In the community

Tsholotsho chief hails drought relief efforts, cites improved access to mealie-meal in supermarkets

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a rare glimmer of hope amidst the devastating drought gripping Zimbabwe, Chief Mahlathini of Tsholotsho has praised the government’s relief efforts, citing improved access to mealie meal as a significant step forward.

In an exclusive interview with VicFallsLive, the chief expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging that while challenges persist, the current situation is an improvement over previous years.

“Tsholotsho is good, although we have challenges of drought, but we thank the government for giving us something,” he said.

The chief highlighted the availability of mealie meal in supermarkets as a significant positive development.

“But what I am happy for is that the drought of this year is better because the mealie meal is there in supermarkets compared to other years, so those with money can buy in shops,” he explained.

Chief Mahlathini also praised the support from the diaspora community, saying, “We thank our children in the diaspora, they are doing very well supporting the parents back home.”

However, the severity of the crisis cannot be overstated, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently revealed that Matabeleland North province is among the hardest hit by the devastating food insecurity crisis gripping the country.

In his mid-term budget presentation, Ncube disclosed that a staggering 520 524 people in the province are struggling to access basic nutrition and to combat this crisis, the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain to Matabeleland North, which represents only 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.

Ncube’s announcement, according to analysts, underscores the urgent need for sustained support and intervention to mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, which has left a significant portion of the population vulnerable.

Binga

Domestic violence turns deadly: Binga man stones wife to death, hangs self

Published

2 hours ago

September 19, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Domestic violence turned deadly when a man killed his wife and later committed suicide.

According to the police, the shocking incident of domestic violence ending in murder and suicide struck in Siantungwana 4 Village, Sikomena, Dobola, on September 16.

The husband, Zibusiso Mhlanga, a 44-year-old man, allegedly attacked his wife, Lydia Mlalazi, 19, with a stone for unknown reasons.

The brutal assault resulted in Lydia’s death upon admission at a local health center in Lusulu.

In a disturbing turn of events, Zibusiso then took his own life by hanging.

The motive behind the attack and subsequent suicide remains unclear.

The Lusulu police are currently investigating the case, attempting to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Binga

Binga man (65) jailed for attempting to rape seven-year-old girl

Published

24 hours ago

September 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 65-year-old Binga man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted rape which occurred on June 29.

According to court records, the victim, a 7-year-old girl, was sleeping alone in her bedroom when the accused entered her room at midnight.

He covered her face with a blanket and began undressing her. The brave young girl shouted for help, and her father rushed to the scene, interrupting the accused’s sinister intentions.

The victim identified the accused before he fled the scene. The police promptly arrested him, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.

The Hwange Magistrates’ Court handed down the 10-year prison sentence, bringing justice to the victim and her family.

Hwange

Two men appear in court for string of burglaries in Victoria Falls

Published

24 hours ago

September 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY COURT REPORTER

Two men recently appeared in court facing multiple charges of aggravated unlawful entry and theft after they allegedly went on a spree, breaking into several premises in Victoria Falls, stealing goods worth approximately USD $2 525.

Elton Zibusiso Nyathi, 31, and Thabani Gumbo, 29, the accused individuals allegedly targeted various businesses, including Sinemani Bottle Store, Sinemani Take-away shop, Zapalala Supermarket, Mama and Gogo Butchery, Nice Kicks and Cosmetics shop, Tinashe Gotosa Electrical shop, Faith’s Boutique, and Bridge Africa Technologies.

They stole a range of items, including drinks, snacks, clothing, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, electrical appliances, and cellphones.

According to the prosecution, the accused individuals used force to gain entry into the premises, causing damage to doors and locks.

They allegedly used unknown objects to break into the premises, and in one instance, they damaged the locks of Zapalala Supermarket but failed to gain entry.

The accused individuals were apprehended by the police and made statements indicating how they committed the offenses. They allegedly sold some of the stolen goods and used the proceeds to fund their criminal activities.

The prosecution has evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage, and recovered stolen goods that will be presented to the court once they plead.

The case is ongoing, and the accused individuals remain in custody.

The defense will have to provide compelling arguments to counter the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Nyathi is facing another charge on raping his daughter sometime last month on two counts of rape.