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Drought devastates Matabeleland North province: Livestock deaths mount

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the parched lands of Matebeleland North province, a dire situation is unfolding. Villagers in Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange report that cattle are dying in staggering numbers, especially those that have recently given birth.

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“The situation is terrible,” says Jane Ndlovu, a local farmer Simbo village.

Calf born alive, but immediately dies as the mother fails to feed

“Cows are dying after giving birth, and even the newborns are not surviving. It’s heartbreaking to see. We’re facing a catastrophic situation here. Our cattle are dying left and right, especially the ones that have just given birth. It’s like they’re being born just to die. And it’s not just the cattle, our donkeys are also perishing in large numbers. We’re talking about our livelihoods here, our source of income. Without our animals, we’re doomed.”

Ndlovu’s neighbor, Singaphi Sibanda, echoes her concerns.

“The situation is dire. We’re struggling to find food and water for our animals. The grazing lands are dry and barren, and the heat is unbearable. Our animals are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle. We’re talking about our very survival. There’s no food, no water, no nothing. Our children are going to bed hungry every night. We’re forced to walk long distances just to find a drop of water. And when we do, it’s often contaminated. We’re living in a nightmare.”

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Jambezi resident Lenziwe Moyo adds, “The drought is relentless. We’ve never seen it this bad. Our animals are suffering, and we’re struggling to find food and water. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle.”

Sub-calf ravaged by the drought

As the drought worsens, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the community.

“This drought is a disaster, a complete and utter disaster,” says Lupane village head Phios Ncube, a local leader.

“We need help, and we need it now. Our people are suffering, our animals are dying. We can’t just sit back and watch as our community is decimated.”

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Background:

The current drought in Matebeleland North province and the country at large is driven by the El Nino phenomenon, which has brought extreme weather conditions to the region.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country has experienced a 70% decline in maize production, and livestock deaths have surged.

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The government has declared a state of emergency and launched the “Drought Relief Programme” to provide assistance to affected communities.

International organizations, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, are also providing support, but it is not reaching to everyone.

Research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows that droughts in southern Africa have increased in frequency and severity over the past century, leading to significant livestock losses and food insecurity.

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In the community

Relatives convicted of brutal assault of son-in-law over property dispute

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Bulawayo court has concluded the case of a 65-year-old man, Abednico Maposa, who was brutally attacked by his relatives, including his wife and three brothers-in-law, over a property dispute in Swart Village, Inyathi.

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According to the National Prosecuting Authority, four accused individuals – Sikhanyiso Zulu, Isaac Sibanda, Cabangani Zulu, and Lucky Zulu – were on trial for assaulting Maposa.

The State alleged that on February 9, the accused persons attacked Maposa with stones, demanding a fridge and other belongings, and left him unconscious with head and body injuries.

In conclusion, the Tredgold Regional Court Magistrate in Bulawayo acquitted Sikhanyiso Zulu and Isaac Sibanda due to insufficient evidence.

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Cabangani Zulu and Lucky Zulu were convicted and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended and an additional 18 months suspended on condition that they complete 630 hours of community service.

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Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

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According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.

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Hwange

Hwange driver remanded in custody for alleged beer theft

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A 38-year-old driver, Munyaradzi Gotora, has been remanded in custody by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court on three counts of theft involving large consignments of alcoholic beverages.

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Gotora, employed at Delta Beverages’ Hwange Depot, allegedly diverted multiple loads of Chibuku Super beer destined for Binga and surrounding areas between June 25 and July 9, 2025.

According to the State, on June 26, 2025, Gotora sold 1,189 cases of beer valued at USD4,451.62 and failed to deposit the funds. He allegedly falsified delivery invoices, presenting them as credit transactions with Gain Cash and Carry, which were not signed.

Similar incidents allegedly occurred on June 30, 2025, involving 866 cases valued at USD3,242.30, and on July 5, 2025, involving 1,933 cases worth USD8,779. In the latter incident, Gotora allegedly deposited only USD2,110, converting the balance to his own use.

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An investigation into the anomalies in stock records uncovered irregularities across the three transactions. Police recovered receipts at Gotora’s place of residence, linking him to the crime.

Gotora is scheduled to appear in court again on August 14. In the meantime, he will remain in custody.

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