BY BAYANDA NKATHA

Zimbabwe has confirmed two cases of Mpox, a rare viral infection formerly known as Monkeypox, according to Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora.

The cases were reported in Harare and Mberengwa, and both patients are in stable condition, receiving appropriate care.

The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who traveled to South Africa in August and returned on September 10. He developed symptoms on September 23 but is no longer infectious and is being cared for in isolation. Seven contacts have been identified and are being monitored.

The second case is a 24-year-old man who traveled to Tanzania on September 14 and returned on September 21. He developed symptoms five days later and is also no longer infectious, with contact tracing underway.

Minister Mombeshora assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two confirmed cases of Mpox, one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both cases are in isolation at home and are receiving appropriate care. Both cases are stable and recovering,” he said.

He encouraged anyone with symptoms to report to the nearest health facility immediately. “Preparedness and response plan is already in place, and activation of incident management systems is done,” he added.

Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, which is endemic in Central and West Africa.

It spreads through contact with people, animals, or materials infected with the virus. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14.

Africa has reported 7 525 confirmed cases of Mpox and 32 deaths so far.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Masvingo man and his three daughters, including a juvenile have been arrested over a brutal murder of a 77-year-old and 92-year-old relatives rooted in witchcraft allegations.

The incident occurred on Friday, at around 7AM in Chorupanga Village, Nyajena,, where Rameck Chidinhika (53) and his three daughters, Constancia Chidinhika (28), Vimbai Chidinhika (19), and a juvenile (15), were arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the murder of Tizirai Chidinhika (77) and Miriam Polisiri (92).

The motive behind the killing was allegedly related to witchcraft and casting misfortune on the first suspect’s family.

In a separate case, Police is seeking information regarding the murder of Jabson Bunukwa Kwangwari (35), who was found dead in Village 1 Runhare, Chiredzi, on the same day.

The body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition with deep cuts on the head and arm, and a blood-stained axe was recovered at the scene.

The police are urging anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 70 3631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report at the nearest Police Station.

BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwe clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Namibia in their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Thursday.

The result of the match, played in South Africa, temporarily places Warriors at the top of the Group J standings.

Khama Billiat scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute, converting a penalty after Jordan Zemura was fouled in the box by Namibia’s Kennedy Amutenya.

Despite Namibia’s persistent efforts, they were unable to find the equaliser.

With this result, Warriors now lead Group J with five points from three matches, while the Brave Warriors remain bottom of the table without a point after three games.

Kenya is second with four points from two matches, and Cameroon sits in third place, also on four points, but with a game in hand.

The group is still wide open, with Cameroon and Kenya set to face each other on Friday.

Namibia had their chances, with Peter Shalulile coming close several times, but Zimbabwe’s defence, led by goalkeeper Washington Arubi, stood firm.

The match saw several missed opportunities, with both sides testing each other’s goalkeepers, but Zimbabwe’s discipline and Billiat’s calmness from the spot proved the difference.

Namibia will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, but their qualification hopes are fading fast.

SOURCE: CAF