National

Tuesday marks 43 years since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2023

BY PINDAI DUBE

eNCA correspondent Pindai Dube took to the streets of Harare, to gauge the opinions of ordinary citizens on the state of the country.

The Zimbabwean economy has been in the doldrums for the last 20 years, because of US imposed sanctions.

There’s mixed reaction from Harare residents, on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s 43rd independence day celebrations.

While many appreciate the country’s freedom from colonialism, they say they’re yet to see the fruits of the struggle.

Charles Mukucha, an entrepreneur said, “I was expecting the rate of employment to increase, with more job creation, but nothing like that is happening.

So where is our independence, we just hear they fought for independence. But now we are old, so it’s just stories, we don’t see the fruits of it.”

Shorai Mutasa said, “there is nothing we are enjoying. When my parents died, they left money in the bank for us, but it was wiped out by hyperinflation and we got nothing. Now, if you go to hospitals there is no medicine and nothing is happening there, so where’s independence.”

Patrick Mutizwa says he was involved in the fight for freedom as a youngster, but he’s now living a miserable life.

Mutizwa said, “I fought in the liberation struggle. We were the first youths to support nationalists like Joshua Nkomo and James Chikerema. You see, we fought for the freedom and happiness of this country. But look at it now, I’m getting nothing and nothing makes me happy.”

Claude Nhiya and Gladys Muswe see things differently.

Nhiya said, “we are very happy in this free country. We have reached 43 years of our independence, we are happy.”

“We want to thank our leaders who are running our country very well, in peace.”

Muswe said, “some even died of hunger while fighting to free this country.”

“So we are enjoying our independence and we are very happy about it.”

Liberation movement, ZANU PF, has been in power in Zimbabwe since leading the country to freedom, 43 years ago.

And with the latest round of general elections later this year, the ruling party hopes to still be in charge for many more years to come.Source eNCA

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

5 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.