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Golf tournament raises thousands for Victoria Falls conservation initiative

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2022

BY SPORTS REPORTER

A record US$44 000 has been raised to boost anti-poaching efforts in Zimbabwe’s top tourist destination through an annual fundraising golf tournament, coordinated and hosted by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism.

The money was raised at the 20th annual Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) Golf Day at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club in Harare on September 16 where 128 golfers, made up of 32 teams, teed off for conservation by playing a four-ball alliance format.

The tournament was won by the Bushloverz team, made up of Zane Acutt, Nina Geyser, Brendon Evans and Jenny Evans, who finished on 104 points, while Taylor Made and Recycling Solutions took second and third places respectively.

The lucky winners each took home an accommodation voucher for two nights for two people at the premium Victoria Falls Safari Club with breakfast included, and a dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show.

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) chief executive Ross Kennedy said the fundraiser received amazing support from an incredible community.

“The collective energy and genuine care and concern for conservation and wildlife is so alive and well in Zimbabwe,” Kennedy said.

“We are immensely grateful to all those who support VFAPU in so many ways, year after year.

“This year after a two-year break due to Covid-19, the golf day raised a record amount in donations, sponsorship and revenue generated through the event.”

Previously the record had been US$30 000 raised at the VFAPU Golf Day in 2015.

An auction of Zimbabwean Olympic golfer Scott Vincent’s signed shirt worn in the British Open this year fetched US$1 450 and it was donated back to be re-auctioned in an act of immense generosity, Kennedy added.

“Getting the Victoria Falls tourism community on board to support VFAPU is a key source of funding, and it was a privilege to see leading industry colleagues supporting by entering teams, donating and contributing so much, ” he said.

“AAT covered the US$5,000 cost of the event, ensuring that every dollar raised went directly into VFAPU coffers to enable the unit to perform its valuable work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

VFAPU head of operations Charles Brightman thanked everyone involved, saying the funds raised at this tournament were vital for VFAPU’s survival, and would go a long way towards covering the unit’s operational costs.

Since VFAPU was established in 1999, the unit has arrested over 900 serious poachers, removed more than 30,000 wire snares from their area of patrol and rescued over 400 mammals injured in snares, treating and releasing them back into the wild.

VFAPU, which works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Victoria Falls City Council, has 16 scouts patrolling in a 50kmsq area around Victoria Falls.

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

6 hours ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

6 hours ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

6 hours ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.