By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Masvingo has been identified as one of the provinces most exposed to
counterfeit and unsafe products due to its strategic location along the North-South trade
corridor.
Masvingo lies along the North-South trade corridor, a major route connecting South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The corridor is a key path for moving goods and boosting trade in the region, which also
makes the province an entry point for counterfeit and unsafe products.
Speaking during the World Consumer Rights Day commemorations held at Urban Lifestyles
Hotel on March 18, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra
Chadzamira said the province’s proximity to South Africa, one of Zimbabwe’s key trading
partners, makes it particularly vulnerable to the penetration of fake and substandard goods.
“The selection of Masvingo as a venue for this important event is no accident or coincidence.
Masvingo’s strategic location on the North-South corridor and proximity to South Africa, one
of our key trading partners guarantees a wider reach to a diverse audience. This is especially
critical in light of the prevalent risk of counterfeit products in the region,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira warned that the growing presence of counterfeit products poses a serious threat
to both consumers and local industries.
He added that counterfeit goods not only compromise consumer safety but also undermine
economic growth by weakening local industries and innovation.
“Counterfeit goods weaken local industries, stifle innovation and compromise the integrity of
our manufacturing sector,” said Chadzamira.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) chairperson Respina Zinyanduko also raised
concern over the situation in Masvingo, warning that the province remains vulnerable to
smuggling of unsafe products.
“Masvingo has not been spared from these business malpractices and is more prone to
smuggling of unsafe products from our neighbouring countries,” she said.
Zinyanduko added that the commission ws working with law enforcement agencies including
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to
curb the problem.
The World Consumer Rights Day commemorations ran under the theme “Safe products,
confident consumers,” with stakeholders calling for increased vigilance, stronger
enforcement and greater consumer awareness to combat the growing threat.
Masvingo faces growing threat of fake and unsafe products
Over 2,900 Businesses Prosecuted for Consumer Rights Violations
By Andrew Zhou
MASVINGO – The Consumer Protection Commission has been cracking down on bad
business practices. Since 2025, 2,905 businesses were prosecuted for selling expired,
counterfeit, or substandard goods, and 634 more have already faced action in 2026.
The announcement was made by Consumer Protection Commission Chairperson
Respina Zinyanduko during World Consumer Rights Day commemorations at Urban
Lifestyles Hotel, Masvingo on March 18, 2026.
Zinyanduko revealed that the commission’s enforcement department had been working
tirelessly to clean-up the marketplace.
“We have been working tirelessly with our partners the law enforcement agents and the
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to clean up all counterfeit products which are in the
market”. Said Zinyanduko.
According to the statistics released, 2,271 businesses were prosecuted in 2025, while
634 have already been brought to book in the first quarter of 2026. The 634
prosecutions already recorded in the first quarter of the year demonstrates the
commission’s increased pace on consumer protection.
“We have managed to prosecute a total of 2,271 businesses in the year 2025. These
businesses were selling dangerous, expired and counterfeit goods. This year a total of
634 have already been prosecuted for the same offences”. Noted Zinyanduko.
The Chairperson emphasised that the commission would not tolerate businesses that
compromise the health of citizens by offloading adverse products into Zimbabwe’s
market.
“The Commission remains resolute in its mandate to protect consumers from
unscrupulous business actors. We have scaled up our inspections across the country to
ensure that no one is above the law. These 2,905 prosecutions serve as a clear
message that selling expired, counterfeit, or substandard goods is a high-risk venture
that will result in the full wrath of the law being applied”. Said Zinyanduko.
The Consumer Protection Commission urged the public to remain vigilant and continue
reporting retailers who fail to adhere to safety and quality standards as the commission
continues its nationwide crackdown.
Masvingo Christian, Hellen McGhie dominate provincial robotics olympiad
By Andrew Zhou.
MASVINGO – In a exceptional display of technical prowess and youthful ingenuity, Masvingo
Christian College and Hellen McGhie Primary School emerged as the dominant forces at the
concluded World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe Provincial Competitions recently held
Great Zimbabwe University’s Innovation Hub.
The event, which drew the province’s brightest young minds, served as a powerful testament to
the rapid growth of robotics and innovation in the region.
Masvingo Christian College emerged as the champion in the senior category, outperforming
several formidable competitors to claim the top spot.
The school’s victory was characterized by exceptional skill, creativity, and technical excellence,
marking a major achievement in the province’s burgeoning tech space.
