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Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been sentenced to two years in jail for &#8220;corrupting youth&#8221;. The judge, however, acquitted him of rape.
The 48-year-old 2019 presidential election was found to have acted immorally towards an individual younger than 21.
The charges stemmed from allegations made by a massage therapist.
Sonko denied the allegations, saying said the case was aimed at blocking his presidential ambitions.
Sonko boycotted the trial and remained at his house in the city as of Thursday, 01 June.
One of his lawyers, Abdy Nar Ndiaye, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65775987">was quoted as saying</a> it was suspicious that the judge had not ordered Sonko&#8217;s immediate arrest. He said:
<blockquote>
This means that their objective is not to arrest Sonko, but to keep him out of the next elections.
</blockquote>
The government has rejected accusations that the cases against Sonko are politically motivated.
Sonko was accused of sexually assaulting and threatening a massage therapist at a beauty saloon in 2021.
The complainant was 20 when she made the accusations, which he denied.
Sonko said he went to the saloon for a massage for chronic back pain and that the case against him was politically motivated.
The owner of the beauty salon, Ndeye Khady Ndiaye, was also sentenced to two years in prison by the judge for &#8220;corrupting youth&#8221;.
Sonko is reported to be popular amongst Senegal&#8217;s unemployed youth.
He was elected to parliament and became mayor of the southern city of Ziguinchor following his dismissal as a chief tax inspector in Senegal in 2016.
He ran in the 2019 presidential elections, coming third.
Sonko was arrested in 2021 for disrupting public order and his arrest sparked clashes that left at least a dozen people dead.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Senegal Opposition Leader Sentenced To Two Years For In Jail For "Corrupting Youth"

A 33-year-old Zimbabwean man was among four men arrested in South Africa by the Hawks while allegedly selling two pangolins at Mahikeng Mall.
Deon Clamans Mubhada, two South African nationals Kabelo McDonald Batsi (36), and Tebogo Kodwa (28), as well as Botswana national Lesego Siana (45) appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in North West.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in North West, Henry Mamothame said the matter was adjourned till 06 June for verification of the statuses of the accused people in preparation for the bail application. <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/multinational-syndicate-two-south-africans-a-zimbabwean-and-a-botswana-national-arrested-while-allegedly-selling-pangolins-53158645-137e-407d-94e2-dd9c40ef1bde">IOL</a> quoted Mamothame as saying:
<blockquote>
They are facing two charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 10 of 2004 after they were found in possession of two pangolins&#8230;
The Hawks report revealed that information that was followed up, led to the arrest of the four at Mahikeng Mall where they were found in possession of the endangered species, allegedly trying to sell them.
They will remain in police custody until the next court appearance set for a bail application. Meanwhile, investigations are underway to establish more facts on the matter.
Owing to the serious nature of such offences in the province, a senior State advocate, advocate Benny Kalakgosi, has been allocated the case to ensure that the four are brought to book successfully.
</blockquote>
Hawks spokesperson in North West, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, said:
<blockquote>
Members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested four suspects aged between 29 and 45, in Mahikeng on 30 May 2023, following their attempt to sell two pangolins for R200 000.
The team was following up on information regarding the suspects who were allegedly looking for a buyer for the pangolins.
The quartet was cornered at Mahikeng Mall where they were found in possession of the endangered species.
</blockquote>
Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction because of a sudden rapid decrease in their population or a loss of their critical habitat.
According to the National Geographic Society, species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Man Arrested While Selling Pangolins In South Africa

Botswana&#8217;s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, recently demanded for a better deal from <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">De Beers</a> stating that the southern African country must improve the beneficiation of its diamonds.
De Beers is a diamond mining and trading company that operates primarily in Africa founded in 1888 by <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Cecil Rhodes</a>. <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">De Beers</a> has since diversified its operations and is now a subsidiary of <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Anglo American</a>, one of the world&#8217;s largest mining companies.
Masisi stated that Botswana is a significant global producer of diamonds in terms of both value and quantity but only receives a small portion of the potential revenue.
Masisi emphasized the importance of improving the deal with De Beers or walking away from it entirely, rather than settling for inadequate terms.
He compared the situation to a herdsman claiming ownership or greater benefit from someone else&#8217;s cattle and noted that Botswana&#8217;s differences with De Beers should be resolved under British law.
Masisi said he is committed to fighting for a better deal that benefits the people of Botswana despite potential electoral consequences. He concluded by stating that even if the country loses the dispute, its diamonds will remain its own, and he refuses to allow Batswana to be robbed because of an agreement made out of ignorance. He said:
<blockquote>
We&#8217;ve learnt a lot from our relationship with De Beers. including the fact that we lose $ I Sbillion every year for selling our diamonds raw without beneficiation. We are a major global diamond producer, both in terms of value and quantity. We should therefore benefit more. Our benefit from the potential $15bn is at most $8billion. 
Further beneficiation of our diamonds into gems and jewellery is worth $ 1 00bn. Where is our benefit from there? Clearly, our agreement with De Beers is very limiting for us; and we must either get a better deal or walk away completely. We must refuse to be enslaved. Your herdman cannot claim ownership or greater benefit from your cattle. 
According to the agreement, our differences should be resolved under British Laws. We signed out of ignorance because we were a new economy. But we will soldier on. We can decide to surrender and settle for breadcrumbs: or fight to the bitter end. Even if we lose the dispute under British legislation, our diamonds will remain ours and we will never back down. 
I am not a coward and I refuse to allow Batswana to be robbed on the basis of an agreement that we entered into because we didn&#8217;t know any better. If this issue costs me electoral victory then so be it.
</blockquote>
President Masisi&#8217;s recent comments about the need for a better deal with <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">De Beers</a> come as negotiations continue between Botswana and the <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">diamond company</a> over the renewal of their current agreement, which is due to expire in 2023.
Under the current agreement, De Beers has access to 90% of Botswana&#8217;s diamond production, and the government receives a 15% royalty payment.
While Botswana&#8217;s <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">diamond industry</a> is a significant contributor to its GDP, President Masisi believes that the country can benefit even more and is determined to secure a better deal with De Beers or consider other options.
Africa is home to vast mineral deposits, but the continent has little to show for it as most of its resources are exported in their raw form due to a lack of infrastructure, technology, and skills to add value to their resources. Analysts have long called for African countries to export finished or semi-finished products to capture greater value, create jobs, and promote growth. 
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Botswana's President Demands Better Diamonds Deal From De Beers

