By Staff Reporter

BIKITA – In a landmark development for rural infrastructure, Bikita Rural District Council has installed traffic lights at the intersection connecting the Mutare-Masvingo Highway to Nyika Growth Point, potentially becoming the first rural local authority in Masvingo Province to implement such urban-style traffic management.

The pioneering initiative, confirmed by Bikita RDC Chairperson Thomas Mataga, comes as a direct response to the alarming frequency of accidents at the busy junction.

Mataga explained that the council had observed persistent challenges with motorists navigating the intersection, particularly those traveling along the highway and others entering or exiting the growth point.

“We have witnessed numerous accidents at this intersection where motorists were failing to give way to each other. This traffic light system is a safety measure implemented using council resources to protect both drivers and pedestrians,” said Mataga.

The council is not stopping at traffic lights in its road safety campaign. Mataga revealed that plans were underway to install speed humps several hundred meters from the intersection near Gwindingwi High School, where speeding vehicles have endangered learners.

Additional safety measures are also planned along the highway near Rupare Secondary School and Mandadzaka Primary School, where learners regularly cross the road and face similar risks from fast-moving traffic.

The introduction of traffic lights has drawn positive reactions from road users, including self-described pirate taxi driver known as Gidza, who acknowledged the development’s significance despite its potential impact on his quick passenger pick-ups.

“Though it might slow us down as pirate taxis who usually rush to pick up passengers, this is a noble development that guarantees safety for all motorists and pedestrians. Who would have imagined that a rural growth point like ours could have traffic lights typically seen in urban areas?” he said.

The installation represents a significant step in modernizing rural infrastructure and addresses critical safety concerns while setting a new standard for traffic management in provincial growth points.

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – The Masvingo District Registry Office allegedly suspended the replacement of national identity cards for the past week due to a critical shortage of official receipt books required for processing the US$10 replacement fee, TellZim News has learnt.

Multiple sources confirmed they were turned away when attempting to replace the crucial documents, with one frustrated applicant revealing that only individuals possessing the older green identity passbooks were being served for upgrades to the new plastic cards.

“I went there intending to replace the ID that I lost, and it was urgent because I wanted to apply for a job vacancy. I was informed that since Monday, October 6, they had not been processing replacements,” said the source

When contacted for comment by TellZim News, Masvingo District Registrar Lawrence Mapara could neither confirm nor deny saying he was not allowed to speak to the media.

“I am not allowed to speak to the media, you are closer to the offices, you can come and see for yourself what is happening,” said Mapara.

However, an internal source confirmed the disruption in services, attributing the problem to logistical challenges involving fuel.

“It’s true, we have not been issuing replacements since Monday. The office ran out of receipt books, and I understand there’s no fuel available to collect new stock from the head office in Harare,” said the source.

This is not the first time the registry has faced operational challenges. The office has previously experienced similar disruptions, including fuel shortages for generators during power outages.

“The registry has repeatedly been plagued by administrative hurdles like fuel shortages for generators, especially during electricity cuts. Even when well-wishers offer to assist with fuel, bureaucratic government procedures prevent such interventions,” the source added.

The registry office was also among several government buildings that endured prolonged power disconnections after the Department of Public Works failed to settle prepaid electricity accounts. The situation was only rectified following media exposure of the issue.

The current suspension of ID replacement services continues to inconvenience citizens who require the vital documents for various transactions, including employment applications, banking services, and access to other essential services.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

ZAKA – The community of Chisara Village in Zaka is in mourning following the tragic death of 14-year-old Joseph Chisasa, who succumbed to head injuries after falling from an electric pole.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 4, 2025, around 1:30 PM.

Reports indicate that Chisasa was walking to visit his aunt with his 12-year-old brother when he suddenly climbed the electric pole and fell. His younger brother recounted that after the fall, Chisasa cried out in pain, was unable to stand, and began crawling.

The younger sibling immediately ran to alert nearby relatives, who rushed the injured boy to Mashoko Mission Hospital.

Tragically, Chisasa was pronounced dead upon arrival. A subsequent police examination revealed that he had sustained severe head injuries from the impact.

Inspector Dhewa urged parents and guardians to maintain close supervision of their children to prevent such accidents.

“We advise members of the public to avoid climbing trees, poles, and rooftops without safety harnesses, as it is dangerous,” said Inspector Dhewa.

This incident follows the recent drowning of two teenagers in Gutu, serving as another painful reminder of the need for constant vigilance to protect children from preventable accidents.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

MASHAVA – A 25-year-old miner, Talent Zamuchiya, died in a tragic accident at Cambrine Mine 21 in Mashava after being buried under a collapsing load of slime while loading rocks into a cyanide tank.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 5, 2025, around 10 a.m.

