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IFAW boosts fight against wildlife crime with new K9 unit and vehicles

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has handed over new houses for dog handlers and two Land Cruiser vehicles to the dedicated K9 unit rangers at Zambezi National Park and Matetsi Unit 5.

At the ceremony held on Tuesday, Alleta Nyahuye, IFAW Zimbabwe’s director, handed over the keys to two brand-new Land Cruisers to Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’ director general before touring the houses.

At the Zambezi camp, the K9 houses initiative includes the use of detection dogs, training of the handlers and the establishment of K9 operating procedures working with their partners.

Nyahuye emphasized: “We also handed over two patrol vehicles valued at a US$100 000, this is significantly aid the fight against wildlife crime, enabling teams to respond more quickly and enhance their operations in the Matetsi landscape.”

The homes were built through the partnership between ZimParks and IFAW.

Nyahuye noted: “These homes symbolise our gratitude for the K9 team’s incredible efforts to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife.”

Dr. Mangwanya officiated the event and appreciated the work done by IFAW.

He said: “It will (also) allow the continuous trainings and support needed by the K9 units as a way of increasing and strengthening wildlife protection in other potential areas.”

Dr. Mangwanya highlighted the significance of the K9 unit: “The establishment of this K9 facility signifies our deep commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our K9 and blue tick dogs in tracking poachers who have become increasingly sophisticated in their anti-tracking methods where they are actually using silencers and infrared lenses and they can actually see at night.”

IFAW will today handle over 100 bicycles to students living around Hwange National Park as a way to mitigate human wildlife conflicts.

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings

In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.

In the community

Free dental outreach treats over 700 in Victoria Falls

Published

4 days ago

March 17, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

More than 700 residents in Victoria Falls have received free dental care following a three-day outreach programme held at Mkhosana Clinic.

The initiative, led by global charity SmileStar in partnership with CIMAS, saw 705 patients treated between 9 and 11 March. The programme builds on previous outreach efforts in the region and is expanding this year to include Matobo.

A team of 16 volunteer dental professionals—many from Dentex—provided urgent treatment, pain relief, and oral health education, while also sharing skills with local healthcare workers.

Team leader Dr Mitesh Badiani said tooth decay linked to high sugar consumption, particularly among children, was the most common issue encountered.

“Many of these dental problems are preventable, and education plays a key role in helping to avoid such problems in the future,” he said.

The outreach received support from Africa Albida Tourism, with the team hosted at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Africa Albida Tourism managing director Nigel Frost said the initiative would have lasting benefits for the community.

“This initiative provides vital dental care and education that will continue to benefit the residents of Victoria Falls long after the clinics have ended,” he said.

Mark Cockburn added that the programme highlighted the impact of volunteerism in addressing healthcare gaps.

Following the Victoria Falls outreach, SmileStar continued its programme in Hwange, before moving to Matobo today and tomorrow at Ethandweni Children’s Home, with a target of treating more than 1 000 patients across the three regions.