In the community

A nation in crisis: 280 children lost in four months – MP

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

In a somber and thought-provoking address, Member of Parliament Asendu Dube of Matabeleland South stood before parliament on Tuesday to shed light on a devastating issue plaguing the nation.

“My point of interest is with regards to child mortality around the country,” MP Dube declared, setting the tone for a heartfelt and impassioned plea to tackle the alarming rise in deaths among Zimbabwe’s youngest citizens.

With a focus on the staggering figures emerging from Mpilo Hospital, where 98 children lost their lives in March 2024 alone, MP Dube’s speech painted a stark picture of a nation in crisis, prompting him to call for a comprehensive and collective response to curb the scourge of child mortality.

Below is his full speech:

HON. DUBE: On a point of national interest Madam Speaker. My point of interest is with regard to child mortality around the country. Child mortality refers to death of children under the age of five years and may include still births. Neonatal deaths and deaths for those under five years among other types of child mortality.

Madam Speaker, Zimbabwe has faced an increase in child mortality during the first half of the year 2024, with the most alarming figures coming from Mpilo Hospital where 98 children are reported to have died in the month of March 2024 alone.

Between January and April 2024, a total of 280 children are reported to have died at Mpilo Hospital alone.

Madam Speaker, given that the National Assembly comprises of 280 MPs, this means that Zimbabwe potentially lost its entire future lower House in four months from one hospital. More children were lost in other hospitals and this is a cause for concern.

Madam Speaker, I rise to call for the whole society approach to curb child mortality, which should include an investigation by relevant Portfolio Committees on the cause of the rise in child mortality, a dedicated programme of ensuring all expectant mothers and mothers of infants have access to nutritious diets, adequate wages for nurses as well as availability of medicines at all baby clinics around the country. I thank you.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Dube. You have raised very important issues, but I advise you to raise a motion on this particular issue so it can be debated in this House.

In the community

Population Services Zimbabwe to offer free family planning services in Nkayi

Published

4 days ago

September 11, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) is set to provide free family planning services in Nkayi District from next week

The initiative which will run from 15-18, aims to enhance access to comprehensive reproductive health care and empower individuals and couples to make informed choices regarding family planning.

The outreach will kick off on Monday, September 15, at the Sivalo Rural Health Centre (RHC) and its outreach site. This will be followed by activities at various locations each day:

Tuesday, September 16:
Jabulisa at 9:00 AM
Ngabayide at 2:00 PM
Wednesday, September 17:
Sebhumane at 9:00 AM
Nesigwe RHC at 10:00 AM
Thursday, September 18:
Mateme RHC at 9:00 AM
Sembeule at 10:00 AM

The services offered during this campaign include:

Loop insertion and removal
Implant insertion and removal
Depo Provera injections
Secure and control pills
Emergency contraceptive pills
Counselling on reproductive health issues

In the community

Hwange driver convicted for negligent driving

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 24-year-old Hwange man has been convicted for negligent driving following an incident that left a pedestrian severely injured.

The hearing took place at the Hwange Magistrates’ Courts, where the National Prosecuting Authority laid out the details of the case against Ndabezinhle Moyo.

On 21 November last year, Moyo was driving a Toyota Hilux along an unnamed road in Phase 4, when he collided with a pedestrian.

According to the prosecution, the vehicle struck the pedestrian with its left view mirror, resulting in a fractured lower limb. The victim was promptly taken to St. Patrick’s Hospital for medical treatment.

The state presented its case against Moyo, highlighting two key points of negligence. First, they argued that Moyo failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, a crucial aspect of safe driving. Second, they contended that Moyo did not take reasonable action to prevent the accident when it became apparent that a collision was imminent.

During the proceedings, Moyo was found guilty as charged. The magistrate imposed a fine of US$600, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the consequences of negligent driving. Alternatively, if Moyo fails to pay the fine, he faces a six-month imprisonment sentence.

Additionally, he was ordered to surrender his driver’s license for endorsement, a decision meant to underscore the gravity of his actions and to encourage safer driving practices in the future.

In the community

Woman connives with boyfriend to kill step mother

Published

2 weeks ago

September 4, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A chilling murder case has unfolded in Tsholotsho, where a 34-year-old woman, Linnar Muzimela, and her boyfriend, Nkosi, are being sought by police for allegedly killing Muzimela’s 58-year-old step mother, Jenifer Dube.

According to the police, the brutal murder occurred in Magotsha Line in May 2025. The suspects allegedly buried Dube’s body in a shallow grave in the garden, where it was later retrieved by police on Tuesday, this week.

Police are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Muzimela and Nkosi. The motive behind the murder is still unclear, but the police are working tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding Dube’s tragic death.