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Majority of Masvingo home owners have no title deeds

By Decide Nhendo

Thousands of suburban residents in Masvingo City might be at risk of losing their homes as most of them do not have ownership rights in the form of title deeds.
Findings from a survey conducted by the Masvingo City Council that were presented at a title deeds workshop organized by the local authority at Charles Austin Theatre on March 2, 2024 show that a large part of Masvingo’s population have no title deeds and are not aware of process through which one can acquire the documents as well as their importance.
Speaking at the event, Masvingo City Director of Housing and Social Services Simbarashe Mandishona said it was sad to note that most people living in high and medium-density suburbs where most people are located had no title deeds.
“Recently we conducted a survey in Masvingo City trying to figure out people’s awareness of the importance of title deeds and how one can access them. It was however shocking to note that most residents in middle and high-density suburbs formed the largest part of the population that do not have title deeds.
“It is only in low-density suburbs like Rhodene where most people have title deeds and are acquainted with the processes through which the papers are obtained as well as their importance,” said Mandishona.
Mandishona went on to urge all residents from low, medium, and high density suburbs, small and big organizations representatives who were present to take the issue of legal property ownership papers seriously, directing them to inform others who did not attend the familiarization programme.
“I urge everyone here to take this issue seriously because if not, there is a high likelihood that one can easily lose their hard-earned property, be it a house, business, or any other important valued assets. I encourage you all to inform others who are not present on the importance of title deeds and the processes to acquire title deeds to prevent loss of property,” said Mandishona.
Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office Deputy Registrar Elizabeth Nyagura said it was advisable to use registered legal practitioners known as conveyancers when dealing with property transfers.
“When dealing in property transfer, it is advisable to use a conveyancer who gives effect to the transfer from the seller to the buyer. The conveyancer will make both parties sign declarations where the draft deed of transfer will bear the name of the buyer as the new owner,” said Nyagura.
She warned property owners against displaying certificates in houses.
“A title deed certificate is a security document which must not be displayed on walls, nowadays because of technology one can scan and copy the paper, and who knows what next that person is going to use the document for, so it must be kept private,” said Nyagura.
She also urged people to be careful when using their title deed documents as collateral to get loans as they can be misused and they can lose their properties in the process.
“I also urge you to be careful when using title deeds as collateral, be aware of where you sign papers as they can be declarations giving other people or organizations power over your property. It is advisable to use reputable banking institutions.
“Finally on safe keeping of your documents, I encourage you not to laminate your certificates, because stamps do not work on laminated title deeds, instead place them in plastic to protect them from water and dust,” she said.
She said documents like the original deed of transfer in the name of the seller, CGT certificate issued by ZIMRA, and rates clearance issued by the local authority are some of the documents that might be needed when doing a transfer.
She went on to say when the documents are sent to the deeds office a stamp duty will be paid, the office will then examine the documents and send them to the surveyor general who will deduct the area and return the papers to the deeds office where one paper copy will be left at the office and the other given to the lawyer who will give the buyer.
The documents to be lodged together with the new or draft deed of transfer will vary depending on the cause of the transfer for example sale or transfer from the deceased estate, however, in the case of land development documents such as a compliance certificate issued by the local authority are usually required.
Speaking to TellZim News after the workshop, Edgar Katapa who runs a poultry business in Masvingo said the workshop was an eye opener as it helped with information on issues to do with title deeds to Masvingo residents, how to acquire, and how to keep them safe.
“The title deed workshop was an eye-opener to me, I have learnt a great deal about procedure to follow for one to get the certificate as well as the safekeeping of the documents.
“I urge all people in Masvingo to attend workshops like this one whenever they get a chance and to seek advice from relevant authorities on issues they do not understand concerning deeds certificates since a lot of people have lost their properties due to ignorance of how these things work,” said Katapa.
Reasons for title deed transfer include, sale, inheritance, donation when parents donate to children, or when a husband donates to his wife through sheriff or court order and reconstruction where some group or companies need to restructure or grow its structures.