Reflecting on the success, Masvingo Christian College Head, Dr. Edson Muresherwa,
emphasized that their triumph was built on internal capacity rather than external help as the
school is also training others schools in the province.
“We did not outsource trainers; we actually trained other schools. We recently organized a
workshop in which we trained teachers from other schools. We have invested in it and the
investment is yielding dividends.” Said Muresherwa.
Looking ahead, the school aims to integrate the high-tech skills into their core curriculum to
ensure students remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
“Our plan as a school is to continue exposing our students in this area as we prepare them for the
future, rather than preparing them for a world that no longer exists,” asserted Dr. Muresherwa.
The excellence extended into the younger divisions, where Hellen McGhie Primary School
proved to be an unstoppable force, sweeping both the Elementary and Junior categories.
Speaking to Hellen McGhie school head, Mr. Brian Gomba, confirmed their stellar performance,
noting that the school came first in both sections. He highlighted that the school’s success was
home grown, relying on internal staff to guide the pupils.
“The school relied on internal staff and it has become a routine for the young ones to involve
themselves in research and in manipulating things,” said Gomba.
Looking ahead, the victory has ignited a newfound determination within the primary school to
excel on a larger stage. Mr. Gomba pledged full support for the team as they prepare for the
national competition to held in Bulawayo.
“This will give them chances to acquire more skills, and the rest will appreciate and be
determined to achieve higher than the current teams,” said Gomba.
As both Masvingo Christian College and Hellen McGhie celebrate their provincial dominance,
their success sends a clear message that Masvingo is ready to lead the
ZRP Masvingo introduces drone surveillance, appeals for partnerships to acquire more
By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo province recently introduced drone
surveillance as part of a broader push to modernise policing, with the commanding officer now
appealing to business people and well-wishers to help acquire additional drones to enhance crime
monitoring across the region.
Speaking during the Client Service Charter Re-invigoration, Officer Commanding Masvingo
Province, Commissioner Fredrick Mbengwa, said two drones were already in operation, one
deployed in the Masvingo Central Business District (CBD) and another covering Mucheke and
Rujeko, where crime monitoring has been intensified.
“We have embraced technology by deploying drones to ensure safety and enhance professional
capacity. Currently we have two drones, one operating in the CBD and one in Mucheke and
Rujeko,” said Mbengwa.
He said the introduction of drones gives the force an aerial view to better monitor the vast
province and improves public safety. Body-worn cameras for officers have also been introduced,
marking a significant step in modernising policing methods and strengthening accountability.
While the initial deployment has improved aerial surveillance, the commissioner said more
drones were needed to ensure full coverage across the province.
“We enjoin businesspeople and well-wishers to help us acquire more drones to cover the entire
area,” said Mbengwa.
In addition to drones, police encouraged communities to pool resources and contribute towards
the purchase and installation of street cameras, describing them as “bigger reporters than the
police themselves” for their ability to provide real-time surveillance and aid in evidence
collection.
“We also need every member to enjoin on buying street cameras; they are bigger reporters than
the police themselves,” said Mbengwa.
However, he emphasised that technology alone could not replace public vigilance and urged
residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying active community participation is key
to improving safety and security across the area.
He said the police were not prophets or traditional healers who predict and guess where crime
happens but said they relied on the public for information.
“We don’t use bones, we don’t consult faith healers, we rely on you, and you are our bones so
give us information. If you provide information and it’s not acted upon then our offices are opn,
follow the chain of command and report,” he said.
The call for partnerships comes as the ZRP continues to embrace technology in policing. On July
30, 2025, 27 police officers graduated with drone pilots certificates at ZRP Sports Club in
Harare, part of the Commissioner-General’s thrust to modernise the force through the Electronic
Traffic Management System and the use of technology in crime management.
Masvingo residents raise concern over venues for amendment bill consultations
By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Residents across Masvingo province have raised concerns over the
choice of venues for public consultations on the proposed Constitutional Amendment
Bill Number 3, with many alleging that the locations were deliberately selected to
discourage participation and silence dissenting voices.
In Zaka, the consultations are scheduled to be held at Rudhanda High School in Zaka
South.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zaka Ward 19 Councillor Albert Mazvanya voiced his
concern, arguing that Rudhanda was not centrally located as it sits close to the border
between Zaka and Chiredzi districts, thereby disadvantaging the rest of the district. He
also claimed that the choice of venue favours Zanu PF, considering that it is just a few
metres from the home of Zaka District Coordinating Committee Chairperson Clemence
Chiduwa, who is also the Zaka South MP.
