BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are living in fear as a large herd of buffaloes continues to invade their communities, destroying vegetable gardens and posing a threat to human life.

https://x.com/Vic_Falls_Live/status/1853724332553314445/video/1

According to eyewitnesses, the buffaloes, estimated to be around 30-40, have been encroaching into the communities since June, with some residents reporting that they have been vandalizing their gardens as early as 8 PM.

David Mpofu

David Mpofu, a resident of Mkhosana, expressed his concern, saying, “We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens. We want the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers to take action and chase them away.”

Trymore Ndolo

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association member, Trymore Ndolo, who was also at the scene on Monday night close to the CBZ houses, expressed frustration, stating that the buffaloes are becoming a menace and encroaching into high-density residential areas.

The issue of human-wildlife conflict is escalating due to the ongoing drought, with elephants also encroaching into communities in search of water and food.

Residents are crying foul as their source of food is being destroyed.

Last week, a large herd of buffaloes even invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works premises, taking security guards by surprise and forcing them to hide.

In Mkhosana, the  buffaloes refused to budge until Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials arrived and chased them away.

Residents are calling for urgent action to address the situation and ensure their safety and security.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

An underground coal mine fire has broken out at the Zimbali mine at M3 Block, close to Madumabisa, Village 2 and 5 in Hwange.

According to a resident, Rejoice Ndlovu, the blaze is believed to have started due to exposed coal on the surface and has been raging for several hours.

Firefighters from the Hwange Local Board and other emergency services are on the scene, but their efforts to contain the fire have so far been unsuccessful.

Residents nearby have been advised to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.

Councillor Brian Chikumbo from Ingagula has raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the incident.

“We only heard about the fire through word of mouth after we saw some smokes in the morning,” he said.

“There has been no official communication from the mine operators to alert the communities or provide information about the situation.”

Chikumbo expressed fears about the potential health risks to nearby communities, particularly the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and injuries from underground coal fires.

Historically, many children have been injured by seamless coal fires in this area.

The Zimbali coal mine is operated by Chinese investors, and Chikumbo criticized the lack of transparency and accountability.

WATCH|

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1852375255530016841?s=46

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1852344680001757419?s=46

More to follow…

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Prosper Dube, a 44-year-old man from Victoria Falls, is tired of living a life controlled by alcohol.

He’s exhausted from the constant shaking and trembling that has taken over his body.

WATCH:

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1850796466761064612?s=46

“I’m so tired of drinking, I want to reduce because it’s making me shake every time,”Dube says, his voice laced with desperation.

“Even in my bed, when I’m sleeping, I shake. At times, I can’t cook or do anything.”

Prosper’s addiction to alcohol started years ago, but the shaking and trembling began six months ago.

He’s not alone in his struggles; his friends, who drink with him, are suffering from the same condition.

“We all shake and tremble, it’s like we’re suffering from the same disease,”He says, his eyes pleading for help.

Despite his efforts to seek help, Dube feels defeated by the lack of resources in his area.

There are no rehabilitation centers in Matebele North province, including Victoria Falls, where he comes from.

“I don’t know where to turn to.”

His drink of choice is cheap alcohol, like Ntshengu, which he knows is contributing to his problems.

“I know it’s not good for me, but I don’t know how to stop.”

As he shares his story, Prosper’s body shakes uncontrollably, a constant reminder of the grip alcohol has on his life.

“I’m appealing to any well-wisher or doctor to help me. I want to be taken to a rehabilitation center, I want to be helped. I’m tired of this life.”

Dube’s story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating impact of addiction.

Background: Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is facing a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, with an estimated 10% of the population aged 15-64 years struggling with alcohol and drug use disorders (UNODC, 2020).

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

Researchers at the University of Zimbabwe have noted that socioeconomic stresses, such as poverty, unemployment, and trauma, are key drivers of substance abuse.