BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The once-thriving Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway has become a nightmare for motorists, with many labeling it “undrivable” due to its deplorable state.

As we drove through the Hwange area, close to Dete, Lubimbi Turn and Lupane, we witnessed firsthand the treacherous conditions that have left drivers frustrated and fed up.

The road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and mud-filled craters, forcing many to abandon the main road and opt for a dusty, makeshift alternative.

In some areas close to Lupane, villagers have taken it upon themselves to fix the road using the ordinary soils. This is usually done by the children and women.

“I’ve been driving for over 20 years, but this road is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Moyo, a truck driver who frequently travels the route. “It’s like they’ve abandoned us. We’re forced to create our own paths, but even those are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.”

Another motorist, Sarah Ndlovu, expressed her disappointment and concern for safety. “It’s not just the damage to our vehicles; it’s the risk of accidents and injuries. I’ve seen cars stuck in the potholes , and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”

The poor state of the road is also affecting travel times, with some motorists reporting journeys that take up to 10 hours to cover a stretch of 400 kilometers.

“It’s unacceptable,” said James Dube, a tourist operator. “This road leads to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, and yet it’s in shambles. We need urgent attention to fix this road and restore our country’s reputation.”

However, in a recent statement, the government announced plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway this year.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, a significant allocation of funds has been set aside for the project, which is expected to commence in the coming months.

While this news has brought some relief to motorists, many remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard it all before,” said Moyo. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”

As the situation continues to deteriorate, motorists are calling on authorities to take immediate action to repair and maintain the highway.

With the peak tourist season approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on its promises and restore the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway to its former glory.

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.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.