National

Schools in Cyclone Freddy path to close on Friday

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The government has instructed schools in provinces likely to be hit by the cyclone to suspend classes on Friday.

In a circular, the Primary and Secondary Education ministry’s permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela said boarders must be confined to secure buildings on the day while school heads should also caution day schoolers to avoid crossing flooded rivers during the period.

The provinces that are at risk are Harare Metropolitan, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Masvingo and Matabeleland South.

“The above areas have been placed on high alert and a result of this extreme weather likelihood no pupil within the above named areas are to attend school or face to face instruction on Friday 24 February 2023,” Thabela said.

“Student boarders are to remain in their hostels and continue with their studies via alternative learning modes from the confines and safe environment.

“Heads of schools in these affected provinces are to exercise caution by notifying day school pupils not to attend school on Friday 24 February 2023 or to attempt to cross any flooded rivers.”

In March 2019, several school children died after Cyclone Idai devastated most parts of Manicaland.

According to government, other measures adopted in preparation for the cyclone include the setting up of evacuation committees in the five provinces as well as deployment of aid and medical supplies to government offices in some of the districts expected to be hardest hit by the cyclone.

The districts include Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo rural, Zaka and Bikita.

Cyclone Freddy is tracking its ways towards the East Africa coastline and is forecast to make landfall in Mozambique in the early hours of Friday.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 days 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.