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Man hangs self after wife threatens to report domestic violence

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Man hangs self after wife threatens to report domestic violence

By Tadiwa Shunje

A 25-year-old man from Chivi allegedly took his own life on February 14, after reportedly fearing he would be reported to police following a domestic violence dispute with his wife.

Masvingo Acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the death of George Mutizwa who stayed under Headman Handizvihwi in Chivi following an altercation with his wife(name withheld) after which she threatened to report to the police. 

Assistant Inspector Patinyu expressed concern over domestic disputes ending tragically, urging couples to seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving conflicts.

“We confirm the death of Mutizwa who was found hanging in a tree after his wife allegedly threatened to report a domestic dispute to the police. We urge members of the public to utilise community leaders, family elders, churches and professional counselling services to mediate in conflicts before they escalate. The public should also be reminded that gender-based violence remains a criminal offence and those found guilty face arrest and prosecution,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.

Allegations are that the couple had an argument on the evening of February 13,  over hygiene issues, with the dispute escalating. 

Mutiziwa allegedly assaulted his wife during the altercation.

The following morning, the wife reportedly left home intending to report the matter to police as a domestic violence case, leaving Mutiziwa alone at the homestead.

A few hours later, at around 1320hours residents discovered Mutiziwa’s body hanging from a Mukwakwa tree branch near his home and alerted authorities the police.

Police officers attended the scene, and no foul play is suspected. The body was taken to the Chivi District mortuary for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.

Chiredzi 9-year-old electrocuted while  picking wild fruits

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Chiredzi 9-year-old electrocuted while  picking wild fruits

By Karen Sibanda

A tragic accident has shaken a community in Chiredzi after a nine-year-old boy was electrocuted while picking wild fruits on February 16, 2025 at Shilo Compound in Mukwasine.

Masvingo Acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the death of Tatenda Dendere and urged communities to remain vigilant around exposed electrical infrastructure as well as report hanging or damaged cables to relevant authorities before more lives are lost.

“We confirm receiving a report of nine-year-old Dendere who died in Mkwasine after he touched a live electric wire and was electrocuted. We advise parents and guardians of children to caution young ones against playing or climbing trees near electrical wires. Communities should promptly report any loose or hanging cables to the relevant authorities to prevent such incidents,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.

It is reported that Dendere was with a 10-year-old friend searching for wild fruits when they passed through a church yard where a loose electrical cable was hanging through a mango tree. 

Dendere allegedly touched the live wire and was electrocuted, collapsing instantly. His friend ran to alert nearby residents.

No visible injuries were observed on the body, and the remains were taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Police have since warnedInvestigations into the incident are ongoing, as calls grow for improved maintenance of electrical installations in residential areas to prevent similar tragedies.

Masvingo gears up for 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo

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Masvingo gears up for 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo

By Tadiwa Shunje

Preparations for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, set to be hosted in Masvingo in September 2026, are gathering momentum following an all-stakeholders meeting held on February 13 to map out strategies, partnerships and logistical arrangements for the prestigious event.

Masvingo Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the province recorded more than 50,000 visitors in 2025, with authorities expecting the upcoming expo to significantly boost tourist arrivals while positioning Masvingo as a leading tourism and business destination.

“Masvingo is committed to hosting a successful and well-organised event, the expo will place the province in both national and international spotlight,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.

Masvingo has expressed readiness to host the international showcase, with over 900 rooms currently available across the city and surrounding areas. Stakeholders are also planning to expand accommodation capacity to meet anticipated demand.

“We currently have over 900 rooms available, and efforts are underway to increase that number. Preparations are being undertaken with a focus on inclusive participation so local communities and businesses benefit from the expo,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi said communities play a crucial role in attracting visitors by embracing and promoting their culture while warmly welcoming guests.

“We are the ones who attract visitors when we proudly showcase our culture. Tourists return home with a positive image of who we are,” said Rwodzi.

The event will be held at Masvingo Gymkhana Grounds from September 9 to 12, 2026. Conference sessions are scheduled for September 9–10, followed by business-to-business engagements from September 10–11, while a public day is expected to draw hundreds of local visitors.

