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

Domestic violence takes a deadly turn: Hwange woman’s violent outburst lands her in jail

Published

1 day ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 19-year-old woman from Makwika Village has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrate’s Court for domestic violence and assault after a violent incident occurred on June 2, 2025.

The court heard that the woman assaulted her husband after he confronted her over messages on her phone. She slapped him, grabbed his private parts, dragged him into the kitchen, and poured boiling water on his lower body, causing serious injuries.

A concerned neighbor who attempted to intervene was also burnt with boiling water on her chest and hospitalized.

The woman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for domestic violence and 24 months imprisonment for assault. However, 12 months of the assault sentence were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior, and the remaining 24 months were suspended on condition of performing 630 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, emphasizing that violence, whether in the home or community, is unacceptable.

“The law applies equally to all, and offenders will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ. “We encourage citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse immediately.”

In the community

Teenager sentenced to 18 months for knife attack on minor

Published

1 day ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Bulawayo Regional Court recently sentenced a 19-year-old male from Nkayi’s Maphosa Village to 18 months imprisonment for attempted murder after a violent knife attack on a 15-year-old boy at Gwamayaya Business Centre.

Allegations are that on April 18, at approximately 23:00 hours, the offender entered a shop at the business centre, causing a commotion. When customers attempted to calm him down, he became aggressive and charged at the victim, stabbing him in the left side of the stomach with a knife.

The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the offender was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

In court, the offender was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, six months of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 410 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, urging young people to resolve conflicts peacefully and encouraging communities to play a role in early intervention.

“Violence is never the answer. Every life matters – walk away, don’t escalate,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

2 months ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.