Top news items in major Zimbabwean media outlets

HARARE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The following are the news highlights in major Zimbabwean media outlets on Friday:

-- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday assured the nation that Zimbabwe is in good hands under his administration, saying the new administration has attracted 11 billion U.S. dollars in foreign direct investment commitments in the past five months. (The Herald)

-- The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) will work together to create an environment where candidates and the electorate are free to express their democratic will before, during and after the 2018 harmonized elections.

Addressing a ZRP workshop on Thursday, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said the conduct of the two statutory bodies during the electoral process was crucial in shaping perceptions of fairness and ultimately the credibility of the elections. (The Herald)

-- Zimbabwe former President Robert Mugabe's family has been linked to the alleged plunder of resources at the state social security provider, the National Social Security Authority, when their nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, was Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare minister.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission investigations boss Goodson Nguni on Thursday told journalists that several illicit deals that creamed off NSSA coffers were ordered by Zhuwao during his short stint as labor minister before his uncle was ousted following a military intervention last November. (Newsday)

-- The police's conduct during Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF primary elections has once again lifted the lid on the inappropriate relationship between ZANU-PF and the law enforcement agency, heightening calls for the reformation of the Zimbabwe Republic Police beyond cosmetic changes introduced in the past five months. (Daily News)

-- The price of petrol has shot up to 1.48 U.S. dollars per liter in some cities and towns in Zimbabwe on the back of acute ethanol shortages after ethanol plant, the Green Fuel plant, failed to resume operations on time following an annual shut-down last year, Business Weekly reveals.

This has resulted in most service stations nationwide selling 100-percent unleaded petrol on inflated prices above the government-prescribed 1.35 U.S. dollars per liter for petrol. (Business Weekly)

-- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has questioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assertion that his government has secured 11 billion U.S. dollars investment for the country, saying nothing much has changed since the new administration took over.

ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said the plight of workers has not changed since Mnangagwa assumed the presidency last year. He said the loss of jobs, which was a main feature during former president Mugabe's rule, has continued in the so-called new dispensation, while companies are still struggling to pay workers and closing down. (The Zimbabwe Independent) Enditem