In the community

Victoria Falls woman gored by buffalo, ranger shot by poachers

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2023

BY ISAAC NTULI

A 61-year-old Victoria Falls woman is battling for her life after she was gored by a charging buffalo that she was trying to chase away from her goats kraal on Wednesday.

The victim, Elizabeth Ndlovu of Mpumelelo village in BH 10 under Chief Mvuthu was attempting to scare the buffalo away as it had been hiding in her kraal after straying from Forestry Commission sanctuary.

She was rushed to the Victoria Falls hospital and had to be whisked to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo due to her critical condition.

According to one eye witness identified as Mbonisi Ngwenya, Ndlovu was gored from her stomach, leaving her intentines protruding.

“This is really bad, imagine this is the type of danger we have to live with because they are not being controlled, ” Ngwenya said.

The buffalo was immediately put down by Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) ranger Manuel Nkomo who had to fire seven times in order to put it down.

Mpumelelo village head Maxwell Butshe Ndlovu said villagers’ lives were under dangerous conditions due to stray animals.

“We are living in acute danger because of these animals and we would tonurge the government to take urgent action to these escalating human and wildlife conflicts,” Ndlovu urged.

Campfire committee member Nceku Ncube added :”This is now beyond our control,and sincerely hope the proposed compensation would be made law. “

The Councillor of Katchetchete ward three Givemeagain Moyo lamented government’s response to human wildlife conflicts.

Meanwhile ,a ranger from Bayana in Chidobe is reported to have been stabbed to death at the Breakfast resettlement scheme after an altercation with poachers whom he had earlier confronted about their illegal activities.

Currently, the suspected poachers are assisting the police with investigations.

In Mabale village in Dete, another villager was trampled by an elephant a few days ago while in Mvuthu’s jurisdiction, a teen herd boy survived a lion attack which left him with body injuries.

Hwange

Jambezi officer of the law turns alleged rapist

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.