South Africa has granted diplomatic immunity to attendees of the upcoming BRICS summit which Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend, according to <a href="https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/692287/south-africa-declares-diplomatic-immunity-for-attendees-of-brics-summit-but-its-no-silver-bullet/">Businesstech</a>.
South Africa&#8217;s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has gazetted a declaration recognizing two meetings that will be covered by diplomatic immunity under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act. The first meeting is the BRICS Ministerial Meeting to be held in Cape Town on 1 and 2 June 2023, and the second is the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg from 22 to 24 August 2023.
The immunities and privileges granted under the United Nations Convention grant immunity from personal arrest or detention. However, no immunities are given under the Rome Statutes, and Article 98 of the Statutes does not apply to South Africa as a member nation.
The planned attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit has created a difficult situation for South Africa, which has an outstanding <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/western-cape-premier-threatens-to-arrest-vladimir-putin/">warrant for his arrest</a> from the International Criminal Court for war crimes related to the Ukraine invasion. As a signatory to the Rome Statutes and the ICC, South Africa is obliged to act on the court&#8217;s arrest warrants. 
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) declared:
<blockquote>
It is hereby published for general information that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in terms of section 6(2) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act 2001, has recognised (the meetings).
In accordance with section 6(1)(a) of the said Act, the immunities and privileges to be accorded to the participants of (the meetings) are those provided for in the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of Specialised Agencies, as may be applicable and for their effective participation in the Ministerial Meeting and the Summit.
</blockquote>
According to international law expert Dr. Hannah Woolaver, South Africa has limited options regarding Putin&#8217;s arrest warrant, and this situation is a significant test for international law.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

BRICS Attendees, Including Putin, Granted Diplomatic Immunity By South Africa

The <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Economic Freedom</a> Fighters (EFF) led by <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Julius Malema</a> have released a statement condemning the signing of <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/23/people-identifying-as-gay-risk-life-in-prison-in-uganda-new-bill/">the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law</a> by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the EFF views the signing of the bill as a significant step backwards in promoting democracy, <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">freedom of expression</a>, and <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">freedom of association</a> in Africa.
The law legalizes the persecution of members of the LGBTQI± community by imposing life imprisonment and, in some cases, <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">death sentences</a> for those who engage in same-sex relationships.
The EFF believes that the anti-homosexuality bill, which is based on state-sponsored hate and homophobia, is not rooted in any historical truth or objective reality. The party said the law is a product of outdated attitudes that have been imposed on African societies by Western societies.
The EFF encourages all <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">human rights activists</a> to continue to oppose &#8220;these illogical, hateful, and homophobic laws&#8221; passed against the LGBTQI± community in Uganda. The party also said the laws are a stepping stone towards the repression of people on the basis of villainizing their identity, and all of Africa must resist hateful ideas seeking to criminalize the identities of people. We present the statement below:
<blockquote>
<h2>EFF STATEMENT ON THE UGANDAN PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI&#8217;S DECISION TO SIGN THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL INTO LAW</h2>
Monday, 29 May 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by Uganda&#8217;s President Yoweri Museveni officially into law, an act which has today officially legalized the persecution of members of the LGBTQI± community.
Museveni, who had returned the bill to the Ugandan Parliament to be revised due to its lack of provision for so-called &#8220;rehabilitation&#8221; of those engaged in same sex relationships, has now signed the inhumane and draconian legislation into law, a fundamental step backwards in the quest to promote democracy, freedom of expression and freedom of association in Africa.
As of today in Uganda, those who identify as homosexuals and choose their partners on the basis of their sexual identity can be sentenced to life imprisonment and in instances of &#8220;repeat offenders&#8221;, death. The bill that has been signed by Museveni is nothing short of state-sponsored hate and homophobia.
The narrative that gender and sexual identities that are non-heteronormative are against African values, cultures and that they somehow erode family values is baseless and dangerous. It is a hateful logic that is not rooted in any historical truth or objective reality, as many within the LGBTQI± community continue to practice their cultures and spiritualities to no detriment of any of the institutions they choose to associate with.
Ironically, the values of anti-homosexuality which inspire the anti-homosexuality bill which Museveni has signed into law, stem from colonialist laws imposed by the British in Uganda during the time of British Colonialism in the country.
The assertion therefore that homosexuality is a product of imperialism is counter-intuitive and nonsensical, as Western society has historically been at the forefront of outlawing and shaming homosexuality, and these outdated attitudes are what inform the pervasive homophobia in society today.
The EFF encourages all human rights activists within and outside of Uganda to continue to stand against the illogical, hateful and homophobic laws being passed against the LGBTQI± Community in Uganda.
The laws are a stepping stone towards the repression of people on the basis of villainizing their identity, and all of Africa must resist hateful ideas which seek to criminalize the identities of people.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

EFF Condemns Anti-gay Law Signed By Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

Rwandan fugitive Ukiliho Kayishema Fulgence has been captured in South Africa.
Kayishema, who was one of four remaining fugitives from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, was arrested in South Africa on Wednesday.
He is expected to face trial in Rwanda.
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65709893">BBC</a> reported that the former police inspector, who was born in 1961, was charged in 2001 over the killing of more than 2 000 Tutsi men, women and children inside a Catholic church where they had sought refuge.
According to the indictment by UN prosecutors, Kayishema directly participated in the planning and execution of a massacre of refugees hiding at the Nyange church in Kivumu, Kibuye prefecture, on 15 April 1994.
Kayishema, born in 1961, and others allegedly tried to burn the church down with the refugees inside.
When this failed, they bulldozed it, burying and killing all those hiding there.
The corpses of the victims were then buried in mass graves.
The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), which is based in The Hague, welcomed Kayishema&#8217;s arrest.
Kayishema was arrested by a South African elite police unit at a grape farm in Paarl, in Western Cape province.
He had been living under the false name of Donatien Nibashumba.
Kayishema made a first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Friday.
The charges of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide and crimes against humanity have been brought against him.
South African NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, outside court said Kayishema also faces a charge of fraud. <a href="https://ewn.co.za/0001/01/01/more-charges-to-be-brought-against-rwandan-fugitive-fulgence">He said:</a>
<blockquote>
In January 2000, when he applied for asylum, he gave the wrong name indicating that he was from Burundi and then the one relating to the second charge of fraud, it&#8217;s when he was applying for refugee status in 2004 and he used the same names and claimed that he&#8217;s from Burundi.
</blockquote>
Some 800 000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in the Rwandan genocide.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rwandan Fugitive Accused Of Killing 2 000 In Church Arrested

Citizens&#8217; Coalition for Change (CCC) Change Champion in Chief Nelson Chamisa said that Africa should use one currency and scrap the visa requirement for Africans to foster unity on the continent.
Chamisa made the comments on Thursday, 25 May in his message celebrating the 60th anniversary of Africa Day.
The African continent commemorated this year&#8217;s Africa Day under the theme “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.
Chamisa also called for the removal of colonial boundaries which he said were imposed on Africa by the Berlin Conference.
The Berlin Conference was a meeting of European powers held in 1884-85 in Berlin, Germany, whose objective was to divide and regulate European colonisation and trade in Africa during the period known as the Scramble for Africa.
In his message, Chamisa also called for an end to military coups, wars and terrorism. <a href="https://twitter.com/nelsonchamisa/status/1661646858937159680?s=20">He wrote</a>:
<blockquote>
A TRULY PROSPEROUS &amp; HAPPY AFRICA IS ONLY POSSIBLE UPON A TRULY FREE &amp; UNITED AFRICA…There is no true happiness without true freedom!
The African Union&#8217;s theme 2023 is accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to bring greater prosperity to the continent.
Africa can not be truly free until all Africa and Africans are free.
Africa can not be fully secure until all of Africa and Africans are secure.
Africa will not be truly democratic until all Africa and Africans taste and enjoy the apple of democracy.
Africa will not be truly developed until all Africa and Africans are developed.
Africa will not be truly prosperous until all Africa and Africans truly and fully;
<ul>
<li>tear &amp; pull down the artificial Berlin Conference- imposed boundaries and borders designed in Europe.</li>
<li>adopt one currency-a single African currency.</li>
<li>a visa-free Africa</li>
<li>build strong security, communication, media, economic and financial support systems &amp; institutions.</li>
<li>stop and reject the rigging of elections, coups, violence and terrorism upon building mechanisms of dealing with the same in any African country!</li>
</ul>
We must strengthen democracy and the Responsibility To Protect doctrine and framework.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa Calls For Single Currency In Africa, Visa-free Travel

