In the community

Kept in check by tradition, Zimbabwe’s women cricketers focus on future

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2022

BY NYASHA CHINGONO

Mitchell Chivare, a 20-year-old who used to play for Zimbabwe’s national junior cricket team, takes her kit off the washing line in preparation for her comeback match as a blistering sun beats down on her back yard.

She lives in Domboshava, a town just north of the capital Harare, and has spent more than a year away from the sport to have children.

A promising medium-pace swing bowler at one point earmarked for her country’s senior team, Chivare has been allowed by her husband to start playing again, but some of her former team-mates have not been so lucky.

“I have many of my friends who were very good at cricket but they have since stopped due to early marriages. Their husbands do not want them to play sports,” she told Reuters.

Harmony Kurisa, founder and coach at Domboshava’s Harmonics Cricket Academy, where Chivare has learnt the game, tells the same story.

“We have lost many girls to early marriages… some of whom we had groomed for the national team,” he said.

“Most of them …their husbands forbid them from playing. We hope they will come back one day,” he added, saying three players had failed to return to the academy in the past year after becoming pregnant.

Chivare said she married younger than she expected to, giving birth to her first child 18 months ago and her second two months ago and “I did not have anyone to leave them with when playing cricket.”

Now, with her mother able to look after both, she is free once more to pursue her dream of representing Zimbabwe as a full international.

“I believe I will come back stronger. I still have the passion and the talent,” she said.

Early marriages such as Chivare’s are common.

One in three Zimbabwean women aged 20 to 49 was married before the age of 18, according to UN agency Unicef, and while women are legally free to follow careers, cultural traditions mean many are still expected to play subservient roles within marriage.

But despite such barriers, women’s cricket in Zimbabwe is on the up.

The country was admitted last year to the 11-strong elite group of playing nations, and the team – including 17-year-old Harmony player Mitchell Mavunga – are currently in training for a T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in the United Arab Emirates in September. – Reuters

Hwange

Hwange mourns the loss of Africa’s giant: Big Charlie Nyoni

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

VicFallsLive

Supplied picture

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The community of Hwange is in mourning after the passing of Charles Nyoni, affectionately known as Big Charlie, a giant of a man who stood at an astonishing 2.10 meters tall and weighed 288kg.

Big Charlie’s demise yesterday has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many remembering him as a gentle giant and a local icon. His larger-than-life personality and towering physique earned him the title of Hwange’s own Goliath and possibly the biggest man in Africa.

According to a close relative, Big Charlie was admitted to St. Patrick’s Hospital last Friday, where he succumbed to his long-standing health issues. He had been battling gigantism, acromegaly, high blood pressure, and diabetes in recent years.

The Office of the MP for Hwange Central constituency has issued a statement confirming Big Charlie’s passing and appealing for urgent financial assistance to cover his medical expenses. The community is rallying around the Nyoni family, with many calling for support to help with the burial costs.

“Big Charlie was more than just a local celebrity; he was a symbol of hope and resilience for our community,” said Daniel Molokele, Hon. MP for Hwange Central constituency. “We urge everyone to come together and support the Nyoni family during this difficult time.”

As the community comes to terms with the loss of this giant of a man, memories of his infectious smile, kindness, and generosity continue to flood social media. Big Charlie’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations with his remarkable story.

The family has appealed for donations to help with the burial expenses. Those wishing to contribute can contact Florence Sibanda on 078 732 8056.

Hwange

Jambezi officer of the law turns alleged rapist

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 39-year-old police officer stationed at Jambezi has been arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on January 18, at around 12:30 am, when the accused officer reportedly pounced on the minor, who was with her cousin at the time.

According to the allegations, the police officer questioned the two girls about their presence at that late hour, and they explained that they were waiting for their sister. The accused then dragged the 13-year-old behind a nearby shop, where he fondled her breasts, kissed her, and ultimately raped her.

In an attempt to silence his victim, the police officer bought her two soft drinks, two packets of biscuits, and a bottle of opaque beer. The accused has been remanded to February 7, pending further proceedings.

Hwange

Victoria Falls man appears in court for rape of 13-year-old girl

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Victoria Falls man was arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the alleged incident occurred on October 10, last year, at around 7 pm, at a house in Chinotimba Township.

The accused allegedly entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, forcefully undressed her, and raped her.

After the assault, he threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the complainant confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The case has been remanded to tomorrow.