By Karen Sibanda
Masvingo Province’s major dams are sitting at impressive levels following consistent rains
received across the country, with the national dam level average now standing at 91.7percent as of 4
March 2026.
According to the latest update from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Tugwi-
Mukosi Dam and Lake Mutirikwi are both now at 100percent capacity, marking a major boost for
water security in the Province.
The full capacity of Tugwi-Mukosi, Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam, is expected to strengthen
irrigation activities in the Lowveld, particularly for sugarcane estates in Chiredzi and
surrounding farming areas. It also improves prospects for fisheries, tourism and other
downstream economic activities.
The second largest, Lake Mutirikwi, which supplies water to Masvingo City, generate power and
supports irrigation schemes, reaching 100percent capacity ensures stable domestic water supplies for
residents and industries.
The development also brings relief to farmers who rely on the dam for winter wheat production
and other irrigation-based crops.
Other dams in the province have also recorded strong levels. Manjirenji Dam is at 92.8percent, while
Manyuchi Dam stands at 99.5percent, further strengthening agricultural and rural water supply
prospects.
The high dam levels are expected to improve agricultural productivity, enhance livestock water
availability and reduce the risk of water shortages in both urban and rural communities.
However, authorities are likely to remain alert to manage potential spillages and downstream
flooding risks.With the national average at 91.7percent, Masvingo Province is well positioned for a
productive season backed by strong water reserves.
Masvingo Dams reach full capacity as national average hits 91.7%
Zaka school (64) head up for raping 14 year old girl
By Staff Reporter
A 64-year old Mbuyamaswa Primary School Head in Zaka recently appeared before Zaka Magistrate Grace Tupiri on rape charges allegedly after raping a 14-year-old form 2 leaner from nearby Mutevhure Secondary School.
The head, Alexander Gwara from Manhubvu Village, Chief Ndanga in Zaka was arrested on March 5, 2026, and is charged with rape as defined in Section 65(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Chiredzi Regional Magistrate’s court on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
The state led by David Mavenga told the court that the incident occurred in November 2025 at around 1320 hours.
The complainant from Chief Nhema, Zaka, had left Mutevhure Secondary School to visit her younger brother at Mbuyamaswa Primary School, which is close to the school together with her friend.
The court heard that the complainant and her friend met Gwara in the schoolyard and he allegedly requested the two girls to fetch water from the nearest borehole, promising them US$2 for the job.
When the two returned with the water, Gwara gave them only one dollar, and told them to collect the balance the following day.
The following day at lunchtime, the complainant and her friend proceeded to the accused’s house at the cottages to collect the outstanding money. They found Gwara at his house, who handed over the dollar to the complainant’s friend.
It is alleged that the accused then told the complainant to enter the room, saying he wanted to give her a message to deliver to her mother, while leaving her friend standing outside.
When the complainant entered, Gwara allegedly closed the door and dragged her to his bedroom while covering her mouth with his right hand.
The court heard that the accused took a cloth and used it to cover the complainant’s mouth to prevent her from shouting.
He allegedly held her hands tightly before raping her once.
The matter came to light on March 2, 2026, when the complainant’s mother noticed her crying and scratching her privates at night.
When asked, the complainant told her mother that she was feeling pain in her genitalia and disclosed that she had been raped by the accused.
The complainant’s mother escorted her to report the matter to the police leading to the accused’s arrest on March 5.
Man takes poison at in-laws home over marital dispute
By TellZim Reporter
MASVINGO – A domestic dispute ended in tragedy, in Chief Budzi area, Bikita after a 31-year-old man from Buhera allegedly took his own life after drinking a suspected poisonous substance during a domestic dispute at his in-laws’ homestead on February 27, 2026.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to look for peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
“Suicide is not an option and we encourage couples facing challenges to involve third parties when disputes arise,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.
The deceased, Courage Zvoumba (31) of Chief Nyashanu, Buhera, had reportedly travelled to Chief Budzi to resolve a marital dispute with his wife. During the meeting, a quarrel allegedly broke out after the wife accused him of being abusive and violent and declared she was no longer interested in continuing the marriage.
In a dramatic turn of events, Zvoumba allegedly produced a 500ml container with an unknown liquid and consumed its contents. He reportedly collapsed shortly afterwards and began vomiting. Efforts by his wife and mother-in-law to administer first aid were unsuccessful and he died on the spot. His body was taken to Silveria Mission Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
In a similar incident in Chivi, a domestic dispute over suspected infidelity ended in a double tragedy after a woman died from complications of a bite wound before her husband was later found hanging near their home.
