In the community

Game ranger accused of killing lions, appears in court

Published

5 hours ago

October 28, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZIMPARKS) ranger appeared before Hwange Magistrates Court on Saturday, accused of killing three lions and removing their heads and paws.

Hali Mabuya, 39, and employee of the at Hwange National Park’s Mtshibi Camp, appeared before magistrate Fungai Dzimbiri facing charges of unlawful hunting and unlawful possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate.

The three lions, two females and one male, were found dead near the Dom Pan waterhole inside Hwange National Park on October 22.

The killing and dismembering of the animals is believed to have been carried out by more than one person, as tyre marks and footprints were observed at the scene.

ZIMPARKS had offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

Prosecutor Jemesina Makanza told the court that Mabuya was arrested after attempting to return a Point 458 rifle to the armoury, with requests to alter the dates of when he had signed for and returned the weapon.

The rifle has since been matched to the bullets that killed the lions.

Mabuya was remanded in custody to November 1, as the investigation continues.

VicFallsLive will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Hwange

The grip of addiction: Man’s body shakes uncontrollably as he begs for help

Published

8 hours ago

October 28, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Prosper Dube, a 44-year-old man from Victoria Falls, is tired of living a life controlled by alcohol.

He’s exhausted from the constant shaking and trembling that has taken over his body.

WATCH:

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1850796466761064612?s=46

“I’m so tired of drinking, I want to reduce because it’s making me shake every time,”Dube says, his voice laced with desperation.

“Even in my bed, when I’m sleeping, I shake. At times, I can’t cook or do anything.”

Prosper’s addiction to alcohol started years ago, but the shaking and trembling began six months ago.

He’s not alone in his struggles; his friends, who drink with him, are suffering from the same condition.

“We all shake and tremble, it’s like we’re suffering from the same disease,”He says, his eyes pleading for help.

Despite his efforts to seek help, Dube feels defeated by the lack of resources in his area.

There are no rehabilitation centers in Matebele North province, including Victoria Falls, where he comes from.

“I don’t know where to turn to.”

His drink of choice is cheap alcohol, like Ntshengu, which he knows is contributing to his problems.

“I know it’s not good for me, but I don’t know how to stop.”

As he shares his story, Prosper’s body shakes uncontrollably, a constant reminder of the grip alcohol has on his life.

“I’m appealing to any well-wisher or doctor to help me. I want to be taken to a rehabilitation center, I want to be helped. I’m tired of this life.”

Dube’s story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating impact of addiction.

Background: Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is facing a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, with an estimated 10% of the population aged 15-64 years struggling with alcohol and drug use disorders (UNODC, 2020).

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

Researchers at the University of Zimbabwe have noted that socioeconomic stresses, such as poverty, unemployment, and trauma, are key drivers of substance abuse.

Hwange

Victoria Falls missing boy found alive, community breathes a sigh of relief

Published

9 hours ago

October 28, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 4-year-old Darrel Mukundi, who went missing after church on Saturday, has been found alive, according to a statement by the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association.

Kelvin Moyo, chairman for the association, announced that the search party scheduled for this morning has been called off, as Mukundi has been found this morning close to Victoria Falls Primary School.

“The Police is still carrying out investigations on this matter, and as such, we will share more information as soon as they are done,” Moyo said.

“We would like to thank all the Victoria Falls Residents and stakeholders for their support they have shown this far,” Moyo added. “This unity and collaboration is amazing, and we pray that your cooperation continues unabated.”

Details of Mukundi’s disappearance and rescue are still emerging.

More to follow as this story develops…

Hwange

Day three: Search for missing 4-year-old continues in Victoria Falls

Published

9 hours ago

October 28, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls- A desperate search is underway for Mukundi, a 4-year-old boy who vanished after attending church with his mother at AD Junior School in Aerodrome, on Saturday.

According to the Baobab SDA Church Victoria Falls, Mukundi, from Lesedi, in the outskirts of Victoria Falls, was last seen wearing a t-shirt and green shorts around 5 pm.

Despite an extensive search effort by the community, police, and rescue teams, the young boy remains missing over 36 hours later.

“Yesterday, our rangers and community members searched the Chamabondo National Park along Kazungula Road,” said a spokesperson for the Baobab SDA Church Victoria Falls on Facebook .

“We also searched the aerodrome area, inside the farm school, and along Kazungula Road…all the kids that played with the boy, do not know where he went to.We are kindly appealing to the community to keep watch and to be on the look out.”

The search party used rescue dogs to trace Mukundi’s scent, which was last detected in the aerodrome area close to Victoria Falls Farm School.

“We appeal to the community to keep watch and report any sightings to 0772897899 or +263771605288,” the spokesperson emphasized.