Hwange

Three Victoria Falls men sent to psychiatric institutions after violent outbursts

Published

4 months ago

September 24, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Three Victoria Falls men have been sent to Mlondolozi Mental Health Prison after exhibiting violent behavior and being deemed mentally unstable.

The men, Wonder Siyangaphi, Bheki Moyo, and Trust Sibanda, appeared in court on Monday before Victoria Falls Residents’ Magistrate Gift Manyika.

Wonder Siyangaphi, 40, is charged with contravening the Domestic Violence Act by failing to adhere to a protection order and physically abusing his cousin, Nomqhele Sibanda. Bheki Moyo, 38, is charged with malicious damage to property after smashing Nkosilathi Siziba’s vehicle windscreen. Trust Sibanda, 24, is charged with damaging property at Ko-Mpofu La Night Club.

According to the facts presented in court, Wonder Siyangaphi threatened to assault his cousin, Nomqhele Sibanda, on September 18, at house in Chinotimba. This incident occurred despite a protection order granted by the court on September 13, ordering Siyangaphi not to insult, assault, harass, or threaten Sibanda.
Additionally, Siyangaphi physically abused Sibanda on September 9, slapping her several times and hitting her several times with a broomstick.

Bheki Moyo caused damage to Nkosilathi Siziba’s vehicle on September 20, at Chinotimba Bus Terminus. Moyo smashed the windscreen of Siziba’s Peugeot vehicle, valued at $250, using an unknown object.

Trust Sibanda damaged property at Ko-Mpofu La Night Club on September 17. Sibanda entered the night club and went to the cold room, where he damaged 15 bottles of Black Label beer by throwing them on the floor. The total value of the damaged property is $22.

The accused men’s responses in court demonstrated their mental instability, leading Magistrate Manyika to call for medical attention. Their cases highlight the complexities of mental health in criminal proceedings. The men’s violent behavior and failure to adhere to court orders and respect the property of others led to their transfer to Mlondolozi Mental Health Prison for further evaluation and treatment.

Hwange

Vic Falls man up for raping 13-year-old girl at knifepoint

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDILE TSHUMA

A 43-year-old man from Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, has been remanded in custody for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint.

The court heard that on October 10, 2024, the accused entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, armed with a knife, and forcefully undressed her before committing the crime. He then threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the young girl confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The accused appeared before the court and was remanded in custody until January 28.

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Hwange Local Board is urging livestock farmers to come forward and claim their cattle that were impounded by Council Police last week.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Paul Mabhureni, the 10 animals have been unclaimed for over a week and are currently being held at the impound yard.

Farmers with missing cattle are advised to visit the Hwange Local Board offices to identify and claim their animals.

A daily fee will be charged for each impounded animal, and if the animals remain unclaimed after a month, the Council will auction them off .

The Hwange Local Board is also warning livestock owners to take responsibility for managing and controlling the movement of their animals to prevent them from encroaching into residential areas.

Council Police have increased patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to report any stray livestock to the Council immediately.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”