“Rudhanda is not central at all. This is a deliberate move by the ruling party to make
sure they do not capture what people really want, hence moving the venue to a strategic
place thereby disadvantaging the rest,” said Mazvanya.
He went on to express fears that the venue being close to Chiduwa’s home was not a
good sign, and chances of violence were high if there are any opposing voices during
the consultations.
“I think there is going to be violence if anyone tries to speak differently or oppose the
bill. The reason they chose that venue is to have people who are loyal and whom they
can hold to account after the consultation,” said Mazvanya.
A Zaka resident who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed similar fears, pointing to
the area’s political character.
“That area is known to have Zanu PF fanatics who can cause harm to anyone who tries
to oppose the bill. People are already afraid to speak out because they know what
happens to those who disagree in that locality,” said one resident.
Another Zaka resident Peter Imbayarwo, told TellZim News that the choice of venue
was deliberate to deprive locals a chance to speak their minds. He said that all along,
previous consultations were held in Jerera, not only because it is central but also
convenient, unlike Rudhanda where other locals need to use two to three vehicles to get
to the venue.
“There is no advantage if we want Zaka representation. The only people who are closer
are part of Ward 25, Ward 28, and Ward 29; the rest are disadvantaged. Look at
someone from Ward 1 or 2, they have to go via Roy then Jerera, then Rudhanda.
Those from Bvukururu will get transport to Gumbo, take another one to Jerera, and
then get another one to Rudhanda. Those from Benzi area have to come to Jerera first
or go via Chiredzi, so the venue disadvantages a number of people, and I think it’s a
deliberate ploy to make sure that ordinary people do not attend,” said Imbayarwo.
He went on to say all consultations used to be held at BSPZ in Jerera, and people were
now afraid to go, meaning only those who will be bused can attend.
“All the other consultations used to be done here in Jerera. What is so important about
this one that it has been taken to Rudhanda? Most people who finance themselves to
get there will not, and most of them are afraid. So basing on that, whatever result that
comes out will not be a true reflection of Zaka,” said Imbayarwo.
In Bikita, a similar complaint has been raised by residents. Brilliant Mukaro told TellZim
News that consultations in Bikita were slated for Matsvange area in Bikita South, which
is about 30 kilometres of dust road from Nyika growth point.
“The venue was deliberately chosen to move away from people at the growth point who
are perceived to be against the government and were suspected to reject the Bill.
Ordinary people from Nyika and surrounding areas will now struggle to travel that
distance on a dusty road, yet the consultations could easily have been held at a more
accessible location,” said Mukaro.
For the Masvingo district consultation, the venue is Chidzikwe in Masvingo South. A
Masvingo resident who also requested anonymity said the choice of Chidzikwe was
problematic.
“Chidzikwe is in Summerton area, known as a no-go area for the opposition. It is a Zanu
PF stronghold where opposing voices are not tolerated. Holding consultations there is
deliberate because no one will dare to oppose the bill in that environment,” said the
resident.
Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri, who also sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio
Committee on Justice which is responsible for organizing the consultations, said he
raised a concern during committee meetings and they promised to look into the matter.
He said Chidzikwe, the venue for Masvingo District, was not central at all and would
disadvantage many people who would want to attend the meeting.
“I raised concern over this just yesterday. I indicated that Chidzikwe was not central and
they should look for another venue. I told them that they should consult MPs to help
them find central places, not just decide on their own. The committee chairperson
however promised to take the matter up to those who are organizing the venues,” said
Mureri.
People from areas like Majiri in Masvingo Central, Renco Mine, and Nyikavanhu in
Masvingo South will have to travel using more than two vehicles to get to the venue as
well, making it difficult to get there in time and travel back home the same day using
public transport.
Chiredzi Central MP, Ropafadzo Makumire, voiced similar concerns, saying most
venues were not strategic if the aim is to capture people’s views. He said the bill was so
important that it needed intensive and wide consultations, arguing that district level
consultations were not enough.
“This bill is important, so the consultations were supposed to be done at polling station
level. However, because of resource constraints, they could do constituency based
consultations because district ones cannot be enough,” said Makumire.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Central legislator Edison Zvobgo Junior who chairs
the responsible parliamentary portfolio committee said they were open to people’s
concerns and were ready to address those that can be addressed.
“We organized to have one consultative meeting per administrative district, but there
were concerns about Bulawayo so we added another venue. This shows we welcome
people’s input and where possible we can address,” said Zvobgo.
He went on to agree with Makumire that if resources permitted they could have done
more, but said people have to appreciate that this was one of the most widely consulted
bills, since most are done at provincial level.
“If resources permitted we could have organized more, but people have to know that
when we did the Death Penalty bill and many others, we simply did one per province.
But this time we tried to go down to districts. If we had resources we could have gone
maybe to constituencies. So this is the most widely consulted bill in the history of the
country. We will however look at the concerns and see how best we can address,” said
Zvobgo.
Speaking during a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting recently, Zanu PF
Masvingo Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa promised the party principals who were
present that the party was ready for the consultations at the centers established for that
purpose. Many however believe that Zanu PF will bus supporters to the venue
considering that the party has resources. Chidzikwe is one of the Zanu PF strongholds
in the province, a resettlement area dominated by ruling party sympathisers.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, proposes the extension of
presidential and parliamentary terms of office from five to seven years, with transitional
clauses allowing the current President and Parliament to remain in office until 2030
instead of 2028. The bill also seeks to change how the President is elected, replacing
the current system of direct popular vote with a parliamentary process where Members
of Parliament and Senators sitting jointly would elect the President.
Other proposed changes include giving the President power to appoint ten Senators
chosen for their professional skills and other competencies, increasing the Senate from
80 to 90 members. The bill proposes transferring voter registration functions from the
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General’s Office, and
establishing a separate Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission to handle the
delimitation of electoral boundaries.
It also seeks to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and transfer its functions to
the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, as well as remove the requirement for public
interviews in judicial appointments, giving the President greater discretion in appointing judges.
Chaos Erupts at Chiredzi Town Council Over ‘Unqualified’ Employee Promotion
By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Town Council was thrown into chaos for the second consecutive full
council meeting as councillors nearly came to blows over the promotion of an employee
allegedly lacking the required qualifications, with one councillor having been forcibly removed
from chambers during the previous heated clash over the same issue.
The latest confrontation erupted after the General Purposes Committee tabled a recommendation
to promote Irvine Muteyaunga from Project Coordinator (Grade 11) to Assistant Director of
Operations (Grade 13), a position that allegedly demands a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil
Engineering.
Muteyaunga is alleged to be holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering and a
Diploma in Water Supply and Sanitation.
Councillors Charles Njopera (Zanu PF), Danford Chikanyau (CCC), Philemon Muchaendepi
(CCC) and Vimbai Ushe (Zanu PF) vehemently opposed the promotion, arguing that due
diligence had been bypassed and that Muteyaunga did not meet the qualification requirements
for the post.
Tempers flared as Njopera accused the Acting Town Secretary of acting outside his powers.
“We have totally violated our Human Resources Policy. The Acting Town Secretary does not
have the power to secretly promote someone without the recommendation of the Head of
Department,” said Njopera.
When Council Chairperson Jameson Charumbira attempted to silence Chikanyau, ruling that he
could not deliberate the matter since he sits on the General Purposes Committee, Muchaendepi
challenged the ruling.
“Where is that written, Chairman, that if one sits on a certain committee, he or she is not allowed
to deliberate the matter during a Full Council meeting?” queried Muchaendepi.
The confrontation marked the second time the same promotion issue has sparked mayhem in
council chambers. During the previous full council meeting, Chikanyau was forcibly removed by
security after tempers flared over the same matter, with the debate descending into chaos.
Ushe warned that the council was setting a dangerous precedent by bypassing established
procedures.
“For all the promotions we have had, a list of candidates is made available together with their
educational qualifications. Why is that process being bypassed here? According to the Job
Evaluation Report, that individual should be running the local authority’s Parks and Gardens, not
an engineering department,” she said.
Councillors also raised concerns about Muteyaunga’s competence, citing an incident where he
allegedly ordered wrong sized quarry stones during road construction, resulting in a project that
subsequently failed quality tests.
As the debate reached a stalemate, the chairperson exercised his casting vote to break the
deadlock, and the promotion was carried. Muchaendepi walked out of the meeting as the debate
continued.
The controversy is compounded by a recent capacity-building workshop by representatives of the
Ministry of Local Government, during which both Muteyaunga and another employee were
reportedly told they occupy posts not recognized in the local authority’s establishment.
Reacting to the developments, United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association Chairman
Josphat Tizirai said promotions in local authorities were increasingly based on political
allegiance rather than merit.
“Most people are not promoted on merit but rather on who they pay their allegiance to. If you eat
and dine with your bosses, your promotion will always be there. Maybe they were satisfied with
what he is doing which prompted them to give him a position which he is not qualified to be
holding,” said Tizirai.
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) Chairperson Jonathan Muusha urged
the council to adhere to employment guidelines and the Urban Councils Act.
“We urge council to adhere to employment guidelines and policies, including the Urban Councils
Act, when promoting or upgrading technical persons,” said Muusha.
Maternity wing, truck stop set to boost service delivery in Masvingo City
By Karen Sibanda
MASVINGO – Masvingo City is set to enhance its service delivery and logistical
capabilities with the impending opening of the Runyararo Clinic maternity wing and the new
truck stop at Exor, marking a major step forward in the city’s commitment to improving
healthcare access and supporting the transport sector.
The Runyararo maternity wing is nearing completion and is expected to become fully
functional soon, following delays in equipment procurement that pushed back the initial
January 2026 opening date.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe said the maternity wing was
now complete, with only a few outstanding items left before it becomes fully operational.
“We were expecting it to start operating in January this year but there were delays in the
procurement of the equipment. As soon as it arrives, the maternity wing will start to operate.
“This facility, which has the capacity to accommodate 22 women, is designed to significantly
improve maternal and childcare outcomes by reducing the need for referrals to distant
facilities,” said Tabe.
The project, which was allocated US$50 000 in the 2025 council budget, will offer safe
delivery spaces, post-natal and pre-natal care, and modern equipment. The expansion is part
of Masvingo City’s broader strategy to establish maternity wings at all council clinics to
improve healthcare accessibility.
In parallel, the new truck stop located along the Beitbridge highway is also at an advanced
stage of development.
Tabe said construction of offices was complete, and the facility had initially been held back
from starting operations due to some touch-ups required on the site.
“Construction is now complete, with offices and ablution facilities ready. Only the paving of
the ground remains. This facility is designed to accommodate more than 80 vehicles, offering
secure parking, a retail outlet, and laundry services,” said Tabe.
“This truck stop aims to alleviate pressure on the CBD by providing a safe and convenient
resting and service area for truckers, thereby decongesting the city and stimulating economic
activities related to transport logistics,” he said.
The infrastructure developments underscore Masvingo City’s dedication to becoming a
world-class metropolitan city by 2030.
Mudenda to officiate at 2026 Buy Local Conference
By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda is set to grace the
2026 Buy Local Conference as guest of honour, an event aimed at promoting locally
manufactured goods and reducing the country’s import bill.
The conference, organized by Buy Zimbabwe, will be held on March 27, 2026, at Manna Resorts
in Glen Lorne, Harare, under the theme “Lowering Zimbabwe’s Import Bill – Driving Local
Industrial Growth”.
In a statement, Buy Zimbabwe said preparations for the annual event were at an advanced stage,
with several partners already on board.
The conference seeks to foster a culture of buying Zimbabwean-made products and services,
thereby supporting employment creation and the growth of local industry.
Buy Zimbabwe Marketing and Sales Executive Mr Alois Burutsa highlighted the strategic value
of having the Speaker at the event.
“We are honoured to have Advocate Mudenda as our keynote speaker at the upcoming Buy
Local Conference. As the leader of the legislative arm of government, we are certain Advocate
Mudenda’s presence will make a positive contribution to our efforts to promote local industry.
“His presence at the conference highlights the critical role that government plays in supporting
local industries. We believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable economic
environment that benefits all Zimbabweans,” he added.
The conference will feature panel discussions and networking opportunities aimed at addressing
challenges impeding local economic growth. Delegates will also have the chance to engage with
exhibitors showcasing a range of Zimbabwean goods.
A number of large corporates and small to medium enterprises have already confirmed
participation, with more expected to join as the event draws closer.
Fuel price surge threatens health sector, CWGH warns
By Simon Masore
MASVINGO – The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has warned that the
continued rise in fuel prices is placing immense strain on an already struggling public health
sector, with hospitals and clinics facing increased operational costs, disrupted supply chains, and
reduced access to essential services.
CWGH executive director, in a statement released on March 20, 2026, said Zimbabwe imported
nearly all its fuel from distant countries, and the cascading costs are being felt across the health
system.
“The Public Health Sector is already struggling with a plethora of issues, and not least among
those is inadequate funding, challenges in accessing budgeted funds, and the general high cost of
care. Increased fuel costs will obviously exacerbate these challenges,” said Rusike.