According to Police reports, the couple allegedly had a misunderstanding at their home around 10PM on February 13 over suspected infidelity. The dispute reportedly turned physical when Mbathane grabbed Mataga’s private parts. In an attempt to free himself, Mataga allegedly bit her right arm, inflicting a deep wound.
Mbathane did not immediately seek medical attention. Days later, her condition reportedly worsened as the wound became severely infected. She was admitted at Chivi District Hospital in critical condition on February 19 and was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital the following morning. She died on the way along the Tokwe-Mandamabwe Road.
Her body was taken back to Chivi District Hospital for a post-mortem.
Later that same day at around 4PM, Mataga’s body was discovered hanging from a tree branch on a mountain approximately 200 metres from their home.
RIDA begins rehabilitation of Chivi’s Makonese Denge Dam
By Andrew Zhou
CHIVI – Hope has been restored for the Denge community following the official launch of
rehabilitation works at Makonese Denge Dam in Chivi North ward 9.
The project, spearheaded by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), seeks to
repair the critical water source which was destroyed by heavy rains a year ago.
During the official mark-out ceremony held at the dam site, Chivi North Member of Parliament,
Hon. Godfrey Mukungunugwa, highlighted the hardships endured by locals since the dam’s
infrastructure failed.
He noted that the destruction of the dam didn’t just break a wall but broke a way of life. The
primary impacts included collapsed irrigation schemes that supported local livelihoods and a
domestic water crisis that forced families to rely solely on a few overstretched boreholes.
”The people of the Denge area have suffered significantly over the past year.Water is life, and
without this dam, our irrigation systems were paralyzed. Depending on boreholes for everything
is simply not sustainable for a community of this size.” Said Mukungunugwa.
Speaking on behalf of the government, a RIDA representative confirmed that the contractor was
on-site to begin the structural repairs. The agency emphasized that the speed of the project
depends heavily on the local environment and community support.
“The speed at which we complete this project is heavily dependent on the local environment and
the support we receive from the community,” the representative stated.
The representative urged the people of Makonese Denge to cooperate fully with the contractor to
ensure the security of equipment and a smooth workflow, which will allow the dam to be
completed as early as possible.
“I encourage the people of Denge to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the security of
equipment and a smooth workflow, which will allow the dam to be completed as early as
possible.” Said the rep.
The rehabilitation project is expected to bring back the productive gardens that once defined the
area, providing both food security and income for Chivi North villagers.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chivi District AGRITEX officer Brighton Hadzirabwi said the
destruction of the local dam had triggered a severe livelihoods crisis in Denge area, leaving
hundreds of families without a reliable source of income or food security.
The collapse of the dam effectively paralyzed the local irrigation scheme, which had served as
the lifeblood of the community for years. Many farmers who previously specialized in
horticulture had been forced to abandon their plots, leading to a significant spike in poverty
levels within the district as the once-productive greenbelts turn into dust.
”A total of five hundred households were affected since the irrigation scheme stopped
functioning when the dam was destroyed,”said Hadzirabwi.
One of the local villagers, Dambudzo Tongofa, expressed his gratitude, noting that the
restoration would resolve the perennial water challenges that have crippled the community.
“I applaud the government’s move to rehabilitate the dam, which was destroyed by rains last
year. It will once again ease our water burden and improve income generation through farming,
specifically in both livestock and crop production,” said Tongofa.
Sharing the same optimism, another villager from Ward 9, said the project would serve as a
lifeline for those struggling to maintain their herds and gardens.
“This project is a massive relief for us in Ward 9. Without this dam, we had no way to sustain our
livestock or grow enough food to sell. Its rehabilitation means we can finally return to productive
farming and support our families again,” the villager said.
With the dam contractors Travesal Trading teams now on-site and the community standing ready
to assist, the path to recovery for Chivi North is finally clear. As the dust settles on a year of
hardship, the successful restoration of the Makonese Denge Dam promises to transform these
once-parched plots back into the thriving greenbelts that sustain the heart of the district.
Homeless Masvingo wheelchair bound OK vendors, pleads for home
By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Just outside the entrance of OK Supermarket Masvingo, vendors line the
pavement selling everything from fresh fruits and peanuts to clothing items and household
goods. Among them sits 48-year-old Rabecca Chisenga in her wheelchair, carefully arranging
combs, brushes, towels, foot powder and toothbrushes for passing customers.
For many shoppers rushing into the supermarket, Chisenga is simply another vendor but
behind her daily routine lies a deeply painful story of determination, resilience, and
homelessness.
Chisenga developed Poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can damage the nervous system and
cause paralysis while she was in Grade 3.
The illness affected both her legs and hands, leaving her with a mobility disability that has
required her to use a wheelchair since childhood. Despite this challenge, she has built a way
to support herself through vending in the Masvingo city centre.
