*Lunchtime News: Friday 24 January 2025* *Headlines* *Ncube Dismisses Growing Business Closures, Corporate Rescues* *War Vets: We Will Rally Against ED's Third Term Bid* *Civic Groups Vow Massive Resistance to Mnangagwa 3rd Term Bid* *Zanu PF Panics Over Anti-ED2030 Pushback* *ED Has Nothing To Do With 2030: Ziyambi Ziyambi* *Harare City Council Admits To Financial Mismanagement* *Flooding Disrupts Education In Matabeleland North Schools* *High Court Dismisses 'Overqualified' Magaya’s Application Challenging Elimination From ZIFA Presidential Race* *Street Dweller Dragged To Court Over Harare Man's Murder* *Families Of Apartheid-era Victims Sue South African Government For Damages* *Chris Brown Sues Warner Bros Over documentary's Sex Assault Claims* *Man Utd At Risk Of PSR Breach, Club Tell Fans* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Ncube Dismisses Growing Business Closures, Corporate Rescues* FINANCE, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister Mthuli Ncube has dismissed the rate at which firms are struggling or exiting the market, citing that local investors could close the gap amid an increasing number of businesses entering corporate rescue or exiting Zimbabwe. The response from the minister comes as companies such as Botswana retailer Choppies Enterprise Limited (Choppies) and British multinational professional services and fast-moving consumer goods firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Unilever plc, respectively, announced their exits from Zimbabwe last year. Further, firms like cement manufacturer Khayah Cement Limited and clothing retailer Truworths Limited entered corporate rescue in December and August 2024, respectively. The exits and corporate rescues are owing to a plethora of economic challenges such as the ZiG’s growing volatility, policy inconsistencies, shrinking disposable incomes, failure to remit funds outside the country, and high taxes, among other macroeconomic challenges. Ncube held a Zoom meeting during the ongoing World Economic Forum being held in Switzerland on Wednesday, where he expressed his satisfaction with local companies showing their capability to invest in firms that exit Zimbabwe. He stated that this development showed that the country was not lacking in local investors. “You do already have local investors who are ready to take over those companies. You saw it with the audit firm that exited. Local partners took over the practise, and they continue to practice,” Ncube said. “I was very pleased with that, and then also, if you look at a company like Choppies, for example, a local investor is again taking over the assets. They continue operating the company.” The local investor being referenced is Industry and Commerce deputy minister Raj Modi, through his business Sai Mart that has taken over Choppies local unit. “So, it looks like we are not short of local investors who are ready to step in place of some of these foreign investors,” Ncube said. He added that despite local investors making their way into businesses to fill the gap left by foreign companies, there was a need to develop solutions to the challenges faced by businesses in Zimbabwe. “We will always continue to make sure that we deal with the challenges that generally businesses face to improve the environment for doing business,” the finmin said. “We continue to work on that to make sure that we attract new investment as well as encourage expansion by those who are already on the ground.” Ncube noted that one of the challenges being faced by retailers such as OK Zimbabwe and Choppies was smuggling, though retailers have cited exchange rate volatility as the primary difficulty they face. “The issue of retailers who are struggling (is) the reason why we have launched the blitz on smuggling. One of the things that retailers have told us about is that smuggling is hurting their businesses. Manufacturers are also feeling that this is hurting their businesses,” Ncube said. “So, we have had this blitz on smuggling to make sure that we slow down this illicit behaviour.” Regarding liquidity, Ncube noted that excess ZiG in the market could undermine the currency, hence the government’s tough stance to greatly limit the domestic currency from circulating in the economy. “Why we have maintained a very tough stance on the liquidity front was just to maintain the stability of the ZiG, making sure that we don’t have excess money supply or excess liquidity, which undermines the stability of the ZiG,” he said. “The stability of the ZiG is critical for planning by companies, by the government, in terms of budgets. It’s also critical for just preserving the purchasing power of the currency.” However, experts have warned that this move only delays the ZiG’s devaluation while the liquidity crisis has hampered the business community’s ability to seek out capital thus hurting operations. *thezimbabwemail* *War Vets: We Will Rally Against ED's Third Term Bid* A section of war veterans has begun mobilising citizens to reject a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to extend the presidential term limit and possibly prolong the life of the current Parliament. Speaking during a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendments at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Wednesday evening, Robert Ncube, Organising Secretary of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), led by Andreas Ethan Mathibela, strongly condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional and a betrayal of Zimbabweans. “As war veterans, we are saying no. We are not together on that one, and we are not on the same page. We don’t support changing the constitution,” Ncube said. Ncube criticised the individuals behind the proposal, accusing them of violating Zimbabwe’s supreme law. “These people who want to extend the terms of the current government are violating the constitution of the country. Secondly, in 2017, when this current administration came in, they said they were restoring legacy. They said there was a cabal that had surrounded the then-president Mugabe. It means that Operation Restore Legacy did not yield the intended results. The cabal that was said to have been removed is the same cabal that is now distorting the constitution,” he said. The war veterans said they have already begun engaging citizens to make sure the proposed constitutional changes are rejected. “We have already started talking to people, that’s why we are saying no! No matter how many referendums they conduct, we will make sure Zanu PF fails what they have started,” Ncube said. “The only tool we can use so that MPs fail to pass their move is going back to the electorate, convincing them that this term extension is not for the people.” Ncube noted some war veterans aligned with Zanu PF are having internal discussions to convince party members to reject the proposal. “I can also be Zanu PF, be within, and convince other party members to say, ‘No, we are being robbed.’ We can do that,” he said provocatively. Ncube argued the proposal to amend the presidential term limits serves only the interests of a few individuals in government. “How can you remove something that was only put on paper yesterday because someone else wants to benefit? I don’t think the change of the presidential term limits benefits the majority of people,” said the war vet. He further accused Members of Parliament of abandoning their constituencies and pursuing self-serving agendas. “The majority of people who voted don’t want this term extension. It’s the MPs, who left their constituencies claiming to represent people who want that and ended up representing themselves,” Ncube said. “MPs don’t want elections in 2028, they know they won’t be elected because they have misled people.” Ncube also likened the push to violate the constitution to betraying a collective family decision. “If we violate our constitution, it’s just like changing a collective decision made by a family. Why is the man changing a collective decision? That person is wrong, just like these people who want to push for this constitutional amendment,” he said The war vet argued that such actions undermine democracy and tarnish Zimbabwe’s international reputation. “What does the violation of this constitution teach the young generation? That you can change laws willy-nilly because you don’t like them. We will be isolated internationally. They always say we don’t have the rule of law. They will be referring to such machinations,” Ncube said. “You write a constitution that you don’t follow. There’s no need to write, it’s better for you to keep quiet and do what people don’t know so they won’t know if you are doing bad or good.” Ncube also quoted the late Vice President Joseph Msika who often said ‘democracy should be guided.’ “If Msika were alive, he would call these individuals misguided dogs, who are following the wrong owner. You don’t say one thing today and another thing tomorrow, claiming you were misquoted,” he said. He also expressed skepticism that President Emmerson Mnangagwa himself supports the amendment. “What is surprising is I have never heard the president say that. What I heard him say was that in 2028 he is going kunozorora (to rest),” Ncube said, noting allowing this constitutional amendment to pass will also affect the president’s legacy. “It’s better to retire and be free to do what you are doing with ease than to leave work as if you are running away, hiding from people.” Ncube also highlighted the financial burden of conducting a referendum on the constitutional amendment, arguing that taxpayers’ money should instead go toward service delivery. “Look at the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. No MP is talking about that road, yet it leads to a prime destination area for international tourists. Who are they representing by wanting to change what we collectively agreed as Zimbabweans?” he questioned. Ncube urged Zimbabweans to stand firm against the proposal. *Civic Groups Vow Massive Resistance to Mnangagwa Third Term Bid* Civic groups gathering under the banner of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition have vowed to block attempts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his loyalists to extend his term of office beyond the two term limit. Mnangagwa, in power since 2017, is allowed by the Zimbabwean constitution to serve until 2028, a time he would have completed his two five-year terms he officially began in 2018. However, the past few months have seen a crescendo of canvassing by his loyalists for the tough ruler to stay beyond 2028 under the controversial ED2030 agenda. Mnangagwa publicly denies any ambitions to overshoot his two-term limit but is widely believed to be sponsoring the plot behind the scenes. The controversial agenda is spearheaded by his Zanu PF party with the surprise backing of some legislators from the main opposition CCC. To allow