National

Unrepentant Mpilo fake doctor arrested again

Published

9 months ago

October 1, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER Twenty-nine year old Taurai Prosper Vanhuvaone, who recently hogged the limelight when he appeared in court and is out on bail for allegedly masquerading as a medical doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, was yesterday arrested again at the same institution.

Vanhuvaone was granted US$100 bail by a Bulawayo magistrate last week, after the State found no compelling reasons to deny him bail.

He was ordered to reside at his given address, report to the police once a week and not to interfere with State witnesses pending his return to court on October 7.

However, he was spotted at the Mpilo Central Hospital again yesterday, leading to his arrest, prompting residents to call for an urgent investigation into operations at the institution.

Bulawayo Province police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube who spoke to The Herald media, confirmed his second arrest, saying Vanhuvaone was nabbed after one of his victims raised alarm.

“We are still investigating the matter. Alarm was raised by one of his victims whom he conned out of some money, after he promised to secure him a place at Mpilo Hospital School of Nursing.

“We want to ascertain whether he is also in breach of his bail conditions. We will release further information during the course of our investigation,” said Insp Ncube.

Vanhuvaone of Barbourfields suburb in Bulawayo was arrested sometime last month after his “cover” was blown off. He had allegedly been masquerading as a doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital and misrepresented himself to those seeking medical attention as Prosper Mpofu. Vanhuvaone is facing two counts of fraud and one of misrepresentation. In the wake of recent events residents have called for a thorough investigation into the hospital’s operations.

Internal investigations at the hospital revealed that Vanhuvaone operated undetected from an office within the hospital’s vast premises for approximately two years.

It was reported that Vanhuvaone allegedly spread his operations to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), where he similarly deceived patients and staff.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), through their lawyers, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, said the events are concerning as they call into question the safety of members of the public seeking medical health.

“These events are concerning as they call into question the safety of members of the public who seek medical attention and treatment from your institution.

“Our client seeks clarity as to how it came about that a person who is allegedly not a registered practitioner in terms of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), can gain access to and conduct consultations at your health institution,” said BURA.

“We draw your attention to section 76 of the Constitution, which affords Zimbabweans the right to access basic health care services and as a Government institution, you are mandated in terms of Section 44 of the Constitution, to respect, promote and fulfil this right,” read part of the letter addressed to Mpilo Central Hospital chief medical officer, Dr Narcisius Dzvanga.

“Furthermore, according to Section 3 of the Health Service Regulations of 2006, only members with the requisite experience, qualifications and are knowledgeable and have the ability to perform the tasks required for the job, are recruited in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of health services to the public,” reads the letter.

Residents further questioned Dr Dzvanga on the measures that are in place at Mpilo Hospital that allow members of the public to identify people who are legally permitted to provide health services

SOURCE: THE HERALD

National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

Published

6 days ago

July 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46

Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 months 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

4 months 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.