In the community

Maize aid for every home

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the hunger crisis deepen, Members of Parliament are calling for an urgent overhaul of the maize distribution system, advocating for every household to receive a fair share of the limited maize available.

They argued that the current system, which prioritizes the most needy households, is inadequate in addressing the scale of the crisis.

“I strongly believe that maize allocation should be given to every household.” said MP for Chikanga Lynette Karenyi.

“It shows that in rural as well as in urban areas, people are starving. So, it means that when one person goes with six bags, others get nothing.

“It’s better to give one bag per household than six bags to one household. This way, everyone benefits, and no one is left behind.”

Mercy Dinha, the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, responded, “I understand your concern, Hon. Karenyi, but the current criteria are gazetted by the Government, so if that has to be changed, it means government has to sit down to change that system and ensure that everyone benefits and ensure each household gets a bag of maize. But at the moment, we are following the laid down procedure.”

Karenyi pressed on, “But, Hon. Minister, the fact remains that everyone is starving. Why not reconsider the allocation method? Give every household a chance to receive maize, rather than concentrating it in a few households.”

The government allocates maize to the most needy households, and each person receives 7.5 kgs per month.

As the debate continued, the MPs’ words echoed the desperation of a nation on the edge, pleading for a fairer distribution of maize to alleviate the suffering of the hungry.

There were also concerns about the late distribution, Dinha responded, “I think right now the maize that we have been distributing is for May, June and July.” she said.

“The distribution process will end in July. It was for those three months. If we say May we rush and distribute, June or July, the transport cost as well as administration cost become more. We realise that if we give them maize for three months, it will be good, it reduces costs especially for transport as well as administration and ensuring that people do not travel up and down to receive the maize. At the moment, the allocations were for May, June and July.”

The food aid program is expected to end in March next year, but many families have been left without access to basic food necessities due to the El Nino phenomenon experienced in the past farming season.

In the community

Domestic violence takes a deadly turn: Hwange woman’s violent outburst lands her in jail

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 19-year-old woman from Makwika Village has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrate’s Court for domestic violence and assault after a violent incident occurred on June 2, 2025.

The court heard that the woman assaulted her husband after he confronted her over messages on her phone. She slapped him, grabbed his private parts, dragged him into the kitchen, and poured boiling water on his lower body, causing serious injuries.

A concerned neighbor who attempted to intervene was also burnt with boiling water on her chest and hospitalized.

The woman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for domestic violence and 24 months imprisonment for assault. However, 12 months of the assault sentence were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior, and the remaining 24 months were suspended on condition of performing 630 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, emphasizing that violence, whether in the home or community, is unacceptable.

“The law applies equally to all, and offenders will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ. “We encourage citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse immediately.”

In the community

Teenager sentenced to 18 months for knife attack on minor

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Bulawayo Regional Court recently sentenced a 19-year-old male from Nkayi’s Maphosa Village to 18 months imprisonment for attempted murder after a violent knife attack on a 15-year-old boy at Gwamayaya Business Centre.

Allegations are that on April 18, at approximately 23:00 hours, the offender entered a shop at the business centre, causing a commotion. When customers attempted to calm him down, he became aggressive and charged at the victim, stabbing him in the left side of the stomach with a knife.

The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the offender was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

In court, the offender was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, six months of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 410 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, urging young people to resolve conflicts peacefully and encouraging communities to play a role in early intervention.

“Violence is never the answer. Every life matters – walk away, don’t escalate,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

2 months ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.