“I confirm the death of Talent Zamuchiya from Chiteka Village, Rusape, who died in a mining accident that occurred on October 5, 2025, around 10am at Cambrine Mine 21,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Zamuchiya’s work involved loading rocks into tanks containing cyanide, a highly toxic chemical used to separate gold from ore.

Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, Zamuchiya arrived later than his colleagues, who had already completed their daily targets and left the site. While he was working alone, loading rocks into the tank, a mass of slime, a residual byproduct of gold processing, suddenly gave way and buried him completely.

Around noon, another worker arrived and noticed a hand protruding from the slime. Colleagues rushed to dig him out, but he had already died.

Police and mine management attended the scene, and his body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Inspector Dhewa urged mine operators to prioritize safety measures to prevent such incidents.

“Safety should not be a slogan at the workplace but must be practiced in real time to save lives and properties. Those in the mining industry are encouraged to adhere to safety protocols,” he said.

The incident comes barely exactly a month after a 30-year-old from Matsena Village under Chief Mpapa, Mwenezi died in a devastating mine shaft accident at Mahlasela Mazuruse Mine in Mwenezi.

The incident occurred on September 6 around 5 pm while the deceased Rushmore Matsena was being lowered into a 28-meter deep shaft in a bucket when the rope suddenly loosened, causing him to fall to his death.

Earlier this year, 3 people died at Boss Mine in Mashava after a mine shaft collapsed while the workers were underground.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

GUTU – The Gutu community was plunged into mourning and disbelief after a 70-year-old man from Gomba Village took his own life, in a tragic incident that casted a shadow over the entire district.

The now deceased Johnson Gama, was found dead on October 3, 2025. By passerby’s who were going to church

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and said Gama left his home on October 2 to search for his lost cattle and returned.

“He successfully recovered the animals and returned home, but later left again without informing anyone of his whereabouts. His grandson was reportedly the last family member to see him alive around 8 PM that evening,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Inspector Dhewa expressed deep concern over the increasing suicide cases in the region, particularly among men, and urged community members to seek support during difficult times.

“Suicide is never an option. People should learn to share their challenges so that they can get assistance rather than resorting to suicide,” Dhewa emphasized.

Tragically, in the early hours of October 3, women en route to a Masowe apostolic church service discovered Gama’s body hanging from a Muora tree.

Police investigations confirmed he had used a wire to hang himself and the reason for his decision to end his life is yet to be established.

The body was transported to Gutu Mission Hospital for post-mortem examination as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

This incident follows another recent tragedy in Chivi, where a man died by suicide after being rejected by his former wife.

These consecutive cases highlight urgent need for enhanced mental health support and intervention strategies, especially for men in rural communities facing emotional distress.

By TellZim Reporter

As the world commemorated World Decent Work Day on October 7, the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) issued a powerful statement urging the Government of Zimbabwe to prioritize the protection and formalization of informal economy workers, whose contributions to the national economy remain overlooked and undervalued.

In the statement, VISET highlighted the persistent challenges that informal workers face, including lack of formal recognition, limited market access, and inadequate social protection. The organization emphasized that the precarious nature of their work not only undermines their dignity but also heightens vulnerability to economic shocks and disasters.

The call comes against the backdrop of recent devastating fires that swept through trading areas in Mbare and Glenview Area 8, destroying merchandise and livelihoods. These incidents, VISET noted, underscore the urgent need for robust support systems and safety measures to protect traders from losing their means of survival.

“It is essential that the government invests in fire prevention and support mechanisms to ensure that traders in these vulnerable communities can sustain their livelihoods without the fear of losing everything to unforeseen disasters,” read part of the statement.

VISET further advocated for the formalization of the informal economy in line with the International Labour Organization (ILO)”s Recommendation 204, which encourages nations to adopt policies facilitating the transition from informality to formality. 

VISET said such measures would empower workers by enhancing their access to essential services, social protection, and growth opportunities.

“Creating pathways for informal workers to join the formal economy is a crucial step toward fostering inclusive economic development and ensuring that every worker can secure their rights and create a better future for themselves and their families,” read part of the statement.

The organization called on the Government of Zimbabwe to take decisive action toward ensuring decent work for all, particularly those in the informal sector. Key recommendations included implementing policies that promote formalization, improve market access, and establish comprehensive social protection systems.

The appeal resonates with many vendors and informal traders across the country, who continue to seek greater recognition, security, and inclusion in Zimbabwe’s economic framework.