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Jambezi villagers send SOS as veld fire threatens homesteads, livestock

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI /NOTHANDO DUBE

Villagers in Hwange’s Jambezi area are struggling to put out a veld fire that has been raging since August 19, leaving hundreds of homesteads and livestock at risk.

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The fire is believed to have been started by suspected poachers in the Hillcrest game reserve close to villages under Chief Shana.

A villager Kachechete identified as Christopher Nyoni lost all his property after his hut was razed down by the fire.

A police memo seen by VicFallsLive says the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks, Forestry Commission and police were informed about the threatening fire, but they are yet to respond for various reasons.

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The memo said Masikili villagers delegated one Christopher Ndlovu to make a police report about the fire after they realised that they had no capacity to stop it.

“On August 19, 2021 around 1000hrs,Christopher Ndlovu, a male aged 52 of own homestead, Masikili Village 1, Matetsi, Chief Shana, Jambezi discovered a veld fire at Hillcrest, Masikili area,” reads part of the memo.

“He advised the hunting committee chairperson Agrippa Ncube, a male aged 60 years of own homestead, and on 20 August, around 9AM, the hunting committee chairperson mobilized other villagers and went to the scene where they tried to put out the fire, but to no avail.

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“Parks and Wildlife Management officials at Matetsi headquarters were advised, but could not attend citing distance and transport challenges.”

The desperate villagers also approached a Forestry Commission official at Fuller Forestry in Victoria Falls only identified as Mr Mutsvangwa, but they did not get any help.

“(The) matter was reported at ZRP Matetsi base, Jambezi by Christopher Ndlovu,” the memo added.

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“Scene was attended, but nothing much was done to stop the spreading fire, the fire might have been set by poachers.”

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed that they received reports about the fire and they were trying to find ways of assisting the villagers.

Efforts to get a comment from Zimparks were fruitless as the authority’s spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he was traveling from Harare to Hwange.

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Zimbabwe loses swathes of forests every year due to uncontrolled veld fires often started by poachers and negligent people.

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In the community

Victoria Falls Junior Council urged to propose projects for 2026 budget

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BY STAFF REPORTER

In a significant push to empower the youth and encourage community development, Kholwani Mangena, the Chamber Secretary of Victoria Falls City Council, has urged the Junior Council to identify and propose projects they wish to see funded in the 2026 budget.

This call to action was made during a recent budget consultation meeting held at Chinotimba Clinic, where concerns about the lack of support for the Junior Council and local youth from the council’s livelihoods program were raised.

Mangena highlighted an opportunity, revealing that the council has earmarked a piece of land specifically for youth-led initiatives, particularly in agriculture.

“Otherwise, on the other projects you have proposed such as poultry in this coming budget, for 2026, we have earmarked some piece of land so that if you want to do poultry, you can do that,” she stated. Her message was clear: youth and women, as well as people with disabilities, must take the initiative to define their projects and funding needs.

The Secretary brought attention to previous efforts made by the council to support marginalized groups, mentioning, “We gave them a piece of land somewhere about three months ago,” referring to the land allocated for various community projects. She encouraged the Junior Council to be proactive in outlining their desired projects, saying, “Identify your projects. Be clear about the projects that you want to do and the funding. And then we can ask the council to fund those.”

Mangena also offered support for fundraising efforts, suggesting that the council could provide initial funding for activities like a talent show to help raise funds for their proposed initiatives. “Before the end of the year, we can do that. For example, maybe you want to do some fundraising. We can give you the money to start that fundraising,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in driving change and development.

 

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Hwange

Argument over underwear leads to stabbing and attempted murder charge for Hwange woman

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BY STAFF REPORTER

Eunice Ngwenya, a 32-year-old woman from Makwika Village, has appeared in the Hwange Regional Court, facing charges of attempted murder following a domestic dispute that left her boyfriend, Mbekezeli Sibanda, in serious condition.

The incident, which occurred on the 18th of August, began when Ngwenya, Sibanda, and Ngwenya’s sister were walking together. According to reports, the disagreement erupted over Sibanda’s inner garment, which Ngwenya allegedly refused to return despite his repeated requests.

Following a brief separation, Ngwenya returned to the scene with the garment in hand. However, she had concealed a kitchen knife within it.

As Sibanda reached to reclaim his clothing, Ngwenya allegedly pulled out the knife and stabbed him twice—once in the right arm and once in the right side of his chest.

Witness accounts indicated that Sibanda sustained serious bleeding injuries as a result of the stabbings.

In a state of distress, he attempted to seek help from a workmate but was unsuccessful. Despite his injuries, he managed to return home, where a friend assisted him in reporting the matter to the police and obtaining medical treatment.

A medical report confirming the wounds has been compiled and will serve as evidence in this case.

Following the incident, Ngwenya was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody today, with the court setting her next appearance for on the 5th of September, pending the finalization of investigations.

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In the community

Kachechete ward councillor involved in accident, admitted to hospital

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Councillor Given Moyo, representing Kachechete ward in Hwange Rural District Council, was involved in a car accident on Tuesday evening in Victoria Falls at Mkhosana Suburb.

This incident occurred just a day after he granted an interview to VicFallsLive, discussing the rising concerns of human-wildlife conflicts in his constituency.

During the interview, Moyo highlighted the losses faced by villagers due to wildlife, particularly lions, and shared a disturbing image of lions attacking donkeys.

Donkey eaten by a lion in Mvuthu

According to family spokesperson Corcaly Jamela from the Ndlosa Desk, Moyo’s vehicle reportedly fell into a ditch, resulting in injuries to the councillor and his family members. Fortunately, Moyo did not suffer any fractures, but he did sustain scratches that required stitches on his arm and other areas, Jamela said.

Moyo is currently admitted at the Victoria Falls Hospital.

The family has appealed for donations to help cover Moyo’s medical expenses. Given Moyo +263 7 72462892

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