Flame, VP Mohadi reiterated Government’s commitment to preserve historical sites as well as improving the welfare of war veterans.

The lighting of the Independence Flame was witnessed by thousands of people, as the flame made its way to Murambinda B Secondary where President Mnangagwa will lead the national Independence celebrations today.

Dzapasi Assembly Point is the site where the late then Zanla Commander, Cde Solomon Mujuru, and Rhodesian Army Commander Bertie Barnard ceremoniously shook hands as the British flag, the Union Jack, was lowered and the Zimbabwean flag was hoisted in 1980.

In his remarks, VP Mohadi said the Dzapasi site is of great significance to Zimbabwe’s history as it was the first and largest assembly point after the ceasefire.

VP Mohadi said history must be recorded for the sake of future generations.

“Dzapasi is significant in our history as the British flag was lowered and the Zimbabwean flag was hoisted in 1980,” he said.

VP Mohadi was accompanied by Buhera Central legislator Cde Sam Matema, Zanu PF Politburo member Cde Patrick Chinamasa and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, and other senior Government officials.