National

Free Nicole Chabata: ZINASU calls for justice

Published

7 months ago

September 11, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Harare – The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) gender desk has issued a statement demanding the immediate release of Nicole Chabata, a form four student who was arrested and convicted for participating in a celebration of the National Day of the African Child.

“As the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) gender desk, we stand in solidarity with Nicole Chabata who was wrongfully arrested and convicted on the 16th of June for participating and celebrating the National day of the African Child. Her commitment to the day reflects a noble cause that doesn’t deserve to be reciprocated by repression,” said Lillian Tinotenda Muhwandavaka, Gender Secretary of ZINASU.

According to the statement, Nicole’s conviction is part of a disturbing trend of the regime trying to silence young voices that seek to promote social justice and women’s rights. “The actions taken on Nicole reflect a disturbing trend of the regime trying to silence young voices that seek to promote social Justice and the rights of women,” said Muhwandavaka.

The ZINASU gender desk highlighted that Nicole’s unlawful arrest deprived her of the opportunity to finish her second term and attend school like other students. “This undermines her educational journey simply because she celebrated the hope, resilience and the fundamental rights every child deserves,” said Muhwandavaka.

The desk demanded the immediate review and reversal of Nicole’s conviction, as well as that of everyone else who was wrongfully convicted on June 16. “We demand that the responsible authorities and relevant institutions review these convictions and uphold justice. These women and activists are being subjected to unnecessary trauma, health conditions and institutionalized personality traits,” said Muhwandavaka.

The statement concluded with a message of solidarity with Nicole Chabata and the Avondale 78, demanding that their cases be handled seriously so that they can focus on their studies without the weight of wrongful convictions. “We stand in solidarity with Nicole Chabata and many other females that were arrested without committing any wrongful crime with the Avondale 78. We demand that these cases be handled seriously such that Nicole can focus on her studies and sit for upcoming exams comfortably, with no weight of a wrongful conviction,” said Muhwandavaka.

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.