In the community

Jambezi villagers send SOS as veld fire threatens homesteads, livestock

Published

4 years ago

August 27, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI /NOTHANDO DUBE

Villagers in Hwange’s Jambezi area are struggling to put out a veld fire that has been raging since August 19, leaving hundreds of homesteads and livestock at risk.

The fire is believed to have been started by suspected poachers in the Hillcrest game reserve close to villages under Chief Shana.

A villager Kachechete identified as Christopher Nyoni lost all his property after his hut was razed down by the fire.

A police memo seen by VicFallsLive says the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks, Forestry Commission and police were informed about the threatening fire, but they are yet to respond for various reasons.

The memo said Masikili villagers delegated one Christopher Ndlovu to make a police report about the fire after they realised that they had no capacity to stop it.

“On August 19, 2021 around 1000hrs,Christopher Ndlovu, a male aged 52 of own homestead, Masikili Village 1, Matetsi, Chief Shana, Jambezi discovered a veld fire at Hillcrest, Masikili area,” reads part of the memo.

“He advised the hunting committee chairperson Agrippa Ncube, a male aged 60 years of own homestead, and on 20 August, around 9AM, the hunting committee chairperson mobilized other villagers and went to the scene where they tried to put out the fire, but to no avail.

“Parks and Wildlife Management officials at Matetsi headquarters were advised, but could not attend citing distance and transport challenges.”

The desperate villagers also approached a Forestry Commission official at Fuller Forestry in Victoria Falls only identified as Mr Mutsvangwa, but they did not get any help.

“(The) matter was reported at ZRP Matetsi base, Jambezi by Christopher Ndlovu,” the memo added.

“Scene was attended, but nothing much was done to stop the spreading fire, the fire might have been set by poachers.”

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed that they received reports about the fire and they were trying to find ways of assisting the villagers.

Efforts to get a comment from Zimparks were fruitless as the authority’s spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he was traveling from Harare to Hwange.

Zimbabwe loses swathes of forests every year due to uncontrolled veld fires often started by poachers and negligent people.

In the community

Relatives convicted of brutal assault of son-in-law over property dispute

Published

5 days ago

July 29, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Bulawayo court has concluded the case of a 65-year-old man, Abednico Maposa, who was brutally attacked by his relatives, including his wife and three brothers-in-law, over a property dispute in Swart Village, Inyathi.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, four accused individuals – Sikhanyiso Zulu, Isaac Sibanda, Cabangani Zulu, and Lucky Zulu – were on trial for assaulting Maposa.

The State alleged that on February 9, the accused persons attacked Maposa with stones, demanding a fridge and other belongings, and left him unconscious with head and body injuries.

In conclusion, the Tredgold Regional Court Magistrate in Bulawayo acquitted Sikhanyiso Zulu and Isaac Sibanda due to insufficient evidence.

Cabangani Zulu and Lucky Zulu were convicted and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended and an additional 18 months suspended on condition that they complete 630 hours of community service.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.

Hwange

Hwange driver remanded in custody for alleged beer theft

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 38-year-old driver, Munyaradzi Gotora, has been remanded in custody by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court on three counts of theft involving large consignments of alcoholic beverages.

Gotora, employed at Delta Beverages’ Hwange Depot, allegedly diverted multiple loads of Chibuku Super beer destined for Binga and surrounding areas between June 25 and July 9, 2025.

According to the State, on June 26, 2025, Gotora sold 1,189 cases of beer valued at USD4,451.62 and failed to deposit the funds. He allegedly falsified delivery invoices, presenting them as credit transactions with Gain Cash and Carry, which were not signed.

Similar incidents allegedly occurred on June 30, 2025, involving 866 cases valued at USD3,242.30, and on July 5, 2025, involving 1,933 cases worth USD8,779. In the latter incident, Gotora allegedly deposited only USD2,110, converting the balance to his own use.

An investigation into the anomalies in stock records uncovered irregularities across the three transactions. Police recovered receipts at Gotora’s place of residence, linking him to the crime.

Gotora is scheduled to appear in court again on August 14. In the meantime, he will remain in custody.