FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was fingered alongside her son Collins as owners of the gold bars weighing 6kg intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last Monday, yesterday challenged the police to prove that she was an accomplice in the foiled attempt by businesswoman Henrietta Rushwaya to smuggle the mineral.
Auxillia absolved herself and her son, and dared the Zimbabwe Republic Police to "clarify" how she was fingered by Rushwaya's alleged accomplice Gift Karanda (44), who told police detectives that the gold, worth over US$300 000, belonged to her and Collins.
She also claimed her son Collins, was a "hard-working individual" and was not involved in any illegal activities. This was after a leaked internal police memorandum seen by NewsDay on Friday showed that following Rushwaya's arrest at the airport with the gold, Karanda, a Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) secretary for external affairs, tried to save his president (Rushwaya) by dropping the name of Mnangagwa and her son.
Karanda told detectives at the airport that the gold Rushwaya was carrying "belonged to the First Lady and one Collins, a son to the First Family, who was sup-posed to have brought it, but due to other commitments had requested Rushwaya to transport it on his behalf".
In her statement, the First Lady defended herself saying she served the interests of the nation first and not of any individual. The police yesterday sought to clear her name saying Karanda's claims that the First Family was involved were "false" and "malicious".
"I do not engage in illegal narrow-minded pursuits like gold smuggling. I am challenging the police through their relevant office to issue a statement. I am a strong advocate for transparency and honesty and any continued silence by the police may be misconstrued as a cover-up," Auxillia said.
"If there is any incriminating evidence against me, I challenge the police to present it to the nation without fear or favour. If there be none, I also challenge the police to say so."
She claimed that she was an anti-corruption advocate, adding that the statement by Karanda was part of malicious attempts to cow her not to support anti-graft activities.
On her son, Collins, she said: "It pains me that my son, who is hardworking and is an obedient son, is being attacked for no reason other than being a member of the First Family. He is a hard-working person and strives to improve himself day-by-day. As a mother, I am proud of his work ethics and encourage him not to be affected by malicious rumours.
"I am an advocate for peace and love and work hard at help-ing those who I can. I am greatly aggravated by the continuation of these false stories and claims. However, I remain unshaken and will continue to serve my nation in its entirety to the best of my ability"
However, Collins was previously linked to a US$60 million COV-lD-19 procurement scandal involving former Health minister Obadiah Moyo who was arrested along with Drax International local representative Delish Nguwaya.
Both of them are out on bail. In response to the First Lady's challenge, the police yesterday immediately issued a statement to the effect that the statement by Karanda, who is facing charges of obstructing the course of justice, was false.
"The ZRP confirms that Gift Karanda was arrested and is facing charges of contravening section 184(1Xe) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23, that is defeat-ing or obstructing the course of justice.
He is also facing charges of contravening section 3(1Xa) of the Gold Trade Act Chapter 21:03, dealing in and/or posses-sion of gold without being a hold-er of a licence or permit and also contravening section 182(1) of the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02), smuggling.
"This relates to his utterances to law enforcement officers at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on October 26, 2020 when he indicated that there was no case as the gold belonged to the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and her son Collins Mnangagwa," national police spokes-person Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
"Comprehensive investigations have proved that the statement by Karanda was false and malicious with intent to defeat or ob-struct the course of justice. As such, he was accordingly charged and the case is pending before the courts."
Information and Publicity secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana also issued a statement absolving the First Family of wrongdoing. He claimed that there were some individuals and groups, including Karanda, who were abusing the First Family's name in their illegal activities.
Mangwana claimed that Karanda's evidence was intended to intimidate law enforcement agencies, thereby obstructing the course of justice.
"His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has demonstrated his zero tolerance stance on corruption and organised crime. On her part, the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has distanced herself and family from any of the suspects involved in the gold smuggling case," the In-formation secretary said.
"All security apparatus has standing orders to enforce the law blinded to who a person is, knows or is related to. The law itself has adequate provisions to deal with those who interfere with its application or processes. Those who also try to defeat the course of justice by invoking names of powerful of influential people will face the full wrath of the law for it."
Info News
The Rise of Remote Work: How Digital Jobs Are Reshaping the Future of Employment
Remote work has transformed from a temporary trend into a permanent part of the global economy. Millions of employees across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Zimbabwe are now working from home or operating fully online businesses. Advances in internet technology, cloud computing, video conferencing platforms, and digital collaboration tools have made it possible for companies to operate efficiently without traditional office spaces.
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Before the global shift toward remote work, many businesses believed employees needed to be physically present in offices to remain productive. However, companies quickly discovered that remote teams could often perform just as effectively while reducing operational expenses. Businesses are now saving money on office rent, utilities, transportation allowances, and infrastructure costs. Employees also benefit from flexible schedules, reduced commuting stress, and improved work-life balance.
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The technology industry has been one of the biggest drivers of remote employment growth. Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, digital marketers, virtual assistants, content creators, and customer support professionals are among the many workers thriving in online environments. Freelancing platforms and remote job marketplaces are connecting companies with skilled workers from around the world, creating opportunities for talented individuals regardless of location.
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In Africa, remote work is creating new economic opportunities for young professionals. Many entrepreneurs and freelancers in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are working with international clients while earning income in foreign currencies. This shift is helping reduce unemployment challenges while supporting digital entrepreneurship and online education initiatives.
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Despite its advantages, remote work also presents challenges. Employees sometimes struggle with isolation, distractions at home, and difficulties separating work life from personal life. Businesses must also address cybersecurity risks, communication barriers, and employee engagement concerns. Many organizations are now adopting hybrid work models that combine office collaboration with remote flexibility.
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Experts believe remote work will continue growing as internet access improves and digital transformation expands globally. Businesses that adapt successfully to flexible work environments are expected to remain competitive in the modern economy. Workers with digital skills, strong communication abilities, and experience using online collaboration tools are likely to remain in high demand for years to come.
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What Is a GLP-1 Weight Loss Program?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. GLP-1 medications work by:
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Popular GLP-1 medications include:
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rn - Wegovy
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These medications became extremely popular because users reported dramatic weight loss results compared to traditional diet programs.
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Why Insurance Often Refuses to Pay
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Many people are shocked when they discover their insurance company will not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
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Common reasons include:
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Without insurance, monthly costs can range from $900 to over $1,500 for brand-name medications.
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That’s why affordable telehealth GLP-1 programs have become one of the fastest-growing healthcare industries online.
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