BY STAFF REPORTER 

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A tragic incident occurred in Hwange on Thursday morning when a man was trampled to death by a rampaging elephant bull while on his way to work.

The victim, identified as John Munzabwa of Lusumbani Village (Number Five), was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Fidelis Chima, chairman of the Greater Hwange Residents Association, the incident occurred around 6:00 AM when Munzabwa was walking to relieve his colleague at the open cast mine. “The deceased person was actually walking to work early in the morning… when he was charged by an elephant that had a baby,” Chima explained.

Chima confirmed that the open cast mine is located in an urban area, close to Lusumbani Number Five, and is within walking distance for many residents.

“Usually, workers who reside at Number Five walk to work, especially when there’s no transport,” he said.

The incident has raised concerns among the community about the increasing number of human-wildlife conflicts in the area. “There’s now an increased number of people dying not only due to elephants but also crocodiles and other animals,” Chima noted.

The community attributes the rising conflicts to the increased mining activities in the area, which are disturbing the natural corridors of wildlife.

Chima says the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for coexistence between humans and wildlife, and the importance of finding solutions to mitigate these conflicts.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The body of Police Constable Joseph Masvora, 24, who drowned at Bubi-Lupane Dam in last Sunday, was finally recovered on Sunday morning.

According to National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the body was found floating on the surface of the dam, bringing an end to a grueling seven-day search effort.

Commissioner Nyathi was quoted at The Chronicle newspaper extending condolences to the Masvora family and assuring the public that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The tragic accident occurred when Constable Masvora and his friend, Brian Thulani Ngwenya, 26, boarded a council-owned boat, which later capsized. Their clothes were found neatly placed on the riverbank, sparking speculation and confusion among locals.

The recovery of Constable Masvora’s body follows the earlier recovery of Ngwenya’s body, which has since been buried.

Lupane authorities have expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to the search efforts, highlighting the unity and resilience of the community during the week-long search.