Female nonagenarian murdered, suspect torches house

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By Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru – A 94-year-old woman’s body was recently found inside her burning home, which police suspect was probably set ablaze to conceal murder.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened in Ridgemont, Gweru on March 17 2024 at about 1400 hours and appealed to members of the public for information on what might have transpired.
“We appeal to anyone who might have knowledge of what could have happened to approach the Police,” said Mahoko.
Sources said a passerby saw the house on fire and rushed into the yard calling for help from neighbors who came and called fire brigade and the police who reacted swiftly and put out the fire.
The deceased’s body was discovered lying in the dining room partly covered with broken asbestos sheets. The body was inspected by the Police who found four stab wounds on the abdomen and two stab wounds on the neck which raised suspicion that someone might have killed the woman before setting the house on fire.
The body was positively identified as that of Regina Muzanenhamo, (94) of Buggies road, Ridgemont, Gweru.
In a separate case incident, a decomposing body of a male adult identified as Emmanuel Mamhanga (29) of Village 9C Hibbo, Mberengwa, was discovered in a bush by two boys who were herding cattle on March 18 2024.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko warned members of the public against resorting to violence when resolving disputes.
“I can confirm we received a report where a decomposing body was discovered in the bush. We urge members of the public not to resolve to violence when solving issues,” said Mahoko.
Allegations are that on 26 February 2024 at about 1200 hours Mamhanga was at his homestead in Village 9C Hibbo, Mberengwa in the company of his two children when he was approached by two men Abel Hlanya and Tafadzwa Mhlanga both aged 23 years of the same village.
The two were accusing Mamhanga of having proposed love to Hlanya’s wife. They attacked him until he ran away from his homestead. From that day Mamhanga never returned home and no one saw him again.
On March 18 2024 at about 1400 hours the body of Mamhanga was discovered by two boys who were herding cattle in the grazing area who advised their elders. A report was made to the Police and the two suspects are in Police custody assisting with investigations.

School children abusing sex-enhancing drugs – Minister

By Bright Zhou

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata has urged parents and teachers to monitor learners as there have been reports of them abusing sex-enhancing drugs.
Gata was speaking at a Masvingo City Council-hosted programme at Charles Austin Theatre on March 26, 2024, themed ‘Call to Action’, a Local Government programme that addresses socio-economic challenges, while striving to end drug and substance abuse, attended by learners from different schools around Masvingo.
She said what was more worrying was that girls were also involved in using these drugs and that resulted in them being vulnerable to early marriages and pregnancies as they fail to control themselves after taking the aphrodisiacs.
“School teachers should work hand in glove with parents to prevent learners from abusing sexual enhancement drugs. They should also note that it’s not only boys who use these drugs, even girls are taking sexual enhancement drugs which can cause them to have early pregnancies and early marriages because they cannot control themselves after taking the drugs. They even fail to use protection and some of them will be affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),” said Gata.
Speaking at the same event, Masvingo Gender Focal Person Alice Mashingaidze said sexual enhancement pills can be categorized as drugs, and some learners especially boys can affect their reproductive system by using these enhancement drugs continuously.
“Sexual enhancement drugs are also drugs and we warn the youth especially boys to stop using sexual them continuously because they will damage their reproductive system, digestive system, and other body parts,” said Mashingaidze.
Mashingaidze added that there were several rape cases emanating from taking sex enhancement pills where learners especially boys take them and end up raping girls in school toilets.
“In most cases, learners involved in rape cases at school are because of taking sex enhancement pills, especially boys. We received rape cases from different schools and mostly we find out that students are using sex pills and end up raping other learners in school toilets,” said Mashingaidze.
Speaking at the same event, Gokomere High School teacher Tatenda Mazorera said that sometimes young adults were being involved in drugs due to low educational levels and others were dropping out of school due to fees shortages.
He added that the government should provide Vocational Training Centers which facilitates free education so that young adults get things to do to forget about drugs.
“Young adults are being involved in drugs because of low educational levels. Others are dropouts because their parents failed to pay school fees. Government must provide free education or establish vocational training centers which provide free education so that young adults will have something to do and they will forget about drugs,” said Mazorera.

