Slider

Zimbabwe risks Fifa ban after Zifa suspension

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2021

BY STEVE VICKERS

Zimbabwe’s participation in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations is in danger after the board of its football association (Zifa) was suspended by the country’s government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) with immediate effect.

Football’s world governing body Fifa disapproves of governmental interference in the running of member associations and has banned countries from all forms of football as a result in the past.

“This decision has been considered following several incidents of gross incompetence on the part of Zifa contrary to the national interest,” said SRC chair Gerald Mlotshwa.

The reasons given for the ban include alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud.

The Felton Kamambo-led Zifa board is yet to respond to the suspension, which comes two days after the men’s national team ended their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Ethiopia.

Zimbabwe finished bottom of Group G, which also included Ghana and South Africa, with two points from six games.

The SRC, a statutory body mandated to regulate and develop sport and recreation in Zimbabwe, also detailed other reasons for the suspension including alleged mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds.

“We are prepared in many respects for whatever might happen,” Mlotshwa added.

“If Fifa decides to ban Zimbabwean football we are prepared for that. If it does happen we look at it being a short-term measure.

“Zimbabwean football needs this opportunity just to fix itself – if we are out of international football for a year, two years, that’s fine. If we are suspended from Afcon next year we are prepared for that, that is fine, we need to deal with football.”

The SRC took similar action in 2019 with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), setting up an interim leadership and receiving a three-month suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC readmitted ZC after the reinstatement of the board.

SRC board member Karen Mutasa is hoping for a more positive outcome this time.

“We would hope that Fifa would want to see the evidence that’s presented to them and that they would work with us to build football in Zimbabwe, and even to assist with appointing an interim committee,” she said. – BBC

In the community

Domestic violence takes a deadly turn: Hwange woman’s violent outburst lands her in jail

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 19-year-old woman from Makwika Village has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrate’s Court for domestic violence and assault after a violent incident occurred on June 2, 2025.

The court heard that the woman assaulted her husband after he confronted her over messages on her phone. She slapped him, grabbed his private parts, dragged him into the kitchen, and poured boiling water on his lower body, causing serious injuries.

A concerned neighbor who attempted to intervene was also burnt with boiling water on her chest and hospitalized.

The woman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for domestic violence and 24 months imprisonment for assault. However, 12 months of the assault sentence were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior, and the remaining 24 months were suspended on condition of performing 630 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, emphasizing that violence, whether in the home or community, is unacceptable.

“The law applies equally to all, and offenders will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ. “We encourage citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse immediately.”

In the community

Teenager sentenced to 18 months for knife attack on minor

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Bulawayo Regional Court recently sentenced a 19-year-old male from Nkayi’s Maphosa Village to 18 months imprisonment for attempted murder after a violent knife attack on a 15-year-old boy at Gwamayaya Business Centre.

Allegations are that on April 18, at approximately 23:00 hours, the offender entered a shop at the business centre, causing a commotion. When customers attempted to calm him down, he became aggressive and charged at the victim, stabbing him in the left side of the stomach with a knife.

The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the offender was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

In court, the offender was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, six months of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 410 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, urging young people to resolve conflicts peacefully and encouraging communities to play a role in early intervention.

“Violence is never the answer. Every life matters – walk away, don’t escalate,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

Slider

Fastjet launches Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flights

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Fastjet Zimbabwe is set to expand its domestic route network with the introduction of flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, starting August 8.

The new route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

According to Nunurai Ndawana, spokesperson for Fastjet Zimbabwe, “The new Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flight strengthens our presence in Bulawayo and underscores our commitment to the development of tourism region.” Ndawana added, “Our four times a week flights will offer more travel opportunities and support both leisure and corporate travel between the two cities, reaffirming our position as a key airline partner in connecting the Matabeleland region.”

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that “This has been a long time coming. We have been monitoring the development and traffic trends between the manufacturing city of Bulawayo and our tourism hub of Victoria Falls. The introduction of a scheduled service is a result of widespread consultative engagements and collaboration with key players in the industry.”

Fastjet Zimbabwe will deploy its Embraer fleet on the new route, offering customers a comfortable flight experience. The flight schedule is as follows:

– BUQ-VFA Flight FN8111: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Bulawayo at 13:25 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 14:20.
– VFA-BUQ Flight FN8112: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Victoria Falls at 14:50 and arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.