In the community

Matabeleland North minister warns of livestock crisis due to drought

Published

9 months ago

November 11, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Matabeleland North minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo is warning about the dire situation of livestock, especially cattle, due to the El Nino-induced drought.

The minister mentioned that the situation is particularly severe in areas such as Tsholotsho,Nkayi, Binga, and other regions in the province.

“Umnotho wemhlubulweni wethu zinkomo (These are the symbols of our wealth in this region) and what we ate witnessing is catastrophic. People’s cattle are dying in large numbers because of lack of rains last year,” Moyo said.

Villagers are also echoing similar sentiments, adding that the drought has resulted in the death of many cattle and donkeys, with female cattle being the most affected.

The lack of water sources has led to the death of these animals, and the situation is further complicated by the fact that people are struggling to access water for drinking.

Minister Moyo emphasized the need for the government to invest in building dams in Matabelele North, including the Ziminya Dam in Nkayi district and the Gwai- Shangani Dam, to mitigate the effects of El Nino.

“That way, we can ensure that our livestock is covered in any event.”

The minister also mentioned that President Emerson Mnangagwa has initiated an agricultural scheme program to assist communities with stock feed.

However, the program faces challenges, such as the requirement for villagers to contribute funds to access the stock feed from Kwekwe. He encouraged villagers to come together and contribute towards the transportation.

The drought has not only affected livestock but also people, who are struggling to access basic necessities like water.

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.