In the community

Six months of agony: Family still searches for missing Try Ndiweni

Published

3 months ago

January 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

Try Ndiweni

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

It’s been six long and agonizing months since Try Ndiweni, a 38-year-old man from Bulawayo and Bubi district, vanished into thin air. His family, particularly his mother, Catherine, is still grappling with the uncertainty of his disappearance.

“Life has never been the same since he left,”his mother said, her voice laced with emotion. “I struggle to eat, and I find myself constantly wondering what happened to him.”

Try’s disappearance on August 20 last year has left his family with more questions than answers. According to his mother, Try didn’t take much with him when he left. His brown jacket and fleece are still at home, and she’s not even sure what he was wearing on the day he vanished.

Try Ndiweni

However, she revealed that Try did take some important documents with him, including his academic certificates, national identity card, and possibly his passport. He also took his church card, a small, red pocket-sized card.

What’s even more worrying for his mother is that Try has been struggling with mental health challenges since 2005. He has been seeing psychiatrists and has been on medication to manage his condition. However, she fears that Try may have stopped taking his medication, which could have contributed to his disappearance for this long.

“I’m worried sick about his well-being,” she said. “He’s been on medication for years, and if he’s not taking it, it could be disastrous.”

The family’s efforts to locate Try have been unsuccessful so far. His mother is holding on to hope, praying that her son will return home safely.

As the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, her anxiety grows. She’s desperate for any information that can lead her to Try.

“I just want to know what happened to my son since he left on that night,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “I want him to come home safely, that is my prayer.”

The search for Try Ndiweni continues, and his family remains hopeful that he will be found soon.

If you have any information about Try’s whereabouts, please contact his mother, Catherine, at [+263 71 315 6336].

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.