Hwange

Three Victoria Falls men sent to psychiatric institutions after violent outbursts

Published

11 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

Silibaziso Mlotshwa to be installed as new Chief Mvuthu

Published

1 day ago

August 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A historic installation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, as Silibaziso Mlotshwa, daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, is scheduled to take over as the new chief.

The installation comes after a prolonged dispute over the chieftaincy, which had been held up since Chief Mvuthu’s passing in 2014.

According to Paulos Ntini, the Prosecutor General at the Mvuthu’s monarchy, preparations for the ceremony are underway. “Preparations are going on well. So far, the road has been graveled to the homestead, and on Thursday, all the village heads, including myself, will be collecting gifts from the villagers for the ceremony,” he said.

The late Chief Mvuthu’s family had initially nominated his brother, Sanders Mlotshwa, as the successor in December 2014. However, Silibaziso challenged this decision in court, arguing that she was the rightful heir to the throne.

The dispute had resulted in Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda acting as the chief until now.

Chief Mvuthu was a respected traditional leader in Matabeleland North and chaired the Hwange Community Share Ownership Scheme. He was also a retiree of Hwange Colliery Company, having left his job in 2008 to take over the chieftaincy.

Hwange

Hwange Colliery Company to resume alcohol monitoring program

Published

2 days ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

2 weeks ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.