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Cambria farm landfill 98.5 percent complete

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Cambria farm landfill 98.5 percent complete

Beverly Bizeki

After missing three completion deadlines over the past three years, Masvingo City Council has revealed that Cambria Farm landfill construction project is now 98.5 percent complete.
This came out in the Public Works and Planning Committee minutes of April 13, 2023 where council stated that project completion status was at 98.5 percent.
“It was reported that electrification of landfill offices had been completed, covering tent had been procured and it is waiting to be transported to the site. Hiring of excavation services was in progress.
“It was also reported that dewatering and debris removal from the pond and preparation of leachate pond reconstruction was underway. The overall project completion status was at 98.5 percent,” read part of the minutes.
The landfill which is meant to relieve the old Runyararo West dump site was set to be complete initially in September 2021 but has on record been missing deadlines.
In February 2022, Masvingo City Mayor Councillor Maboke took the Engineering Department to task for misleading him in 2021 when he told a full council meeting that the project will be complete on the given dates.
“Right now you are proposing that you will finish work after the rainy season, you do not know when the rains will stop and from my own point of view you have failed to that end,” Cllr Maboke said to the Engineering department.
In May 2022, council missed yet another deadline citing financial constraints as the major reason behind the delay in completion of the project.
“We couldn’t finish the Cambria Farm landfill project by end of May as we promised because most of the money that is supposed to be used on the project comes from devolution funding.
“We are expecting to receive the money as soon as possible since we have sent our budget. However, using internal council funds, we managed to buy some lining material and engage manpower that will be working there for the next two weeks,” said Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa.
In October 2022, council promised that the landfill would be functional by the end of that same month but that did not materialize.

‘Mushikashika’ robbers fleece passengers of over US$ 2k

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‘Mushikashika’ robbers fleece passengers of over US$ 2k

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- Three men were robbed of US$ 2 316 and cellphones on May 6, 2023 at about 0630 hours near Greenvale, Gweru on their journey to Mvuma after boarding an unregistered Honda Fit vehicle in town.
In the motor vehicle they found three other male occupants. Upon reaching the 10 kilometer peg along Mvuma road, the vehicle turned to the right and drove along a dust road.
One of the three men they found in the motor vehicle, who was on the front seat produced a knife and demanded cash from the victims.
They all surrendered cash amounting to US$2 316 in total, three cellphones and a bag containing clothing items.
The suspects ordered the victims to disembark and drove off back to Mvuma-Gweru road.
In another related case, a 36 year-old man was robbed of cash amounting to US$ 40 and two cellphones in Woodlands high density suburb.
The victim, Sydney Zinhu of Woodlands, Gweru boarded a Silver Honda Fit new shape registration plates AFW 4409 with two passengers on board at Woodlands phase1 shops intending to go to Gweru CBD.
It is alleged that while on their way, the motor vehicle diverted route into a dust road towards Charlton Park.
The two suspects produced an electric shocker and knife, demanding the victim to surrender his valuables while threatening to kill him.
They robbed the victim of cash and cellphones, dumped him by the roadside and sped off.
The same motor vehicle, it was established, robbed another 52 year-old man in Mkoba 12 of goods worth US$ 30, in a similar fashion.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko is appealing to members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects.
“We are appealing to the public to assist police with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects by contacting their nearest police station,” he said.

Zacras urges govt to uphold, respect media freedoms

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Zacras urges govt to uphold, respect media freedoms

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- Zimbabwe Association of Community Radios Association, (ZACRAS) has urged government to uphold and respect fundamental rights which speaks to freedoms of the media.
This was said during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Gweru last week at Bata Club.
Speaking at the occasion, ZACRAS National Chairperson Tobias Saratiel said if people have access to information, they could effectively participate towards the development of the nation.
“If people have access to information they will critically participate in community development. Government has opened airwaves and right now we shall be launching more community radios as an institution in partnership with government.
“We also acknowledge the challenges faced by journalists as we say prioritize the welfare of the foot soldiers who gather information on daily basis. We therefore continue to lobby government to also uphold the fundamental rights of journalists especially freedom of expression as information remains a key component to a democratic society,” said Saratiel.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe National Chairperson Golden Maunganidze said in 2022 the country witnessed an increase in the number of cases of harassment of journalists.
“We received many cases against journalists in issues to do with assault and harassment at political gatherings and rallies”
“Others were barred from covering national events while other cases involved unlawful arrests and assault of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties by the police.
“Journalists and media workers in general, should familiarise themselves with the profession’s safety and security guidelines to minimise the risks that come with their chosen profession,” he said.
He further urged political parties, the police and other security forces to ensure safety and security of journalists during campaigns for the forthcoming harmonised elections later scheduled for later this year.
MISA Trustee Kelvin Jakachira called upon journalists to prioritize their welfare and safety as the election season was fast approaching.

