National

Details emerge of Victoria Falls’ top scout killing by elephant

Published

4 years ago

October 11, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) senior scout, who was trampled to death by a stray elephant last Friday, was leading a team that was investigating a poaching incident in the resort city, the organisation has said.

Clever Kapandura, the VFAPU operations co-ordinator, has been described by his colleagues as a very passionate conservationist who died in the line of duty.

“Following a report of a possible poaching incident with GPS (global positioning system) coordinates of a carcass, VFAPU deployed a team of anti-poaching scouts to investigate the scene,” VFAPU said in a statement on Monday.

“Clever Kapandura, as the operations co-ordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, and being the passionate and committed leader he was, decided to go out and join the team on the ground to investigate the scene.

“Whilst following the GPS coordinates, the team noticed an elephant bull a substantial distance away.

“For some unknown reason, the elephant bull charged from approximately 120 meters, and the team of three scouts had to

split up.”

VFAPU added: “Despite following all the prescribed evasive action in an elephant charge situation, the animal continued its charge and sadly intercepted Clever.

“His fellow scouts managed to scare the elephant off and called for support, but by the time the ambulance arrived Clever

had succumbed to his injuries sustained in the tragic incident.”

Kapandura joined VFAPU in 1999 when the unit was formed.

“His experience and commitment to the tourism and conservation

sector has spanned over 32 years, having been part of the original Wilderness Safaris team when the company first began in 1990 before moving across to dedicate his life to wildlife conservation,” VFAPU said.

“Clever was a kind, dedicated, passionate and well-respected member of the Victoria Falls community, and the wider tourism community within Zimbabwe, and is considered by so many as one of the region’s conservation heroes.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless loss of our friend and colleague.”

“Clever leaves behind a family, and we at Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the entire Kapandura family, and to all who knew Clever, had the pleasure of working with him, and loved him.

“In due course, as a tribute to Clever, we will be releasing details of a fundraiser for those who wish to assist his wife and his children which he leaves behind.”

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.