In the community

Hunger and road crisis hit Tsholotsho: Chief Magama sounds alarm

Published

1 year ago

August 7, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Chief Magama of Tsholotsho district has expressed grave concern over the alarming levels of hunger and the deplorable state of road networks in his area of jurisdiction.

“We are facing an unprecedented starvation crisis in our community, which poses a significant challenge,” he lamented.

“Despite the government’s efforts to provide assistance, it is woefully inadequate. There is an urgent need for increased aid, as even domesticated animals are struggling to survive.”

The region is grappling with a severe food insecurity crisis, with a staggering 520 524 people struggling to access basic nutrition, according to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.

To combat this crisis, Ncube said the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain, which represents a mere 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.

Chief Magama also highlighted the critical state of road networks in Tsholotsho, saying, “The roads are in a disastrous condition. It’s a critical situation, and there is an urgent need for the government to intervene and provide assistance.”

He noted that even during emergencies, it becomes extremely difficult for people to seek assistance, especially for women in labor.

“The roads are riddled with potholes, making them impassable. We appeal to the authorities to expedite the repair of these roads.”

The deplorable state of the roads has sparked widespread outrage across Matabeleland North province.

Poor state of the roads has forced public transport operators to suspend their services due to the damage it causes to their vehicles.

This has also led to starvation in villages as the department of social welfare is struggling to deliver maize to some areas due to the bad state of the road.

In Tsholotsho, transport operators now opt to use long, circuitous routes via Solusi Road.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

19 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

31 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.

Hwange

Silibaziso Mlotshwa to be installed as new Chief Mvuthu

Published

1 day ago

August 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A historic installation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, as Silibaziso Mlotshwa, daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, is scheduled to take over as the new chief.

The installation comes after a prolonged dispute over the chieftaincy, which had been held up since Chief Mvuthu’s passing in 2014.

According to Paulos Ntini, the Prosecutor General at the Mvuthu’s monarchy, preparations for the ceremony are underway. “Preparations are going on well. So far, the road has been graveled to the homestead, and on Thursday, all the village heads, including myself, will be collecting gifts from the villagers for the ceremony,” he said.

The late Chief Mvuthu’s family had initially nominated his brother, Sanders Mlotshwa, as the successor in December 2014. However, Silibaziso challenged this decision in court, arguing that she was the rightful heir to the throne.

The dispute had resulted in Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda acting as the chief until now.

Chief Mvuthu was a respected traditional leader in Matabeleland North and chaired the Hwange Community Share Ownership Scheme. He was also a retiree of Hwange Colliery Company, having left his job in 2008 to take over the chieftaincy.