National

FEWS NET warns of imminent humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe

Published

7 months ago

October 1, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has plunged the country into poverty, with the value of its currency plummeting and causing food prices to skyrocket.

“Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now widespread throughout the country…access to food on the market is being increasingly constrained by above-normal prices and significantly below-normal incomes,” warns the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET).

The currency crisis has led to a 43% increase in the official exchange rate, causing prices of goods and services to surge.

“This development followed significant increases in parallel market exchange rates in the last few weeks, some even more than double the official rates, which drove corresponding sharp increases in ZWG prices of goods (including food) and services mainly in the formal sectors,” notes FEWS NET.

Water scarcity is another major concern, with most rivers, streams, and dams drying up. “Water challenges are persisting, especially in the typical low rainfall areas, limiting and even preventing engagement in some livelihood activities, as well as negatively affecting some irrigation schemes,” reports FEWS NET.

Households are now traveling longer distances and spending more time to access water for household and livestock purposes. “Some households are resorting to dry riverbed sand-scooping for water,” adds FEWS NET.

The situation is dire, and immediate action is needed to address the currency crisis, food shortages, and water scarcity.

“Humanitarian food assistance needs are expected to increase into early 2025…and be significantly higher than last year and the five-year average,” warns FEWS NET.

The government and international organizations must work together to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need and support economic recovery efforts.

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.