Swaziland police 'torture political activists'

Two political activists arrested at an election rally in Swaziland have been tortured by police, according to the kingdom's Communist Party. Mfanawenkhosi 'BOER' Mntshali and Derrick Nkambule, both members of the banned political party, the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), were at a rally to discuss boycotting Swaziland's forthcoming election. In a press statement, the Communist Party of Swaziland said the two men were taken by a special police squad to police headquarters in Mbabane, the kingdom's capital. The statement said the police HQ had 'special interrogation chambers which are well equipped for torturing suspects'.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304230100.html

Museveni sparks anger in Uganda after cash donation stunt

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has publicly handed a sack containing about $100,000 (£66,000) in cash to a youth group, raising questions about how the money will be spent. The donation was broadcast on national television, with many social media comments condemning it. A minister said giving the money in public would ensure transparency, "Do we know how they money will be spent? There's no system of accountability to make sure we get it back if these youth mismanage it. It's a loss for the country."

Original article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22245873

Zim Finance Minister slams mining firms

Finance Minister Tendai Biti has slammed the ongoing failure by mining firms to remit the government's share of diamond profits to the Treasury, which he said is the leading cause of Zimbabwe's current economic woes. Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Monday, Biti said that so far only a fraction of the expected diamond remittances for 2013 have been funelled into the State coffers.

He explained that there was no money remitted from the diamond sector in January or February, and only about $5 million dollars was remitted in March, despite profits of over $100 million being realised.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304160132.html

Zimbabwe judge accused of unfair treatment towards ruling party

Zimbabwe’s judiciary system has become the latest centre of politicking and point-scoring between ZANU-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation as the country gears up for general elections. ZANU-PF is concerned that one of Zimbabwe’s top judges was passing unfavourable judgements against the party and thus undermining its bid to get into pole position for the elections this year. This perception has grown out of Justice Charles Hungwe’s decision to grant bail last month to human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, ending her week-long stint in prison. Now Hungwe’s career is under threat as the party, and the media loyal to it, have begun to target the judge with a vitriolic campaign.

The MDC is now considering what action to take to enforce the judiciary’s independence. With ZANU-PF’s open defiance of court directives with a state apparatus, it seems the MDC have been armed with evidence to present to the Southern African Development Community as proof of the country’s lack of preparedness to stage free and fair elections.

Original article: http://www.crisiszimbabwe.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1822%3Abeatrice-mtetwa-granted-bail&catid=47%3Anews&Itemid=211

Former Zambian president Rupiah Banda believes trial is a “sham”

The fourth Zambian president, Rupiah Banda, believes his whole trial in the Lusaka magistrates court is nothing but a sham. The former president said he does not believe that he will have a free trial as there is interest other than the courts themselves. Banda, who said he was looking forward to witnessing the event, described the development to block him as unfortunate as it appeared whoever was behind it had more power than the courts.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304101505.html

Mandela’s daughters attempt to oust aides from family businesses

Nelson Mandela’s daughters Makaziwe Mandela and Zenani Dlamini have made a legal attempt to o push advocate George Bizos SC, Cabinet Minister Tokyo Sexwale and attorney Bally Chuene out of companies connected to the former president. The daughters want the three removed from Harmonieux Investment and Holdings and Magnifique Investment and Holdings after alleging in an affidavit that they were not formally appointed by way of a resolution.

The companies were set up to channel proceeds of Mandela's handprints into the companies' accounts for Mandela and his children's benefit, with proceeds worth around R15 million. The three accused have publicly stated that they have completely rejected the “scurrilous allegations” and that they will fight them in court.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304110290.html

South African death toll in CAR unclear

Despite the government quoting there were 13 South African casualties from the recent military clash with Central African Republic rebels, an anonymous witness has claimed there were more than 50 South African casualties, adding to suspicions that the government is not giving the true death toll. The issue of whether the South African military should be involved in the country has put pressure on the South African government, with some suggesting that they are downplaying the death toll so as not to provoke more anger among the population. The anonymous witness says he was present at the French military base near Bangui where he claims he saw more than 50 body bags being loaded onto an aircraft sent by Pretoria, with other bodies still arriving as the 50 were loaded onto the plane. The rebel leader of the Seleka coalition, General Arda Hakouma, claims he saw "36 South African dead and 22 wounded", as well as the prisoners they handed over to Fomac.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304040594.html