BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A daring heist has just gone down in Bulawayo, where armed robbers hit an Ecobank branch on Fife Street and 9th Avenue.

The robbers made off with a whopping US$ 4 million in cash, leaving witnesses stunned and police scrambling for clues.

Here’s what we know so far: the robbers targeted a Safeguard Security transit vehicle delivering money to the bank.

Witnesses say the guards didn’t resist, and the robbers got away with four cash boxes. The getaway vehicle was described as a white single-cab Ford Ranger.

But here’s the thing – the police think this might be an inside job. “The manner in which this incident occurred shows an element of inside job or leakage of information,” said Commissioner Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations) Nyathi Paul.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the National Complaints Desk or report to their nearest police station.

They’re also assuring the public that they’ll get to the bottom of this and ensure that justice is served.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!

BY STAFF REPORTER 

The second Climate Change and Development Conference opened yesterday in Harare, with a call to action to address the pressing climate challenges facing Zimbabwe.

The conference aims to cultivate collaborative dialogue and innovative solutions to build resilience and secure a sustainable future.

“The time for action is now,” said Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, in his remarks at the conference.

“We must mobilize resources and strategic planning to align national efforts with global climate initiatives.”

The conference launched several strategic documents, including the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the Green Resilient Recovery Strategy and Investment Plan, and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy Investment Framework. These initiatives aim to guide comprehensive national strategies that respond effectively to the realities of climate change.

The conference today will cover diverse themes, including the impacts of climate change on health, gender-responsive climate action, and the integration of climate technology and finance to drive sustainable development.

Workshops and expert panels will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among various stakeholders, including academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.

A key focus of the conference is the role of children and youth in climate action. “We must prioritize the voices of children and women as we develop climate policies,” said Kallon. “Their perspectives are crucial for creating effective solutions that will shape a sustainable future.”

The conference aims to empower stakeholders at community and national levels to create a resilient and sustainable future for Zimbabwe.

By fostering proactive collaboration and a shared commitment, participants will address the serious effects of climate change while safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations.

The conference runs until this evening , and is expected to finalize its key results and recommendations for action in the fight against climate change.

BY STAFF REPORTER 

On October 10, the Nkayi Diaspora Investment Event will take place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Tea Room, aiming to channel investment into sustainable rural development.

The event is the second of its kind, following the successful Binga Diaspora Investment Event in April, which raised over US$50 000 for community initiatives.

“We are very encouraged by the enthusiastic response from individuals, local and international businesses that are already pledging support for these initiatives. It is a really positive sign and reflects a widespread and genuine interest for investing in the future of rural communities,” said Dominic Graham, Amalima Loko’s Chief of Party.

“We expect that this collaborative platform will support the health and education of children in these communities as well as helping to create meaningful partnerships between businesses, individuals and communities that will endure long after the event has closed,” Graham added.

The Nkayi Diaspora Investment Event is a collaborative effort between the USAID-funded Amalima Loko program and the Nkayi Rural District Council.

It seeks to attract support for projects presented by community members, focusing on constructing and upgrading schools and clinics, as well as promoting microentrepreneurs’ business expansion plans.

Interested parties can register to attend online or in person using the following contacts:

– Registration Link: [Registration Link]
– Ms. Dube (Amalima Loko): +263 78 054 3204
– Ms. Mhlanga (Nkayi District Coordinator’s Office): +263 77 309 7335
– Mrs. Maipisi (Nkayi Rural District Council): +263 774 566 786