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Zimbabwean border jumpers ‘abused in Beitbridge’

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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?

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“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.

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“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.

 

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“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

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

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Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

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Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

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Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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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.

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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.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

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

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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.

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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.

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