The CWGH highlighted that hospitals and clinics rely heavily on fuel to run generators during
power outages, to operate ambulances, and to transport medicines and medical supplies. With
fuel prices rising, budgets that were already stretched must now be reallocated to cover transport
and energy costs.
“The impact on hospital and clinic budgets is almost immediate. They have to re-jig their
budgets and allocate more towards transport costs and other operational activities that require
fuel such as referrals, running generators, logistics, and outreaches. This means reduced activities
or other areas have to be sacrificed,” said Rusike.
The organization further warned that supply chains would be disrupted, leading to shortages of
essential commodities and further cost escalations.
For health workers, rising transport costs eat into their incomes and deepen demoralization. For
patients, the burden is even heavier and some will be forced to default.
“Patients face increased transport costs, food costs, and cost of care. Out-of-pocket expenditure
on health is already high by World Health Organization standards. This will affect their health-
seeking behavior, leading to defaulting on treatment and possibly resulting in adverse health
outcomes,” he said.
He said even if fuel prices stabilize in the future, the damage may already be done.
“Prices are generally sticky downwards. Even in the event that the oil market stabilizes, the
disruption is causing uncertainty in the market and critical infrastructure is being affected.
Contracts may have to be renegotiated, so people are not likely to see any benefits in the short
term,” he said.
The CWGH also pointed to broader negative effects, including increased inflation and pressure
on health budgets, which would require government to allocate more funds to cover operational
costs.
“Service accessibility will be affected, and the delivery of essential health services is also
affected. Those in low-income population categories are the worst affected,”said Rusike.
The Community Working Group on Health is a national network of civil society and community-
based organizations that work to enhance community participation in health in Zimbabwe.
Zaka plane crash, new details emerge
By Simon Masore
MASVINGO – New details have emerged regarding the tragic plane crash that claimed the life
of a pilot and seriously injured his wife in a mountainous area between Zaka and Bikita districts
on Sunday morning, with witnesses now revealing that the woman attempted to escape using a
parachute moments before impact.
Police have confirmed the incident, which occurred at around 11 AM in Nyoka Village,
approximately 85 kilometres southeast of Masvingo. Investigators from the Civil Aviation
Authority of Zimbabwe have since been dispatched to the scene to establish the cause of the
crash.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms an aircraft crash which occurred on 15th March 2026
at around 1100 hours at Nyoka Village, Zaka, Masvingo Province.
One person was killed while another person was injured when an aircraft carrying two occupants
crashed before being engulfed by fire. The aircraft, which was travelling from Komani
Aerodrome in Mt Hampden, Harare to Chipinda Pools, had reportedly developed a mechanical
fault and began emitting an unusual sound,” reads the police statement.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to TellZim News, the aircraft was mid-air when
something burst, causing it to start swerving and descending rapidly. The pilot desperately tried
to navigate the plane before it ultimately nose-dived and crashed among trees and tall grass and
later caught fire.
Sources identified the two occupants as husband and wife and said moments before the crash, the
woman reportedly attempted to escape the aircraft using a parachute.
However, the parachute became caught in the plane’s wings before tearing apart, causing her to
fall separately from the aircraft which was lowering to the ground.
She crashed to the ground a few metres away from where the plane eventually nose-dived,
breaking both legs in the process.
Villagers who rushed to the scene said they arrived while the wreckage was still burning. They
could see the pilot trapped inside the burning aircraft but were unable to open the doors to rescue
him.
The aircraft later burst into flames again, creating an opening that allowed villagers to finally
access the wreckage.
Using a tree log, the community members managed to pull the pilot’s body from the burning
plane.
Tragically, the pilot was already dead and had been burnt from the waist downwards. Witnesses
described seeing his right leg still trapped inside the aircraft after being badly burnt, while bones
from his left leg were exposed due to the severity of the fire.
Two villagers, Jairos Nyoka and Jeffrey Nyoka, were among those who bravely helped retrieve
the pilot’s body from the burning wreckage.
The injured woman was found screaming in pain, repeatedly asking if her husband, who was
trapped in the plane, was still alive.
Villagers who attended the scene said they tried to ask her what had happened and what the
couple had been doing before the crash.
The injured woman was rushed to hospital, and her current condition remains unknown. Some
locals claimed the couple are believed to be Australians, although authorities had not confirmed
their identities at the time of writing.
Ward 2 Councilor Sarah Mamvura who also visited the crash site corroborated the sources
accounts to TellZim News saying she had face to face interviews with the immediate responders.