In the community

Tsholotsho chief hails drought relief efforts, cites improved access to mealie-meal in supermarkets

Published

11 months ago

September 12, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a rare glimmer of hope amidst the devastating drought gripping Zimbabwe, Chief Mahlathini of Tsholotsho has praised the government’s relief efforts, citing improved access to mealie meal as a significant step forward.

In an exclusive interview with VicFallsLive, the chief expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging that while challenges persist, the current situation is an improvement over previous years.

“Tsholotsho is good, although we have challenges of drought, but we thank the government for giving us something,” he said.

The chief highlighted the availability of mealie meal in supermarkets as a significant positive development.

“But what I am happy for is that the drought of this year is better because the mealie meal is there in supermarkets compared to other years, so those with money can buy in shops,” he explained.

Chief Mahlathini also praised the support from the diaspora community, saying, “We thank our children in the diaspora, they are doing very well supporting the parents back home.”

However, the severity of the crisis cannot be overstated, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently revealed that Matabeleland North province is among the hardest hit by the devastating food insecurity crisis gripping the country.

In his mid-term budget presentation, Ncube disclosed that a staggering 520 524 people in the province are struggling to access basic nutrition and to combat this crisis, the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain to Matabeleland North, which represents only 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.

Ncube’s announcement, according to analysts, underscores the urgent need for sustained support and intervention to mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, which has left a significant portion of the population vulnerable.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

13 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

25 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.

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.