Zimbabwe – 11 June 2015

Amos Midzi found dead
Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman, Amos Midzi was on Tuesday morning found dead in a suspected case of suicide. The Epworth legislator was found in his vehicle at his farm in Marirangwe near Harare. Details surrounding his death are still sketchy, while police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi could not immediately confirm the death, saying he was in a meeting.
Former Zanu PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo confirmed receiving news of Midzi’s death and described it as a tragedy. Those close to Midzi said his unceremonious exit from Zanu PF could have contributed to his demise. He was one of the many party officials who were hauled out of Zanu PF for alleged links to former Vice President Joice Mujuru.
News Day

Court rules Zimbabwean government cannot use the army to drive sidewalk vendors away
Zimbabwean troops may not use force to oust thousands of street vendors, the high court ruled on Monday, effectively neutralizing the government’s threat to clear the streets.
Last week, officials gave vendors until Sunday to move, threatening to send in the army if they did not heed the deadline.
Vendors around the capital city Harare haven’t budged however, with most saying they were adopting a “wait-and-see” approach to the government’s ultimatum.
On Monday, city officials extended the deadline to Jun. 26 and promised to work with vendors, Harare town clerk Tendai Mahachi told the Associated Press.
He said that once the deadline expires, however, police would still move the vendors.
U.S News

Zimbabwe sees subdued tobacco sales
Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, which had seen a resurgence, is currently facing a subdued 2015 auctioning season following reduced deliveries at the country’s three auction floors.
The move would translate into reduced revenue flows for the country as the agricultural sector has for long been touted as the backbone of the country’s economy.
For a decade and half, Zimbabwe’s economy has been in decline, following the chaotic land reform programme.
Business Report

Zimbabwe Opposition Divisions Worry U.S. Africa Panel
Divisions rocking the opposition movement in Zimbabwe are negating efforts to bring about a democratic transition the country so desperately needs.
That from U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
Speaking during and after a Congressional hearing on the future of U.S.-Zimbabwe relations last Wednesday, Mr. Smith said Washington was concerned the opposition had become extremely weakened by infighting.
Voice of America