South Africa&#8217;s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said that his country supports Zimbabwe’s implementation of key reforms to resolve its debt problems.
Gondongwana presented a message of support during a round-table meeting on Zimbabwe’s debt arrears clearance at the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s 2023 annual meetings on Wednesday.
He said any challenge faced by Zimbabwe will also affect South Africa&#8217;s economy, hence the need to resolve Zimbabwe&#8217;s debt crisis and end economic sanctions. <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2023-05-25-zimbabwe-to-implement-reforms-critical-to-resolving-debt-and-arrears/">Said Gondongwana</a>:
<blockquote>
All of us are concerned about Zimbabwe. Economic sanctions continue to place Zimbabwe further into unsustainable debt. We support this [debt reforms] initiative with all our effort.
</blockquote>
In February this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Government was committed to a plan to clear more than US$6 billion of external debt arrears which were hindering its access to international loans.
Zimbabwe had more than US$14 billion in external debt as of September 2022 and has been unable to secure loans from the likes of the International Monetary Fund in more than twenty years, due to its arrears.
Zimbabwe, together with the AfDB and other development partners is working on a process to clear its debts and arrears.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

All Of Us Are Concerned About Zimbabwe - SA Finance Minister

Julius Malema, leader of the <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">opposition party</a> <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Economic Freedom</a> Fighters (EFF), has called for the establishment of a <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Government of National Unity</a> (GNU) in <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">South Africa</a> to resolve the current economic crisis.
In an interview with BBC, Malema criticised the <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">African National Congress</a> (ANC)-led government for its inability to address pressing economic concerns. He said: 
<blockquote>
The president is not carrying the national agenda. We need a Government of National Unity constituted by all of us who are not driven by political party interests but the interests of South Africa to resolve this immediate crisis which will affect all aspects of our lives.
</blockquote>
South Africa is currently facing a multitude of challenges, including an electricity crisis that has been worsening over the past 15 years. The power shortages have been attributed to inadequate investments in the country&#8217;s ageing coal-fired power plants.
<a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Julius Malema</a>&#8216;s proposal for the establishment of a <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Government of National Unity</a> (GNU) coincides with the announcement by <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">South Africa</a>&#8216;s <a class=" MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">state power utility</a>, Eskom, that it may need to increase power cuts to an unprecedented level this winter. Said Eskom Group Executive for Transmission Segomoco Scheppers in a media briefing:
<blockquote>
This is going to be a very difficult winter.
</blockquote>
Many households and businesses in Africa&#8217;s most industrialised economy are already facing scheduled electricity outages of more than 10 hours a day, largely due to breakdowns in Eskom&#8217;s ailing fleet of coal power stations.
The gap between supply and demand is expected to increase in the coming winter months as people turn on their heaters, putting additional pressure on the grid.
Eskom has not yet gone beyond &#8220;Stage 6&#8221; power cuts, which require 6,000 megawatts to be shed from the national grid. Scheppers said this winter it may move to &#8220;Stage 8&#8221; which would require up to 8,000 megawatts to be shed, translating to 16 hours of outages in a 32-hour cycle.
<h2 data-testid="paragraph-2"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Malema Calls For A Government of National Unity In South Africa

Angolan telecoms firm Unitel has initiated a $400m lawsuit against Isabel dos Santos’ Dutch company Unitel International Holdings (UIH) in London&#8217;s High Court.
The lawsuit claims that the loans provided to fund UIH&#8217;s acquisition of telecoms company shares were not returned, with approximately $395m plus interest still outstanding.
Unitel has requested to add dos Santos, Africa’s first female billionaire, to the case, alleging that she failed to make efforts to guarantee UIH returned the debts when she was a director of Unitel.
However, dos Santos&#8217; lawyers have stated that Unitel is responsible for UIH&#8217;s incapacity to pay due to its alleged role in the “illegal seizure of UIH’s assets by the Angolan state.”
Dos Santos has faced allegations of corruption for years, including claims that she and her husband diverted $1bn in state funds to firms they had stakes in during her father&#8217;s presidency.
Her assets in Angola were taken for almost $1bn last year, and other assets linked to her were seized in Portugal. In November, Interpol issued an international arrest warrant for dos Santos.
Dos Santos has denied any wrongdoing and stated that the allegations are part of a &#8220;political conspiracy.&#8221; Isabel dos Santos is the daughter of former Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
The request to add dos Santos to the case will be decided by Judge Mark Pelling at a later date.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Unitel Sues Isabel dos Santos' Company For $400m In London

The death toll in the Shakahola Forest massacre has risen to 240 after the discovery of two decomposed skeletons linked to Paul Mackenzie on Monday. The authorities are struggling to identify the gender of the skeletons. The forensic team will commence the autopsy of the 123 bodies exhumed in Phase 2.
A Senate committee investigating the proliferation of religious organizations toured the gravesites and found three more bodies, including one wrapped in a Maasai bedsheet. The committee recommended deploying additional personnel to the search and rescue team, regulating freedom of worship, and equipping the nearest police station to serve Shakahola.
Coast Regional boss Rhoda Onyancha said operation is ongoing and the forensic team is expected to commence autopsy of the 123 bodies exhumed in Phase 2.
The Senate Ad hoc committee on proliferation of religious organizations led by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana was in shock when they saw one of the bodies wrapped up in a Maasai bedsheet. <a href="https://nation.africa/kenya/news/shakahola-cult-death-toll-at-240-after-two-human-skeletons-recovered-from-forest-4243322">Nation Africa</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
We want to say that even as we are living today, some more bodies were found. We have come face-to-face with the death of our people. We have come face-to-face with skeletons.
We have also visited a mass grave that, as we are informed, was carrying about 67 people who have been exhumed, and that particular place was called Bethlehem.
</blockquote>
The Senate committee investigating the Shakahola Forest massacre also visited Galilaya, the location of Mackenzie&#8217;s house. It is alleged that this is where the cult leader implemented punishment and judgment for those who violated his radical teachings. During the visit, the committee examined the area in detail.
Senator Eddy Okech called for an increase in the number of rescue and search personnel, while Senator Tabitha Mutinda requested that the government equip the Lango Baya Police Station, the nearest administrative post to Shakahola.
During their fact-finding mission on Friday, the Senate committee met with security officials, religious leaders, and NGO representatives. Senator Mungatana emphasized the need to prevent further deaths due to individuals who mislead citizens in the name of worship.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

