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Hwange residents petition parliament over coal mining health risks

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Greater Whange Residents Trust has presented a petition to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, drawing attention to the health risks associated with coal mining in Hwange.

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The trust, which advocates for the welfare and interests of people in Hwange, highlights the need for urgent action to protect residents from the harmful effects of coal dust pollution.

According to the trust, the Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08), which was enacted to protect workers in dusty occupations, does not provide adequate protection for ordinary residents who are also affected by coal dust pollution.

The trust argues that the Act is “exclusionary” and was not designed to benefit ordinary residents, who are not eligible for regular medical checks to determine the impact of coal dust on their health.

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Below is the full petition that was submitted to Parliament:

DRAW the attention of the House to the following:

1. The Constitution mandates the Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe.

2. Section 117(2) of the Constitution, inter alia, mandates Parliament to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Zimbabwe.

3. Section 8 of the Constitution sets out the objectives to guide all institutions and agencies of the State in the formulation and implementation of policies that will lead to the establishment, enhancement and promotion of a sustainable, just, free and democratic society in which people enjoy prosperous, happy and fulfilling lives.

4. Greater Whange Residents Trust is a Hwange-basedTrust which advocates for the welfare and interests of people in Hwange.

5. The town of Hwange is home to over 50 000 residents. These include men, women and children that are not employed as miners.
6. Coal mining is a key industry in that town and impacts on both the residents and the environment of Hwange town and beyond. Hwange is also surrounded by land which falls under the National Parks.

7. The Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08) came into operation on 1 August 1971. The Act remains in force. The long title of the Act gives as its objects the following: An Act to provide for the control and administration of persons employed in dusty occupations; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing. (emphasis added).

8. The Act was designed to respond to health issues affecting those employed in dusty occupations. Naturally,it is ill-equipped to respond to issues of stakeholders beyond this categorisation as stated by the lawmaker.

9. Mining in Hwange consists of both open cast and underground mining operations. Coal mining creates dust and dusty conditions that affect not just those employed by the coal mines. It affects communities that live on and around the mines.

10. Section 56 of the Constitution provides that all persons are equal before the law and have a right to equal protection and benefit of the law.

11. Your petitioners submit that ordinary residents of Hwange that are not employed in the coal mines are not benefiting from the provisions of the Act as currently framed. For instance, those directly employed in coal mines are eligible for regular medical checks under the Act to determine the impact of coal dust on their health, particularly the heart and kidneys. Ordinary residents are not beneficiaries of such tests. The Act was not designed for their benefit. It was exclusionary from the start.
12. Residents that are not employees of coal mines are therefore susceptible to health risks associated with coal mining, without the protection of the law. With the increase in coal and related mining activities, the number of persons that are not subject to the protection of the law thanks to the crafting of the Act has also increased. It is desirable that the Act be reviewed to embrace the protection of all persons that stay or live in environments that are subjected to coal mining dust. It may also be worthwhile for Parliament to consider how the Act could enjoin coal miners to contribute towards the reduction of coal dust, to enhance the health of residents.
13. Your petitioners are aware that section 73 of the Constitution guarantees their right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have their environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. In this regard, the State must ensure the progressive realisation of this right by residents of Hwange.

WHEREFORE your petitioners humbly pray as follows:

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That the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercises its constitutional mandate to

1. Inquire into the nature and extent of the threat posed to residents due to the dust pollution;
2. Review the fairness of the Pneumonoconiosis Act [Chapter 15:08] to non-employees of the coal mining industry that reside in coal mining areas; and
3. Make recommendations on the review of the Act given the current situation in coal mining areas.

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Hwange

Argument over underwear leads to stabbing and attempted murder charge for Hwange woman

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BY STAFF REPORTER

Eunice Ngwenya, a 32-year-old woman from Makwika Village, has appeared in the Hwange Regional Court, facing charges of attempted murder following a domestic dispute that left her boyfriend, Mbekezeli Sibanda, in serious condition.

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The incident, which occurred on the 18th of August, began when Ngwenya, Sibanda, and Ngwenya’s sister were walking together. According to reports, the disagreement erupted over Sibanda’s inner garment, which Ngwenya allegedly refused to return despite his repeated requests.