The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s premier tourism showcase, attracting local and international exhibitors, investors and buyers.

Hosting the 2026 edition is expected to boost Masvingo’s tourism profile, stimulate infrastructure development, and create investment and employment opportunities within the province.

The expo was first held in Bulawayo in 2008 and has since grown into a major national and international tourism and investment platform. The 2025 edition was hosted in Mutare, while the 2026 event will mark the first time Masvingo hosts the expo.

Masvingo is home to some of Zimbabwe’s most significant cultural, historical and natural attractions. Key sites earmarked for promotion during the expo include Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, Gonarezhou National Park, Lake Mutirikwi and Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, offering visitors a diverse mix of heritage, wildlife, leisure and adventure tourism.

Registration of hospitality facilities critical ahead of Sanganai Hlanganani Expo

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Registration of hospitality facilities critical ahead of Sanganai Hlanganani Expo

By Karen Sibanda

Government has underscored the urgent need for hospitality facilities in Masvingo to register and comply with national standards as the province prepares to host the Sanganai Hlanganani Expo in September at Gymkhana.

Speaking at the Sanganai Hlanganani All Stakeholders Meeting held recently at Flamboyant Hotel, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, said compliance was not optional but mandatory ahead of the high-profile event.

“Registration of hospitality facilities is not optional but mandatory as we prepare for the Sanganai Hlanganani Expo. We must ensure that every restaurant, lodge and guest house operating in Masvingo is properly registered and compliant with national standards. We want visitors to experience the best services under regulated and certified establishments,” said Rwodzi.

She warned that unregistered operators risk tarnishing the province’s reputation, particularly during events that attract both local and international exhibitors and tourists. Proper registration, she noted, allows government to monitor health standards, enforce tourism regulations and provide structured support to businesses.

Rwodzi added that formalising operations enhances investor confidence and strengthens Masvingo’s position as a competitive tourism destination.

“When facilities are registered, it builds trust with visitors and partners. It also ensures fairness in the industry and accountability among operators,” she said.

The Sanganai Hlanganani Expo, scheduled for September at Gymkhana, is expected to attract stakeholders from across the country and beyond, placing preparedness and compliance within the hospitality sector high on the Government’s agenda.

The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Province and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa.

Minimum wage increases by 8% for Agro-subsector

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Minimum wage increases by 8% for Agro-subsector

……..as NEC Agriculture moves to strengthen relations with sugarcane Agriculture subsector

By Beatific Gumbwanda

The National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry (NEC Agriculture) recently held a significant employer engagement session with stakeholders from across the sugarcane subsector,  where it indicated that the minimum wage has increased from the initial US$137 to US$148 in the Agro-subsector, which is a biggest achievement towards attainment of vision 2030 of an upper middle class economy, TellZim News can report.

NEC Agriculture hosted its inaugural stakeholders’ engagement meeting with the sugarcane subsector at Palm Tree Place to plan the way forward through dialogue designed to inform and motivate, where it highlighted that the minimum wage had just increased by 8%, from US$137 to US$148, which is a significant milestone towards attainment of an Upper middle income economy by 2030

Since its establishment in 1991, the National Employment Council for the Agriculture Industry in Zimbabwe has aimed to promote social justice and democracy within the industry through social dialogue, bringing together employers, any individual employer wishing to participate, and registered trade unions representing workers.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, leadership from the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Growers Apex Council, and employer associations from across the Lowveld region.

NEC Agriculture’s Chief Executive Officer, David Madyausiku, opened the meeting by recognising the significance of the sugarcane subsector, which spans from agricultural enterprise into manufacturing, energy production, and even advanced material sciences, where he indicated that through Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the minimum wages had increased from US$137  to US$148.

“We all know how the adage is true that sugar is in all that we eat, and the importance of this subsector to this agricultural industry, to manufacturing, to energy production, and nowadays even in the material sciences, can only be understated by the ignorant,” 

“Through the recent CBA, the minimum wage in the Agricultural subsector has just increased by 8%, from US$137 up to US$ 148, making it a significant step towards attainment of vision 2030,” said Madyausiku.