ZRP Masvingo community rallies around new triplet mom

By Beverly Bizeki

When Constable Linda Nyoni gave birth to triplets she was happy like any mother, but her joy was short-lived as one of the infants died in the first few days.
She was however comforted by the generosity of her colleagues, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo community who rallied around her to provide overwhelming support to her in her time of need.
The 33-year-old mom received donations on March 25, 2024, varying from groceries, kids’ clothing and feeding, two cot beds, a double pram, and a bed for the twins from the ZRP Masvingo Women Network with the support of their male counterparts.
Speaking at the handover of the gifts, Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume thanked the entire ZRP Masvingo community for standing by their colleague and vowed to continue providing support in raising the children.
“As ZRP Masvingo, we were glad to know that one of us gave birth to triplets and did not want you to worry about taking care of the kids hence we have brought all these things for you from groceries, diapers, cot beds, and even a bed for you as a thank you gift.
“We have also provided a nurse to assist you with taking care of the babies, once you come across any challenge she will be available to help. We are not doing this because you lack anything but just to show how grateful we are and for the world to see the unity and love reigning amongst us as ZRP,” said Marume.
Nyoni was also given accommodation at ZRP Zimuto Camp to afford a decent home for raising her babies without having to pay rent with the assistance of Officer Commanding Masvingo Province Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira.
“I also wish to extend my gratitude to Commissioner Charumbira who acted on very short notice and granted us our request for a house at the police camp for our colleague to stay with her children so that we ease the burden of paying rentals as she now has a bigger responsibility,” said Marume.
ZRP Women Network Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Chief Superintendent Senzeni Maphosa said the donation was part of the network’s nation-building and social responsibility key result area.
“As police officers, we are not limited to combating crime only but we also do corporate social responsibility. We have extended a hand to our fellow police officers to alleviate issues to do with initial parenthood. When a person is pregnant they rarely expect to have three or four kids at one go but our colleague was blessed with triplets hence as Women’s Network we had to chip in and mobilize resources to help her with the kids,” said Maphosa.
Thanking the ZRP community an emotional Andrew Mubatapasango, Nyoni’s husband encouraged the police to keep on the good work of supporting their fellow members.
“I am grateful to this community that has supported my wife throughout this journey from delivery of the children up until today. You have helped us even in burying the third one and providing us with accommodation as well as the gifts brought to us today,” said Mubatapasango.
Nyoni delivered her babies on February 22, 2024, at Masvingo General Hospital and lost the third one on day five due to some complications.

When development becomes a curse

…Bikita Minerals slime dam cuts off hundreds from only water source

By Beverly Bizeki

For decades, dozens of families from Murape village in Ward 11, Bikita West have relied on water from a protected well at Nollen Farm for domestic use but the construction of a slime dam by Bikita Minerals (Sinomine) has left them, together with their livestock, stranded without access to a reliable safe source of water.
The slime dam, in which the mine deposits residue from its mining activities has put over 200 people in a tight spot, especially in the face of the El Nino-induced drought that has seen people and animals scrambling for limited water sources.
The situation, according to Ward 11 councilor Lawrence Vhovha is so dire that some villagers now have to travel for about 4km to fetch water from the nearby Badmore Primary School.
“Some of the affected people have been here since the late 1990s and have always relied on this water source. The construction of the slime dam came as a surprise as we were never consulted prior, of which we were always aware that the water source was in the premises of the mining company.
“When construction started last year, people were still able to sneak in to fetch water but the situation has worsened since the trenches are now deeper such that it is now impossible to get through,” said Cllr Vhovha.
Efforts to get a comment from the mine were futile as the Public Relations Officer Collen Nikisi was not going through and not did respond to questions sent to him on WhatsApp.
In a press statement, Bikita Institute of Land and Development (BILAD) condemned the development and said this was a violation of human rights as the community was being denied access to clean water.
“Dozens of families in Murape Village, which is in the old Nollen Farm are now fetching water for domestic use from an open gully because Bikita Minerals closed off a deep protected well that had been their source of portable water for decades. Bikita Minerals (Sinomine) claims that the well is located within its mining lease area and forgets that villagers have the right to clean water as provided for by the constitution.
“By suddenly banning access to the well without providing an alternative, the company has violated that right. Given this, BILAD condemns the apparent disregard of genuine concerns of villagers,” reads the statement.
BILAD also noted that the construction of the slime dam was battering the environment due to serious leaks from the dam.
“Communities living close to the Bikita Minerals Slimes Dam are complaining that the environment is being battered by serious leaks from the dam. We are convinced that the dam was not properly built and is not fit for purpose. This is a direct result of the hurried and non-consultative Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done by the mining company.
“The toxic waste and pollutants that leak from the dam pose a severe danger to the environment, the people, and animals. BILAD made its assessment and found that the dam was not properly sited and should have been built elsewhere further from human settlements,” the statement reads.
Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) also wrote to Bikita Rural District Council saying the cutting off of the reliable water source has left villagers at God’s mercy as they are forced to get water from streams and ponds which have contaminated water from the mine.
In the letter, addressed to Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) Chief Executive Officer, District Development Coordinator, and Chairperson, BIRRA said the construction of the dam was worsening an already bad situation caused by the ongoing drought and cholera outbreak.
“The construction of the dam has left us without access to safe drinking water forcing many residents to resort to unprotected sources, streams, and ponds with water contaminated by chemicals from mining operations. We are losing our livestock daily.
“Additionally the ongoing drought has further reduced the availability of water resources leading to increased competition and conflict among community members and livestock,” reads the letter.
BIRRA requested Bikita RDC to consider drilling a new borehole for the community as part of its essential responsibilities.
“We therefore, understanding that it is your mandate to provide safe water as part of your essential responsibilities, demand that Bikita RDC, conduct a thorough assessment of the community’s water needs and identify a suitable location for the new borehole; secure funding and resources necessary for drilling and installation of the borehole including any necessary equipment and infrastructure.
“The RDC must also engage the community in the planning and implementation process to ensure local ownership and sustainability of the project as well as establish a maintenance plan to ensure the continued functionality of the borehole,” the letter reads.
There is also an issue with a number of families who now have to vacate the area as they are said to have had settled in the mine’s lease area, with the construction of the dam now posing a risk to their lives due to the residue’s fumes.
“About eight or ten families that were settled in the premises are forced to relocate from the farm because they are at risk due to the proximity of the dam. Some have already vacated the place while others are still in the process of removing roofing sheets and other building materials from their houses as they prepare to leave. Some of the houses are on the verge of sinking and it is quite sad to witness,” said Cllr Vhovha.
Sources say the mine is of the argument that lab tests were done to determine the safety of the water from the well, after which it was found to be contaminated, results that were refuted by the villagers who insisted that they had been using the same water source for 25 years without any problems.
“Villagers disagree with whatever findings the mine claim to have on the water from the well because all of a sudden the water is said to be not safe for drinking despite them using the same source of water for over two decades, just because the mine wants to justify its construction of the slime dam,” the source said.
The situation is also affecting school children from Bikita Fashu who used to walk approximately 2km through the farm going to school.
“Children who used to take shortcuts through the farm on their way to school are now walking for longer distances, more than double the distance they used to walk since they are taking a longer route around the slime dam.
“We are aware that the premise belongs to the mining company and they have rights over the land but our plea is for the responsible authority to avail another source of water outside the premise because people are now at risk of the cholera pandemic in the country,” said Cllr Vhovha.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November last year commissioned petalite and spodumene processing plants at the mine, valued at US$ 300 million at the time while urging the mine to uphold high ethical standards for the benefit of communities.
“I implore Bikita Minerals to undertake their operations with the highest ethical standards, professionalism, honesty, and integrity and we seek to realize sustainable prosperity that benefits all Zimbabweans,” said Mnangagwa at the time.