However, what many passersby do not know is that when the sun sets and the vendors pack
away their goods, Chisenga has no home to return to. She sleeps on the cold pavements
where she sells during the day, enduring scorching heat, pouring rain, and chilly winter nights
with only the open sky as her roof.
Chisenga hails from Shurugwi, but both her parents are deceased. She has siblings who are
deeply against her living on the streets, but she says she cannot bring herself to become a
burden to their families.
She said she came to Masvingo after a friend asked her to come so that she can take her to
South Africa where she could beg, but she met some people who advised her against it saying
she could be trafficked for ritual murders.
“I have siblings who care about me and do not want me to live on the streets. But they have
their own families to look after. I cannot move into their homes and become an extra problem
for them to solve. That is why I decided to work for myself, so that I can depend on my own
efforts,” she said.
The rural home in Shurugwi, she explained, is not conducive for a wheelchair user. The
gravel and sandy roads make mobility nearly impossible without an assistant to push her
through the rough terrain.
“Back home, the roads are not paved. My wheelchair cannot move easily on sand and gravel.
I would need someone to push me everywhere I go. Here in town, there are pavements which
ease my mobility. I can move around on my own, even if it is slow,” Chisenga said.
Getting to her vending spot each morning is not always easy. Public transport is not designed
to accommodate people using wheelchairs and as a result, Chisenga has to rely on the
kindness of kombi drivers and conductors.
“I depend on kombi drivers and conductors to help lift me and my wheelchair into the kombi.
This wheelchair can be folded, which makes it easier to carry. Some wheelchairs cannot be
folded and take up too much space,” she said.
Once she arrives in town, she also gets help from someone who assists her in navigating to
her stall. Weather conditions present another challenge for the vendor.
“When it rains or when the sun is too hot, it becomes difficult because we work outside,” she
said.
When night falls and the city grows quiet, Chisenga faces her greatest challenge – finding a
place to sleep. She dreams of staying in a proper home but cannot find accommodation
suitable for a wheelchair user. She revealed that few people want to rent to her, and the few
rooms she has found had steps which she cannot navigate.
“I want to stay in a proper house like everyone else. But when I look for rooms to rent, people
refuse me when they see I am in a wheelchair. The few who have accepted me, their houses
had steps at the entrance. I cannot go up steps. I need a place where I can roll in and out
freely,” she explained.
With nowhere else to go, she spends her nights on the pavements where she sells during the
day, exposed to all weather conditions.
“Sleeping outside is hard. When it rains, I get wet. When it is cold, I shiver the whole night.
But what can I do? I have no other place to go,” she said softly.
Chisenga attended the Jairos Jiri Association and later trained at the Danhiko Project,
institutions that support people with disabilities. These institutions equipped her with skills
and the determination to fend for herself rather than beg on the streets.
Chisenga’s story shows the daily reality faced by many people with disabilities who depend
on Zimbabwe’s informal economy for survival. With limited access to formal employment
and infrastructure that is rarely designed with accessibility in mind, simply getting to work
and finding shelter can be daily battles.
As Zimbabwe joins the world in celebrating Women’s Month in March and prepares to
commemorate International Women’s Day, Chisenga’s story reflects the resilience of many
women in Masvingo who quietly work each day to support themselves despite overwhelming
challenges.
Through her experience, she hopes to inspire others living with disabilities while appealing to
the public for assistance.
“I want to encourage others who may be disabled. Being disabled does not mean you cannot
think. We can work and support ourselves if given a chance,” she said.
She made a passionate plea to members of the public for any form of assistance, but primarily
for accommodation suitable for a wheelchair user.
“I am not asking for handouts. I just want a decent place to sleep at night. A place where I
can roll in easily, without steps. If anyone has a room that I can afford, or if someone can
assist me with accommodation, my life would change,” she pleaded.
She also appealed to passersby to at least buy from her so that she can continue to fend for
herself. For Chisenga, every day at her stall is another opportunity to prove that disability
does not define a person’s ability to work and contribute to the community.
Those willing to assist Rabecca Chisenga with accommodation or any other form of support
can contact her directly on 0782605484 or contact TellZim News on 0719355808.
High Court nullifies forensic audit report, clearing former THZ Director
By Beatific Gumbwanda
Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) has suffered a significant legal setback after the High Court
declared a forensic audit report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) unlawful and void, a
decision that has cleared a former executive director who was implicated in the findings.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Gladys Mhuri on December 17, 2025, stems from a legal
challenge by John Edward Chibwe, a former executive director of Hippo Valley Estate
Limited. Chibwe sought to nullify the audit findings that had led to his dismissal from the
company.
Contacted for comment, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe Head of Corporate and Industry Affairs,
Dr Dahlia Garwe, indicated that she could not comment as the matter was under appeal and
therefore still before the courts.
The case centered on a report titled “Tongaat Hulett Limited Accounting Irregularities
Investigation,” which examined the bulk sale of sugar and alleged accounting irregularities
during Chibwe’s tenure as Finance Director. The report had been used to implicate him in
professional misconduct, resulting in his removal from his position.
The respondents in the matter were Zimbabwe Sugar Sales (first respondent), Hippo Valley
Estates (second respondent), Tongaat Hulett (third respondent), and various PwC entities
(fourth and fifth respondents).
Justice Mhuri rejected arguments by the respondents that the document was merely a private
investigation report or private opinion rather than a formal audit. The court noted that the
process involved verifying financial records and transactions, which fits the legal definition
of an audit under the Public Accountants and Auditors Act.
“Whether the process is a private investigation or a forensic audit report depends on the
character of the process and the outcome thereof,” Justice Mhuri stated.
The court pointed to minutes from a special board meeting held on August 19, 2019, which
recorded that “The Chairman introduced Trevor White of PriceWaterhouse Coopers Inc, a
member of the team conducting forensic audit investigations in THL, who had been invited to
give a brief report to the board about their findings on the bulk sale of sugar.”
The pivotal reason for the court’s decision was the legal status of the auditors. The court
found that PWC Advisory Services (PTY) LTD and PWC South Africa are peregrinus
(foreign entities) and were not registered with the Public Accountants and Auditors Board in
Zimbabwe, as required by law.
“It follows therefore that their conduct and subsequent findings fall under the ambit of Public
Accounts and Auditors Act [Chapter 27:12], which provision requires prior registration in
order to undertake an audit investigation,” Justice Mhuri ruled.
Because the PwC entities failed to register with the Zimbabwean Board before conducting the
investigation, the court declared all their actions and findings legally void, effectively
removing the basis for the allegations against Chibwe.
In addition to nullifying the forensic report, Justice Mhuri ordered Zimbabwe Sugar Sales and
Hippo Valley Estate to pay legal costs on a punitive attorney-client scale.
The applicant was represented by B. Maunze of Jiti Law Chambers, while the respondents
were represented by T. Mpofu of Gill, Godlonton & Gerrans.
In a related development, a Durban High Court judge was equally critical of the same PwC
report, describing it as having “incorrect assumptions and baseless conclusions, patent
inconsistencies, containing inaccurate, misleading, incorrect and questionable information.”
Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe has since appealed against the
Drinking spree ends in attempted murder
By Ndinatsei Mavodza
GUTU – A drinking session at Runyowa Business Centre, Gutu ended in violence after a 37-year-old man was allegedly attacked with an empty beer bottle during an argument.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the attempted murder case which occurred on February 28, 2026 at around 8PM.
The victim, Tinei Musekiwa (37) was drinking beer with Blessing Machimbidzofa (44) and his father, Gilbert Machimbidzofa, when an argument reportedly broke out between father and son.
According to police, the disagreement escalated with Blessing allegedly pushing his father during the altercation.
Musekiwa reportedly attempted to intervene in an effort to stop the confrontation.
However, his attempt to mediate between the two triggered a violent reaction from Blessing who picked up an empty beer bottle and struck Musekiwa once on the left side of the abdomen.
Musekiwa sustained a deep cut from the bottle attack and was rushed to Gutu Rural Hospital, where he was admitted in a stable condition.
Machimbidzofa was arrested on March 1.
Assistant Inspector Patinyu urged members of the public to exercise restraint and resolve disputes peacefully.
“We urge members of the public to find peaceful ways of resolving conflict and avoid violence,” he said.
The incident adds to a growing number of alcohol related violent disputes reported at business centres and drinking establishments across the country, where minor disagreements often escalate into serious or fatal confrontations.
In a recent case in Bulawayo’s Emakhandeni suburb, a drinking session between two friends reportedly turned deadly after one allegedly attacked the other following a dispute while walking home.
Authorities continue to encourage responsible drinking and peaceful conflict resolution to prevent avoidable loss of life.
Parents happy with progress during consultation day at Riverton Academy Murinye
By Beverly Bizeki
Parents at Riverton Academy Murinye have expressed satisfaction with their children’s academic progress following a consultation meeting held at the school recently.
The consultation day over the weekend came weeks after a dispute that briefly disrupted the opening of the first term in January when Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa, blocked parents and learners from accessing the school over differences with the institution’s owner, Philimon Mutangiri.