Paul Mackenzie Shrine: Shakahola Massacre Death Toll Rises To 240

South African opposition Patriotic Alliance party secretary Kenny Kunene said that the reaction of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raids conducted by the local authority in Johannesburg buildings made him understand why the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe banned some civil society organisations in his country.
During his two-day stint as Johannesburg&#8217;s acting mayor, when he stood in for mayor Kabelo Gwamanda who was out of the city, Kunene conducted raids on hijacked buildings in the Joburg CBD.
Several NGOs and human rights organisations condemned the raids, describing them as illegal.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-05-21-i-now-understand-why-mugabe-banned-ngos-says-kenny-kunene/">TimesLive</a>, Kunene vowed to continue with them as he attempts to “clean up the city”. He said:
<blockquote>
We are presenting it officially to the mayoral committee, it needs to be a priority of the government of local unity.
We can’t complain about revenue loss yet we have over 1 700 buildings that have been taken over by criminal syndicates who collect money from our people.
</blockquote>
Kunene castigated “NGOs masquerading as political parties” and challenged them to declare their political interests. He said:
<blockquote>
If they want to govern they must go and contest elections like we did. NGOs must not get involved in the work of the government. It is none of their business.
We have a crisis of buildings being hijacked in this country, our townships and suburbs are infested with illegal foreigners and drug dealers who are not South African.
When we fulfill our mandate and act as the representative of our constituency who has been voted into government, they want to question us.
</blockquote>
Kunene, who is the transport MMC, vowed he would not allow NGOs to “misuse” the country&#8217;s laws. He said:
<blockquote>
I understand why Robert Mugabe banned all NGOs in Zimbabwe, and only allowed NGOs led by Zimbabweans that seek to help Zimbabweans to exist.
</blockquote>
He accused the alleged criminals of illegal electricity and water connections as well as drug dealing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

I Now Understand Why Robert Mugabe Banned NGOs - Joburg Mayor

Pan African Parliament (PAP) president Chief Fortune Charumbira says they are committed to helping in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Africa.
Charumbira made the comments after a South Africa-based pan-African anti-GBV lobby group Kwanele Foundation handed over a petition to PAP at its seat in Midrand.
Kwanele members peacefully marched near the PAP headquarters where they handed a petition to PAP&#8217;s fourth vice president Aango François Ndoutoume.
In the petition, which was handed over by Kwanele Foundation founder Sihle Sibisi, the organisation urged PAP to back its fight to end GBV on the African continent.
Kwanele demanded that PAP hosts a summit on combating GBV on the continent before the end of this year.
In response, Charumbira said PAP was concerned over the high prevalence of GBV on the continent and that the continental legislative body will support the fight to end the scourge. Charumbira said:
<blockquote>
As PAP, we are sensitive and conscious of the fundamental issue of ending GBV, especially considering that cases of GBV remain rife across our continent.
The plight of women and the girl child is central to PAP’s agenda as we seek to propel Africa on the development trajectory.
Women and the girl child remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and exclusion in many spheres across Africa not least rights to equal opportunities and treatment in our society where cases of GBV are disproportionately high.
</blockquote>
Ironically, last month Charumbira&#8217;s niece reported him to the police for allegedly sexually abusing her.
Charumbira was reported to the police in Masvingo for allegedly sexually abusing his 27-year-old married niece.
According to a leaked police memorandum, Charumbira allegedly sexually assaulted the complainant on two separate occasions.
He allegedly fondled the complainant’s breasts, kissed her without her consent, and groped her private parts.
The alleged assault took place at Rainbow Towers Hotel on 31 March this year and on 02 April at Crown Plaza Hotel, respectively.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chief Charumbira Demands An End To Gender-Based Violence

A Kenyan preacher who claims to be Jesus Christ and was arrested last week was released from police custody on Tuesday, 16 May, <a href="https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/89342-yesu-wa-tongaren-released-no-charges-pressed-heres-why">reported Kenyans</a>.
Bungoma Principal Magistrate Tom Olando ordered the Police to release Yesu wa Tongaren, whose real name is Eliud Wekesa after the prosecution stated that findings by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) did not offer any grounds to implicate him.
The prosecution, therefore, asked Principal Magistrate Tom Olando to release him and close the case.
Olando further ordered police not to interfere with Wekesa activities in Tongaren.
Wekesa, who is the founder and leader of the New Jerusalem Church, appeared before the Bungoma Law Courts, where one of the 2022 presidential candidates, Professor George Wajackoyah, represented him.
In the hearing on Tuesday, an Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) officer informed the Court that the State had decided to close Wekesa&#8217;s file.
Wekesa briefly expressed his dissatisfaction with the arrest and arraignment, arguing that he fully complied with the investigators.
He further argued that he accompanied DCI officers to his home, where they investigated his religious doctrines. He said:
<blockquote>
Tulienda na maafisa wa polisi kwa boma wafanye uchunguzi, na bahati nzuri ilikuwa siku ya Jumamosi ambaye huwa ni siku ya Sabato. Polisi walihesabu sadaka wakapata ni shillingi 225 na nyanya kidogo na vitunguu. (I accompanied the police to my home to aid them in the investigations. Fortunately, it was a Saturday &#8211; the Sabbath. They counted Ksh225 offering, cherry tomatoes and onions.)
</blockquote>
Yesu wa Tongaren was being investigated for suspected cultic activities, the prosecution stated on 12 May while appearing before Bungoma Principal Magistrate.
The preacher was also facing investigations into possible activities relating to radicalisation, money laundering, and acquiring proceeds of crime.
Investigators also probed possible links to teaching radical ideologies to his followers, some of whom were minors.
Wekesa was first arrested on 10 May 2023, and he had been in police custody since then.
He welcomed the court’s ruling, with his lawyers asking the Government to stop harassing religious leaders as everyone is free to worship according to Article 32 of the constitution.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenyan Court Orders Police To Release Preacher "Yesu wa Tongaren"

