National
Hwange schoolboy missing after leaving home at night
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
A Hwange family is searching for their 11-year-old son, who disappeared a week ago after slipping from the house in the middle of the night.
Tanaka Neshena, a Grade Six pupil at Hwange’s Thomas Coulter Primary School was last seen on August 25 when he left his Madumabisa Village home.
According to his mother, Sharai Neshena, Tanaka’s 17 year-old brother noticed that he was not in the house around 10 PM.
“I had gone to sleep and I had no idea that Tanaka was not in the house,” the distraught mother said.
“I was only alerted by his brother who came in from his studies to find Tanaka not in the room and up to now we have not gotten any leads as to where he went.”
Tanaka Neshena
According to the mother, Tanaka had been earlier reprimanded by his father who told him to put away toys and focus on his school work.
“His father had earlier advised him to put away his wire cars and do his homework and it was around 5PM and he did as he was instructed,” she said.
“After supper he washed plates and cleaned the surroundings and he then asked if he could close the fowl run and I advised him to do so later.
“He did not show any unusual behaviour throughout the evening except for speed in doing his tasks and the other thing I noticed was that he volunteered to wash dinner plates when it was not his duty, but we took it lightly.
Upon searching his bedroom, the parents discovered that Tanaka took off with his satchel and a pair of shoes.
“One of our neighbours told us that he had met Tanaka that night and identified him by also asking where he was going, but in his response we heard that he denied being our child,” she added.
“We have tried to check with our relatives in both Rusape and Masvingo where we come from and we have also reached out to our church members, but in vain.
“There is no missing money in the house and we wonder where he could have gone.”
Anyone with information can contact the Neshena family on 0776604091 or on 0773378450.
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.
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.
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.
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
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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