National

Zimbabwean border jumpers ‘abused in Beitbridge’

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2022

WASHINGTON– The opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has condemned Zimbabwean soldiers for allegedly beating and torturing local people being deported by the South African government.

In a statement, the MDC Alliance South Africa chapter said, “We would like to condemn in the strongest terms the harassment and abuse of deported Zimbabweans by Zimbabwean soldiers at the Beitbridge border post.

“These are desperate Zimbabweans attempting to cross into South Africa because there are no jobs nor cheap healthcare in Zimbabwe.

“Scenes of huddled poor Zimbabweans surrounded by horse-riding, gun-totting soldiers are disconcerting.

“This in the midst of the fourth wave is uncalled for and illogical.

“Equally puzzling are beatings being meted out on the hapless deportees by the soldiers and police officers.

“The behaviour of the soldiers is callous and undeserved, and should therefore be stopped promptly.”

Social media is awash with photographs of Zimbabweans detained by soldiers at the Beitbridge border post amid a crackdown launched by the South African government to flush out illegal immigrants.

“We expect the clueless Harare regime to adopt a people-centred approach to deal with the migration of Zimbabweans to South Africa,” the MDC Alliance added.

“The Zanu-PF government is the author of the economic and political problems ordinary Zimbabweans are running away from.

“How ironic is it that army officers from the underperforming Zimbabwean government are brutalising Zimbabweans for looking for greener pastures?

“The humanitarian crisis being created at the Beitbridge border post requires both the Zimbabwean and South African governments to work together to find long-lasting solutions to this annual migration.”

The MDC Alliance appealed to the South African government to lead the Southern African Development Community in ensuring there are political, media and electoral reforms in Zimbabwe, which can create a conducive environment for the holding of free and fair elections next year.

“As long as Zimbabwe has political problems, the economy will continue to shrink resulting in the obtaining scenario at the busy border post.

“We reiterate that only a change of government in Zimbabwe will styme the exodus of the unemployed and the infirm from our country,” the party said.

“The MDC-A is ready to govern and improve the economy so that good healthcare, jobs and business opportunities will be available to people of all political persuasions and nationalities.

“We are an inclusive party.” – VOA

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

3 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.