Man stabs fellow beer patron over beer

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Man stabs fellow beer patron over beer

Tinaani Nyabereka

Mberengwa- An unidentified man is on the run after stabbing a 47-year-old man for refusing to buy him beer in an incident that occurred on May 5, 2023 at around 2300 hours at Neta Business Centre, Mberengwa.
On May 6, 2023 at around 0700 hours, Rabson Ncube of Pumula in Filabusi was found lying in agony on the ground with a cut on the stomach and protruding intestines at the business centre by a passer-by.
It is alleged that the victim indicated to the Good Samaritan that he was stabbed by an unknown man with a knife after he refused to buy him beer the previous night.
The victim was rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital by the Good Samaritan and was further referred to United Bulawayo Hospital where he is admitted.
In another case, an artisanal miner Obert Ndlovu (27) of Shurugwi is battling for his life after he was struck with a machete several times all over the body by a gang of seven men.
The victim was drinking beer at a night club at Mkoba 6 business centre, Gweru on May 8, 2023 at about 0200 hours when he had a misunderstanding with the gang leading to the attack.

Man killed over stolen bicycle

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Man killed over stolen bicycle

Beverly Bizeki

A man from Mateza Village under Chief Nyajena had his fate decided for him after he asked his drinking mate on the whereabouts of the latter’s stolen bicycle during a beer drink at Musvovi Business Centre on May 9, 2023.
Masvingo Province Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to value the sanctity of life.
“We urge members of the public to honour the value of life and shun at all costs the use of violence whenever solving issues,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the fateful at around 1930 hours, 28 year old Learnmore Marega from Mateza village was having a beer drink with Josiah Chaka at Musvovi Business Center.
The late Chaka is said to have asked Marega on developments concerning the latter’s stolen bicycle that went missing a few weeks ago much to the disgruntlement of the accused.
Marega reportedly turned against his drinking mate whom he accused of stealing the bicycle he was asking about.
An altercation arose between the two leading to Marega hitting Chaka with a fist in the face and he fell to the ground.
Marega dragged Chaka from the bottle store and hit him with a wooden stool in the face again and further kicked him in the face as well.
Chaka was taken to nearby Musvovi clinic where he was transferred to Morgenster hospital.
The matter was reported to the police whilst he was being carried to Morgenster hospital.
He was further referred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he died on May 11, 2023 leading to the arrest of Marega.

Wangu Mazodze maintains unbeaten run

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Wangu Mazodze maintains unbeaten run

…As fans attack Midway goal minder

TellZim reporter

Chaos rocked Eastern Region Division 1 soccer encounter at Mucheke stadium in Masvingo when rowdy Wangu Mazodze FC supporters invaded the pitch and attacked visiting Midway goal keeper Paul Kamunhukamwe following his disrespect for the referee by manhandling him.

All hell broke loose when the home side scored the second goal albeit a foul on Kamunhukamwe and the referee pointed to the centre allowing the goal to stand which did not go well with Midway players and technical team leading to more than 25 minutes of stoppage as they protest before the resumption of the game.

Wangu Mazodze security detail identified as Bruce unlocked the gate leading into the stadium allowing fans to invade the pitch and attack Kamunhukamwe for shoving the referee. The three police details at the stadium had torrid time trying to contain a sizable crowd who were baying for the goalkeeper’s blood, had to get an additional two police officers to improve the security and the home side’s players had to intervene trying to clear the pitch.

Unfortunately one of Mazodze’s technical staff who was playing last year was at the fore front leading the onslaught against Kamunhukamwe.

After the melee, Midway players refused to restart the game and remained by the touchline while their technical staff had a lengthy meeting with the referee and Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) official as well as the police.

Zifa member Nobioth Magwizi also had to attend to the problem before resumption of play.

Mazodze topping the chats with four wins and a draw from five outing (prior to the game against Midway) took an early lead in the third minute through Hillary Bakacheza who made no mistake from the penalty spot after the visitors’ defender handled in the 18 yard box.