A Kenyan man who claims to be Jesus Christ was on Friday locked up by a court in Bungoma County for four more days to allow a mental health evaluation.
According to <a href="https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/bungoma/-yesu-wa-tongaren-held-4-more-days-for-mental-checks-4232254">The Nation</a>, Eliud Wekesa, alias Yesu wa Tongaren, who leads New Jerusalem Church, is accused of running a religious cult in Tongaren, purporting to be Jesus Christ.
Elijah Macharia, the Bungoma County director of criminal investigations said that they want to ascertain the preacher&#8217;s mental status in their investigation into alleged offences including cult activities.
Wekesa will be held at Bungoma Police Station, Principal Magistrate Tom Mark Olando said in his ruling.
Olando ordered that investigations be conducted within four days to enable the court to give a ruling on whether or not Wekesa can take a plea. Said Olando:
<blockquote>
The court expects the DCI to take the accused for a psychiatric assessment, conduct thorough investigations of his church and search his residential premises within four days.
</blockquote>
Before his appearance in court on Thursday afternoon, Wekesa was questioned by investigators for three consecutive days.
He spent Thursday night in a cell after a court in Bungoma said it would rule on his fate on Friday.
The police had asked the court to allow them to detain him for seven days for interrogation and further investigations.
Macharia, in a sworn affidavit, claimed the accused had refused to undergo the checks.
The police further requested the court to grant them a search warrant for Wekesa’s house and place of worship.
They also argued that he would interfere with witnesses if released from their custody.
Wekesa&#8217;s lawyer Wamalwa Simiyu objected to the request to detain his client and accused the police of arresting and arraigning him without conducting proper investigations.
The case will be mentioned on 16 May. A mention simply means where a matter is “mentioned” in Court.
It is where the matter is not formally listed for a plea of guilty or a plea of not guilty.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenyan Man Who Claims To Be Jesus Christ Arrested

The number of victims of a Kenyan starvation cult in the East African country&#8217;s Shakahola forest has risen to 201 after 22 more bodies were recovered.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, 13 May, Rhodah Onyancha, a regional commissioner, said:
<blockquote>
Our forensic team was able to exhume 22 bodies today, but we have not reported any rescue.
</blockquote>
Last week, Kenyan authorities were digging up shallow graves scattered through the forest looking for remains and searching for survivors.
Hundreds of people are still reported missing.
Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, allegedly ordered his followers to starve their children and themselves to death to attain heaven.
He reportedly predicted that the world will end on 15 April.
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/13/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-climbs-to-201#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20victims%20of,to%20a%20regional%20governmental%20official.">Al Jazeera</a> reported that the taxi driver-turned-preacher was denied bail on Wednesday he appeared in court.
Onyancha said one more suspect had also been arrested, bringing the total number of those detained over the deaths to 26.
On Friday, 29 bodies were exhumed, including the remains of 12 children which were found in one grave.
Mackenzie has not commented publicly on the accusations against him.
He has not been required to enter a plea to any criminal charge but his lawyer George Kariuki told the press on Tuesday that his client could face “possible terrorism charges”.
Mackenzie appeared in court in the port city of Mombasa on Friday.
Prosecutors asked a judge to hold him for an additional 90 days as their investigation continued.
The judge is expected to deliver a ruling next Wednesday on the prosecution’s request and ordered that Mackenzie remain in custody until then.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenya Starvation Cult Death Toll Rises To 201

South Africa&#8217;s second-largest opposition political party, EFF, has called for the expulsion of the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety for allegedly interfering in the country&#8217;s internal affairs.
The call comes after Brigety last week alleged that supplied had supplied weapons and ammunition for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, EFF reminded Ambassador Brigety that South Africa had the &#8220;sovereign right to determine who she trades with and who her friends are.&#8221; Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the contemptuous imperialist talk of the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety on several foreign policy and diplomatic issues which could be handled through the normal diplomatic channels.
We are concerned because lately, the US Embassy in South Africa seems to be leaning towards interference with domestic and sovereign foreign policy issues that cannot and will not be dictated by an external force.
In his latest ranting, the US Ambassador hysterically demonized South Africa&#8217;s relationship with the Russian Federation and out of context spoke about the Lady R Vessel which docked in Simonstown in December 2022.
The South African Ministry of Defence has already clarified in December 2022 that the Vessel came to collect the orders made before the COVID-19 pandemic and it is consistent with international best practice to honour contractual trade obligations and relationships.
The US has absolutely no right and permission to interfere with South Africa&#8217;s sovereign right to determine who she trades with and who her friends are.
The EFF&#8217;s diplomatic and firm advice to the US Ambassador Reuben E Brigety is that he must SHUT UP on all sovereign policy decisions and relationships South Africa engages in.
South Africa is not a colonial outpost of the US and will never be one. South Africa will not be under imperialist control by the US, and the sooner this sitting Ambassador understands that the better.
The EFF is additionally concerned about Ambassadors who call Media Conferences to speak about issues that could have been handled through normal diplomatic channels.
Instead of raising false alarms with the media and making reflections on the domestic policy position of a political party, the US Ambassador should have approached the government to clarify his confusion.
There are several embassies and foreign missions from different countries in South Africa and none of them have demonstrated the misbehaviour and ill-discipline of Ambassador Reuben E Brigety.
We therefore call for the immediate dismissal of the US Ambassador from South Africa for his unbecoming, undiplomatic and outrightly irresponsible approach to diplomatic relations.
There have been US ambassadors in South Africa before and none have ever descended into the gallery in the manner demonstrated senselessly by Reuben E Brigety. He must be dismissed as urgent as possible.
The United States has no right, none whatsoever, to tell South Africa what must happen with President Vladimir Putin.
If there are people who must be arrested and appear before the International Criminals Court, it is US former President George Bush for the illegal war in Iraq and Barack Obama for the senseless assassination of Brother Leader Muammar Gadaffi.
There is no one who is going to arrest President Putin in South Africa and there is no imperialist nation that will instruct South Africa to do.
Finally, the usage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as a mechanism to bully South Africa or any country into imperialist compliance is unacceptable.
South Africa&#8217;s current biggest trading partner is the People&#8217;s Republic of China, and not once did we ever hear the Chinese embassy and ambassador instruct South Africa who else to trade with and what foreign policy decisions to take.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

EFF Calls For Expulsion Of US Ambassador To South Africa

South Africa&#8217;s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said United States ambassador Reuben Brigety has apologised for allegations he made against the southern African country on Thursday.
Brigety was summoned by Minister Naledi Pandor on Friday night and rebuked for his public comments that South Africa had supplied Russia with arms and ammunition to aid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Friday night, DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said Brigety has since apologised for the claims. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The meeting between USA Ambassador to South Africa @ReubenBrigety and @DIRCO_ZA took place this afternoon.
We conveyed our displeasure with his conduct and he admitted that he crossed the line and apologised unreservedly.
The relations between the USA &amp; South Africa are cordial, strong, and mutually beneficial.
We reaffirmed our commitment to continue to work together for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
There&#8217;s a commitment to use established diplomatic channels to raise whatever issue may arise in the management of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Minister Naledi Pandor also spoke to her counterpart, Secretary @SecBlinke. As previously stated, the National Conventional Arms Control Committee has not approved any sale of arms to Russia related to the period and incident in question.
The inquiry initiated by HE President Cyril Ramaphosa will be a platform to establish facts and role players in the incident in question. Anyone found to have broken the law will face consequences.
</blockquote>
President Cyril Ramaphosa has instituted an inquiry to be led by a retired judge to investigate the allegations raised by the American diplomat. Added Monyela:
<blockquote>
DIRCO welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent inquiry to be chaired by a retired judge to look into the allegations made by the US ambassador to South Africa.
This process will allow for facts to be established and for role players to be identified. Anyone found to have broken the law will face severe consequences.
</blockquote>
The South African currency, the rand crashed against the US dollar after Brigety&#8217;s allegations.
He claimed that the weapons and ammunition were loaded onto a Russian ship that docked at the Simon&#8217;s Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year.
The rand hit R19.32 against the US dollar &#8211; close to its previous record low, reached in 2020.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States Ambassador Apologises To SA For Russian Arms Sale Allegations

