BY BAYANDA NKATHA

Zimbabwe has confirmed two cases of Mpox, a rare viral infection formerly known as Monkeypox, according to Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora.

The cases were reported in Harare and Mberengwa, and both patients are in stable condition, receiving appropriate care.

The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who traveled to South Africa in August and returned on September 10. He developed symptoms on September 23 but is no longer infectious and is being cared for in isolation. Seven contacts have been identified and are being monitored.

The second case is a 24-year-old man who traveled to Tanzania on September 14 and returned on September 21. He developed symptoms five days later and is also no longer infectious, with contact tracing underway.

Minister Mombeshora assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two confirmed cases of Mpox, one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both cases are in isolation at home and are receiving appropriate care. Both cases are stable and recovering,” he said.

He encouraged anyone with symptoms to report to the nearest health facility immediately. “Preparedness and response plan is already in place, and activation of incident management systems is done,” he added.

Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, which is endemic in Central and West Africa.

It spreads through contact with people, animals, or materials infected with the virus. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14.

Africa has reported 7 525 confirmed cases of Mpox and 32 deaths so far.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Masvingo man and his three daughters, including a juvenile have been arrested over a brutal murder of a 77-year-old and 92-year-old relatives rooted in witchcraft allegations.

The incident occurred on Friday, at around 7AM in Chorupanga Village, Nyajena,, where Rameck Chidinhika (53) and his three daughters, Constancia Chidinhika (28), Vimbai Chidinhika (19), and a juvenile (15), were arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the murder of Tizirai Chidinhika (77) and Miriam Polisiri (92).

The motive behind the killing was allegedly related to witchcraft and casting misfortune on the first suspect’s family.

In a separate case, Police is seeking information regarding the murder of Jabson Bunukwa Kwangwari (35), who was found dead in Village 1 Runhare, Chiredzi, on the same day.

The body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition with deep cuts on the head and arm, and a blood-stained axe was recovered at the scene.

The police are urging anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 70 3631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report at the nearest Police Station.

BY BAYANDA NKATHA

The 2024 Mine Entra conference has officially kicked off in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to officiate the event.

The conference is being held under the theme “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation, and Industrialisation Nexus” and is expected to be a significant event in the mining industry.

President Mnangagwa arrived in Bulawayo on Wednesday afternoon, after attending the burial of national hero Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube at the Heroes Acre in Harare.

Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, will lead the proceedings, with the President expected to address the conference.

The Chamber of Mines is also expected to provide a comprehensive update on the state of the mining sector.

The industry is optimistic about the future, with mineral revenue, employment levels, and capacity utilization projected to increase in 2025.

The Mining Industry Prospects for 2025 report shows that mining executives are confident about the sector’s prospects.

“Mineral revenue is expected to increase by approximately two percent in 2024 and by around 10 percent to approximately US$6 billion in 2025 from about US$5.5 billion in 2024 on the back of improved output and some anticipated commodity price recovery in 2025.”reads the report.

Average capacity utilization for the mining industry is expected to improve, driven by key sectors such as gold, ferrochrome, and PGMs.

Employment is also expected to rise, with mining industry formal employment expected to increase in 2025.

The mining sector has also recorded a decrease in fatalities since the beginning of the year, with a significant reduction in deaths compared to last year.

However, the survey results show that there is still a need for safety and health at mining operations.