Mapombi’s 2024 Easter’s Prayer

Ladies and gentlemen, Masvingo seems to have already jumped into winter earlier than other provinces, haa parikufuridza especially at night paChitima apo. As you know, Mapombi has a big heart, so she certainly feels for others who live in the streets like her. Ehe, nesuwo mavagabond we have good hearts because we know the importance of having one. Life chaiyo can be changed by just one act of kindness, rombe rakaita seni rikatosimudzwawo muguruva rikaswera rakudya patafura naMambo kana kutodraivha Aqua sevamwe. Ahh, ko zvandanga ndotoparidzazve nhai, dai pangoita angoti go deeper dai ndatodzika dzika nayo ndima. Handizorina hangu power to come up with vana Aguma but ndinombozamazama. The Easter holidays are making me think about prayer a lot, and like many others who are going to find their ways to church conferences, neniwo ndinawovo munamato kuna Nyadenga. Mapombi haana secret, so even when she prays, zvese zvinenge zvingori pajekerere, ko handiite sehurumende yenyuka iyi yekuti dai makomborero ainzi anoallocatwa negovernment like many other things kutanga kwegore rega rega, taisaluma kana tai. Taizongomaona azara mublack market apa asingasvikiriki like magold coins or iyo bitcoin yatinongonzwa nemaNigerian.
Before I start running my mouth zvandajaira, let us close our eyes and pray—eeeh apo, nemiwo vatadzi vanobira varombo tsinzinyai uko tinamate. I know some of you won’t close your eyes but anyway, Mwari ndewemunhu wese, chero nematax collector anobira vanhu anongovadawo vanaMthuli nanaMangundya, ahh sorry gara haasisiko. Angava hake asisiko but we feel him in spirit, kkkkk, or should I say mumaMbuya Nehanda iwo mazibond notes adai kupera sehondo yemuseve. Veduwe nditisureiwo, ndamboti let’s close our eyes tinamate pava nechinguva. Ndisati ndavarairwa futi, God, I want to thank you for the wisdom that you gave me to discern what is right from wrong, and for seeing foolishness from afar, like how all our artists are begging for cars from Wicknell Chivayo in a country where despite having talent, most are poor. Bhutisi has graduated from Seh Calaz’s school of grovelling for freebies, and is now writing paragraphs and pages on Facebook begging for a car, after many years of making us see how broken the system is through satire. We know that what you cannot do does not exist God, so I ask that all these artists who have been gripped by greed one day wake up to realize that the system they are praising to get free cars from has so much blood on its hands. I also pray that one day they wake up to realize that the cars they begged for have serious consequences, but I pray that they realize that before they have sold their souls to the evil one. I pray God that they also realize that they are taking advantage of a man arikutonyisiwawo zvake nemujolo, who might be buying all these cars to comfort himself nekusiiwa nemukadzi. Nedziyavo dzakaita mbiri nekutevedzera Bhobho dzakutodawo mota yepiri for his imaginary motorcade, haa uya mutapudzirei kupenga kuite kushoma Mwari, before his head becomes too big and he ends up in trouble nevakabvisa Mugabe wacho. Tinotoziva Mwari kuti pamwe izvezvi Wicknell anorara achichema, uku omuka kuseni to find Bhutisi naDhuterere have written him long love letters, yet it is not the kind of love he wants. Zviri pano panyika Mwari huye bodo, tinomboonerera. Vaparidzi verenyu shoko vakati munhu haazopuhwi zvose, because nemari yose iya chokwadi Sonya akati zvepano ndaguta, sarai nerugare. Ungazoiti ndiyo Zanu iya inotambudza vanhu kana yokorobhewa nerurimi nemaartists kudero, haa as a country we deserve that party. Dzimwe ihasha dzinondibata, musazozvitora henyu serious Tenzi.
While I do not want to dwell on trivialities like Chivayo and his vain disciples, I want to pray for the tired and heavy-laden. Makati imi kuna Mateo huyai kwandiri makaneta makaremerwa, ndivava vana venyu mateacher ehurumende vari kungofamba vachitura befu nekutaura vega mumigwagwa umu. Easter is a time of joy and celebration that Christ died for our sins, but Mwari ndafunga mucivil servant akatarisana nerent, schools closing, neholiday iyoyi anodazve kutravella to be with family kumusha. Ndinongoti vapeiwo hope vakwanise kurara usiku vasawanza macalculations because they will end up thinking pane imwe mari iri kutorwa nezvikwambo. Hongu, zviriko zvikwambo mumaaccount avo ekubank zvinosanganisira tax plus zvimbadzo asi itai kuti vasanyanyofunga nezvazvo. I also want to pray for headmasters kuti vasapindwa nemweya wekuba mari dzechikoro because the parents who pay those fees vanototamburawo.
God, this Easter, I want to pray for zvivindi zvinenge zvaTshabangu zvekutoshaya nyadzi zvachose. Herozve rimwe rombe ramakadai kusimudza muguruva nhasi he is shaking hands with the president. We are not sure hedu sevanhu venyama if you are the one who put him where he is, but Jacob mushoko renyu takangoverenga zvechimbavha mbavha chake akazopedzisira aita baba vendudzi. Achingozhinya nekupupira muromo sedofo takatoona hoyo ava Senator. Maybe these things do not have a clear formula. But then again we hear and see Nero always referring to your word, and we keep the hope that one day his prayers will be answered. Pamwe imi, the all-knowing God munoziva kuti he may be using your name in vain, ko munombozvida here zvevanhu vanonyengedzera.
Again, Mwari Baba, may you give this country’s young people bravery to do the right things, kuSenegal uko zvakatofamba wani. Give these old madalas a conscience also to see the value in young people, not kungongwarira kuwawata, praising vekure kure kuSenegal uko while not seeing their own shortcomings. God, we are tired of a youth that just knows how to beg mbinga, gyrate at rallies, and getting drunk with illicit brews. These young people are growing into useless electorate Jehovah. Give these young men and women enough wisdom to say the right things not kuendera kujeri kuti hanzi nhingi iscud. Nanamai vedu Mwari, itai kuti vazivewo pekugumira Easter ino, kumakereke uko vaise mutsauko wezvavanoita kumarally eZanu nekukereke dzvene, although we know hedu kuti you are omnipresent munenge muchivaona henyu vachitambisa zviuno kuti vapihwe mota and they go on to wear church uniforms kuti vadye Paseka. Give Mai Phiri the preacher energy to dance kuEaster conference, the same energy she had when she was dancing Mai Welly kurally kuya kuya.
God, protect those who will travel on our potholed roads. Also protect those gathering mumisangano from cholera and other diseases asingadi kuona pakaunganiwa, zvikagoti zvipatara hakuna, ringaita basa Jehovah. Bvisai kukara mavari and give them discipline varege kungoshamira zvese zvese pachikafu apa, vangapera nemidumbu.
Komboreraiwo John munyowani watava naye kuRBZ uko mubvise nhema from his vocabulary like the old John Panonetsa who even swore that bond notes were going to work, but chero nechana chavendor kuno kuChitima ukarasha dutu rawo hachinongi, chinotoziva kuti haitengi. Vapei integrity VaMushayavanhu avo, vasafanana nemapredecessor avo whose legacies spell nothing but failure. Neimwe nhambo I actually think being made RBZ governor is being set up for failure, but what do I know, ndiri wenyama.
Here in Masvingo God, during this holiday help our councillors to drink responsibly, if they should drink at all, kunyanya our female councillors who we see vakadzvinya mabhotoro ehutsvuku. Even the male councillors Lord, vatsiurei vagone kuremekedza mhuri dzavo. Protect our city fathers, macouncilor iwaya from getting injured while they dance on TiTok hameno kuti vanenge vachifarirei, maybe mabenefits ari kunyanyonaka, asi chingovaprotectai henyu She.
Concluding this prayer, God give our leaders a conscience, integrity and remind them that they are not gods. Itaiwo kuti Zesa ive nemoyo wetsitsi holiday ino. Murange madhara arikuroodza nekuroora vana vadiki. Give me good bananas nechibage chisina kupfukutwa chekukanga for lunch ndiwane simba rekutsiura mbavha dzeZanu. Aah before I go Mwari, komboreraiwo naVaMphoko kwavari ikoko, tichingoti dai vaitwawo zvakaitwa Killer wedu wekwaZivhu naiye Chombo chakadai kumboparadza nyika, asi mugumire pana Mphoko henyu Mwari ana musorobhangu and crew ngavagareko. Ndongoti dai matipa moyo sewaKudzai Chipanga wekugona kuzvininipisa tichipfidza matadzo edu zvaakaita gore riya neapolojersey. Ndichingoti kana ndamareva mukutenda, Amen!!

