Home Blog Page 33

Flat tyres bring Masvingo City trench project to halt

TellZim News
-
0
Flat tyres bring Masvingo City trench project to halt

By TellZim Reporter

Masvingo City’s failure to replace flat tyres on a critical JCB machine has sparked outrage among residents, who accuse the council of misplaced priorities.

The machine was digging a trench on Dare Street in Mucheke, a project that had brought hope to residents.

The new trench is a significant improvement over the previous one, which was prone to collapse and had become a dumping ground for trash. Residents praised the council for addressing the issue, but the sudden halt has troubled them.

“We were thrilled with the new trench, but now we’re worried it will be abandoned,” said a resident.

Ward 3 Councilor Maxwell Madhuna confirmed the halt, saying two tyres were damaged and needed replacement.

“It’s been almost a month now, and the tyres still haven’t been fixed and I am equally worried,” said Madhuna.

However, Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe said the tyres had been bought and would be fixed on July 7, with work resuming thereafter.

 “Tyres were supplied today, and they will be fixed today,” said Tabe

Council workers have been guarding the idle machine near Mamutse Stadium, enduring cold nights. The incident has raised questions about the council’s priorities, especially after councilors pushed for an international trip to see a solar project.

Exposed Bikita South MP fires back at ZPP

TellZim News
-
0
Exposed Bikita South MP fires back at ZPP

…accuse human rights monitor of being an opposition project

By Staff Reporter

In a dramatic turn of events, Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi has accused the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) of being an opposition project after being exposed by the organization’s damning report of his alleged discriminatory practices against wards that didn’t vote for him.
The allegations came from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)’s May report, which accused Mutodi of declaring that Wards 4, 28, and 29 would be excluded from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Devolution programmes because they did not vote for him.
“In a case of political discrimination, the MP for Bikita South openly declared that Wards 4, 28, and 29 would be excluded from development programmes because they did not vote for him,” reads part of the report.
However, Mutodi came out guns blazing strongly denying the allegations that he vowed to sideline certain wards from development initiatives due to their voting patterns, describing the claims as baseless and politically driven.
“Stop rumour-mongering. There is no Ward 28 in my constituency. All wards voted well for me, and there will be no discrimination in development projects. Your source is flawed, the ZPP is an opposition-sponsored report,” said Mutodi.
He said he did not control devolution funds, which are managed by the Minister of State in consultation with provincial and ward councilors and said the constituency was yet to receive its share of the CDF.
“I do not control devolution funds, they are controlled by the Minister of State in consultation with the provincial and ward councilors. Currently Bikita South has not received the CDF,” said Mutodi.
Mutodi said he was sponsoring constituency-wide sports initiative to unite people so there was no way he could be sidelining other wards.
“Right now all 11 wards are participating in the Energy Mutodi Soccer Tournament freely and on equal opportunity basis so I am not excluding anyone,” said Mutodi.
TellZim News recently rated Masvingo MPs and Mutodi was rated one of the worst as his electorate claimed that he was now a visitor to the constituency only coming when there is a big event.
The ZPP report also raised broader concerns about political discrimination in Masvingo Province, including a separate incident in Bikita East where ward 21 councilor Vengai Muchini allegedly said food aid would be restricted to ZANU PF supporters.
“In Masvingo province, Bikita East Constituency Ward 21 Councilor Vengai Muchini declared on May 7 2025 that he will remove community members from the list of food aid beneficiaries based on their perceived or actual political affiliation.
“Muchini, who oversees the food distribution process, insisted that only confirmed ZANU PF supporters would receive aid, and further declared that government department of Social Welfare officials would not be permitted to collect or review the beneficiary lists, effectively consolidating partisan control over what should be an impartial, life-saving intervention aimed at drought-affected households,” reads part of the report.