This view was supported by NEC Agriculture Chairperson, Tsitsi Nyirenda, who urged farmers to leave a legacy that future generations will admire.

“Have you created your own blueprint in line with the Nation’s 2030 vision? What are you going to bring to the table? Your children should thank you for efficiently utilising the land after you are gone,” said Nyirenda.

Muchena emphasised that this was a reminder of how crucial the industry’s labour relations are.

He also mentioned that the Council has a fully operational regional office staffed by three full-time employees, a deliberate investment in proximity and responsiveness to the region’s employers and workers.

“They are there to meet your needs, and with your support, they will continue to perform the essential work of your employment council,” added Madyausiku.

The meeting was initiated by the formal gazettal of the Job Evaluation Report for the sugarcane subsector, registered as Statutory Instrument 224 of 2025, which officially codifies jobs and grades across the industry.

This provided an opportunity for employers to understand what the instrument means for their operations and workers, breaking down legal jargon into practical workplace guidance.

Muadyausiku concluded by highlighting the current challenges and opportunities within the context of the national Vision 2030 strategy, Zimbabwe’s blueprint for achieving upper-middle-income status.

“We are in a time of great complexity. However, we are also in a time of great optimism, and cooperation guarantees it. Divisions destroy the prospects of it,” said Madyausiku.

Bernadette Chipembere Tamba, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association (ZSDA), also stressed in her vote of thanks the importance of ongoing engagement between NEC Agriculture and sugarcane farmers through improved communication processes that will continually enlighten both parties about the intricacies of the industry.

Innovate or risk extinction, Absolute Security staff told

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Innovate or risk extinction, Absolute Security staff told

By Virginia Njovo

Staff at Absolute Security Services have been urged to embrace innovation and technological advancement or risk losing relevance in the security sector amid ongoing technological innovations. 

Speaking during the company’s appreciation dinner held recently at Urban Lifestyles Hotel  in Masvingo held under the theme ‘An Evening of Appreciation, Future Secured’ guest of honour Dr Noah Zulu warned that companies which fail to adapt to rapid economic and technological change risk becoming obsolete.

“The economy is changing and technology is moving fast. If we lack innovation and creativity, we become people without purpose and what is left is for us to expire,” said Dr Zulu.

Dr Zulu challenged the security firm to consider how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics could be integrated into its operations to enhance efficiency and remain competitive.

“AI is already transforming industries. Robotics technology is coming. The question is: how does Absolute make these technologies relevant to its services? If you become irrelevant, you will have no purpose. But if you innovate and define your purpose, you will grow to greater heights,” he said.

In his remarks, Absolute Security Services Managing Director Thulani Sibanda expressed gratitude to employees, stakeholders and spouses for supporting the company since its establishment in 2018.

“I am grateful to all our stakeholders who have worked with us since our inception in 2018. Your commitment has brought us this far. Our spouses play a pivotal role in our success. They ensure our officers come to work prepared and supported. In many ways, you are security officers too. Continue supporting your partners as they serve in this demanding profession,” said Sibanda.

Founded in 2018 by Sibanda, Absolute Security Services has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s expanding private security firms, with Noraz Surgical Clinic as its first client.

Beyond traditional guarding services, the company has diversified into car insurance, EcoCash services, ZB agency services, firearms training for members of the public and insurance agencies.

With its motto, “To Serve and to Protect,” the company remains committed to adapting to industry changes while strengthening service delivery.

Jichidza High head retires after 41 years of service

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Jichidza High head retires after 41 years of service


By TellZim Reporter

Dedicated educator and Jichidza High School head, Thompson Charambira, has retired after 41 years of service, bringing to a close a journey that began on January 1, 1984. His career, though not always smooth sailing, reached its destination with dignity and honour.

Born on February 2, 1962, Charambira’s path into education was shaped by determination and purpose. He completed his O Levels at Zimuto High School in 1979 before enrolling at Hillside Teachers College, where he obtained a Certificate in Education in 1983.

