In the community

Overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases, Vic Falls stops contact tracing at homes

Published

4 years ago

August 4, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Health and Child Care ministry has stopped contact tracing at homes in Victoria Falls due to the overwhelming number of new infections in the third wave of the pandemic sweeping across the country.

Fungai Musinami, Hwange district medical officer, in an update on the Covid-19 outbreak in the resort city said the Victoria Falls Rapid Response Team (RRT) was no long able to follow up on people that test positive at their homes.

“Given the number of cases and the contacts that need follow up, it is no longer practical or efficient for our RRT to visit and test people at home,” Musinami said.

She said if anyone falls ill or had been in contact with someone, who recently tested positive to Covid-19, they should immediately seek medical attention.

“To avoid delays in getting correct treatment, if you have symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, please put on your mask and go to your nearest health facility for testing,” Musinami said.

“Please do not delay getting a test; early treatment is very important.”

Victoria Falls Hospital, Chinotimba Clinic, Truck Stop Wellness Clinic and Beat Aids Clinic, an isolation Centre in Mkhosana high density suburb are the designated facilities for Covid-19 cases.

They also offer free testing.

“If you are self-isolating at home and your condition changes or you feel more unwell, please call the hotline on 0782076918,” Musinami said.

She said Victoria Falls Hospital, which is the only facility administering Covid-19 vaccines in the city was giving first and second doses.

“Remember a single dose of the vaccine is not effective so make sure you get both doses of the vaccine,” Musinami added.

“Our current vaccination statistics are as follows:

“As of Monday, Hwange district had 1 988 cumulative cases, 545 active cases, 25 deaths and 1 418 discharged cases.

“Of the 545 active cases, 166 were derived from Victoria Falls urban.

District total for first dose stood at 47 981 and 29 137 for the second dose 29137.

“If you missed your appointment for the second dose please come to the hospital and get your second dose so that you are fully vaccinated.

“Let’s continue to mask up, sanitize and hand wash, and maintain physical distance.

“Avoid gatherings and unless you really have to go out, do stay home.”

In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

Published

20 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

In the community

Nkayi man in court for alleged rape of minor

Published

20 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 28-year-old man from Nkayi appeared before the Nkayi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of raping his 15-year-old niece.

The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, in a secluded bushy area. The accused is said to have sexually assaulted the minor after she refused his advances.

The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the accused’s arrest. He has been remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case has been referred to the Bulawayo Regional Court for further proceedings, with the accused set to appear on August 26.

In the community

Victoria Falls man sentenced to six months for domestic violence

Published

21 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 33-year-old Victoria Falls man has been sentenced to 6 months imprisonment for domestic violence charges. The sentence was handed down by the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court.

The man, from Chinotimba, was arrested on August 3 for a domestic violence charge. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the facts of the matter are as follows: a misunderstanding arose between the offender and his 32-year-old wife over money left in her jacket. Later that evening, the offender shouted at his wife before strangling her several times on the neck. The victim reported the matter to the police, which led to the offender’s arrest.

The court sentenced the offender to 6 months imprisonment, with two months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior.

A further four months were suspended on the condition that he performs 140 hours of community service.