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Government faces criticism for chief’s vehicle expenditure

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Amidst a devastating economic crisis, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has sparked outrage by splurging millions on vehicles for traditional chiefs.

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On Wednesday, Mnangagwa handed over 90 Isuzu D-Max double cab vehicles to chiefs at the Harare International Conference Centre.

“The facility ensures that the Chiefs can carry out their critical duties more efficiently and effectively,” Mnangagwa said during the handover ceremony.

This unconscionable expenditure has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the government’s sanity in prioritizing chiefs’ comfort over citizens’ welfare.

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“Look at our education system, here in Jambezi our children are not going to school and even the clinics are far, no roads…that money should be channeled towards giving the people a decent life.”argued Ezekiel Siansali from Jambezi’ Chief Shana.

Witness Dube, another Nkayi villager from Somakandane said this extravagance comes at a time when millions of Zimbabweans are desperate for food, water, and basic necessities.

“Our animals are dying. Everyone is dehydrated because of drought. Why not use that money to provide basics for us. There’s starvation and even the handouts they give are little and only covers a few, but they can spend millions for luxury. It’s not fair.”

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The vehicle distribution is part of a policy that provides chiefs with new vehicles every five years, at a staggering cost estimated around $17 million.

Elizabeth Dube said it’s time for the administration to rethink its priorities and address the pressing needs of its citizens, rather than indulging in unnecessary extravagance, but the government insists that this is a necessity.

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National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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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.

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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.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

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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.

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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.

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ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

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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.

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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.

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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.

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