Former Minister’s Estate: ZANU PF Councillor Denied Bail Harare Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to ZANU PF Councillor, Kennedy Mandaza, who is facing charges related to the illegal occupation of the late former minister, Witness Mangwende’s estate. Mandaza, who represents Ward 28 in Epworth, was arrested along with several others who allegedly seized houses on Mangwende’s estate in July 2022. The State alleges that Mandaza, using his political influence, orchestrated the invasion of the property and allocated the houses to his supporters. During the bail hearing, the prosecution opposed Mandaza’s release, arguing that he was a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. The court agreed with the prosecution’s submissions, stating that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Mandaza would abscond if granted bail. The court also noted that Mandaza had a history of disregarding the rule of law and had shown a “disregard for the sanctity of property rights.” Mandaza’s lawyer, Jonathan Samukange, argued that his client was not a flight risk and that he had fully cooperated with the police. Samukange also highlighted that Mandaza had been a serving Councillor for many years and had no intention of skipping bail. However, the court was not convinced by Samukange’s arguments and remanded Mandaza in custody until his next court appearance on August 26, 2022. The illegal occupation of Mangwende’s estate has sparked outrage in Zimbabwe, with the ruling ZANU PF party being accused of turning a blind eye to the issue. Critics have also accused the party of using its political power to protect individuals involved in land invasions and illegal occupations.New Zealanders Invited to Participate in Garden Bird SurveyNew Zealanders Invited to Participate in Garden Bird Survey Date: This weekend (start date not specified) Overview: The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey is an annual event where participants observe and count birds in their backyard for an hour. The data collected helps researchers track bird populations and identify trends. Purpose: * Monitor bird populations and detect changes in abundance. * Identify species experiencing population declines, such as sparrows, goldfinches, and finches. * Assess the impact of environmental factors, such as predator control and climate change. How to Participate: * Visit the NZ Garden Bird Survey website. * Use the provided identification guide to distinguish between bird species. * Sit in one spot for an hour and count all birds seen or heard within your backyard. * Submit your results online. Benefits: * Contribute to scientific research on bird populations. * Increase awareness about bird conservation. * Data contributes to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Additional Information: Sparrows, goldfinches, and finches have shown a moderate to rapid decline in numbers over the past five years. The survey will help determine if this trend continues or not. Participants who submit their results are eligible to win prizes. For further details and to get involved, visit the NZ Garden Bird Survey website.A ZANU PF councillor in Chipinge, Manicaland province, has been denied bail after his arrest for allegedly stealing farm equipment from the estate of the late former Cabinet minister, Edgar Tekere. The councillor, identified as Liberty Gono, was arrested on Saturday together with two other suspects, Tafadzwa Chikwetu and Tichaona Chikwetu. The three are accused of stealing a tractor, a planter, a generator and a water pump from Tekere’s estate in Chipinge. They appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Joshua Nembaware, on Monday, who remanded them in custody until 24 January 2023 for bail application. Prosecutor, Gift Bikita, told the court that on 14 October 2022, the suspects went to Tekere’s estate and allegedly stole the farm equipment. He said the matter came to light on 16 October 2022, when the estate manager, Remember Rambanapasi, discovered that the equipment was missing. Bikita said a report was made to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Gono’s lawyer, Passmore Nyakureba, applied for bail, arguing that his client was not a flight risk and had a fixed abode. However, Bikita opposed bail, saying the suspects were facing serious charges and were likely to abscond if granted bail. He also said the stolen equipment had not yet been recovered. Nembaware agreed with the prosecution and remanded the suspects in custody. The case is expected back in court on 24 January 2023 for bail application.