The situation was later resolved after the High Court in Masvingo granted an interdict allowing the school to continue operating smoothly.
Parents who spoke to TellZim News during the consultation day said they were impressed with both the academic progress of their children and the stability that has since returned to the school.
“I am excited about my child’s progress since she enrolled here. There is a huge difference in her performance across all subjects compared to when she first came. I am also happy that everything is now normal at the school with no disruptions,” said one parent.
Another parent, who was among those initially blocked by Chief Murinye when attempting to drop off his child on opening day, said he was relieved that the learning environment had stabilised.
“I thought I was going to face the same challenges as last time, but everything is running smoothly. The environment is normal and conducive for learning. I am happy that the differences were resolved and the school is now operating without disturbances,” he said.
An education official who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity said authorities were closely monitoring the situation to ensure that learners’ education is not affected.
“Our priority is to ensure that learners continue with their education without interruptions. We are encouraged that normal learning is taking place and that parents are engaging with the school through consultations,” said the official.
The conflict began at the start of the term when Chief Murinye reportedly blocked the road leading to the newly established school, preventing parents from transporting their children. The traditional leader reportedly claimed he had not authorised the construction of the institution.
Mutangiri, however, maintained that he had obtained all the necessary documentation for the construction of the school, which he said was built on his ancestral land.
The matter was taken to the High Court in Masvingo through an urgent chamber application filed by Mutangiri against Chief Murinye.
In court papers, Mutangiri alleged that the chief had blocked parents from taking their children to school and threatened to disrupt learning by preventing pupils from attending lessons, accusing him of taking the law into his own hands.
In his ruling delivered on February 3, 2026, Justice Zisengwe found that Mutangiri had established sufficient grounds for interim relief, noting that continued interference posed a serious risk to learners’ right to education.
Background aside,determination the motivator
…Tagarika Primary athletes aim higher
By Emmanuel Chitsika
Located deep down in the dry region in ecological farming region 5 in the red soils of Mufula ranch is a
poorly-resourced Tagarika Primary school. Despite the odds working against the learners, four girls
driven by determination and resolve for success have taken it to another level as they are set to dance
with Masvingo province’s talented athletes at the provincial stage set for Friday the 6th of March 2026.
After brushing aside challenges of fellow competitors at zonal, cluster, district and inter-district levels,
the quartet of Rumbidzai Mulala, Tendai Marufu, Juliana Murashiki and Sharon Machaya are set to
showcase their talents at the provincial stage where the ultimate prize is qualification for the national
finals.
Machaya won in the 800 metres, Marufu in long jump while Mulala and Murashiki partake in the throws
discuss and javelin respectively in the inter-district competitions recently held at Masogwe Primary
school on March 2, 2026.
The remotely- located school in Mwenezi East constituency has an enrolment if slightly above five
hundred learners hailing from the community whose livelihoods is primarily hinged on small grains
production and some few cash crops like water melons,sesame and cotton for some few farmers as well
as communal cattle production.
This is not the first time Tagarika have raised the flag of Mwenezi on the sporting front as Tagarika girls
volleyball team mentored by Chikoti Hapson has twice played at the national finals in succession (2024
and 2025).
Mwenezi is arguably full of untapped talent in various sporting disciplines and only fate awaits Tagarika
athletics coach Matsilele Revesai and her charges as they join the district team to the provincial finals.
Stolen vehicle found at cemetery
By Karen Sibanda
A night out at a popular Masvingo nightspot ended in shock for a 32-year-old Rujeko man after his vehicle was stolen only to be found hours later abandoned at Runyararo West Cemetery.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of February 22, 2026 and urged members of the public to ensure that they park their vehicles in well-lit areas during the night.
“We have received a report of theft of a motor vehicle after the complainant realized that his Honda Fit had been stolen from outside a popular night spot, Masvingo. Investigations were made, leading to the recovery of the vehicle at Runyararo West Cemetery.
“We urge members of the public to avoid leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods, especially during the night. Motorists should ensure their vehicles are properly secured and, where possible, parked in well-lit and guarded areas. ,” said Assistant Inspector Patinyu.
Circumstances are that the complainant, Tapiwanashe Mapetese of Rujeko A, had parked his white Honda Fit (old shape) outside the night spot at around 10pm on February 21 before going inside for drinks.
Mapetese briefly returned to the vehicle at around 1:30am to collect a jacket. After locking the car, he went back into the bar. However, at approximately 3:00am, when he intended to drive home, the vehicle was nowhere to be found.
The vehicle, valued at approximately US$5,000, was recovered abandoned. No arrests had been made by time of writing and investigations into the theft were ongoing.