News

Outrage as Victoria Falls school boy is killed by car

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2022

BY AWAKHIWE KHUMALO

A Victoria Falls pupil died after he was hit by a car as he was crossing a road near the Vehicle Inspection Department on Wednesday while walking home from school.

This publication witnessed the accident, which happened at around 12:45 and it took over 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive as the Victoria Falls District Hospital said it did not have an available ambulance.

The boy’s lifeless body lay on the roadside until the arrival of the Emergency Medical Rescue Ambulance Service (EMRAS) whose crew confirmed that he was already dead and police were later called to collect the body.

Eyewitnesses accused the driver of the Nissan Sunny car that hit the boy of speeding.

Dents on the car suggested that the boy was hit by the left side of the car.

“The car was moving at a very high speed and he hit him as he was attempting to cross the road from Chinotimba heading to Mkhosana,” one witness said.

“The car dragged him for about 20 meters and he was hit from the left side of his head, which caused severe bleeding.

“The boy could not be immediately assisted as the driver locked himself in the car while we were trying to call for an ambulance until signs of life disappeared. It was very traumatic.”

Frustrated residents expressed displeasure over how the accident was handled by the hospital officials who said they did not have necessary resources to rescue the boy.

Residents resorted to calling the privately owned EMRAS whose crew arrived within minutes even though there was little they could do to save the boy as he was already dead.

“(The hospital) told us that the ambulance was not available and we should try calling Chinotimba Clinic and that was the end,” one resident at the scene said.

“The hospital is only abouta kilometre away and that child could not be saved as he kept bleeding from the head and the scorching heat from the tarmac made it worse.

“They are under-resourced and this is disheartening because this is a tourist town where such resources should always be there in cases like these.”

A Hwange district ambulance only arrived as police were removing the body from the scene.

Fungisai Musinami, the Hwange district medical officer, said she was not aware of the accident when contacted for comment.

“I am not in the office today, but you can go and check at the outpatient (section) if the body was taken there,” Musinami said.

Police were not immediately available for comment.

News

Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day.

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge.

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare.

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”

News

Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

News

ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment.

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ”