Underground coal mine fire rages in Hwange

Published

3 months ago

November 1, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

An underground coal mine fire has broken out at the Zimbali mine at M3 Block, close to Madumabisa, Village 2 and 5 in Hwange.

According to a resident, Rejoice Ndlovu, the blaze is believed to have started due to exposed coal on the surface and has been raging for several hours.

Firefighters from the Hwange Local Board and other emergency services are on the scene, but their efforts to contain the fire have so far been unsuccessful.

Residents nearby have been advised to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.

Councillor Brian Chikumbo from Ingagula has raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the incident.

“We only heard about the fire through word of mouth after we saw some smokes in the morning,” he said.

“There has been no official communication from the mine operators to alert the communities or provide information about the situation.”

Chikumbo expressed fears about the potential health risks to nearby communities, particularly the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and injuries from underground coal fires.

Historically, many children have been injured by seamless coal fires in this area.

The Zimbali coal mine is operated by Chinese investors, and Chikumbo criticized the lack of transparency and accountability.

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Jambezi officer of the law turns alleged rapist

Published

4 days ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 39-year-old police officer stationed at Jambezi has been arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on January 18, at around 12:30 am, when the accused officer reportedly pounced on the minor, who was with her cousin at the time.

According to the allegations, the police officer questioned the two girls about their presence at that late hour, and they explained that they were waiting for their sister. The accused then dragged the 13-year-old behind a nearby shop, where he fondled her breasts, kissed her, and ultimately raped her.

In an attempt to silence his victim, the police officer bought her two soft drinks, two packets of biscuits, and a bottle of opaque beer. The accused has been remanded to February 7, pending further proceedings.

Hwange

Victoria Falls man appears in court for rape of 13-year-old girl

Published

4 days ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Victoria Falls man was arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the alleged incident occurred on October 10, last year, at around 7 pm, at a house in Chinotimba Township.

The accused allegedly entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, forcefully undressed her, and raped her.

After the assault, he threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

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

The case has been remanded to tomorrow.

Hwange

Victoria Falls man jailed for defying protection order, threatening ex-wife’s life

Published

4 days ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Victoria Falls man has been sentenced to ten months in prison for violating a protection order and threatening to kill his ex-wife.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the man breached the protection order by visiting his ex-wife’s home, where he threatened her with a knife and hurled vulgar insults.

The court heard that the protection order had been issued to protect the ex-wife from her former husband’s abusive behavior.

However, the man flagrantly disregarded the order, putting his ex-wife’s life in danger.

In passing sentence, the magistrate emphasized the seriousness of violating protection orders and the need to protect victims of domestic violence.