In the community

Low environmental crime prosecutions raise concern in Matabeleland North

Published

1 month ago

February 10, 2026

BY STAFF REPORTER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has raised alarm over the low number of environmental cases recorded and prosecuted in Matabeleland North Province, warning that weak enforcement risks emboldening offenders.

Speaking at a multi-stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Hwange-based public prosecutor Pride Mharadza said fewer than 15 EMA-related cases were recorded in the province in 2025, describing the situation as “deeply disappointing.”

“In Hwange, we only received one case last year involving the transport of hazardous substances without a permit,” Mharadza said. The accused, who had transported mercury, was convicted and fined US$500, with four months’ imprisonment suspended for five years.

Mharadza said Victoria Falls recorded no EMA cases in 2025, calling it “worrying that a whole station did not receive a single case.”

Binga recorded two cases involving cyanide, one resulting in six months’ imprisonment and forfeiture of the chemical, while the other could not proceed to court due to the absence of a forensic report.

In Inyathi, a single case involved implementing a project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate, resulting in a US$200 fine. Nkayi recorded one case of prohibited alluvial mining, leading to suspended sentences for 19 accused persons.

Meanwhile, Tsholotsho and Lupane reported no EMA cases during the year.

Mharadza said delays in forensic reports, limited EMA representation, and weak collaboration between police and prosecutors were major obstacles to successful prosecution.

“The overall picture points to weak environmental law enforcement rather than an absence of environmental crimes,” she said. “Half the stations did not receive any EMA cases. Some prosecutors even said they do not know how to handle EMA cases because they are not receiving them.”

Mharadza urged law enforcement and prosecutors to take action, saying that successful prosecutions would “send a message to society” and strengthen environmental protection across the province.

SOURCE: CITE

In the community

MPs question poor radio, TV coverage in Mat North

Published

14 hours ago

March 23, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Concerns over limited access to national broadcasting services in Matabeleland North Province were raised in Parliament.

MP Discent Bajila of Emakhandeni-Luveve constituency asked the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services:

“To explain why national radio and television coverage remains poor or non-existent in parts of Gokwe North District, Matabeleland North Province, Matabeleland South Province, and nearby districts, and to indicate whether there are any digital signal expansion plans in place before 2026.”

In a separate question, Joseph Bonda for Hwange East Constituency raised concern over weather information gaps in Hwange:

“Why the weather forecast for Hwange is not broadcast, given that it is a resort with municipal status and significant business activities.”

No responses were recorded.

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

4 days ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings

In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

Published

4 days ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.