Police warns errant drivers during Easter

By Bright Zhou

Officer Commanding Masvingo Province Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira has warned errant drivers who do not obey traffic rules and regulations which are meant to safeguard lives saying Traffic Police will be at work full time to prevent road accidents during Easter holidays.
“We urge drivers to value safety precautions, especially during Easter holidays and Road Traffic Police officers will be working tightly to make sure that road regulations are being followed in a bid to fight against road traffic accidents,” said Charumbira.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Regional Manager Ester Kashangura warned drivers to be on the lookout for animals crossing roads, especially donkeys.
“We urge drivers to be aware of animals that randomly cross roads from both sides, especially donkeys. The responsible ministry is constructing new roads so that motorists will travel safely to reduce road traffic accidents.
“We are working hand in glove with ZRP to arrest people who drink alcohol and drive, because most drivers who get involved in accidents during this period will be drinking alcohol, losing control of their vehicles,” said Kashangura.
During the same period in 2022, 73 people died while 202 were injured in 264 road traffic accidents recorded.
Last year (2023) 30 people died while 153 others were injured in 288 road traffic accidents that were recorded during the Easter period and out of 288 road accidents 16 were fatal.
The number of deaths decreased last year, but there was an increase in road accidents compared to 2022.
Masvingo motorists told ZRP however that potholes were one of the major causes of road accidents.
Dickson Madhende who is a kombi driver said roads were pothole infested and they resorted to swerving to road edges and by so doing, tires burst. Sometimes they fail to negotiate the road and fail to control the vehicles leading to accidents.
“Most accidents are being caused by potholes; drivers will try to avoid them and they end up being stranded on road edges which damage tyres; sometimes they fail to navigate the potholes and lose control,” said Madhende.
This was supported by a bus driver who refused to be named and said he was lucky to be alive after he hit a pothole the bus’ suspension was heavily damaged, with three tires bursting in the process.