Following a brief separation, Ngwenya returned to the scene with the garment in hand. However, she had concealed a kitchen knife within it.

As Sibanda reached to reclaim his clothing, Ngwenya allegedly pulled out the knife and stabbed him twice—once in the right arm and once in the right side of his chest.

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Witness accounts indicated that Sibanda sustained serious bleeding injuries as a result of the stabbings.

In a state of distress, he attempted to seek help from a workmate but was unsuccessful. Despite his injuries, he managed to return home, where a friend assisted him in reporting the matter to the police and obtaining medical treatment.

A medical report confirming the wounds has been compiled and will serve as evidence in this case.

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Following the incident, Ngwenya was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody today, with the court setting her next appearance for on the 5th of September, pending the finalization of investigations.

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Hwange

Victoria Falls council reviews progress and challenges in 2026 budget consultation

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Last week, the City of Victoria Falls held an important stakeholder consultation at Chinotimba Clinic, gathering insights from the junior council and youth representatives. The meeting aimed to discuss the progress made in the city over the past year and identify key areas for improvement as the council prepares for the 2026 budget.

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Progress Reports: Successes and Challenges

The council highlighted several community service projects in progress. Mosi Oa Tunya School’s hall construction is currently at 25% completion, with work hampered by late disbursements of Devolution funds.

Similarly, the construction of Mosi 2 Secondary School has seen minimal progress, aligning with other initiatives that encountered budgetary delays.

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Significant achievements in public health included the completion of a Drug Rehabilitation Center, established in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Additionally, the Chinotimba Stadium upgrade continues, with newly trenched dressing rooms and extended toilet facilities now accommodating persons living with disabilities.

In water management, the council reported substantial advancements, such as the completion of a 0.75 million-litre elevated tank and significant progress on a 5 million-litre ground reservoir, which is now 94% complete. Other water systems upgrades include an 810-meter access road to a new helipad site, enhancing both emergency response capabilities and community services.

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Key Statistics and Observations

The council shared key performance statistics showing improvements in several areas:

• Employee satisfaction increased from 52% to 65%.

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• Per capita water supply improved from 100 to 120 liters.

• Refuse collection efficiency rose significantly from 65% to 90%.

 

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However, several challenges were also noted, including:

• Limited disbursements from Devolution funds.

• Economic constraints affecting suppliers and procurement processes.

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• A liquidity crunch that has limited the council’s borrowing capabilities.

 

During the meeting, youth representatives expressed concerns about equitable access to project opportunities. Ndabiqondile Zwelinjani urged the council to engage directly with communities when distributing resources, suggesting an open application process to ensure transparency and fairness.

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Moving Forward

Kholwani Mangena, the council’s chamber secretary, responded to these concerns by emphasizing the commitment to detailed discussions ahead of finalizing the 2026 budget. He suggested scheduling another meeting to clarify goals and resolve outstanding issues from previous years.

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Hwange

Victoria Falls man arraigned for murder in water dispute case

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A 38-year-old man known as “Spraga,” appeared in the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court last week to face murder charges following the death of a 17-year-old boy.

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The accused, who formal name is Tinashe Wireless Nyarukokora appeared before the resident magistrate Linda Dzvene.

The allegations indicate that on 12 August, Nyarukokora was involved in an altercation with the deceased concerning water access at the Victoria Falls wastewater treatment ponds.

The situation escalated in the early hours of 13 August when the deceased, returning home from drinking in Chinotimba, encountered Nyarukokora again at the same location.

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Reports allege that during this encounter, Nyarukokora assaulted the victim with a wooden log and an electric cable before strangling him to death.

After realizing the boy had died, Nyarukokora reportedly disposed of the body in a nearby sewer pond, approximately 15 meters from the site of the attack, and subsequently fled the scene.

On 16 August 2025, a worker conducting routine inspections at the treatment ponds found the victim’s body floating.

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Police investigations linked Nyarukokora to the crime after a witness reported hearing the victim cry out in distress, specifically calling the accused’s name, “Spraga, Spraga, why are you strangling me?”

The court has remanded the case for further proceedings, scheduled for 3 September 2025.

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