the 82-year-old politician to rule beyond 2028 would be an arduous process involving constitutional amendments and two referendums requiring a majority Yes vote. The Zimbabwean leader has more barricades in his wake, according to a communique by the Coalition, which has vowed to block any attempts by the incumbent to bastardise the supreme law of the land for self-serving purposes. The group convened a meeting on Wednesday which resolved to use all means to block Mnangagwa’s ambitions to die in office. The meeting drew participants from a wide section of society, including labour, the church, the informal sector, business, parliamentarians, war veterans, political parties, students, women, and youth organisations. “The meeting tasked the Crisis Coalition to build an inclusive broad-based movement, from all sectors of society to defend the democratic space and resist this proposed constitutional amendment. “This comprehensive approach seeks to unite various stakeholders, including the media, diplomats, community mobilizers, and rapid response teams to ensure ordinary Zimbabweans are empowered to engage in this righteous and noble cause. The emphasis was placed on the urgency of mobilising citizens across the country to defend democratic ideals and resist any proposed amendments to the constitution,” reads the communique. “The meeting acknowledged the critical need for robust national mobilization efforts that prioritise community consultation aimed at safeguarding the constitution and nurturing a culture of constitutionalism. This mobilization efforts must extend across all political affiliations and should commence without delay. “In a proactive step, the meeting resolved to organise and convene an inclusive national all-stakeholders convention that incorporates all stakeholders to prepare for a united response, specifically, a collective VOTE NO campaign should a referendum be called regarding any constitutional changes. “Moreover, the meeting recognised the importance of employing every constitutionally permissible channel to resist attempts to abolish term limits and prolong President Mnangagwa’s tenure in office. “This includes utilising mass mobilisation initiatives, organising demonstrations, engaging in diplomatic discussion, as well as pursuing public interest litigation to challenge and stop the encroachments on democracy.” The Coalition said the proposed amendments to the constitution were “self-serving maneuvers orchestrated by a small clique of politicians pursuing personal ambitions over the broader interests of the nation”. *Zanu PF Panics Over Anti-ED2030 Pushback* A VIRAL video of a group of ordinary Zimbabweans toyi-toying against plans to extend presidential term limits has exposed growing panic within Zanu PF after the ruling party called for the arrest of the protesters. There is a push in Zanu PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030 in line with the ruling party’s resolution adopted at its annual conference held last October in Bulawayo. Mnangagwa has said he is a constitutionalist and does not intend to stay beyond his constitutionally-mandated term, but 2030ists have been vocal saying the Constitution should be amended so that his term of office is extended. On Wednesday, Information minister Jenfan Muswere said there was nothing criminal in speaking about the 2030 agenda as Zimbabwe is a democracy. But a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Zanu PF’s Bulawayo province exposed panic within the ruling party over the ED2030 agenda facing resistance from a cross-section of Zimbabweans after a group of individuals were captured on video toyi-toying against the move. The flash protest was held in Bulawayo. The ruling party is accusing opposition leaders and civil society of inciting people to protest against the proposed term extension. In a post on X, Zanu PF’s Bulawayo information desk accused the opposition of recruiting youths to protest against the proposed amendment. “These gatherings are seemingly a response to the Zanu PF resolution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, but their true intention is to stir emotions against the government and the President,” the post read. “In 2019, the business sector in Bulawayo suffered significant losses through unsanctioned protests, which led to looting and the burning of shops.” The post added: “The owners of the houses where the secret gatherings are being held are being warned to desist from allowing such activities to take place at their premises. “The authorities are cautioning that the law will catch up with them if they continue to facilitate these gatherings, which are aimed at inciting riots against the government.” Reports said police were studying the video. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was not reachable yesterday. Zanu PF spokesperson Farai Marapira said those who wanted to protest against the ED2030 agenda should do so within the confines of the law. “Democracy entails people respecting other people’s opinion,” Marapira told NewsDay. “Those who want the President to continue are expressing their views and they should not be stifled. “We encourage those who want to protest to do it under the ambit of the law.” In his statement on Wednesday, Muswere said the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations was pushing a regime change agenda after it urged Mnangagwa to resist calls by his loyalists to have his term of office extended. MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora yesterday said it was disturbing that the government had taken the path of bullying opposing voices to the ED2030 agenda. “The church, which is a mirror of society and especially those who are Christians, merely expressed a genuine and legitimate concern,” MDC presidential spokesperson Lloyd Damba said. “It is a fact that the proposed amendments are self-serving and very selfish, which may lead to civil strife in the country. “By openly bullying the church, the government is making a clear indication that dissent is a no-go area and will not be tolerated by those in power today.” Damba said the ED2030 agenda was against popular sentiment. “The church is right that the country needs a free, fair and credible election that guarantees an election that truly reflects the views of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, an umbrella body of several civil society organisations, held a meeting on Wednesday to come up with ways to resist the amendments of the Constitution. The late former President Robert Mugabe was deposed in 2017 by the military after he failed to manage his succession. *Newsday* *ED Has Nothing To Do With 2030: Ziyambi Ziyambi* The call for Constitutional amendments for President Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond 2028 has nothing to do with him and has not been done at his instigation, but was conceived by the revolutionary party and formed part of its Annual National People’s Conference resolutions. Addressing Zanu PF Mashonaland West Province Provincial Coordinating Committee members last weekend, Politburo member, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, said current efforts to amend the Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term were solely a decision of the revolutionary party’s general membership. He said at no time did President Mnangagwa canvass for the extension of his term and any suggestion to that effect was preposterous given that the position of the First Secretary was known that he was a constitutionalist. Cde Ziyambi said Zanu PF was pushing for an extension of the President’s term in line with a resolution that it took at its conference in Bulawayo in October last year. “Our plan with resolutions is that they come from the people starting from inter-district, and they go to the province where they are debated. Our provincial chairman takes them to the national level and they are consolidated at the conference. Once consolidated at the conference level, they become Zanu PF resolutions. That point ought to be clear,” said Cde Ziyambi. “At no time did President Mnangagwa say he wants this or that, about the issue of 2030. It is us as the people and general membership of Zanu PF who expressed our desire about what we want him to do. “Now if you hear someone saying anything about our President that he has done this or he intends to do that, tell them that it is not him, but it is us as the people and as Zanu PF. He is not in the equation or this discourse.” Ziyambi said his discussions with President Mnangagwa, whenever they meet, did not include issues around extension of his term. “Even if I am to meet with him, I will tell him that ‘we are seized with our issues as the general membership of the party which has nothing to do with you, I do not even want to hear about your views about it,’ I do not even talk to him about it because it is our issue. “We are now in the process of fulfilling our issue and desire as Zimbabweans, we now need to be united because it’s us who have expressed this desire. “Once we start the programme and it goes through Parliament to amend the Constitution to fulfil our objective, once it comes back to the people during the Referendum, starting today let’s mobilise people telling them that Zimbabweans want President Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. This is our desire as Zanu PF.” Zanu PF party structures have been calling for Constitutional amendments following a resolution at the party’s Conference in Bulawayo that was unanimously adopted. *Herald* *Harare City Council Admits To Financial Mismanagement* THE Harare City Council has admitted financial mismanagement within the local authority, leading to poor service delivery. Harare City Council Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into the state of affairs at the local authority, where he revealed a lack of financial accountability due to the absence of an enterprise resource planning system. “There is an absence of an electronic resource planning (ERP). The chasing away of enterprise resource package in 2019 at the recommendation of management has resulted in the City Council not managing to produce audited accounts. “ERP is the only tool the auditor general and management can verify accounts hence management conspired to get rid of ERP,” Mayor Mafume said. “The books of accounts are done manually, which means documentation can be changed and very difficult to chase.” Councillor Mafume admitted financial mismanagement within the city council’s operations is contributing to a marked decline in service delivery across the capital. “We have not been able to repair street lights. We are trying to introduce street lights levy because we are unable to repair the street lights.” The Commission of Inquiry has so far exposed corruption within the Harare City Council, including nepotism and financial mismanagement. The issue of hefty salaries for