BY STAFF REPORTER

A total of 104 inmates are living with HIV across eight correctional facilities in Matabeleland North, according to data from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.

The figures, which were first reported by the Chronicle, were presented by ZPCS Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Godknows Ncube during a National Aids Council stakeholder meeting in Bulawayo.

Of the inmates recorded as positive, 98 are aged 25 and older, while six are under the age of 25. The affected facilities include Victoria Falls Prison, Hwange Prison, Ntabazinduna Satellite Prison, Anju Farm Prison, Tsholotsho Prison, Lupane Prison, and Binga Prison .

During the most recent quarter, 144 inmates underwent testing for HIV, resulting in one positive diagnosis .

While correctional facilities received 900 male condoms, officials reported that no female condoms were provided. Ncube noted the need to address this gender bias and ensure that female protectors are available for inmates.

The prison service is also facing challenges with medication adherence. Ncube emphasized that there is a high number of defaulters, particularly among younger inmates who were aware of their HIV status before entering the system.

He called for the integration of HIV services with other health programs and stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and reporting within the prisons. Currently, some facilities in the region are not yet accredited to provide antiretroviral therapy services, highlighting a need for further staff training and equipment

BY STAFF REPORTER

Police in Binga, Lusulu are investigating a case of murder and suicide where a man killed his wife and later hanged himself.

Police on X said, “On 22/10/24, Masciline Dube (63) was found dead with a head injury near a general dealer shop at Chinonge Business Centre. A blood-stained stone was recovered at the scene.

“The victim’s husband, Abel Sibanda, was linked to the case and was later found dead, having hanged himself from a tree branch with a wire.”

Last month, another Binga man stoned his wife to death before handing himself at a nearby bush.

The motive behind the tragic events is still unknown, and police are continuing their investigation.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 30-year-old Lubimbi man has appeared in court for murdering a neighbor after he became agitated by seeing the deceased talking to a girl.

Qiniso Dube of Mafururo Village, was arraigned before the Hwange Magistrates Court on allegations of murder.

Allegations are that on the 20th of October at around 0200 hours, the accused person together with his friends were on their way home from Ntando shops, Lubimbi.

The now deceased joined them and started talking to a girl who was part of the group.

This did not go down well with the accused who ordered the now deceased to go to his village.

The now deceased refused. The accused person left the group and proceeded to his homestead where he allegedly armed himself with a knife.

When he returned, he found the now deceased still talking to the girl.

He punched the now deceased before he allegedly stabbed him with the knife three times on the chest, once on the back, and once on the left hand.

A Police report was made leading to his arrest.

The accused person was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on the 5th of November.