News

Fuel dealer, home set on fire by thugs

Published

3 years ago

September 16, 2021

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A man from Inyathi in Matabeleland North’s Bubi district was set alight by suspected robbers in front of his children after he refused to surrender money during a raid at his home.

Ephraim Sibanda (48) is battling for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after suffering severe burns in the shocking incident.

Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said Sibanda, who was storing fuel at his home, was raided by the suspected robbers on Wednesday night.

“The three assailants arrived at the complainant’s homestead, who is an illegal fuel dealer at around 1.30AM while he was asleep with his wife Naumi Sibanda (48) and processed to a one-roomed thatched house where the complainant stores his fuel and they stole it, “Banda said.

“The accused persons then knocked on the complainant’s bedroom window as he opened, one of the accused immediately splashed fuel on his head and his bedroom while the other two were hitting the window panels with unknown objects demanding to be given money and other valuables.”

When Sibanda refused to hand over the cash, one of the suspects set him alight.

” One of them lit a matchstick and the complainant caught fire including the six-bedroomed house he was sleeping in with his three children were awakened by his father’s screams and managed to escape the house, which had caught fire,” Banda said.

Sibanda’s wife and two other relatives, who were also in the house managed to escape the blaze.

Banda said the family tried to put down the fire until the roof caved in, trapping Sibanda. The property was destroyed in the inferno.

Property that was destroyed included a television set, wardrobes, kitchen unit and sofas.

Sibanda was taken to Inyathi District Hospital before being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital where his condition is said to be “serious.”

The suspects, who are still at large, are facing armed murder charges.

“We kindly implore our valued citizens not to fight with armed robbers when chances of defending themselves are bleak,” Banda said.

“People should also ensure security of their premises by installing burglar bars and screen doors where possible.

“Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of these rogue criminals may advise the nearest police station.”

News

Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

Published

3 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day.

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge.

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare.

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”

News

Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools

Published

3 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

News

ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

Published

3 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment.

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ”