Binga fisherman’s leg, arm amputated after crocodile and elephants nightmare

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Binga fisherman, who was seriously injured after he was attacked by a crocodile after evading charging elephants last week, had his left leg and arm amputated as he recovers from the nightmare.

Winders Sianene from Saba village was amputated at Mpilo Central Hospital on Friday after doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital concluded that it was the way to treat his injuries.

Sianene jumped into Mlibizi River to escape a herd of elephants that had encircled him, only to be attacked by the crocodile that was lurking in the water.

Charles Muzamba, the councillor for Saba ward 13, said Sianene was still admitted at the hospital, but was recovering well.

“The doctors had no choice because the crocodile had crushed the bones on his left leg and her left arms close to the shoulder,” Muzamba said.

“What is positive is that since they amputated him, he is now able to sit from the bed on his own and has begun taking food, although he is still unwell.”

Muzamba said Sianene was rescued by other fishermen, who fought off the crocodile.

Muzamba appealed for financial assistance after revealing that Sianene’s family cannot afford to take care of his medical bills.

“He lives with his mother, who is old and is also raising three minor children and his father is late,” he said.

“The family is not well up. So we would like to appeal to anyone who can assist to reach out to them.”

Muzamba said Mlibizi River is known for human-wildlife conflict and people get trapped when elephants venture into the area because on the other side there is a big mountain.

He said the mountain was difficult to climb when trying to escape from dangerous wild animals and that is why Sianene opted to seek refuge in the river.

Graphic pictures showing the extent of Sianene’s injuries have been circulating on social media.

Muzamba said earlier this week, a Forestry Commission employee was attacked by a crocodile on the same river and was still battling for his life.

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.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

5 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.