National

Fuel dealer, home set on fire by thugs

Published

4 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

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 weeks 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

2 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

3 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.