Midway remained calm and their efforts were rewarded when Never Mudhadha responded from a cross from the right flank and placed his well-guided header beyond the reach of Mazodze goal keeper and skipper.

Mazodze however continued pressing leading to the much-contested goal from their opponents who felt the referee had robbed them of a point by failing to protect the goalkeeper who was pushed and only managed to parry away the effort late after the ball had crossed the line.

Kanhukamwe then charged towards the referee in a sign of disrespect and even manhandled the referee before the home supporters invaded the pitch to mete instant justice. After a lengthy break, the referee gave Kanhukamwe his marching orders before play resumed and the home team managed to hang on to the 2-1 lead bagging three points in the process.

Mazodze had themselves to blame for failing to kill the game earlier with goal scorer Bakacheza missing some clear cut opportunities alongside Edward Maffa. Later on a limping Maffa was substituted for Ronald Makiwa who took on from where his predecessor left squandering some few opportunities that came his way as Mazodze enjoyed a one man advantage over their opponents who were now composed and hard to break with their hard working skipper Tymon Machope proving a thorn in the flesh for Mazodze.

The visitors also had to change from their warm up kits to game gear in the stadium and not the changing room, a culture that seems to be slowly manifesting itself at the ground.

After the game, Mazodze fans continued calling for the Midway goalkeeper and their Kombi had to get into the stadium to ferry the players in safety as home supporters waited in anticipation to attack the goal keeper.

The region has so far been marred by allegations of poor officiating where in some cases referees have been accused of bias towards certain teams and Mazodze versus Mutare City Rovers at Mucheke stadium three weeks ago is another game that comes to mind.

Wifi Boys’s Trudah dreams big

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Wifi Boys’s Trudah dreams big

Branton Matondo

Kwekwe has for long been known for producing pure talent from great old days of ‘Chimbi Chimbi Boys’ Lancashire Steel, to the current golden age of Michael Charamba, Ian Nyoni, Takabva Mawaya and one gritty midfielder Trudah Tinashe Mujawo who dreams of featuring in the Zimbabwean elite, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Currently plying his trade at Central Region Division 1 outfit Telone Trudah, as he is popularly known in the local football circles is a product of Yorum Gwira who nurtured the young midfielder at now defunct Kwekwe based side Chrome Stars.
In an interview with TellZim News, the 21 year old midfield maestro said that all things being said and done, his dream is to play in the Premier Soccer League.
“The journey has been a memorable one since the days we were playing for Chrome Stars in Kwekwe. With football, you have to grow at some point and one of my biggest dreams is to play among the best in the PSL. It’s a dream that I had since growing up,” said Mujawo.
Mujawo who switched flanks from Sheasham FC to TelOne is delighted with his stay at the Gweru based outfit saying he is enjoying his stay at Ascot stadium.
“TelOne is a professional side and I am delighted at the opportunity that I have been given at the club. We always work as a team and we hope that the common goal will be achieved,” he added.
Mujawo broke into the limelight from as early as his high school days while playing for Kwekwe football powerhouse Mbizo and Manunure High Schools.
His popularity in Mbizo alongside his friend and Sheasham regular Nigel “Koko” Mupinduki also followed them to Chrome Stars where they played their first professional league football.
Having impressed under the tutelage of Yorum Gwira at Chrome Stars, Mujawo went to Sheasham were he registered another stellar season long performance under John Nyikadzino.

Freedom of opinion, expression without interference promotes free media

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Freedom of opinion, expression without interference promotes free media

