National

A survivor’s plea: Thokozani Khuphe urges government to act on cancer

Published

9 months ago

July 18, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

“I had stage 4 cancer, and here I am today, standing in front of you, in good health,” says Thokozani Khupe, a Member of Parliament (MP), as she shares her personal battle with cancer to other MPs on Thursday, during a full parliamentary session.

“My journey has made me understand that development is not rocket science, but about discovering what others have done and copying from them.”

Khupe emphasizes the importance of research and development in finding new and improved ways to enhance public health and stay ahead of the disease.

“With modernization, stage 4 cancer can be treated, and I am a living testimony,” she says. “It is imperative for the government to prioritize and invest in research and development, leading to breakthroughs in new cancer treatments.”

Khupe highlights the need for state-of-the-art cancer equipment, particularly combined CT/Pet scans, which provide more accurate diagnoses.

“Wrong diagnosis results in wrong treatment, and I am a good example,” she shares.

“I was initially diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but later discovered I had Lobular breast cancer. With the right diagnosis, I received the right treatment, and my tumors responded well.”

Khupe stresses the importance of awareness programs, citing that many people are unaware of cancer and its risks.

“Awareness programs will help people know they have cancer at an early stage, making treatment easier and cheaper,” she says. “It is essential for the government to partner with organizations like the Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation to intensify awareness programs.”

According to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ), cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe, with over 7 500 new cases and over 2 500 deaths recorded per year.

Khupe emphasizes that cancer treatment must be available, accessible, and affordable in Zimbabwe.

Other MPs, seconded Khuphe’s motion, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing health and making cancer treatment accessible to all.

Pupurai Togarepi praised Khupe’s positivity and encouraged others to adopt a similar mindset when faced with cancer.

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.