Zaka mining mayhem leaves dip tank in peril

TellZim News
-
0
Zaka mining mayhem leaves dip tank in peril

Staff Reporter

ZAKA – A dip tank in Svuure, Zaka South’s Ward 25, is on the brink of disaster due to the activities of artisanal miners. The miners’ relentless pursuit of gold is damaging the surrounding land, putting the dip tank’s structure and purpose at risk.
The dip tank, a critical infrastructure for local livestock owners, is essential for controlling ticks and other parasites that can decimate cattle herds. However, the advancing gold panning activities are causing gullies to form, which are slowly but surely creeping towards the tank.
Ward 25 Councilor Albert Chinanga confirmed the situation and appealed to responsible authority to intervene before it’s too late saying the illegal miners were few meters away from the tank.
The councilor said he once told the headman who once addressed the people but is seems they did not take heed.
“I notified the headman and he even send his officer who talked to the panners but they seem not to listen as they continue working in the area,” said Chinanga.
Headman Nyamutaki real name Maxwell Chaminuka confirmed the development to TellZim and said if not addressed the dip tank could collapse.
“I am aware of the development, and said if the challenge is not addressed the dip tank will collapse. If the area receive heavy rains now it will collapse because the gullies are deep and they are advancing towards the dip tank,” said Nyamutaki
Another local resident called on council and other authorities to intervene and serve the public infrastructure saying if left unattended their cattle will be at risk.
It’s a ticking time bomb and if the dip tank is destroyed, our livestock will be at risk, and our livelihoods will be severely impacted. Remember January diseases is still there and cattle need regular dipping especially this year there is plenty of grass so ticks are there,” said the villager.
The community is anxiously waiting for a solution to the crisis, fearing that if the dip tank is destroyed, it will have far-reaching consequences for their livestock and livelihoods. The situation demands immediate attention from relevant authorities to prevent a disaster.
Recently, Masvingo High Court ordered Bailzone Mining Company to stop mining activities in Chiromo area saying the company’s activities violated constitutional rights of local villagers.
There are also gold mining activities in Zingwena area under Chief Bota in Zaka where panners are allegedly coming from as far as Shurugwi in search of the yellow metal.

Deterrent justice, robbers sentenced to 144 years

TellZim News
-
0
Deterrent justice, robbers sentenced to 144 years

By Tatiana Mhararira

Two convicted robbers, aged 36 and 27, have been sentenced to 144 years in prison each for the crimes committed in Masvingo. The harsh sentence serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders, sending a strong message about the consequences of committing serious crimes.
The pair was sentenced at Chiredzi Regional Magistrate’s court and assuming they survive to serve their full sentences, the 36-year-old would be 180 years old, and the 27-year-old would be 171 years old upon release.
The two were arrested following a series of armed robberies committed in Mwenezi between December 2024 and February 2025.
In a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police on July 2, 2025 Police applauded members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest of two.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest and conviction of Gift Maphosa (36) and Mpokiseng Dube (27) for three accounts of armed robbery which occurred between December 13, 2025 and February 22, 2025 in Mwenezi.
“The ZRP extends profound gratitude to members of the public for supplying useful information that led to the arrest of the two accused persons. We implore the public to continue supporting and cooperating with the police in fighting crime,” reads the press statement.
On February 22, 2025, detectives acted on received information that Maphosa was one of the suspects committing some robberies along Masvingo-Beitbridge road, where they would target unsuspecting travellers during night time.
The duo would set a trap for motorists by blocking the road with stones and when motorists reduced speed or tried to remove the stones, they would emerge from the darkness with pistols and threaten to shoot victims while demanding cash and valuables.
In one of the cases, the duo shot and injured two victims after they had tried to resist.
The detectives apprehended Maphosa who then implicated his accomplice Dube, leading to his arrest in Beitbridge.

Mutirikwi River claims 2 lives, bridge overdue

TellZim News
-
0
Mutirikwi River claims 2 lives, bridge overdue

By Tadiwanashe Mberikunashe

A devastating incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when two children from Banduki Village under Chief Bota lost their lives while attempting to cross Mutirikwi River highlighting the urgent need for a bridge across the river.
Zivanai (18) and Princess Revesai, (5) drowned while crossing the river in a tree bark boat on their way back from Renco Mine pre-school in Masvingo District, which they had to travel to due to the lack of quality educational facilities in their own Zaka District.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to prioritize their safety when crossing rivers.
“I confirm a death by drowning incident where two people aged 18 and 5 drowned while crossing Mutirikwi River in a canoe. We urge members of the public to think of their safety before using canoes to cross rivers so that we won’t lose lives,” said Inspector Dhewa.
On June 30, 2025 around 1400 hours Zivanai, Princess and Violet Mapfumo were coming from Renco Mine preschool.
Zivanai took the man-made canoe which they used to cross the river alongside Princess and Mapfumo.
When they reached 15metres in the river as they were trying to cross, the canoe lost balance, Mapfumo swam to the edge of the river but the two failed.
Mapfumo informed villagers and police to come and assist her. Princess was found dead few metres from the scene and further searches were done to look for Zivanai who was found dead underwater.
The bodies of Zivanai and Princess were eventually recovered, with Princess found a few meters from the scene and Zivanai underwater.
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the long-standing need for a bridge crossing Mutirikwi River.
As reported by TellZim News in previous articles, villagers have been calling for a bridge to be constructed to ease the crossing in various points and prevent such accidents. Unfortunately, their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
Moreover, this incident highlights the need for better educational infrastructure in Zaka District as some shun Musenyereki Primary and Musenyerki Secondary schools.
The fact that children have to cross a treacherous river to access better schools in Masvingo District is a clear indication that more needs to be done to address the educational needs of the community.
The establishment of quality schools in Zaka District would go a long way in preventing such tragedies and ensuring that children can access education safely as both primary and secondary leaners often cross to Renco Mine Primary and Nyabata High Schools.
Though many do not cross on daily basis, they often cross during weekends to be with family across the river risking their lives as the river is also infested with hippos and crocodiles.

