BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Member of Parliament Fanuel Cumanzala has formally challenged the government to explain why the Binga District, which now has a population exceeding 160 000 people, has not been divided into two separate administrative zones .

In a series of questions submitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday, the legislator argued that the current geographical boundaries, established during the colonial era, are hindering modern governance.

Cumanzala stated that his inquiry “seeks to understand the rationale behind the decision, especially considering the need to enhance administration, improve governance, resource allocation, and service delivery by creating smaller, more manageable units,” particularly as the area sees an influx of migrants from Gokwe and Lupane.

The MP also raised alarms over the “dire” state of local healthcare infrastructure. He specifically pressed the Minister of Health and Child Care for concrete plans to “permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time”.

Further queries from Cumanzala addressed the economic transparency of the region, demanding to know “how much revenue is being generated from mining operations in Binga District”and how those funds are being reinvested into the Zambezi Valley.

He also sought updates on whether the government still intends to rehabilitate the district hospital to facilitate the establishment of a nursing school.

BY STAFF REPORTER

A total of 104 inmates are living with HIV across eight correctional facilities in Matabeleland North, according to data from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.

The figures, which were first reported by the Chronicle, were presented by ZPCS Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Godknows Ncube during a National Aids Council stakeholder meeting in Bulawayo.

Of the inmates recorded as positive, 98 are aged 25 and older, while six are under the age of 25. The affected facilities include Victoria Falls Prison, Hwange Prison, Ntabazinduna Satellite Prison, Anju Farm Prison, Tsholotsho Prison, Lupane Prison, and Binga Prison .

During the most recent quarter, 144 inmates underwent testing for HIV, resulting in one positive diagnosis .

While correctional facilities received 900 male condoms, officials reported that no female condoms were provided. Ncube noted the need to address this gender bias and ensure that female protectors are available for inmates.

The prison service is also facing challenges with medication adherence. Ncube emphasized that there is a high number of defaulters, particularly among younger inmates who were aware of their HIV status before entering the system.

He called for the integration of HIV services with other health programs and stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and reporting within the prisons. Currently, some facilities in the region are not yet accredited to provide antiretroviral therapy services, highlighting a need for further staff training and equipment

BY STAFF REPORTER

Police in Binga, Lusulu are investigating a case of murder and suicide where a man killed his wife and later hanged himself.

Police on X said, “On 22/10/24, Masciline Dube (63) was found dead with a head injury near a general dealer shop at Chinonge Business Centre. A blood-stained stone was recovered at the scene.

“The victim’s husband, Abel Sibanda, was linked to the case and was later found dead, having hanged himself from a tree branch with a wire.”

Last month, another Binga man stoned his wife to death before handing himself at a nearby bush.

The motive behind the tragic events is still unknown, and police are continuing their investigation.