Hwange

Victoria Falls at risk of Mpox outbreak due to border proximity, commercial sex work

Published

5 months ago

September 6, 2024

BY BAYANDA NKATHA

Victoria Falls, a major tourism destination, is at high risk of Mpox outbreak due to its proximity to the border and the heavy presence of cross-border truckers.

Stakeholders met on Wednesday to strategize on preparing for any outbreak, taking no chances after the tourism sector was severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The meeting, convened by the Victoria Falls City Council health department and Ministry of Health and Child Care, aimed to sensitize stakeholders and share information on the disease.

Fungayi Musinami, Hwange District Medical Officer, emphasized that the meeting was just a sensitization exercise to ensure that everyone gets the right information.

“We want to stay ahead and ensure everyone gets the right information,” she said.

Musinami highlighted that the presence of same-sex commercial sex workers and cross-border truck drivers makes the chances of the spread of the virus high.

“Our biggest concern as Victoria Falls is trucks movement through Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders from as far as DR Congo,” she said.

“As a city, that will be the thrust of our response to start from. Another aspect of response is men having sex with men and the truck stop where there is a lot happening.”

Khaliphani Tshuma, Victoria Falls City Council safety and health officer, stressed the importance of citizens getting correct information from credible sources.

“Symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest, and include swollen lymph nodes, rash, headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy, sore throat, and fever,” he said.

“Rash and blisters are common on the face, palms, feet, groin, genitals, mouth, throat, anus, rectum eyes, and privates. The virus can spread through physical contact with an infected person or through mouth-mouth or a mother to child at birth.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) recently declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), respectively.

The stakeholders agreed that preparedness is key to preventing the spread of Mpox in Victoria Falls.

The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including government departments, ports authorities, and the private sector.

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.

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Hwange Local Board is urging livestock farmers to come forward and claim their cattle that were impounded by Council Police last week.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Paul Mabhureni, the 10 animals have been unclaimed for over a week and are currently being held at the impound yard.

Farmers with missing cattle are advised to visit the Hwange Local Board offices to identify and claim their animals.

A daily fee will be charged for each impounded animal, and if the animals remain unclaimed after a month, the Council will auction them off .

The Hwange Local Board is also warning livestock owners to take responsibility for managing and controlling the movement of their animals to prevent them from encroaching into residential areas.

Council Police have increased patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to report any stray livestock to the Council immediately.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”