top officials has also been topical with Harare City Council Acting Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk, Major Retired Matthew Marara earning a monthly salary of US$12 000. *ZBC* *Flooding Disrupts Education In Matabeleland North Schools* Learners at 22 primary and secondary schools in Matabeleland North have been unable to attend classes due to flash flooding caused by incessant rains that have pounded the country since the start of the year. The floods have disrupted learning in several districts, with some schools yet to open fully two weeks into the term. The heavy rains, while raising hopes for a better farming season following an El Niño-induced drought, have also resulted in widespread damage and loss. According to the Civil Protection Unit, the floods have claimed 23 lives through drowning and affected over 800 households nationwide. The education sector has not been spared, with numerous schools rendered inaccessible. Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director, Mr. Jabulani Mpofu, confirmed the disruptions, saying that only Nkayi and Binga districts have not reported any rain-related challenges. “At Sabelo Primary School in Bubi, flooded rivers have made it difficult for teachers traveling from Bulawayo to report for duty,” he said. “In Hwange District, Nekabandama and Kuribalila Primary Schools are affected, while Daluka Primary School in Lupane is inaccessible due to swampy conditions.” The worst-hit district is Tsholotsho, where poor drainage has left several schools, including Tshabanda Primary and Secondary, Dikili, Dogwe, and Nhlangano, unable to operate normally. Schools in Umguza District, such as Igusi, Zimdabule, and Bhuda, have also been severely affected. Mr. Mpofu emphasized the importance of safety, discouraging learners, teachers, and motorists from crossing flooded rivers. “Schools must find ways to compensate for lost time. Some are using assignments distributed via cellphones, although not all areas are badly affected,” he added. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has pledged to support affected schools. Director of communication Mr. Taungana Ndoro outlined measures such as extended school hours, weekend classes, and online resources. “We are working with local authorities to ensure students can return to school safely,” he said. *High Court Dismisses 'Overqualified' Magaya’s Application Challenging Elimination From ZIFA Presidential Race* High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi has dismissed an urgent chamber application by Yadah Stars owner Walter Magaya who was challenging his disqualification from the ZIFA Presidential race set for January 25. Chitapi ruled that Magaya’s application lacked merit. Magaya was arguing that his disqualification by the ZIFA electoral committee for failing to submit his Ordinary Certificate was grossly unreasonable. He also argued that the failure of the committee to consider his tertiary qualifications as mandated by ZIFA statutes, being diplomas from UNISA was unreasonable and defied logic. Magaya submitted higher certificates in Marketing and Theology. The cleric also said the committee erred by failing to communicate in writing that further qualifications were required to meet the necessary criteria. The judge said that the bone of contention was the fact that part of the requirements listed in ZIFA statutes was the issue of equivalent education qualifications. “Simply put, the applicant contends that although he did not submit O’Level qualifications he still met the requirements and would have qualified,” the judge noted. Magaya submitted that he was “over-qualified” having submitted higher tertiary qualifications. He said the committee disregarded the fact they were supposed to have written him within seven days of his disqualification to inform him that further documents were required. He also said there were no appeal structures within ZIFA. The respondents argued that Magaya erred by failing to cite the ZIFA Ethics Committee which disqualified him. Lovemore Madhuku representing the respondents also said Magaya should have cited the motherboard, ZIFA. “It is common cause that Zifa operates through the Normalisation Committee which is chaired by the first respondent (Lincoln Mutasa). “The respondents objected to the jurisdiction of this court to entertain the matter. The objection was pointless. “The objection has no substance.” He said if ZIFA decides not to take its disputes to court it does not mean that the High Court has no jurisdiction. “It is public knowledge that the court has dealt with many football cases in its history. It is shocking that ZIFA raised this point. If this objection was meant to test the waters…then the waters are still the same,” Chitapi said. “The relief sought is setting aside the disqualification of the applicant. “It is my view that the applicant needs to be candid and take the court into his confidence. “At least this court should have an insight into matters the applicant needed the court to interrogate over his disqualification.” Chitapi said if this was done, his court had powers to review the committee’s decision and advise what was appropriate. “In casu the question remains, if the decision is set aside, what else other than that submitted before the committee would be placed before the committee to show that the applicant qualified. “He does not give any hint on what he intends to submit before the committee if the decision is set aside. “The point is this. He was disqualified in a process in which he impugns. He must show that this process was flawed. “I accept that the minimum was a pass with five O Levels. What is correct is that O’Level involves a study of O’Level Curriculum. “A requirement to have five O’Levels must be met. “Just for the avoidance of doubt, if one relies on a diploma, the issue is not that a Diploma is higher than O’Level. The applicant would be required to produce an O’Level certificate even if he holds a PhD. “In the present matter, the applicant has been coy in disclosing further information regarding his qualifications to correct the committee’s decision.” Chitapi said the court cannot simply set aside a decision when there is no supporting evidence to challenge that decision. “There was nothing grossly irregular in reaching the decision by the vetting committee… accordingly, the challenge by the applicant cannot succeed.” “His application is dismissed. Each party to be its costs.” *NewZW* *Street Dweller Dragged To Court Over Harare Man's Murder* A 20-year-old street dweller was dragged to court Thursday facing murder following an incident in which he and his accomplices who are still at large tracked down and attacked a man who had just exited a night spot in the Harare CBD last week. Takudzwa Mombeshora appeared before Harare magistrate Aplonia Marutya who advised him to seek bail at the High Court. Prosecuting, Rufaro Chonzi told the court that the incident occurred on January 15 around midnight. The court heard that Jile Forbes, aged 57, was on his way to find transport to his home in Dzivarasekwa when Mombeshora and other street dwellers ambushed him in one of the city streets. The court further heard the gang grabbed his sling bag and wrestled him to the ground. Forbes’ died on the spot after his head hit the tarmac, the court was told. “The accused then searched Forbes’ pockets, stealing his wallet containing $10 in cash, an Itel 70 cell phone, and other belongings before fleeing the scene, leaving him lying unconscious on the ground,” prosecutors allege. His body was later discovered by another street dweller who went on to inform the police. Forbes’ body was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where a post-mortem revealed he had died from head trauma and a subdural hematoma. On January 21, police received information about Mombeshora’s whereabouts after he had gone into hiding following the crime. Detectives tracked him down to Copacabana bus terminus. Mombeshora was said to have turned violent and bit one of the officers when an attempt was made to arrest him. He will be back in court on February 7 for his routine remand. *ZimLive* *Families Of Apartheid-era Victims Sue South African Government For Damages* Twenty-five victims' families and survivors of apartheid-era political crimes have sued South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government for what they say is its failure to properly investigate those offences and deliver justice. The group is seeking about 167 million rand ($9 million) in damages, according to the case filed at the High Court in the capital Pretoria on Monday, and shared by the Foundation for Human Rights, an NGO supporting the families, on Thursday. They are also seeking an order compelling Ramaphosa to create a commission of inquiry into the "political interference that resulted in the suppression of several hundred serious crimes arising from South Africa's past," according to a statement released by the applicants. A spokesperson for Ramaphosa said his legal team would respond to the court papers accordingly and that the president had never interfered with the work of law enforcement agencies or directed them not to prosecute apartheid-era crimes. South Africa was ruled by a white minority government for decades, enforcing institutionalised racial segregation, before becoming a multi-racial democracy in 1994. The African National Congress (ANC) has governed since then but last year was forced to share power with smaller parties after losing its majority in a national election. The first applicant in the case is Lukhanyo Calata, the son of Fort Calata, one of four anti-apartheid activists known as the "Cradock Four" who were killed in 1985. No one has been prosecuted over the case, and a third inquest is due to start this year, but many key figures linked to the killings have died, the statement said. "Justice delayed in this manner has ensured that justice is permanently denied to our families," Calata said. The other applicants include two survivors of the 1993 Highgate Massacre in which a group of masked men shot dead five patrons at a hotel bar, and the family members of other anti-apartheid activists who were killed or disappeared. South Africa set up its Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 1996 to help uncover human rights violations perpetrated under apartheid. After it ended in 2002, the TRC handed over a list of several hundred cases to state prosecutors for further investigation, but many were never pursued. "The suppression of post-TRC accountability efforts has led to the loss of witnesses, perpetrators and evidence, making prosecutions impossible in most cases and denying survivors and victims' families rights to justice, truth, and closure," said Odette Geldenhuys, a lawyer representing the applicants. The compensation sought is in the form of "constitutional damages", awarded