National

Overwhelming support for Nkayi family that lost 21 herd of cattle

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2022

BY BHEKIMPILO WEZA

The Nkayi family that lost 21 herd of cattle that were poisoned following a breakdown in communication over a month ago can smile again after a group of people from Matabeleland rallied to help them restock.

A dark cloud enveloped the Mpofu family homestead after the beasts died one after the other in June after they were given a tablet each of aluminium phosphide, which is used for fumigating stored grain, seeds and tobacco, among others after a wrong message was communicated that the chemical was for dozing cattle.

The cattle belonged to Lindani Mpofu, who bought the pesticide from Bulawayo and sent it Nkayi via an intermediary, Orderly Mpofu who dozed the cattle and 97 year-old Jennet Ndlovu from Dolahali.

After the tragedy, locals and people in the diaspora that were touched by the Mpofu family’s plight organised themselves through a WhatsApp group fundraised to replace the herd.

A week ago, the Mpofu family received 16 herd of cattle and two more are on the way, the well-wishers said.

Bongani Moyo, one of the people behind the fundraising initiative, said over 8 000 rand and US$130 had been raised by last week.

One beast was also donated by concerned people from the region.

“We are grateful to those that have shown interest and contributed towards this.

“At least our relatives will have something to start from,” Moyo said.

“So far we have received 8 840 rand and US$130 and this is something which we are grateful for.

“We are aware that it’s not a lot of money compared to the loss, but it’s a great gesture from the friends from the diaspora.”

Nomuhle Ncube, a Nkayi villager who is part of the group of well-wishers, said neighbours had also donated $2 500, a goat and a cow.

The group, which consists of s Dolahali villagers, said the donation will help the Mpofu family rebuild their herd.

“It was a disaster,” said one of the villagers.

“It affected a lot of people, but we are happy because the family remained strong and through our group, farmers have promised to help them rebreed their herd and we will be part of this success.”

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.