Bishop Mawewe declared liberation hero

By Brighton Chiseva

The late Judea Zion Christian Church Bishop Dr Ofiro Mawewe, who died two weeks ago, has been declared a provincial liberation war hero.
Dr Mawewe passed on at Noraz Clinic due to diabetes related ailment, and his family declared two weeks of morning. The burial is set for Saturday March 30, 2024.
In a statement seen by TellZim News, addressed to the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, and signed by Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu, the government will make burial arrangements and pay benefits to his family.
“His Excellency the President and First Secretary of Zanu PF Cde Dr.E.D Mnangagwa has conferred a Liberation Hero status to the late Cde Ofiro Mawewe who died on 16 March and will be buried at Matekwe Village, Chief Ndanga, Zaka. The family can be contacted through our Masvingo Provincial office.
“I shall be most grateful if you would make the usual arrangements for his burial and payment of benefits to his family,” reads the statement.
His son Oriah Mawewe confirmed the latest development and thanked President Mnangagwa for the recognition and declaration of a liberation war hero status to his father saying he was indeed a hero, who apart from being a faith leader, rolled out many programmes towards the development of the communities he served.
“We were called from the Minister of State’s office and were told that President Mnangagwa had declared Dr Mawewe a liberation war hero. We were elated by the news as a family and church because we know he deserved the recognition,” said Oriah.
He went on to say they were not worried about material benefits associated with the recognition but the mere fact that the President honored the late Bishop was enough for them as a family.
“Our happiness is not from the material things that may be associated with the recognition, but the mere fact that the President recognized the work that our late father did before and after Independence, until his time of death is enough for us. “We feel proud to be his sons and we promise the President that as his family, we will continue with his work just like he did following our grandfather’s death,” he said.
The conferment of hero status for the late Bishop could be attributed to his work because apart from being just a religious leader, he was a philanthropist, educationist, and Pan-Africanist who contributed to the development of education, promotion of indigenous churches as well as supporting the liberation struggle.
His contributions to the liberation struggle included leading the church and the family during his father’s various detentions and incarceration by the Rhodesian government where he assisted his mother in taking care of the liberation fighters in the absence of his father as the family had become a target of the Smith regime for supporting the war.
Bishop Ofiro would pray for the liberation fighters and the release of his father and other indigenous church leaders. Upon the release of his father, Dr Ofiro continued assisting the liberation war fighters by providing them with food and clothing, as well as conveying prophetic messages from his father to the liberation war fighters
He was also credited for influencing his father’s followers to support the liberation struggle that bore the Independence of Zimbabwe.
A writer who authored books on the history of indigenous churches, Bishop Mawewe was also a supporter and beneficiary of the land reform programme where he was allocated with number 17 Dawlish Farm in Manjirenji where he established two mission schools; a primary and a secondary.
At the time of his death, Dr Ofiro was said to be working on plans to establish a hospital and a vocational training center at the farm.
Bishop Ofiro was born on 17 June 1952 in Ndanga where he grew up. As a boy, he grew up during the liberation struggle and served as a war collaborator of distinct nature.
As the only son to his father Late Rev Saul Maguta Mawewe and founder of the church, Bishop Mawewe took the reins of the church in 1979 following his father’s death.
The church was founded in 1938 and as such the family became a target of the colonial regime as Dr Ofiro helped his father to support the revolution.
Mawewe is credited for growing the Judea ZCC congregation from half a million to 1, 5 million followers during the 44 years he was leading the church and established branches all around Zimbabwe and abroad in countries like Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, the UK, Australia, Poland among others.

