News

USAID launches programme to support Zim journalists report on wildlife crime, conservation

Published

2 years ago

April 7, 2022

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a programme to support Zimbabwean journalists specialising in wildlife crime and conservation to help improve coverage of the issues.

Mike Pflanz from Space for Giants, which is implementing the programme under USAID’s Vuka Now Activity, said six journalists from different media houses will be assisted to tackle increasing wildlife crime in Zimbabwe and help amplify local voices in the international and domestic debates about wildlife protection.

“It’s a very simple idea which is that there is a huge threat to the natural landscape in wildlife and the ecosystems in countries like Zimbabwe and these are things that can bring significant value to people and to governments as well as to preserve nature,” Pflanz said in Victoria Falls where the journalists underwent three day training.

“So what the programme aims to do is to work with professional Zimbabwean journalists, six of them from different media outlets and just help them do what they already do very well, which is to write about conservation and to do that even better.

“So we are helping them with financing, mentoring, contacts, statistics and reports that allow them to improve and increase coverage on the issues.

Pflanz said the programmes’ other goal was to increase the quality of stories the journalists produce so that they can inform their readers better.

“I think this is really important that we get this as clear and accurate to readers and viewers as possible and they can make a choice (such as) do I support the idea of conservation?, or do I think it should be used for something else,” he said.

“So that is a choice people of Zimbabwe can individually or collectively make if they have accurate information and that’s really what this programme is about, to support journalists to give their readers and viewers that kind of information.”

Pflanz said six other journalists from Botswana have already been trained and they were also planning to launch the programme in Angola and Mozambique.

Space for Giants on its website says wildlife crime is a multi-billion-dollar illicit business, which decimates Africa’s wildlife and undermines economic prosperity and sustainable development.

“It also threatens social stability and cohesion, impoverishes people of cultural and natural heritage,” it says.

News

Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day.

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge.

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare.

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”

News

Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

News

ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment.

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ”