Hwange

Villagers in Hwange West Constituency cry out over drugs and substance abuse

Published

12 months ago

September 2, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The scourge of drugs and substance abuse has taken a toll on the communities of Hwange West Constituency, with villagers expressing their deep-seated concerns over the issue.

The problem has become so rampant that it has affected not only the youth but also adults and the elderly.

A meeting held on Friday last week, organized by Member of Parliament Vusumuzi Moyo, provided a platform for the villagers to air their grievances. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including village heads, councillors, and concerned citizens.

Laureen Mlambo from BH10 village spoke out, saying, “We have seen people loitering around and selling drugs freely, but when we report, we become scared because they are connected to some police officers. We want you, as our MP, to address these issues so that our community becomes safe for our children.”

Joseph Dube, village head of BH25, emphasized the gravity of the problem, stating, “Drugs and substance abuse are a huge problem in our communities. Adults and elderly people are engaging in this, and our villages need to be sanitized. It’s puzzling that these drugs are being sold inside shops, and this needs to be tackled before it’s too late.”

Councillor for Ward 3, Given Moyo, added, “The communities are suffering, and controlling it has become harder. We need to find solutions to address this issue.”

The concerns raised by the villagers are not isolated, as Zimbabwe faces a growing problem of substance abuse, particularly among unemployed youth.

Officials have reported an increase in arrests, with close to 2 400 people taken into custody so far in 2024.

Economic difficulties are hampering efforts to curb the problem, but the government has approved a review of fines and imprisonment for businesses convicted of selling illicit drugs.

In addition to the issue of drugs and substance abuse, the villagers also expressed concerns over the lack of maternal clinics, registry offices, advanced agricultural machinery, and projects for farming and fish.

They also appealed for children in Early Child Development to be taught in their native languages and for nearby schools to be built to reduce long walking distances.

The MP, Vusumuzi Moyo, assured the villagers that their concerns would be addressed and that he would engage the relevant authorities to find solutions to the problems facing the community.

Hwange

Silibaziso Mlotshwa to be installed as new Chief Mvuthu

Published

3 days ago

August 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A historic installation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, as Silibaziso Mlotshwa, daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, is scheduled to take over as the new chief.

The installation comes after a prolonged dispute over the chieftaincy, which had been held up since Chief Mvuthu’s passing in 2014.

According to Paulos Ntini, the Prosecutor General at the Mvuthu’s monarchy, preparations for the ceremony are underway. “Preparations are going on well. So far, the road has been graveled to the homestead, and on Thursday, all the village heads, including myself, will be collecting gifts from the villagers for the ceremony,” he said.

The late Chief Mvuthu’s family had initially nominated his brother, Sanders Mlotshwa, as the successor in December 2014. However, Silibaziso challenged this decision in court, arguing that she was the rightful heir to the throne.

The dispute had resulted in Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda acting as the chief until now.

Chief Mvuthu was a respected traditional leader in Matabeleland North and chaired the Hwange Community Share Ownership Scheme. He was also a retiree of Hwange Colliery Company, having left his job in 2008 to take over the chieftaincy.

Hwange

Hwange Colliery Company to resume alcohol monitoring program

Published

4 days ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

3 weeks ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.