South Africa has criticised the United States for alleging that a Russian ship, Lady R, was loaded with weapons while docked at Simon&#8217;s Town naval base in South Africa in December last year.
In an interview with the SABC News on Friday, minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said if the United States has security concerns, it must go through the correct channels. <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-05-12-we-cannot-be-bullied-by-the-us-says-minister-in-the-presidency/?utm_source=Arena+Holdings&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=%27We+cannot+be+bullied+by+the+US%2C%27+says+minister+in+the+Presidency+%7C+Load-shedding+pushing+some+KZN+municipalities+to+brink+of+collapse+%7C+City+Power+warns+Alex+residents&amp;utm_term=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Fpolitics%2F2023-05-12-we-cannot-be-bullied-by-the-us-says-minister-in-the-presidency%2F">She said</a>:
<blockquote>
The ambassador has not followed diplomatic channels in terms of dealing with issues in South Africa and this is not the first time this has happened.
</blockquote>
She castigated US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety&#8217;s “megaphone diplomacy” approach.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Brigety alleged that Washington had established the vessel was loaded with weapons while docked at the naval base. Said Ntshavheni:
<blockquote>
It doesn’t work. If the US has concerns about anything in South Africa, they are allowed to raise them — but the channel they need to contact is DIRCO [the Department of international relations and co-operation] to say these are the issues they have problems with because we have a relationship with the US.
&#8230; They have not done that. What was worrying is that the embassy once issued a terror alert, not only for the richest square mile in the African continent but at a period when there was a gay pride march scheduled.
If you know that on our continent we are faced with the challenges of homophobia &#8230; when you issue a terror alert based on not-ascertained information, you are saying the LGBTQI community are up for being targeted and anybody can do anything to them.
</blockquote>
Ntshavheni said the United States of America should respect South Africa&#8217;s sovereignty and not treat it as a client State. She said:
<blockquote>
They don’t gather information to the extent that we gather, and did not compare notes to see whether what they had gathered was the same as ours.
We have co-operation on security matters, to share information, and they want to treat us as if we are one of their states. We are not.
We are a sovereign and republic state and we are not going to co-govern with the ambassador of the US.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Brigety told a media briefing that the US believed weapons and ammunition had been loaded onto a Russian freighter that docked at a Cape Town naval base in December 2022.
Brigety said, &#8220;We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel and I would bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion&#8221;.
Ntshavheni also said South Africa has no sanctions against Russia therefore the US should not drag South Africa into its issues with Russia and China.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Responds To US Accusations Of Arming Russia

The U.S. ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, accused the country of providing weapons and ammunition to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine.
Reuben Brigety says the weapons were provided via a cargo ship linked to a sanctioned company that docked secretly at a naval base near Cape Town in December.
In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that an investigation into the Russian vessel&#8217;s visit to the nation&#8217;s main naval base had already begun with U.S. intelligence services before Brigety&#8217;s public announcement.
Brigety alleged that military equipment had been loaded onto the Lady R at the Simon&#8217;s Town naval base from December 6th to 8th and subsequently transported to Russia, raising concerns about South Africa&#8217;s supposed neutral position on the conflict and calls for its resolution. Brigety said in comments reported by multiple South African news outlets:
<blockquote>
The arming of the Russians is extremely serious and we do not consider this issue to be resolved.
</blockquote>
If South Africa is discovered to be providing military aid to Russia, it could damage the relationship between the United States and a significant African partner, despite South Africa&#8217;s supposed neutrality on the Ukrainian conflict.
While Ramaphosa&#8217;s office denied any evidence of weapons being loaded onto the Lady R, which is connected to a sanctioned company involved in transporting military equipment for Russia. 
Ramaphosa declined to comment further, citing the need to wait for the investigation&#8217;s results when asked about the matter in Parliament by opposition leader John Steenhuisen.
MarineTraffic tracked the Lady R off the South African coast in early December, but the ship&#8217;s signal was lost on December 5th.
Satellite imagery obtained by AP indicates that a ship with a similar length, colour, and layout as the Lady R docked at the naval base the following day after it left, stayed there through December 8th, and returned to Russia on February 22nd.
In December, South African Defense Minister Thandi Modise stated that the ship only handled an &#8220;old order&#8221; for ammunition and that arms were offloaded rather than loaded onto it.
Despite South Africa&#8217;s claims of neutrality, recent moves including hosting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for talks, allowing Russian and Chinese warships to perform drills off its coast, and a potential visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin in August for a BRICS meeting have led to accusations of taking Russia&#8217;s side.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

US Ambassador Accuses South Africa Of Arming Russia In Ukraine

At least 401 people have been confirmed dead in the Democratic Republic of Congo following flooding and landslides last week, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/7/dr-congo-floods-death-toll-surpasses-200">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
At least 176 people were reported dead on Friday and many more were missing as humanitarian workers recovered scores of bodies.
A further 205 people were seriously injured, while 167 people are listed as missing.
The flooding occurred when rivers burst their banks following heavy rains on Thursday.
Theo Ngwabidje Kasi, governor of South Kivu province in the east of the DRC told Reuters by message on Monday that the death toll now stood at 401.
President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday declared a day of national mourning.
DRC Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said a team of ministers is set to travel to the region to coordinate humanitarian aid and disaster management.
The current rainy season, typical for the South Kivu region, is expected to last until the end of May.
The flooding and landslides in Eastern DR Congo came two days after floods killed at least 131 people and destroyed thousands of homes in neighbouring Rwanda, which lies on the other side of Lake Kivu.
Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.
Climate change refers to the long-term changes in global weather patterns and temperatures that are primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in ecosystems and wildlife populations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Floods Kill 400 People In DR Congo

South African opposition political party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has demanded the return of the Star of Africa which it claimed was stolen by the British monarchy.
The EFF made the demand on Saturday, 06 May to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III.
In a statement, EFF also castigated African leaders who attended Charles&#8217; coronation, saying they were further endorsing the oppression of Africans under the banner of trade. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) reiterates its demand for the return of the stolen Star of Africa from the internationalist mafia, the British monarchy.
The largest diamond, known as the Star of Africa is set in the British monarch&#8217;s sceptre and Imperial State Crown.
Today, 116 years later, the King of England, Charles III continues in the pompous steps of his predecessors flaunting the stolen Star of Africa at his coronation.
Apartheid criminal, Louis Botha handed over the Star of Africa to the ruthless British colonisers in 1907.
Botha was a well-known apartheid criminal who had no legitimacy to hand over the Star of Africa.
The British monarchy had no dignified grounds to accept it, let alone still parade it as British glory 116 years later.
The British monarchy continue to live in the grandeur of African wealth &#8211; all this, while African children die of starvation.
Charles III is firmly on track of his predecessors as he parades the fruits of their brutal legacy of dehumanization of millions of people across the world.
The attendance of the ANC Government at the coronation legitimatises the brutality of the British monarchy against the very people it is elected to serve.
Instead of vigorously pursuing justice, the return of stolen jewels and repatriations, it is scrambling for a bus ride and a back-row seat at the coronation of the unrepentant Charles III.
The presence of African leaders at the coronation is an endorsement of further oppression of Africans under the banner of trade.
There will be no fair trade as long as justice, the return of stolen jewels and repartitions are not pursued by African states.
It is only an EFF Government that will fearlessly pursue justice and repartitions from the former heinous colonisers.
The dignity of Africans will be restored in 2024 by the EFF Government.
</blockquote>
The Star of Africa diamond, also known as the Cullinan diamond, is one of the largest diamonds ever discovered.
It was found in 1905 in the Premier Mine in South Africa and weighed 3,106 carats. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who owned the mine at the time.
The Star of Africa was eventually cut into several smaller diamonds, with the largest being known as the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa.
This diamond weighs 530.4 carats and is set in the head of the Sovereign&#8217;s Sceptre with a Cross, which is part of the British Crown Jewels.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

EFF Demands Return Of Star Of Africa Diamond From British Monarchy

A Ugandan deputy minister, Retired Colonel Charles Okello Engola, has been shot and killed by a soldier who was guarding him. 
Engola who was the deputy minister for gender and labour, was shot at his home on Tuesday morning.
It&#8217;s unclear if there was an argument between the soldier and Col Engola.
The Speaker of Uganda’s parliament confirmed Col Engola’s death in a short statement while presiding over the morning session. Anita Among told MPs on Tuesday:
<blockquote>
This morning I received sad news that Hon Engola has been shot by his bodyguard and after, shot himself. May his soul rest in peace. That was God’s plan. We can’t change anything.
</blockquote>
The soldier, who has not been identified, walked around the neighbourhood firing shots in the air before shooting himself.
Initial reports suggest a number of people may have been injured and videos on social media showed locals gathering at the scene in shock.
Col Engola was a senior government official and had previously served as a deputy minister for defence.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Ugandan Deputy Minister Killed By His Aide

Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has demanded that Al Jazeera apologises and retracts its documentary series titled &#8216;<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">Gold Mafia</a>&#8216; within seven days of receiving a letter from the President&#8217;s Secretary, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">The documentary</a> exposed gold smuggling and money laundering in Zimbabwe, linking cartels, top government officials and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
The letter accused the documentary of making baseless claims that President Akufo-Addo acted as a lawyer for Mr Alistair Mathias, and implying that the President unlawfully benefitted from an alleged $100 million state infrastructure contract awarded to Mr Mathias.
The documentary also features Mathias and others involved in money laundering, claiming that there is no African president they cannot access. Mathias said:
<blockquote>
There is no president that either of us (referring to himself and Ewan Macmillan, one of the main subjects of the investigation), can’t get to on this continent. Ghana’s president is a good friend of mine. In fact, he was my lawyer.
</blockquote>
Mathias, who claimed to be the previous largest <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">gold dealer</a> in Ghana, stated that he used to conduct between $40 million to $60 million worth of gold business each month in Ghana. He also mentioned that he secures government contracts throughout Africa, including tenders for road construction, procurement, and supplying of various goods like oil.
Mathias stated that he indirectly took care of politicians in exchange for the freedom to carry out gold trading and other activities.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Ghanaian President Gives Al Jazeera 7 Days To Apologise Over Gold Mafia

A 32-year-old South African man from the Eastern Cape was arrested after he allegedly tried to sell a dismembered penis, which was cut from a 68-year-old man.
The suspect appeared in the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of the unlawful possession of human tissue.
He was expected to be transferred to Mthatha, where he will face a charge of attempted murder.
Residents affected a citizen’s arrest after the suspect was found with the dismembered penis at a shopping mall in Butterworth last week on Thursday. Said police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli:
<blockquote>
It is believed that he was looking for a buyer in Butterworth. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the private parts were removed from a 68-year-old man in OR Tambo District.
</blockquote>
Eastern Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, commended residents for arresting the suspect and described his actions as “inhumane”.
In South Africa, the unlawful possession of human tissue is a criminal offence under the National Health Act of 2003.
The law regulates the collection, use, and disposal of human tissue in order to prevent its misuse or exploitation.
Under the Act, it is illegal for any person to possess human tissue without a valid permit issued by the Director-General of Health.
Human tissue, according to the Act, is any part of a human body, including blood, bone marrow, organs, and tissues.
Those found guilty of unlawful possession of human tissue may face imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine, or both.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA: Man Arrested While Trying To Sell Dismembered Male Organ

The Sudanese paramilitary force, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of violating a ceasefire agreement between the warring parties.
The factions of Sudan’s military agreed to renew a three-day ceasefire for another 72 hours, shortly before it was due to expire.
The ceasefire had been expected to end at midnight local time on Thursday.
The ceasefire was to enable civilians access to much-needed necessities and to facilitate their evacuation.
However, in a statement released this Saturday, the RSF said the SAF had violated the agreement in its quest to organize a violent coup. Reads <a href="https://twitter.com/RSFSudan/status/1652293828307451905?s=20">the statement</a>:
<blockquote>
Despite pledging to uphold a temporary humanitarian ceasefire, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues to bombard residential areas in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum from the air and with heavy artillery.
SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is persisting with his attempt to organize a violent coup with the aid of extremists from the Muslim Brotherhood linked to former Sudanese dictator and military officer Omar al-Bashir.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remains firmly committed to the ceasefire. We are working to open safe corridors for Sudanese citizens, residents, and non-residents, to afford them access to much-needed necessities, and to facilitate their evacuation.
We again underscore the RSF’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and the establishment of a civilian government. The RSF will continue to work as a stabilizing force in Sudan, countering any efforts by the Muslim Brotherhood to usurp power.
We urge citizens to ignore the numerous baseless rumors and disinformation propagated by former members of the al-Bashir regime, which are aimed at instilling fear in the population.
</blockquote>
Foreign nations have been urging their citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.
Evacuations are continuing, but many foreigners are still stuck in Sudan.
Local civilians are continuing to flee the capital, Khartoum where there are problems with supplies of food, water, and fuel.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65414838">BBC News</a>, at least 512 people have been killed in the fighting and almost 4 200 injured, although the real number of deaths could be much higher.
Fighting in Sudan broke out on 15 April as the result of a bitter power struggle between the regular army (SAF) and RSF.
Gen al-Burhan and RSF chief Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, disagree about the country’s proposed move to civilian rule.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sudanese Paramilitary Force Accuses Regular Army Of Violating Ceasefire Agreement

