National

Patriotic Front condemns ‘exorbitant’ passport charges for Zimbabwean expats

Published

9 months ago

July 29, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg has announced a change in passport application processing, starting that from July 29, all e-passport applications will be treated as express/emergency applications, with a fee of US$250 plus the application fee.

Here is the sentence with correct punctuation:

However, TPF’s interim secretary-general, Prosper Ncube, says that the new directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is unjust.

Below is the full press statement:

The Patriotic Front (TPF) is appalled by the government’s decision to extort money from Zimbabweans living in South Africa by charging them exorbitant fees for passport applications.This is a clear case of exploitation and a further burden on those who are already struggling to make ends meet.

We demand that the government immediately reverses this decision and provides a fair and affordable solution for our citizens living abroad. Furthermore, we call on the government to come clean about their dealings with Garsu Pasaulis and Semlex, the companies contracted to produce our passports.Specifically, we demand that the government provides full information on the following:

– The exact amount of money that Garsu Pasaulis and Semlex are getting from every passport made
– The terms of the contract between the government and these companies
– Why the contract was awarded without a public tender
– What measures are in place to ensure that these companies are not profiteering from our citizens

The fact that our passport is the most expensive in the region is a clear indication that the government is more interested in lining the pockets of their friends than in serving the people. We will not stand by and watch as our citizens are taken advantage of. We demand transparency, accountability, and fairness.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 hours 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

1 month 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

2 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.