National

Police cracks down on drug abuse: 32 convicted

Published

1 year ago

October 17, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to combat drug and substance abuse, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has named and shamed 32 drug barons and suppliers who were convicted by the courts throughout the country.

The suspects were found guilty of various offenses, including illegal possession of dagga, unregistered medicines, and dangerous drugs.

Admire Chamwaita, 26, from Melandawonye in Beitbridge, was sentenced to 210 hours of community service for illegal possession of dagga. Madawu Ndamulelo, 18, from Botina Village in Beitbridge, was fined $60 or 15 months imprisonment for illegal possession of dagga, Benylin cough syrup, and Broncleer cough syrup.

Abyssina Kutukwa, 45, from Matshobane in Bulawayo, was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment for illegal possession of dagga and Benylin. Thembelani Ncube, 45, from Nkayi District, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for possession of dagga.

Ferzel Fershaad Horton, 22, from Northend in Bulawayo, was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment for cultivation of dagga. Mathew Muzondiwa, 25, from Makokoba in Bulawayo, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for possession of unregistered medicines.

Frank Ndlovu, 18, from Hillside in Bulawayo, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for illegal possession of dagga. Brian Sithole, 26, from Highlands in Zvishavane, was sentenced to possession of dagga and seven prohibited knives.

Ishmael Ayimedi, 25, from Eldorado Mine Compound in Chinhoyi, was fined $80 or three months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. Trymore Chinyundo, 18, was fined $200 or two months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga.

Gabriel Munashe Muzavazi, 25, was fined $150 or two months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga and Broncleer Cough Syrup. Simbarashe Zhakata, 42, from Mukumbadzetse Street in Mufakose, Harare, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of Crystal Meth.

Nene Chiedza, 35, from Hlatsurayo Road in Mbare, Harare, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga. Loreta Panashe, 38, from A1 Block 62 Tagarika in Mbare, Harare, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines.

Luckmore Murembwe, 24, from Dema Phase 1 in Seke, was fined $150 or two months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga. Martin Chikore, 39, from Unit 0 in Seke, Chitungwiza, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga and unregistered medicines.

Rodney Mano, 28, from Trafalgar Court in Harare, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for possession of unregistered medicines. Maxwell Warakula, 38, from Glen Norah A in Harare, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga.

Fayness Moreblessing John, 29, from Amalinda Road in Glenview 1, Harare, was fined $200 for possession of unregistered medicines. Antony Mwedziwendira from Milton Park in Harare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for possession of unregistered medicines.

Chamunorwa Siyamanyiwa, 34, from Dzivarasekwa in Harare, was sentenced to two months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated that there is no going back in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

Through the National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, the police said they will continue to name and shame drug barons and suppliers in any part of the country.

The public is urged to continue providing information regarding drug barons and suppliers through the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.

National

Government to reward top-performing schools nationwide

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOSIZO MPOFU

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a new national initiative to promote and reward academic excellence across Zimbabwe’s education system, Minister Torerayi Moyo has announced.

In a post on X, Minister Moyo said the programme will recognise and award the top 10 best-performing schools in each province, based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level.

“The recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners,” said Moyo. He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and quality education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

In addition to provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations. These schools will be honoured on 20 March 2026.

According to the minister, the recognised institutions will serve as “beacons of excellence and inspiration,” setting benchmarks for quality education and academic performance across the country.

Minister Moyo also called on individuals, corporates, well-wishers and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships, awards, grants and other forms of assistance.

“This support will go a long way in motivating our hardworking teachers and headmasters,” he said.

Those interested in supporting the programme have been advised to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Head Office through official communication channels.

National

79 dead as floods hit communities

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the Zimbabwe enters the peak of its rainy season from January to March, communities across the country are being urged to remain on high alert following the deaths of 79 people due to flooding and rain-related disasters since October last year.

Speaking to the Herald newspaper, Department of Civil Protection Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the department is closely monitoring the situation as more severe weather is expected in the coming weeks.

“We anticipate significant rainfall during this period. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions,” Nkomo said.

According to the Department of Civil Protection, many of the deaths and injuries recorded since the start of the 2025/2026 rainfall season resulted from people attempting to cross flooded rivers and mining-related accidents, particularly involving artisanal miners operating near waterways.

“The statistics reveal a worrying trend of fatalities and injuries during this rainfall season,” Nkomo said.

Infrastructure worth more than US$1 million has also been damaged, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services in several communities.

In response, Government has released funding towards disaster management and emergency response through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, involving security services and other stakeholders as outlined in the Civil Protection Act. Nkomo said the initial tranche of funds has already strengthened rescue operations.

“The money that was availed is not enough, but it is the first tranche. We are expecting another tranche from Treasury later this month to bolster our disaster response capabilities,” he said.

Authorities are urging communities to take an active role in disaster preparedness by monitoring weather forecasts, avoiding flooded areas, and implementing local emergency plans. Schools and community organisations have also been encouraged to conduct safety drills and ensure emergency procedures are well communicated.

With heavy rains expected to continue, officials warn that community vigilance and preparedness will be key in preventing further loss of life.

SOURCE: HERALD

National

Government warns farmers to step up tick control as January Disease threat looms

Published

3 weeks ago

January 15, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers across Zimbabwe to heighten disease surveillance and tick control measures as the 2026 rainy season continues, warning of an increased risk of January Disease (Theileriosis).

In a farmer advisory posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, authorities said the tick-borne disease spreads rapidly under warm and wet conditions and can decimate entire cattle herds if not effectively controlled.

The Ministry emphasised that weekly cattle dipping is mandatory during the rainy season, in line with Government policy to curb the spread of the brown ear tick, the primary carrier of January Disease. Farmers were urged to pay dipping levies, ensure correct acaricide dilution as per manufacturers’ instructions, and utilise spray races where possible for improved effectiveness.

In high-risk areas or during active outbreaks, farmers may be directed to follow a 5:5:4 dipping regime, involving more frequent dipping intervals. The Ministry also recommended the use of tick grease on sensitive areas such as inside the ears, the udder and under the tail.

As part of broader prevention efforts, the Ministry said the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine is now available in increased quantities, with farmers encouraged to contact their local veterinary offices to access the vaccine.

Farmers were further advised to conduct daily inspections of their cattle and remain alert to early warning signs of January Disease, which include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, frothing, watery or cloudy eyes, fever and general weakness.

The Ministry reminded farmers that all suspected cases or sudden cattle deaths must be reported to the Directorate of Veterinary Services within 24 hours, stressing that the movement of sick or tick-infested animals is prohibited as it contributes to the spread of the disease.

Failure to comply with dipping regulations constitutes an offence under the Animal Health Act, with penalties that may include fines or arrest, the Ministry warned.

Farmers requiring assistance or wishing to report suspected cases were advised to contact their local Veterinary Extension Officer or the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“Prevention saves wealth,” the Ministry said, urging farmers to take proactive measures to protect their herds.