BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube’s suspension and reinstatement have sparked controversy.

Late last year, Mayor Prince Moyo suspended Dube over corruption allegations, but the minister Daniel Garwe intervened, calling for the suspension to be rescinded.

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VFCRA) objected to the minister’s decision, citing concerns over corruption.

After a series of meetings and protests, Dube was reinstated in the first week of January.

VFCRA Chairperson Kelvin Moyo met with VicFallsLive to discuss the developments.

NOKUTHABA DLAMINI: Maybe if you can start by briefing us on what has happened following the meeting before Christmas with the residents?

KELVIN MOYO: There was the rescinding of the town clerk’s suspension, which was done by the councillors in a special full council meeting, excluding residents. Afterward, the town clerk came back to work. We called a residents’ meeting and updated them on what had happened. Some councillors attended but couldn’t speak due to the code of conduct requiring them to speak through the mayor, who was unavailable that day.

As a result, residents resolved to go to the council and ensure that, on the day the town clerk was meant to return to work, January 6th, they would demonstrate peacefully to express their dissatisfaction with the decision. Residents expected the town clerk to clear his name through the courts and the commission of inquiry before returning to office. However, these expectations were not met, and he resumed his duties.

We reported the issues to court and obtained a case number. Currently, we are following up on the investigation’s progress. The local ZRP advised us that the case has been referred to Hwange, where an investigating officer will handle the criminal aspects, while another investigator from ZACC will address the administrative issues.

Residents expect the town clerk to inspire confidence by clearing his name and ensuring that rates and tariffs are used effectively. They are worried about expensive rates and tariffs, which are linked to corruption allegations against the town clerk. We will continue to push for justice and ensure that the Victoria Falls remains a destination of choice for local and international investors.

Regarding the minister’s comments labeling our associations as “burial societies,” I view it as political banter. Our mandate is to represent the interests of Victoria Falls residents, and we are registered associations, not burial societies. We are constituted to ensure service delivery, particularly in areas like water, garbage collection, roads, and drainage systems. We will continue to be watchdogs, ensuring that the council’s actions are consistent with the laws of the urban council act and the nation.

I believe the minister is misinformed about the situation on the ground. If he engages with us, I’m confident he will understand our perspective and not have the same views and comments about the Victoria Falls and our associations.

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Tragedy struck in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park on Saturday, when a 36-year-old businessman John Madzikatire took his own life by shooting himself.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on an unnamed dust road, where a motorist stumbled upon Madzikatire’s lifeless body lying next to his Mercedes Benz vehicle.

The vehicle was still idling with its lights on and the driver’s door wide open.

Madzikatire was found in a pool of blood, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head, with no signs of life.

A pistol was discovered under his right knee, and it’s suspected that he shot himself in the head from the left side, with the bullet exiting from the right side.

A search of the vehicle revealed an army green bag containing a substantial amount of cash: $5,122 USD, 20,719 South African Rand, and $24 Zimbabwean dollars. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating the incident and encourages the public to seek help when facing challenges. “We urge people to engage with others and seek counseling from community leaders and professional counselors rather than resorting to taking their own lives,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The once-thriving Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway has become a nightmare for motorists, with many labeling it “undrivable” due to its deplorable state.

As we drove through the Hwange area, close to Dete, Lubimbi Turn and Lupane, we witnessed firsthand the treacherous conditions that have left drivers frustrated and fed up.

The road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and mud-filled craters, forcing many to abandon the main road and opt for a dusty, makeshift alternative.

In some areas close to Lupane, villagers have taken it upon themselves to fix the road using the ordinary soils. This is usually done by the children and women.

“I’ve been driving for over 20 years, but this road is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Moyo, a truck driver who frequently travels the route. “It’s like they’ve abandoned us. We’re forced to create our own paths, but even those are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.”

Another motorist, Sarah Ndlovu, expressed her disappointment and concern for safety. “It’s not just the damage to our vehicles; it’s the risk of accidents and injuries. I’ve seen cars stuck in the potholes , and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”

The poor state of the road is also affecting travel times, with some motorists reporting journeys that take up to 10 hours to cover a stretch of 400 kilometers.

“It’s unacceptable,” said James Dube, a tourist operator. “This road leads to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, and yet it’s in shambles. We need urgent attention to fix this road and restore our country’s reputation.”

However, in a recent statement, the government announced plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway this year.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, a significant allocation of funds has been set aside for the project, which is expected to commence in the coming months.

While this news has brought some relief to motorists, many remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard it all before,” said Moyo. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”

As the situation continues to deteriorate, motorists are calling on authorities to take immediate action to repair and maintain the highway.

With the peak tourist season approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on its promises and restore the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway to its former glory.