Hwange

Villagers weigh in on elephant culling: ‘they should kill them’

Published

11 months ago

September 16, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the Zimbabwean government considers culling elephants to provide protein to starving communities, villagers from Matabeleland North province share their thoughts on the controversial plan.

Councilor from Mabale, Eugene Sibanda from Ward 17 welcomes the idea, citing the devastating drought and the need for community development. “We’re tired of the destructions they have done in our communities, they are now too many so their decision to kill is welcomed,” he says. “When will this happen?”

Lenziwe Nyoni from Kamativi has a personal reason for supporting the culling. “Elephants killed my father in 2013,” she says, her voice trembling. “We want compensation and justice. They should kill them.”

Elizabeth Thebe from Chief Mvuthu in Hwange is frustrated with the destruction caused by elephants. “They’re not our cows,” she says. “We’re scared to move around, and they destroy our fields. If the owners want to kill them, that’s alright. They should kill them.”

Daniel Sithole from Green Shango Environmental Trust agrees with the minister’s decision, citing climate change impacts. “We respect international laws on wildlife,” he says, “but human rights come first.”

The proposal to cull elephants in Zimbabwe follows Namibia’s recently announced plans to cull 723 wild animals — including 83 elephants — to mitigate the effects of the drought and distribute the meat to communities facing food shortages.

Elephants are protected by international conventions, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

The discussion reveals a complex issue, with some seeing the culling as a necessary solution to food insecurity and others opposing it due to personal experiences, fear, or concerns about implementation.

As the government moves forward with the culling process, some say it’s essential to consider the diverse perspectives and ensure that the decision is made with the best interests of both humans and animals in mind.

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.