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Victoria Falls residents demand comprehensive investigation into Council administration

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A heated meeting was held at Chinotimba Hall on Sunday, where residents of Victoria Falls expressed mixed feelings over the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube amid corruption allegations.

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The meeting, which started with a prayer, was convened by the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association. Kelvin Moyo, the association’s representative, presented feedback to residents on their initial request to the mayor to suspend Dube over allegations of corruption, particularly those related to land deals and contracts.

Victoria Falls residents vow to bar town clerk from office despite minister’s intervention

He was at the podium with his co-chair of the Hwange Residents Association, Herbert Ncube, who equally supported Moyo, saying Dube has to go.

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While some residents supported the suspension, others felt that Dube should not be prosecuted alone.

They argued that if Dube was involved in corrupt activities, he could not have done so without the knowledge and involvement of other council officials.

“We cannot just suspend Dube alone,” said a resident of Victoria Falls. “If he was committing those crimes, was he doing them alone?

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Kanti impukane ezinhlanu zingawela echangweni, ukhipha eyodwa besunatha? We want the whole council management, the mayor, and councilors to be thoroughly investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Another resident, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s not just about Dube; it’s about the entire system that has allowed corruption to thrive. We need a comprehensive investigation that leaves no stone unturned.”

However, not everyone agreed that the entire council should be investigated, a local business owner, felt that Dube should be held accountable for his actions.

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“While I agree that corruption is a systemic problem, we cannot ignore the fact that Dube has been at the center of these allegations. Inhlanzi iqala ukubola ekhanda… He should be investigated and prosecuted if found guilty.”

Despite the differing opinions, residents unanimously agreed that Dube’s suspension was necessary to pave the way for investigations.

They also vowed to stage a peaceful demonstration to ensure that Dube does not report to work until the investigations are completed.

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The controversy surrounding Dube’s suspension is the latest in a series of allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the Victoria Falls City Council.

In 2021, Dube was suspended over similar allegations but was later reinstated.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe had intervened to nullify the council’s decision to suspend Dube, citing Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act.

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However, Moyo argued that this section does not apply in this case, as the minister is not protecting the interests of the residents.

As the meeting came to a close, residents resolved to take a stand against corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The peaceful demonstration is expected to take place soon, if cleared by the police,

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with residents vowing to block Dube’s return to office until the investigations are completed.

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

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Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

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Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

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Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

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According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

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Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

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ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

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