National

Fuel dealer, home set on fire by thugs

Published

3 years ago

September 16, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A man from Inyathi in Matabeleland North’s Bubi district was set alight by suspected robbers in front of his children after he refused to surrender money during a raid at his home.

Ephraim Sibanda (48) is battling for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after suffering severe burns in the shocking incident.

Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said Sibanda, who was storing fuel at his home, was raided by the suspected robbers on Wednesday night.

“The three assailants arrived at the complainant’s homestead, who is an illegal fuel dealer at around 1.30AM while he was asleep with his wife Naumi Sibanda (48) and processed to a one-roomed thatched house where the complainant stores his fuel and they stole it, “Banda said.

“The accused persons then knocked on the complainant’s bedroom window as he opened, one of the accused immediately splashed fuel on his head and his bedroom while the other two were hitting the window panels with unknown objects demanding to be given money and other valuables.”

When Sibanda refused to hand over the cash, one of the suspects set him alight.

” One of them lit a matchstick and the complainant caught fire including the six-bedroomed house he was sleeping in with his three children were awakened by his father’s screams and managed to escape the house, which had caught fire,” Banda said.

Sibanda’s wife and two other relatives, who were also in the house managed to escape the blaze.

Banda said the family tried to put down the fire until the roof caved in, trapping Sibanda. The property was destroyed in the inferno.

Property that was destroyed included a television set, wardrobes, kitchen unit and sofas.

Sibanda was taken to Inyathi District Hospital before being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital where his condition is said to be “serious.”

The suspects, who are still at large, are facing armed murder charges.

“We kindly implore our valued citizens not to fight with armed robbers when chances of defending themselves are bleak,” Banda said.

“People should also ensure security of their premises by installing burglar bars and screen doors where possible.

“Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of these rogue criminals may advise the nearest police station.”

National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

National

Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

National

Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.