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Hwange boy receives lifeline after enduring years of pain

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BY NOTHANDO DUBE

Nosizi Ndlovu had almost given up hope that her 10-year-old son would ever have a normal life after he was struck by a disease that disfigured one of his legs seven years ago.

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Mzomuhle from Hwange was struck by the Bount’s disease, a condition found in children that affects the growth plates around the knee.

According to John Hopkins Medicines, the disease causes the growth plate near the inside of the knee to either slow down or stop making new bone while the growth plate near the outside of the knee continues to grow normally.

This results in a bowlegged appearance in one or both legs.

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Mzomuhle started suffering from the disease at the age of three and by the time he underwent successful surgery at the newly set up CURE Children’s Hospital in Bulawayo aged ten, Ndlovu was on the verge of giving up.

But after the successful operation in August, she is full of hope.

“His leg had dislocated, and they had to cut a bone to straighten it but we almost gave up on his leg because of resource constraints,” Ndlovu said.

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“The first surgery had cost us US$ 3 800, and we did not know how we were going to raise a similar amount of money for further surgeries until in June this year when I was referred by a nurse at one of our hospitals here in Hwange to CURE.

Mzomuhle was booked for surgery on August 18 and the process was at no cost right from consultation.

“He underwent a successful surgery at no cost, and he is recovering very well, although he is still limping but with no pain,” said Ndlovu looking relieved.

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Mzomuhle is due for a review in January next year but says he is happy because the successful surgery has allowed him to focus on his schoolwork and sports.

CURE’s chief executive officer Jonathan Simpson said the institution set up at the United Bulawayo Hospital this year was to offer children like Mzomuhle a second chance in life.

Simpson said according to research, approximately 300 000 children in Zimbabwe are living with Mzomuhle’s condition.

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“We specialise in congenital orthopaedic disorders like club foot, bowlegs, Blount disease and many more,” he said.

“We also do some burn contracture work, and our research of Ministry of Health reports indicate that there are over 300 000 children in Zimbabwe with some form of treatable disorder that we can treat or operate on, so it is important for someone who has child like this to go to their nearest hospital or clinic and get a medical referral.”

Simpson said they had been receiving an overwhelming number of children that have orthopaedic disorders, but he believes more need access to their services.

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“Parents can phone (08677192320), or WhatsApp (0772696481) us and they will be put on a waiting list,” he said.

“All costs, once admitted, are covered by our organization such as X-rays, blood tests, ward surgery, prosthesis and many more tests.

“We operate on any child regardless of financial ability to pay.”

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“As a Christian organisation our drive comes from the Bible verse in Luke 9:2 that says: ‘And he called the 12 together and gave them power and authority and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal’

“So as an organisation, we take the social spiritual side of our work as seriously as we do our medical side.”

Cure Zimbabwe is the first and only hospital in the country that provides orthopaedic care for disabilities such as clubfoot, bowed legs, and knock knees to children regardless of their economic status, its website says.

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Refurbished by the Zimbabwe Orthopaedic Trust in partnership with the government, the teaching hospital has 13 beds, three operating theatres and an outpatient clinic.

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

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Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

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Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

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Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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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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