Perpetua Murungweni

Journalists have been called upon to exercise their freedom of expression in fighting human rights abuses because the right to freedom of expression drives other human rights of the constituents they serve.
In the recent Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) organized press discussion held on May 6 2023 in commemoration of World Press freedom day (WPFD), media lecturer Dr Last Alfandika said media plays a significant role in fighting against human rights abuses by covering stories that expose acts of human rights violations.
“The media plays a significant role in fighting against human rights abuses and promotes human rights by exposing human rights violations and empowering people to take action because people learn from the media,” said Dr Alfandika.
He also said journalists need a free media where they express and report on rights violations without interference.
“Journalists can only be able expose human rights violations and can only empower people to take action only if they are able to exercise the freedom of expression and opinions without interference. Information should be accessible to everyone because without information, people lack knowledge. Knowledge is power and it supports free media.
“Journalists need a free space where information is accessible because access to information is a fundamental right that helps them express their concerns over human rights violations. Access to information does not only empower journalist but also help people understand the important aspects of human rights and help them in making informed decisions. If people lack information, they lack knowledge whilst knowledge is the power that enables people to exercise and fight for their rights.
“Free media helps people with national and international information which gives them the ability to respond to laws, policies, events around them and also the human rights violations,” said Dr Alfandika.
Speaking at the same event, Masvingo based legal practitioner advocate Yolander Chandata said media freedom seems to exist only on paper as there is continuous persecution of journalists in Zimbabwe.
“On paper, there is media freedom but practically it seems as if there is no media freedom in Zimbabwe because at times journalists face persecution and hate speech especially when they are reporting on political matters, for example Hopewell Chin’ono being persecuted for exposing corruption and Blessed Mhlanga being unlawfully persecuted for allegedly taking pictures at a polling station.
“Such persecution of media practitioners shows that media freedom needs a lot of improvements as journalists are not executing their duty without fear of persecution,” added Chandata.
She also urged journalists to practice their work within the confines of the law saying that is the only way they could work without much interference.
Jounalists were also urged to avoid use of unscrupulous means to source for information as that could aalso infringe other people’s rights.
The meeting was attended by a number of local journalists from all media houses.

2 minors die in scotch carts accidents

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2 minors die in scotch carts accidents

Yeukai Munetsi

Gokwe-Two minors died in two separate accidents involving ox-drawn carts that occurred in Gokwe and Mberengwa last week.
In the first incident which occurred in Gokwe, Samuel Zaranyika was driving an ox-drawn cart in Charusengera village, Chief Njelele, Gokwe South with Shingisai Mhike, a female juvenile aged 12 years seated in the scotch cart.
The cattle all of a sudden began speeding leading to the cart to hit a tree stump and over-turning once.
Shingisai Mhike was hit on the head by the cart board and died on the spot and Samuel Zaranyika escaped unhurt.
The second incident occurred in Tito village, Chief Negove, Zvishavane at around 1000 hours, Isheunesu Hungwe (25) was leading an ox-drawn scotch cart ferrying maize sheaves from the fields to the cattle kraals in the company of his niece Thandolwenkosi Hungwe.
On the way, the oxen suddenly changed direction towards Thandolwenkosi Hungwe who was hit by the corner of the scotch cart on the back of the head and died.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko appealed to the public to exercise caution when driving scotch carts.
“We appeal to members of the public to use reigns and lead animals when using ox-drawn carts and also to travel at safe speed,” Mahoko said.

Council aims at recouping outstanding revenue

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Council aims at recouping outstanding revenue

TellZim Reporter

Masvingo City Council (MCC) has earmarked a number of measures they intend to implement in order to recoup revenue the local authority is owed by government departments and ministries while at the same time embarking on an awareness campaign to residents on replacement of non-functional water meters.
According to minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee dated April 20, 2023, council aims at improving efficient service delivery in the long run.
“The Finance Director reported that council was engaging residents associations prior to the launch of the water meter replacement campaign or programme. It was highlighted that Central government was being engaged to settle government debts.
“It was also noted that preparations were at an advanced stage to compile all the potential revenue to be realised from the recently crafted by-laws for consolidation and coming up with databases for each revenue source to facilitate collection. The report was noted,” read the minutes.
Council also said the moves were meant at improving revenue collection.
“On measures to improve revenue collection efficiency to finance service delivery, the Finance Director reported that a smart meter reading solution was being acquired which would enhance billing efficiency,” added the minutes.
The minutes also revealed the number of properties with no functional meters in both the Central Business District (CBD) and residential areas.
“It was further highlighted that out of 2 998 metered properties in the Central Business District and low density residential areas, 1 044 properties had non-functional meters which translates to 34.8 percent. In Mucheke suburb, 34.3 percent of 3 115 water meters were non-functional. In Chesvingo suburb, out of 8 722 metered properties, 1 888 (21 percent) of water meters were not functional.
“In Rujeko suburb, out of 3 602 properties, 1 468 meters were not operating (40.8 percent) bringing the total non-functional meters to 29 percent for the total 18 437 properties,” read the minutes.
Council has on a number of occasions expressed concern over previous non-revenue water losses especially in the Rujeko area.

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