National

Gukurahundi: Matabeleland chiefs to lead exhumation of victims

Published

4 years ago

August 21, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA NDLOVU

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given chiefs in Matabeleland the nod to lead the exhumation of victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities for reburial, 37 years after the killings ended.

Mnangagwa met the chiefs in Bulawayo on Saturday where they agreed that individual traditional leaders will decide how the exhumations and reburials are done.

The Zanu PF leader, who was a central figure during the program by the North Korea-trained 5th Brigade in Matabeleland and Midlands soon after independence in 1980, says his administration is committed to address the massacres.

In a statement after the meeting held at the State House in Bulawayo, the government said Mnangagwa and the chiefs agreed on a number of issues to address the Gukurahundi question.

“Notably, it has been resolved that each chief will spearhead the resolution of the issue in his or her area of jurisdiction,” the statement read.

“The processes will be victim centered and will also involve key stakeholders engagement.”

The chiefs told Mnangagwa that the process should prioritise the provision of identity documents for Gukurahundi victims, consultation of survivors,
counselling and psychological supports, reburials, exhumations and memorials
together with reparations.

Chiefs also spoke about the underdevelopment and marginalisation of Matabeleland and national healing, reconciliation and national building.

Mnangagwa called for a systematic approach in resolving the Gukurahundi atrocities, government said.

“This will entail feedback on preparedness by a particular chief in issues requiring attention in his or her area of jurisdiction,” the
statement said.

“Regarding exhumations and reburials, this should be
resolved on a case by basis and the relevant chief should give guidance and directions.

“Concerning the issue of social security benefits, this
shall also be resolved on case by case basis.”

Chiefs were requested to organise themselves and come up with an implementation plan detailing preparedness in their area of jurisdiction so as to guide the process while also including their community.

The government said it was agreed that the Gukurahundi issue must not be “tribalised”

Mnangagwa’s handling of the Gukurahundi atrocities has been criticised after he decided to only engage organisations that were sympathetic to him such as the Matabeleland Collective.

The late Robert Mugabe, who was the leader of the country during Gukurahundi, refused to apologise for the atrocities until he died in 2019.

Mnangagwa, who succeeded Mugabe after the 2017 coup, has also not apologised.

Human rights organisations says that at least 20 000, mainly Ndebele speaking, were massacred by security forces for supporting the Joshua Nkomo-led Zapu.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

1 month 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

4 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.