In the community

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

Published

4 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.

Hwange

Vic Falls man up for raping 13-year-old girl at knifepoint

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDILE TSHUMA

A 43-year-old man from Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, has been remanded in custody for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint.

The court heard that on October 10, 2024, the accused entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, armed with a knife, and forcefully undressed her before committing the crime. He then threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the young girl confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The accused appeared before the court and was remanded in custody until January 28.

In the community

Crocodile attacks on the rise: Zimparks sounds alarm

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

Slider

Tsholotsho burglar lands six-month jail term

Published

1 week ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY COURT REPORTER

A Tsholotsho man’s life of crime came crashing down when he was sentenced to six months in prison for burglary.

Mengesi Sibanda, 26, from Susumani line, was convicted of stealing ZAR1600 in cash from a complainant’s bedroom on January 9.

The court heard that Sibanda had unlocked the complainant’s bedroom door and made off with the cash. He then gave ZAR1500 to his accomplice, Zikhiye Ncube, who transported the stolen money to South Africa and handed it over to Sibanda’s wife.

Meanwhile, Sibanda blew ZAR100 of the stolen cash on beer at local outlets.

In passing sentence, the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court condemned Sibanda’s actions, saying he had shown no remorse for his crime.

Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of restitution. He will serve an effective six months behind bars.