when a court rules that there have been infringements of constitutional rights by the state. *Reuters* *Chris Brown Sues Warner Bros Over documentary's Sex Assault Claims* Musician Chris Brown says he’s suing a film studio over a documentary released last year which included accusations of sexual assault. Chris Brown: A History of Violence was released by Warner Bros in October and featured testimony from an anonymous dancer who claimed he raped her on a yacht in 2020. In a statement, the Forever singer’s lawyers say the film is “defamatory”, and her claims were “baseless” and “sensationalised”, accusing Warner Bros of “recklessly damaging” his reputation. As well as Warner Bros, the lawsuit also names production company Ample. Neither firm responded when contacted for comment by BBC Newsbeat. Chris Brown’s lawyers say he is seeking $500m (£405m), after filing the complaint at a court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The statement goes on to say that his lawyers had told producers the allegations – which also included evidence tampering – were “misleading” and “discredited” but that Warner Bros proceeded to release the documentary “without regard for Mr Brown, prioritising profits over journalistic integrity”. In a copy of the complaint, seen by BBC Newsbeat, Chris Brown’s lawyers cast doubt on the dancer’s reliability as a witness and highlight three claims in the documentary which they say are “false”. These include a comment that he has a “predisposition for punching women in the face”, the dancer’s allegation he raped her and a claim he manipulated or deleted texts between them before sharing them with police. Lawyers say the documentary “states in every available fashion that he is a serial rapist and sexual abuser”. The allegations are said to have caused him emotional distress as well as “significant harm to [his] reputation, career and business opportunities”. The documentary has, they say, “irreparably tarnished [his] career and standing in the public eye”. *Other allegations* Chris Brown first faced allegations from the dancer, known in court and in the documentary as Jane Doe, in 2022 when she sued him for $20m (£14.9m). Her lawsuit claimed he drugged and raped her during a party on a yacht at a property owned by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ in Miami, Florida. But the case was reportedly dismissed by a judge. The 35-year-old has had a history of well-documented legal troubles. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to punching a man outside a hotel in Washington DC while he was taking a photo with two women. Two years later, a model claimed he assaulted her at a Las Vegas casino, however police said there was not enough evidence to bring charges. A court also ordered him to stay away from ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran in 2017 after she claimed he threatened to kill her. Last year’s documentary also examined other allegations against Chris Brown including a rape inquiry in Paris – in which he was released without charge – and assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, which he pleaded guilty to. His lawyers say he’s “never been found at fault for any type of sexual crime”. “Their [Warner Bros and Ample’s] actions undermine not only Mr Brown’s decade-long efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence,” his lawyer Levi McCathern says. Chris Brown says a portion of any damages would be donated to survivors of sexual violence. *BBC* *Man Utd At Risk Of PSR Breach, Club Tell Fans* Manchester United have written to fans to warn them that the club are at risk of breaching spending rules and ticket prices could rise as a result. In a letter to fan groups, United said they must "act now". Under the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR), clubs can lose up to £105m over three years. "If we do not act now, we are in danger of falling to comply with PSR/FFP requirements," the club said in the letter. "We are currently making a significant loss each year - totalling over £300m in the past three years. This is not sustainable. "We will have to make some difficult choices. That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club. "We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall - but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans." The club letter was in response to a letter from fans groups The 1958 and Fan Coalition 58 urging United to "consider the long-term implications of ticket price increases". In September, United reported a net loss of £113.2m in the year to 30 June. It followed losses of £28.7m in 2022-23 and £115.5m in 2021-22, and took total losses over the past five years to over £370m. United were accused of exploiting fans after taking the mid-season decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners. The ticket pricing announcement came after the club confirmed the cost of paying off former boss Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4m, while the cost of paying a release clause to bring in his replacement Ruben Amorim was £11m. In November, United revealed they had spent £8.6m as part of a redundancy programme that had led to about 250 employees losing their jobs. Last season Everton had a 10-point deduction reduced to six on appeal in February for breaching PSR for the three-year period to 2021-22. Nottingham Forest were also charged with PSR breaches last season and were docked four points in March. *BBC*