Armed with youthful ambition and a passion for teaching, he joined Jichidza High School on January 1, 1984, a date that marked the beginning of more than four decades of dedicated service to the institution.

In 1992, Charambira rose to the position of Acting Deputy Head, a role he served faithfully for 18 years until 2010. Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth, he furthered his studies and obtained a BSc Education Honours Degree from Bindura University in 2006.

His leadership journey culminated in 2019 when he was appointed substantive Head, a position he held with distinction until his retirement.

At his farewell ceremony, speaker after speaker paid tribute to a leader described as humble, visionary and hardworking. Colleagues and stakeholders portrayed him as a patient listener and dependable advisor who led by example. Many highlighted his open-door policy, fairness and steady guidance that shaped both staff and students.

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Moderator, Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Baloyi, chronicled Charambira’s life journey, from his days as a pupil at Zimuto High School to his rise as an accomplished educationist and school head.

“Looking at the life of Mr Charambira, it is a reminder that leadership is not built overnight, but through years of consistency, sacrifice and faith. His legacy will endure not only in school records or official titles, but in the lives he touched, the careers he nurtured and the institution he helped strengthen,” said Rev. Dr. Baloyi.

Representing Zaka North Member of Parliament Ophias Murambiwa, Kenias Dick used the occasion to pledge the long-awaited upgrade of the 106km road from Jichidza to Chimedza before the end of 2026.

“We promise that the long-awaited upgrading of the road from Jichidza to Chimedza will be completed before 2026 comes to an end,” said Dick.

The ceremony also attracted distinguished guests, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, heads of NAPH and NASH, Chief Nyakunhuwa’s representative, church leadership and fellow heads from RCZ schools reflecting the high regard in which he is held beyond the school community.

As Jichidza High School turns a new page, it does so standing firmly on the foundation built by a man whose life’s work became intertwined with the school’s history.

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe mourns Rev Magadure

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Reformed Church in Zimbabwe mourns Rev Magadure

By Virginia Njovo

The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) is mourning the passing of Reverend Magadure Magadure, a devoted servant of God whose ministry was marked by humility, faith and dedication.

Rev Magadure, who was born on May 20, 1974, in the area under Chief Mugabe in Masvingo, died on February 3, 2026, at his rural home. He was 51.

Known for his deep commitment to the Church and the community, Rev Magadure devoted his life to serving as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. He was also fondly remembered for his favourite hymn, “Kana vakundi vopinda kudenga, ndinoda kuva mumwe wavo kana vopinda,” reflecting his longing for eternal life in Christ.

Rev Magadure began serving the Church in its printing press department from 2010 to 2014. In 2015, he answered the call to ordained ministry and enrolled at Murray Theological College to pursue theological studies in preparation for the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament. He completed his training in 2018.

On December 2, 2018, he was ordained and began his ministerial journey at RCZ Chikwanda Congregation in Gutu. He faithfully served the congregation for six years before retiring on medical grounds on December 17, 2024.

Speaking at his burial on February 5, 2026, RCZ Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi described Rev Magadure as a true devotee of Christ whose legacy would endure.

“Rev Magadure’s ministry was marked by humility, dedication and faithfulness. His efforts will remain etched in the life of the Church and in the hearts of those he served. He was instrumental in the growth of the RCZ, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” said Rev Dr Baloyi.

Quoting Revelation 14:13 — “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them”, Rev Dr Baloyi said the Church was giving thanks for a life lived in faithful service.

“The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe has been robbed of a giant in the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament, but we commend his soul to the Lord,” he said.

Rev Magadure is survived by his wife, Svitsai, and their four children two boys and two girls.

Fishing trip ends in tragedy for Chiredzi man

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Fishing trip ends in tragedy for Chiredzi man

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

MASVINGO – A routine fishing trip ended in tragedy for James Rushwaya (44) of Section 7 in Hippo Valley, Chiredzi, after he died in a suspected crocodile attack at Manhuwe river on February 4, 2026. 

Acting Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.

