National

Safeguard security company claims lack of notification on $4 million cash movement

Published

6 months ago

October 5, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a stunning revelation, Safeguard Security Company has stated that it was not informed by Ecobank that it would be transporting a staggering $4 million in cash on the day of the armed robbery in Bulawayo.

The company’s CEO, Andrew Mallon, released a statement emphasizing that the sum was “well outside” the contracted limits for cash movement.

According to Mallon, Safeguard security guards were unaware of the large amount of cash they were transporting and were only instructed to pick up the money from Ecobank’s NRZ Building branch and deliver it to Harare.

The guards were on October 3 ambushed by six armed men, who subdued them and made off with the cash boxes.

Safeguard is now hinting that its insurers may not compensate Ecobank for any loss above the undisclosed limit agreed upon by the two companies.

Mallon stressed that customers have a responsibility to work within their contracted limits and communicate clearly with Safeguard if a cash movement is unusual.

The police investigation into the robbery, the largest cash heist in Zimbabwe’s history, is ongoing. Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that no arrests have been made and dismissed social media reports suggesting otherwise.

This incident highlights the significant risks associated with cash holding and movement, as emphasized by Safeguard.

The company’s failure to communicate the unusual amount of cash being moved “places the safety of our staff, our security teams, and your cash at considerable risk,” Mallon warned.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

6 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.