BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A 39-year-old man from Inyathi Township has been convicted of malicious damage to property after a disagreement with his wife

The accused recently appeared before the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court for malicious damage to property.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, sometime in September, the accused person had a misunderstanding with the complainant, his wife over the welfare of the family.

He forced the complainant and their children out of the house.

While the complainant was away, the accused person burnt the complainant’s belongings.

The destroyed property was valued at $140.

The accused person was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, of which 3 months were suspended for 5 years.

A further 18 months were suspended on condition that he completes 630 hours of community service.

The remaining 3 months were suspended on condition of restitution.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Try Ndiweni, a 38-year-old man from Bulawayo, has been missing since August 20. His mother, Catherine Ndiweni, is desperate for any information that can lead to his safe return.

“He showed the signs of not being well but on the Tuesday of his disappearance, l had just come back from the farm in Bubi, and when l asked why he was not answering the phone as l away, he started to search for it from his jacket accusing us of stealing it. I tried to calm him down, but he was persistent.”

His mother explained that Try has a history of mental health challenges and has been seeing psychiatrists since 2005

“We suspect that he had stopped taking his medication recently, and I’m worried about his well-being,” she said.

On the night of his disappearance, she said, “We were all asleep, and when we woke up, he was gone. He took his identity certificates and carpentry academic papers with him but left all his other belongings behind.”

The family suspects that Try might have crossed into Botswana, where he has resided before. However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful so far.

She is worried about her son’s safety and well-being.

“I’m worried sick about my son,” she said.

“I am also unwell, l have hypertension and diabetes so l thought he was following the instructions. I do not know what triggered him to stop, but as a family we are very much worried because he has never disappeared.

We ask ourselves day and night where he vanished because his twin brother attimes go quite and asks me where his brother is, what is he eating, bathing, what he is wearing, where is he sleeping and myself everyday around 2AM, l lose sleep and whenever l eat l think about him, but l hold on to God to answer my prayers because l do not know where he went.”

Ndiweni is described as light in complexion, 1.5-1.7 meters tall, with a moderate build and bald hair. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt and black shoes.

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

BY TANAKA MREWA

Community members of Goodwood village in Bubi district were met with the arrival of a group of Chinese individuals conducting a diamond exploration in their area.

Speaking to CITE on condition of anonymity, villagers expressed surprise at this development, noting that no consultations had been conducted by community leaders with the residents regarding the matter.

They voiced concerns about the potential impact of mining on their homes and the environment, citing examples from other areas where companies have focused solely on extraction, leaving behind degraded landscapes.

Ward 6 Councillor Alson Ntini sought to ease these concerns, explaining that the group is currently conducting preliminary studies to determine whether diamonds are present in the area.

“If diamonds are found, it would represent a significant development opportunity for the community,” said Cllr Ntini.

“Tests have already been conducted earlier, including an aerial survey to assess the area’s potential for diamonds. Following that, this group is now on the ground to perform physical tests. They will dig between 20 and 50 meters deep to collect samples for further analysis in laboratories.”

He added, “Once everything is verified, they will commence mining operations. This is a welcome development for our area because if diamonds are indeed found, the community stands to benefit.

“Our children could find employment at the mine, as all manual labor positions that do not require specific expertise will be sourced from within our community. This will create much-needed job opportunities for our youth.

Additionally, the company has committed to giving back by providing various resources for local development. However, this will only be confirmed once all processes are complete and mining operations actually begin.”

SOURCE: CITE