In the community

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

Published

1 year 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

ZPC employees appear in court over US$3.8 million theft charges

Published

10 minutes ago

September 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Two senior employees of the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) in Hwange, have been charged with the theft of company property valued at US$3 896 000.

Tawanda Mhaka and Ruth Chiyani were arraigned in court following an extensive investigation into the alleged theft, which reportedly involved an accomplice, Hardlife Zimwenje, who remains at large.

The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on the 22 and 23 of August last month, during which a truck was captured on CCTV at the ZPC’s Turbine Hall loading stolen goods. The footage revealed that the loaded items included 15 electric motors, 48 tonnes of brass pipes, and a metal container. Notably, the loading occurred without proper documentation, raising immediate red flags for investigators.

Ruth Chiyani, who serves as a Loss Control Assistant, is accused of overseeing the illegal loading but failed to provide any invoices to justify the movement of the company’s assets.

Tawanda Mhaka, acting as the Stores Officer, allegedly instructed a boilermaker to cut an electric motor and a storage container into smaller pieces to facilitate their loading onto the haulage trucks.

The stolen goods were reportedly transported using trucks hired by Zimwenje, further complicating the network of theft. Both Mhaka and Chiyani were arrested last week , following a comprehensive investigation that revealed substantial evidence against them, including CCTV footage and removal authority documents signed by the defendants.

“According to investigators, the evidence against them is substantial, including CCTV footage and removal authority documents signed by the pair. The pair was remanded to the 26th of September.”the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.

In the community

Population Services Zimbabwe to offer free family planning services in Nkayi

Published

5 days ago

September 11, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) is set to provide free family planning services in Nkayi District from next week

The initiative which will run from 15-18, aims to enhance access to comprehensive reproductive health care and empower individuals and couples to make informed choices regarding family planning.

The outreach will kick off on Monday, September 15, at the Sivalo Rural Health Centre (RHC) and its outreach site. This will be followed by activities at various locations each day:

Tuesday, September 16:
Jabulisa at 9:00 AM
Ngabayide at 2:00 PM
Wednesday, September 17:
Sebhumane at 9:00 AM
Nesigwe RHC at 10:00 AM
Thursday, September 18:
Mateme RHC at 9:00 AM
Sembeule at 10:00 AM

The services offered during this campaign include:

Loop insertion and removal
Implant insertion and removal
Depo Provera injections
Secure and control pills
Emergency contraceptive pills
Counselling on reproductive health issues

In the community

Hwange driver convicted for negligent driving

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 24-year-old Hwange man has been convicted for negligent driving following an incident that left a pedestrian severely injured.

The hearing took place at the Hwange Magistrates’ Courts, where the National Prosecuting Authority laid out the details of the case against Ndabezinhle Moyo.

On 21 November last year, Moyo was driving a Toyota Hilux along an unnamed road in Phase 4, when he collided with a pedestrian.

According to the prosecution, the vehicle struck the pedestrian with its left view mirror, resulting in a fractured lower limb. The victim was promptly taken to St. Patrick’s Hospital for medical treatment.

The state presented its case against Moyo, highlighting two key points of negligence. First, they argued that Moyo failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, a crucial aspect of safe driving. Second, they contended that Moyo did not take reasonable action to prevent the accident when it became apparent that a collision was imminent.

During the proceedings, Moyo was found guilty as charged. The magistrate imposed a fine of US$600, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the consequences of negligent driving. Alternatively, if Moyo fails to pay the fine, he faces a six-month imprisonment sentence.

Additionally, he was ordered to surrender his driver’s license for endorsement, a decision meant to underscore the gravity of his actions and to encourage safer driving practices in the future.