A senior member of South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has threatened to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if comes to South Africa.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, said he will arrest Putin if he “sets foot in the Western Cape” and is prepared to face whatever consequences for his stance.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Winde said if Putin does come to South Africa for the BRICS summit in August, the Western Cape will set its law enforcement officers on him. He said:
<blockquote>
If the Russian leader sets foot in the Western Cape, we, as the provincial government, will have him arrested by our own Western Cape Government-funded Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers. If the South African Police Service is not instructed to act, we will.
</blockquote>
Winde said the Western Cape will arrest Putin in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and millions of Ukrainians have fled the country and are now refugees in several European countries.
Tens of thousands of students who were attending universities in Ukraine were also forced to flee amid the chaos and blaring air raids warning sirens.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) last month issued an arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine.
Kremlin is accused of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children and separating them from their families.
The warrant against Putin in March means Pretoria, due to host the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc summit this year, would have to detain him on arrival.
The South African government has not said whether it will arrest Putin if he comes to the August summit.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Thursday, Winde criticised the Government of President Cyril Ramaphosa for not stating what will happen to Putin if he comes to South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
I am very happy to make it quite clear in this province, that if Vladimir Putin comes into this province later in the year, I will do whatever is necessary, and we will follow through and make sure that he is arrested and faces his day in court with the ICC.
</blockquote>
OHCHR has estimated the number of deaths of civilians, or non-armed individuals, in Ukraine at over 8 500 thousand since the start of the war on 24 February 2022.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a judicial body whose mandate is to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
The ICC only has jurisdiction over these crimes when they are committed by individuals who are nationals of or whose crimes occurred on the territory of a state party to the Rome Statute, or if the United Nations Security Council refers a case to the ICC.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Western Cape Premier Threatens To Arrest Vladimir Putin

Kenyan authorities have imposed a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew on the 320-hectare ranch owned by a pastor who is accused of directing his followers to fast to death.
The ranch, which is near the town of Malindi, has been declared a “disturbed area and an operation zone.”
The country’s interior minister announced on Wednesday that for 30 days, the area will be subjected to a curfew between 6 PM to 6 AM.
However, human rights activists and journalists have criticised the move to bar them from accessing the ranch.
As of Thursday evening, the death toll in the cult investigation stood at 95.
On Wednesday, police took 22 people into custody during the search and rescue operation on the land.
Authorities have rescued 34 people from the property, while the Kenya Red Cross Society said that 314 people were still missing.
The owner of the ranch, pastor Paul Mackenzie, is set to remain in police custody until at least 2 May.
The director of public prosecutions, Noordin Haji, on Wednesday, ordered investigating officers to identify the assets of the suspects for purposes of preservation, confiscation, and forfeiture.
Meanwhile, a famous self-proclaimed televangelist Ezekiel Ombok Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre was arrested on Thursday on allegations of killing his followers.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenyan Officials Impose Curfew On Cult Leader's Ranch

A prominent Kenyan evangelist, Pastor Ezekiel Odero, has been arrested and his church located on the coast has been shut down.
Kenyan police are currently conducting investigations into a religious sect led by another preacher, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, that has been linked to the death of almost a hundred people due to starvation.
Odero was arrested on Thursday hours after the police inspected a funeral home near his New Life Prayer Centre church in Mavueni, Kilifi county, reported <a href="https://www.africanews.com/2023/04/27/another-kenyan-pastor-arrested-amid-probe-into-cult-like-deaths/">africanews</a>.
Police said that they had established that morgue attendants had been collecting bodies at the church premises.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Coast regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said:
<blockquote>
This morning we arrested Pastor Ezekiel Odero on allegations of the deaths that have been occurring at his premises.
</blockquote>
Odero preacher has not responded to the allegations.
Police are also investigating Odero’s alleged relationship with Nthenge, who is said to have told followers to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus”.
By Wednesday, 26 April, Kenyan authorities had recovered 95 bodies of people suspected to have died of starvation and buried in shallow graves at Mackenzie Nthenge’s farm.
Nthenge, who is already in custody, has denied wrongdoing. He is due in court on 02 May.
According to <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/death-toll-hits-95-as-8-more-childrens-bodies-exhumed-from-kenyan-cult-leaders-homestead/2882332#">Anadolu Agency</a>, the rise of cult-like churches in Kenya has become a growing concern with some leaders using extreme teachings that put their followers’ lives at risk.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Another Kenyan Pastor Arrested Amid Investigations Into Starvation Deaths

Since last week, police in Kenya have exhumed 95 bodies of people believed to have starved to death, from shallow graves.
The deaths have been linked to Pastor Paul Mackenzie, a controversial preacher at Good News International Church who is accused of brainwashing his followers and leading them to their deaths..
Police say, Mackenzie, a televangelist, indoctrinated his followers, asking them to abandon “earthly life”.
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/25/why-did-73-kenya-cult-members-starve-to-death">Al Jazeera</a> reported that the controversial preacher asked his followers to meet at his 325-hectare (800-acre) farm in a village called Shakahola in Kilifi county for a fast “to meet Jesus”.
Mackenzie allegedly instructed his followers to quit their jobs, drop out of formal schools, stop feeding on “worldly food”, and not seek medical treatment in hospitals when sick.
The church members met on Saturdays under a tree from 9 AM to 5 PM for “life lessons”.
He allegedly told them that the fast would count only if they gathered together, and offered them his farm as a fasting venue.
Mackenzie also ordered his followers to destroy all documents given by the government, including national IDs and birth certificates.
On 13 April this year, the Kenyan government intervened after two children were reported to have starved and suffocated to death by their parents on Mackenzie’s advice on March 16 and 17.
Investigations by the police led them to Shakahola where 16 emaciated people were found, four of whom died before reaching the hospital.
At least 27 people were rescued and admitted to the hospital for severe malnutrition but some of them are still refusing to eat.
The followers say they were told to starve to avoid going to hell.
Residents said about 300 people lived on the Shakahola farm.
Coastal Area regional boss Rhoda Onyancha told reporters on Wednesday that a 30-day curfew had been imposed in the area. <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/death-toll-hits-95-as-8-more-childrens-bodies-exhumed-from-kenyan-cult-leaders-homestead/2882332#">She said:</a>
<blockquote>
The total number of those who have lost their lives is 95, and because this is an area where we are going on with arrests also, so far we have 22 in custody. Nobody is allowed to go inside.
</blockquote>
President William Ruto on Monday said the cult leader belongs in prison as “what is being witnessed in Shakahola is akin to terrorism”.
Anthony Muheria, the archbishop of Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese in central Kenya, said:
<blockquote>
Religion cannot be and should not be the cause of people losing lives through radical extremism that people have to do exceptional things to gain blessings from God.
</blockquote>
Mackenzie surrendered to the police on 14 April and is still in custody pending investigations.
Mackenzie was arrested in 2017 on charges of “radicalisation” after urging children not to attend school because education was not recognised by the Bible.
Two years later, he closed the church and moved to the coastal town of Shakahola.
He was arrested again in March this year after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents.
Mackenzie was released on bail of 100 000 Kenyan shillings ($700) and told local media he was “shocked about the accusations”.
But less than three weeks later, a police raid in a forest near the coastal town of Malindi led investigators to exhume the woodland for mass graves.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenyan Cult Leader Instructed Followers To Starve Themselves To Meet Jesus

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