“We confirm the death of Rushwaya from Hippo Valley in Chiredzi who died after he had gone for a fishing trip at Manhuwe Village. His body was discovered with missing body parts. Investigations are still ongoing,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.

Assistant Inspector Patinyu urged members of the public to avoid fishing or working in crocodile-infested rivers, warning that such areas remain extremely dangerous.

“We urge all members of the public to avoid entering or fishing in crocodile-infested rivers and water bodies. These animals are dangerous, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise. Always be alert and keep a safe distance from riverbanks,” he said.

Circumstances are that  Rushwaya left his home on the day in question at around 9 AM intending to fish using casting nets.

Rushwaya returned home that day, prompting concern from his friends and family who began searching for him.

The search continued into the following day, February 5, but Rushwaya was still not found. 

On February 6, villagers teamed up and went to the river after suspecting that he may have been attacked by a crocodile.

During the search, villagers discovered Rushwaya’s clothes on the riverbank. 

About 200 metres from where the clothes were found, they spotted his body floating in the river and retrieved it.

Police attended the scene and observed that the body had missing body parts, including the right leg and private parts, which are consistent with injuries caused by a crocodile attack.

Rushwaya’s body was taken to Chiredzi Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Crocodile attacks across the country tend to rise during the rainy season when higher water levels expand habitats and increase human activity on rivers and lakes, such as fishing and crossing waterways. 

Wildlife authorities have reported numerous human-crocodile conflict cases in recent seasons, with several fatalities and injuries recorded, particularly around water bodies where people and crocodiles share space.

Masvingo roads severely damaged by heavy rains

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Masvingo roads severely damaged by heavy rains

By Karen Sibanda
MASVINGO,The state of roads in Masvingo has deteriorated following weeks of heavy rains, leaving
many routes damaged and, in some cases, completely impassable.
The worsening conditions have raised serious concern among residents, transport operators, and local
authorities, as key access roads linking residential areas, business centres, and rural communities
continue to crumble under the impact of persistent downpours.
Potholes have widened into deep craters, some roads have been washed away, and drainage systems
have failed to cope with the volume of water, accelerating the damage. Commuters now face longer
travel times, increased transport costs, and heightened risks of accidents.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) Board Chairperson, Thomas Mbetu,
described the situation as critical, warning that the scale of destruction requires urgent and coordinated
intervention.
“The situation is critical. Our roads are severely damaged, with many now impassable, cutting off
communities and threatening lives. This destruction has risen to the level of a provincial disaster. We
urgently call on the City Council and the Ministry of Transport to intervene immediately and declare a
state of emergency to facilitate urgent repairs,” said Mbetu.
He added that beyond the visible damage, the road crisis was affecting livelihoods, particularly for
informal traders and rural farmers who rely on accessible roads to transport goods to markets. Mbetu
stressed that without swift action, the situation could worsen, especially in low-lying areas prone to
flooding, where further rainfall could completely isolate vulnerable communities.
Masvingo City Council’s Public Works Committee Chairperson, Richard Musekiwa, acknowledged the
poor state of the roads but indicated that the local authority was preparing to respond as the rainy
season comes to an end.
“The state of the roads is bad but as the rainy season is drawing to an end, our road maintenance teams
will be moving on the ground to attend to the roads. Council is mobilizing equipment and human capital
to execute the maintenance works. We hope that the central government is going to assist us,” said
Musekiwa.
Musekiwa noted that while council had limited resources, efforts were being made to prioritise the most
affected areas, particularly major access roads and routes servicing densely populated suburbs. He
emphasized that collaboration with central government and other stakeholders will be crucial in
ensuring that the rehabilitation programme is effective and sustainable.

Residents continue to face daily transport challenges, with commuter omnibuses avoiding certain routes
due to the poor conditions, forcing passengers to walk long distances or pay higher fares. Some
motorists have also reported frequent vehicle breakdowns caused by the deteriorating roads, further
increasing the cost of living.
There are growing calls for both immediate temporary interventions such as patching and grading and
long-term infrastructure rehabilitation to prevent recurring damage during future rainy seasons.

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