BY STAFF REPORTER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has raised alarm over the low number of environmental cases recorded and prosecuted in Matabeleland North Province, warning that weak enforcement risks emboldening offenders.

Speaking at a multi-stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Hwange-based public prosecutor Pride Mharadza said fewer than 15 EMA-related cases were recorded in the province in 2025, describing the situation as “deeply disappointing.”

“In Hwange, we only received one case last year involving the transport of hazardous substances without a permit,” Mharadza said. The accused, who had transported mercury, was convicted and fined US$500, with four months’ imprisonment suspended for five years.

Mharadza said Victoria Falls recorded no EMA cases in 2025, calling it “worrying that a whole station did not receive a single case.”

Binga recorded two cases involving cyanide, one resulting in six months’ imprisonment and forfeiture of the chemical, while the other could not proceed to court due to the absence of a forensic report.

In Inyathi, a single case involved implementing a project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate, resulting in a US$200 fine. Nkayi recorded one case of prohibited alluvial mining, leading to suspended sentences for 19 accused persons.

Meanwhile, Tsholotsho and Lupane reported no EMA cases during the year.

Mharadza said delays in forensic reports, limited EMA representation, and weak collaboration between police and prosecutors were major obstacles to successful prosecution.

“The overall picture points to weak environmental law enforcement rather than an absence of environmental crimes,” she said. “Half the stations did not receive any EMA cases. Some prosecutors even said they do not know how to handle EMA cases because they are not receiving them.”

Mharadza urged law enforcement and prosecutors to take action, saying that successful prosecutions would “send a message to society” and strengthen environmental protection across the province.

SOURCE: CITE

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 31-year-old man from Tsholotsho has been sentenced to an effective six months in prison after being convicted of stealing and slaughtering his neighbour’s goat.

The incident occurred on 11 July 2024 when the complainant released his herd to graze at Mhlahlo grazing land. One black-and-white goat failed to return, prompting the owner and fellow villagers to launch a search.

The search led to the accused’s homestead, where the complainant positively identified the carcass of his missing goat. The man initially denied involvement in the theft, but investigations revealed overwhelming evidence linking him to the crime.

He was arrested and placed in police custody but later escaped while being taken to the police station. The escape was promptly reported, leading to his re-arrest.

The court sentenced the accused to 12 months’ imprisonment, with three months suspended on condition of good behaviour. A further three months were suspended on condition that he pays restitution amounting to ZAR1 500. He will therefore serve an effective six-month prison term.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe commended communities for remaining vigilant and reporting crime promptly.

“Justice is strongest when citizens stand together against lawlessness. Silence and tolerance of crime only empower offenders,” the NPAZ said.

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), in partnership with Lupane State University, has launched a community-based initiative to control and reduce the impact of the toxic plant Dichapetalum cymosum, locally known as Umkhawuzane or Gifblaar, which has caused significant livestock losses in Matabeleland North.

The initiative, focuses on managing the spread of the poisonous plant, which is widely recognised as one of the most dangerous threats to cattle in Southern Africa. Gifblaar is estimated to contribute to about eight percent of livestock deaths linked to toxic plants in the region. The plant contains fluoroacetate, a potent toxin that causes sudden death in animals and poses risks of secondary poisoning through the food chain.

According to EMA, the study was carried out in Ward 18 (Makhovula) in Lupane District and Ward 10 in Umguza District. It combined community sensitisation with mechanical and chemical control trials aimed at identifying effective ways to eradicate the plant.

Community engagements revealed a high level of awareness among farmers about the toxicity of Umkhawuzane. Farmers reported losing an average of three to four animals per household during the winter season, when forage is scarce and the plant remains green, increasing the risk of livestock consumption.

Results from the trials showed that mechanical removal of the plant produced promising outcomes. No regeneration was observed in areas where roots were excavated to depths of between one and 1.5 metres. However, chemical control using glyphosate only led to temporary suppression of the plant and did not achieve complete eradication, while also affecting surrounding vegetation.

EMA said the findings highlight the need for integrated and site-specific management approaches. These include effective mechanical removal, cautious use of chemicals, and continuous community education to prevent further losses.

The agency, together with Lupane State University, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with local communities to protect livestock, improve rangeland management and reduce the economic losses caused by Umkhawuzane in Matabeleland North.