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Hwange underground fires: Govt vows ‘serious’ action amid probe by German firm

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The government has pledged to ensure that a lasting solution is found to the underground fires in Hwange town after a contract was awarded to a German company to investigate the problem.

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Hwange residents have raised concern about the fires that have led to deaths of people and damage to infrastructure such as roads.

The fires erupted in areas owned by Hwange Colliery Company Liimited (HCCL) and the giant coal miner late last year hired the German company, DMT, to investigate the fires.

DMT is expected to finish its work at the end of March.

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Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando told journalists during a recent tour of the affected areas that the government will ensure that action is taken once DMT submitted its recommendations.

Chitando addressing journalists in Hwange

“There is an issue of something happening underground and the consulting company said they need up until the end of March to finish their report, “Chitando.

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“Afterwards, the government will ensure that serious action is taken to address the problem once and for all.”

HCCL was last month forced to issue a statement stating what it was going to curb the fires after pictures of damage on a road in the town caused by the fires circulated on social media.

The road, which links Makwika and Madumabisa villages, has since been closed.

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A signpost warning residents about the prevalence of underground fires in Hwange

“They have engaged DNT, which is an international organisation tha specializes in cases of this nature to come and look at the possible exposures in the colliery’s old working facilities like in Number 2,” the minister added.

“There were reports of some instability (at the old colliery operating areas.

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“So that engagement took place way before the reports, which circulated on social media, and its suffice to say that the international consultancy are here and their mandate is to fully investigate what happened.”

Chitando, however, said “the extent of the problem is a bit exaggerated.”

“In all fairness, I think there is a problem, make no mistake that’s why I am here, but the extent of the problem is probably a bit exaggerated,” he said.

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“However, be that as it may, the fact that we have international experts who are involved shows the extent of the commitment, but I think let’s wait for their report and whatever they come up with after which decisive action will be taken.”

He said DMT was best suited for the job because it had done similar investigations around the world.

“They have done similar work in Asia, in the Middle East, so they are very experienced, “Chitando said

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“They are looking at what caused that coal to come up and what is underneath and at this stage, indications are that there is no fire per ser.

“But there is some contamination to oxygen and some seams that seem to hold some coal near that area, so they will issue a report to make sure that whatever problem is there gets solved.

” It’s a matter which government takes seriously and it’s a matter that is being followed up, so at this stage we await what the consultancy will recommend”

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This road was closed after it was damaged by the underground fires

Residents and civil society groups have been lobbying for quick intervention after the coal seam fires claimed the lives of several people and left others with permanent injuries.

In December, an eight-year-old Makwika girl was burnt to death by the fires at one of the company’s dumpsite areas.

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HCCL managing director Charles Zinyemba said when the incident happened the girl, who was in the company of an adult had trespassed into a restricted area.

Zinyemba said the allegations that the deceased girl had walked over a kilometre to relieve herself due to poor service delivery was not true as the company supplied the residents with water every day.

To protect residents, Chitando said HCCL was carrying out awareness campaigns and also barricading the affected areas such as the Makwika road.

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Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

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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. 

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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.”

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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. 

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

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Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

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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. 

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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. 

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“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.

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“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. ” 

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