In the community

Zinara closes some tollgates for upgrade, relocates some

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2023

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has announced the closure of two tollgates to pave way for scheduled rehabilitation.

In a notice seen by Pindula News, ZINARA said the two tollgates, one situated 9km west of Triangle on the Ngundu-Tanganda Road and the other 17.5km from Chivhu on the Chivhu-Nyazura Road stopped operating on Saturday, 31 December 2022.

“The Zimbabwe National Road Administration would like to advise the motoring public that the Triangle and Magamba tollgates have been suspended with effect from 31st December 2022 in terms of Statutory Instrument 219 of 2022,”ZINARA said in a statement.

“The suspension of operations at these tollgates is part of our continuous operational review. Zinara takes this opportunity to thank the motoring public for their continued cooperation.”

ZINARA said five other tollgates on the outskirts of cities and towns are set to be moved further out as the expanding urban areas lap around them.

This will make them once again highway tollgates and ease the financial burden on motorists living in peri-urban areas who were paying road tolls twice daily on their way to and from work.

Tollgates set to be relocated are:

i). Skyline,

ii). Dema,

iii). Lion’s Den,

iv). Umguza and,

v). Shamva tollgate which is set to be moved to the 40km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway.

Other tollgates are to be upgraded to standard levels are

a). Norton,

b). Esigodini,

c). Mushagashi,

d). Mupfurudzi and,

e). Colleen Bawn.

Towards the end of December, the government started constructing toll plazas along the country’s major highways, according to senior officials.

There are 33 toll gates countrywide and at least two-thirds of the toll gates will be upgraded to toll plazas, officials said.

Matabeleland North Province only has two tollgates along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway between Hwange and Umguza districts.

In May last year, ZINARA said it was making headway on plans to establish an e-tolling system to reduce operating costs from toll fee collection.

The system will allow motorists to pay upfront and then just drive, without stopping at tollgates while the fees are automatically deducted as they drive through. This is now common in many countries.

Toll fee collections totalled $1.2 billion in 2020, 556 per cent higher than the $183 million realised in 2019- Pindula/VicFallsLive

Hwange

Hwange mourns the loss of Africa’s giant: Big Charlie Nyoni

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2025

VicFallsLive

Supplied picture

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The community of Hwange is in mourning after the passing of Charles Nyoni, affectionately known as Big Charlie, a giant of a man who stood at an astonishing 2.10 meters tall and weighed 288kg.

Big Charlie’s demise yesterday has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many remembering him as a gentle giant and a local icon. His larger-than-life personality and towering physique earned him the title of Hwange’s own Goliath and possibly the biggest man in Africa.

According to a close relative, Big Charlie was admitted to St. Patrick’s Hospital last Friday, where he succumbed to his long-standing health issues. He had been battling gigantism, acromegaly, high blood pressure, and diabetes in recent years.

The Office of the MP for Hwange Central constituency has issued a statement confirming Big Charlie’s passing and appealing for urgent financial assistance to cover his medical expenses. The community is rallying around the Nyoni family, with many calling for support to help with the burial costs.

“Big Charlie was more than just a local celebrity; he was a symbol of hope and resilience for our community,” said Daniel Molokele, Hon. MP for Hwange Central constituency. “We urge everyone to come together and support the Nyoni family during this difficult time.”

As the community comes to terms with the loss of this giant of a man, memories of his infectious smile, kindness, and generosity continue to flood social media. Big Charlie’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations with his remarkable story.

The family has appealed for donations to help with the burial expenses. Those wishing to contribute can contact Florence Sibanda on 078 732 8056.

Hwange

Jambezi officer of the law turns alleged rapist

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 39-year-old police officer stationed at Jambezi has been arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on January 18, at around 12:30 am, when the accused officer reportedly pounced on the minor, who was with her cousin at the time.

According to the allegations, the police officer questioned the two girls about their presence at that late hour, and they explained that they were waiting for their sister. The accused then dragged the 13-year-old behind a nearby shop, where he fondled her breasts, kissed her, and ultimately raped her.

In an attempt to silence his victim, the police officer bought her two soft drinks, two packets of biscuits, and a bottle of opaque beer. The accused has been remanded to February 7, pending further proceedings.

Hwange

Victoria Falls man appears in court for rape of 13-year-old girl

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Victoria Falls man was arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the alleged incident occurred on October 10, last year, at around 7 pm, at a house in Chinotimba Township.

The accused allegedly entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, forcefully undressed her, and raped her.

After the assault, he threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the complainant confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The case has been remanded to tomorrow.