In the community

Alarm bells ring as intshengu and imbanje abuse spread in Nkayi schools

Published

8 months ago

September 4, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Inspector Fani Phiri of Nkayi district has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse on the young generation in the area.

“Drugs and substances such as intshengu and imbanje are killing the future of learners in schools,” Phiri lamented.

According to Phiri, the drugs are readily accessible to children as young as primary school age.

“The drugs commonly used are imbanje and cheap alcohol known as intshengu, which has actually destined this young generation,” Phiri explained.

When asked about the extent of the problem, Phiri noted that while boys are predominantly involved, girls are also increasingly indulging in substance abuse.

“Basically, it’s the boys, but even the girls, when it comes to some of the events that do take place, they also indulge,” Phiri said.

To combat this crisis, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and the National Aids Council, has launched initiatives to raise awareness and educate learners about the dangers of drug abuse.

“We have had some road shows and platforms where we engage learners and the young generation to sensitize them,” Phiri said.

With 35 secondary schools and 86 primary schools in Nkayi district, the need for intervention is pressing.

Inspector Phiri emphasizes that urgent action is required to address the source of these drugs and protect the future of the district’s youth. “It’s a situation that needs to be addressed,” Phiri stressed.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.