National
‘Storm from hell’: Hwange counts losses after devastating rains
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
Heavy rains that were accompanied by gusty winds on Tuesday hit Hwange, leaving a trail of destruction in the coal mining town.
The hailstorm started at around 2PM and went on for close to an hour.
Trees were uprooted around the town while fences, cars, electricity poles were brought down.
Several roads were blocked by uprooted trees and some houses were flooded.
At Thomas Coulter Primary School, two large trees were uprooted, and tree branches were strewn all over the place.
The school’s weather station was damaged.
“The rains were quite fierce,” said a teacher at the school.
“A tree close to the kitchen was uprooted by the wind and another one next to the weather station was also brought down by the wind.
“The fence will definitely need to be replaced and some of the weather instruments were damaged beyond repair.
“On the pathway towards the tuck-shop, another huge tree fell across, but fortunately it did not hit any building while another tree branch fell on a signpost at the infants department. ”
A motorist also lost his car which was parked outside the Pick ‘n Pay square in the central business district after a tree was also uprooted.
An employee at the Zambezi Gas and Coal said a huge electricity pole was uprooted by the wind amid fears of a blackout.
“The rains were really heavy,” the employee, who requested to remain anonymous said.
“A huge pole at my workplace was hit by the storm and we hope this will not affect the electricity supply at the mine.
“The rain was just too much, and the roads were flooded. One car was almost swept away.”
Some church premises were also damaged by the rains.
Zimbabwe has been receiving heavy rains in the past few days, which have destroyed infrastructure in some parts of the country due to heavy winds.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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