Golfers bemoan lack of competitive tournaments

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By Beatific Gumbwanda

TRIANGLE-Zimbabwe Golfers Association (ZGA) has lamented the lack of competitive tournaments and called upon corporates to continue supporting the golfing fraternity by sponsoring more tournaments to enable golfers to have more experience and sharpen their skills ahead of international competitions.
Zimbabwe’s sole sugarcane producer Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe (THZ) recently held the Lowveld Pro-Am tournament at its state-of-the-art golf courses in Hippo Valley and Triangle respectively, one of the biggest events held outside the capital, where professional and amateur golfers exhibited their talent, sharpening their skills ahead of the Zimbabwe Open Tournament to be held in two months.
Speaking during the event in Triangle, Zimbabwe Golfers Association (ZGA) President, Martin Chikwana thanked the former ZGA president and outgoing THZ Managing Director, Aiden Mhere for reviving the Lowveld Pro-Am and urged corporates to continue supporting the golfing fraternity by sponsoring more competitions.
“I would like to thank the former ZGA President, Aiden Mhere who played a huge role in this second biggest event outside the capital.
“This event also affords our professionals a chance to sharpen their skills in preparation for the Zimbabwe Open Tournament coming in two months. This has been the battle cry for our professionals that they need more competitions of high intensity. We pray that more like-minded corporates continue supporting this important part of the golfing fraternity, “said Chikwana.
Zimbabwe’s Professional golfer, David Amm who walked away with a US$ 10,000 price for being the overall winner said the golfing fraternity was still lagging behind due to a lack of more competitive tournaments.
“To us professional golfers, this is our profession, it’s our job and these events allow us to go out and showcase our talents. The more tournaments we have, the better.
“If you just look at other big tours, they have almost 40 tournaments a year and I think we only have 4 or maybe 5 tournaments annually and it’s challenging. Every time we get an opportunity like this, it means a lot to everyone,” said Amm.
Head of Corporate Affairs at THZ, Dr Dahlia Garwe said it was a precious moment for the corporation to revive the Lowveld Pro-Am tournament as a way to give space for the amateur as well as fundraise towards the underprivileged, especially on the medical side.
“This is an exciting moment for us as we are reviving the Lowveld Pro-Am tournament to raise funds, especially for the underprivileged in our society, in particularly the medical side of things.
“We want to upgrade clinics in our area and this is, in my opinion, a very good start. We also want the young golfers to become involved not just making golf an elite thing, “said Dr Garwe.
Corporates like ZB Bank, Ecocash, Econet, ETG, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Natpak, First Mutual, Old Mutual and Delta sponsored the tournament.

My Age, DAWA join hands towards HIV prevention

By Veeslee Mhepo

My Age Zimbabwe in collaboration with Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network (DAWA) through the support from ViiV Healthcare have joined hands to implement a project known as ‘Connecting Adolescent Girls and Women for HIV Prevention’.
The two organisations have kick-started the training of Adolescent Girls and Women for HIV Prevention in Mwenezi and Masvingo jointly.
Through the ViiV project, the two organizations are focusing on reducing the number of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women in Masvingo Urban and Mwenezi districts, as well as promoting health-seeking behavior among girls and young women.
Mwenezi District Development Coordinator (DDC) Innocent Mutambara welcomed the initiative in Mwenezi and said it was very important considering the number of HIV infections among young people and said HIV prevention will help protect the future.
“HIV prevention is the way to go as this is a good platform to protect the future. We welcome this initiative in the district as it will help reduce HIV infections in our communities and we will be supportive throughout the project to have a good outcome,” said Mutambara.
Mwenezi District Medical Officer (DMO) Doctor Matibhiri said the project was vital in Mwenezi, has full support and is looking forward to great outcomes with increased HIV and Aids knowledge among adolescent girls and young women.
Mwenezi District Ministry of Women’s Affairs representative Abdiel Mboweni said the project will enhance advocacy on gender equality as gender inequalities contribute to the spread of HIV.
“As the Ministry of Women’s Affairs we welcome this project as we continue to advocate for gender equality since gender inequalities contribute to the spread of HIV,” Mboweni said.
With a primary objective of scaling up into districts with high HIV incidence among AGYW in Zimbabwe, the project will then proceed to engage with community-based, youth-led, and women-led organizations to foster collaborations and pool resources.