In the community

Mabale villagers lose livestock to marauding lions

Published

3 years ago

January 10, 2023

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDLE MTHUNZI

A pride of lions reportedly attacked and killed two cows near Chief Dingane’s homestead in Mabale on Sunday.

More than two dozen cattle have been killed in the area in recent weeks according to villagers, as cases of human-wildlife conflict continue on the increase in communities that are bordering the national parks such as Hwange Districts.

On Sunday, Chief Dingane said, his community woke up to another goring sight of two carcasses of cows killed by the marauding big cats.

“The cows belonged to my neighbour and they are usually herded together with my herd,” the Chief told VicFallsLive.

“They were in the bush when news filtered that there was a pride nearby and so the boys rounded up the cattle.

“Ours came home and my neighbour’s went home as well. Later on we heard that his two cows had been killed,” said Chief Dingane.

Villagers immediately informed Hwange Rural District Council Campfire and officers attended the scene.

The Chief said he also lost four cattle recently.

“I lost four that were eaten in the bush recently and there are other villagers as well whose cows have been killed.

“I think about 30 cattle have been killed in the least week by lions which is a cause for concern.” he said.

There are two prides of lions, including cubs, which are reportedly literally camped in Mabale and have been terrorizing villagers.

Some of them are collared, according to villagers.

“We have told HRDC to contact those who collared the lions to come and drive them away.

“They should surely be monitoring them and seeing that they are causing havoc here. ” he said.

Government recently said victims of human-wildlife conflict will be compensated.

Villagers in Hwange and Binga mostly, have complained about losing livestock, crops and in some instances lives of their loved ones due
to conflict with wild animals.

Zimparks has in the past been under fire for saying people should not go or drive their livestock into protected areas.

In Victoria Falls, residents have proposed the need for a perimeter fence between human settlements and game parks.

In the community

Relatives convicted of brutal assault of son-in-law over property dispute

Published

5 days ago

July 29, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Bulawayo court has concluded the case of a 65-year-old man, Abednico Maposa, who was brutally attacked by his relatives, including his wife and three brothers-in-law, over a property dispute in Swart Village, Inyathi.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, four accused individuals – Sikhanyiso Zulu, Isaac Sibanda, Cabangani Zulu, and Lucky Zulu – were on trial for assaulting Maposa.

The State alleged that on February 9, the accused persons attacked Maposa with stones, demanding a fridge and other belongings, and left him unconscious with head and body injuries.

In conclusion, the Tredgold Regional Court Magistrate in Bulawayo acquitted Sikhanyiso Zulu and Isaac Sibanda due to insufficient evidence.

Cabangani Zulu and Lucky Zulu were convicted and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended and an additional 18 months suspended on condition that they complete 630 hours of community service.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.

Hwange

Hwange driver remanded in custody for alleged beer theft

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 38-year-old driver, Munyaradzi Gotora, has been remanded in custody by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court on three counts of theft involving large consignments of alcoholic beverages.

Gotora, employed at Delta Beverages’ Hwange Depot, allegedly diverted multiple loads of Chibuku Super beer destined for Binga and surrounding areas between June 25 and July 9, 2025.

According to the State, on June 26, 2025, Gotora sold 1,189 cases of beer valued at USD4,451.62 and failed to deposit the funds. He allegedly falsified delivery invoices, presenting them as credit transactions with Gain Cash and Carry, which were not signed.

Similar incidents allegedly occurred on June 30, 2025, involving 866 cases valued at USD3,242.30, and on July 5, 2025, involving 1,933 cases worth USD8,779. In the latter incident, Gotora allegedly deposited only USD2,110, converting the balance to his own use.

An investigation into the anomalies in stock records uncovered irregularities across the three transactions. Police recovered receipts at Gotora’s place of residence, linking him to the crime.

Gotora is scheduled to appear in court again on August 14. In the meantime, he will remain in custody.