Village head bestiality scandal, new details emerge

TellZim News
-
0
Village head bestiality scandal, new details emerge

By Beverly Bizeki

New details have emerged on the bestiality case involving a 71-year-old Village Head’s Martin Gaviro from Chief Shumba area in Masvingo Central.
His repeated bestiality offences have left the community stunned with many wondering how donkeys are good with kicks and would allow him to abuse them time and again.
However, Chief Shumba born Ernest Chekai told TellZim News that he was short of words and expressed frustration over Gaviro’s lack of remorse saying Gaviro openly admitted to the crime and detailed his method of incapacitating the animals using a tree branch which he claims puts the donkeys to sleep.
He said the consistency of Gaviro’s confessions sparked suspicion of mental illness or use of juju.
“Initially when I punished him, I thought he would reform, but within months he was at it again. This time, his own wife caught him in the act. He said he uses a Shazhu (Tree Branch) to make the animals sleep.
“He does not even try to deny it, no matter who is present. His family has tried counseling him, but nothing works. I believe he needs psychiatric help, something is deeply wrong. When his wife reported the second incident to me I instructed her to report to the police,” he said.
Chief Shumba said the community will observe his behavior going forward since he was pardoned by the court but emphasized that trust has been deeply eroded.
The Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Prosper Dohwai told TellZim News that Gaviro’s issue could be the use of Juju which he said could have been misused hence he was always getting caught.
“He could be using Juju which he may no longer want or could have misused and now its haunting him that is why he was always being caught,” said Dohwai.
He also said there was a possibility that he could be using sex enhancing herbs giving him an insatiable appetite for sex.
Gaviro recently appeared before a Masvingo magistrate and was sentenced to one year in prison, wholly suspended for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offense.
The incident, which comes barely a year after he was fined two beasts by the chief for the same offense, has shocked villagers and reignited calls for psychological evaluation and stricter penalties.
In 2024, Gaviro was brought before the traditional court after his younger brother, Jacob Gaviro, caught him in the act inside a cattle pen. At that time, he was ordered to pay one beast to his brother and another to the chief’s court as restitution for tarnishing the community’s image.
Jacob said prior to the incident, several women in the community had reported suspicious night-time abuse, while donkeys in the area were reportedly miscarrying, raising concerns of dark rituals.
“We had our suspicions for a while, especially after some women complained of unexplained sexual abuses during sleep. Our donkeys kept miscarrying. We were told it might be linked to someone using juju for sexual acts,” said Jacob.
He recounted how on the day of the 2024 incident, Martin had passed by his homestead to announce a meeting. After being served tea, he suspiciously took a path near the cattle pen. Jacob followed and caught his brother half-naked inside the pen. He then alerted the rest of the family and took the matter to the Chief’s court.

Runyararo Clinic to have maternity wing by year end

TellZim News
-
0
Runyararo Clinic to have maternity wing by year end

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Council has commenced construction of one of its largest maternity wards at Runyararo Clinic which is expected to be complete by December 2025 in a bid to enhance healthcare services for residents.
The project will enhance healthcare services for residents, particularly expectant mothers and new-borns by reducing referrals to other facilities and improving maternal healthcare outcomes in the area.
Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe confirmed the developments to TellZim News and said work was in progress at the clinic which has a capacity to accommodate 20 expecting women at a time making it the biggest council owned maternity clinic.
“Construction of the maternity wing started last month and we are expecting to have it completed and operational before the end of 2025. The wing will have a carrying capacity of 20 women per day,” said Tabe.
Tabe said Masvingo City was targeting to have a maternity wing at every council clinic to improve access to healthcare.
“As part of efforts to improve health care services in Masvingo we are targeting to have a maternity wing at every clinic. After Runyararo clinic we are going to Rujeko clinic.
“Once completed the facility will offer safe delivery spaces, post and pre natal care units and modern equipment to support quality maternal healthcare,” said Tabe.
US$50 000 was allocated towards the construction of the maternity wing in the Masvingo City’s 2025 budget.
Masvingo City has pledged to improve maternal and child health care services for the community, as they recently completed a maternity wing at North West Medical Clinic using devolution funds.
For several years Mazorodze clinic served as the sole clinic in Masvingo City offering martenity services thereby overwhelming it at the same time a burdening residents from other suburbs who had to travel to get the services.

Masvingo City councilors in near fist fight over international trips

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo City councilors in near fist fight over international trips

By TellZim Reporter

A heated debate between Masvingo City councilors nearly turned physical over international trips, specifically a proposed “look and learn” tour to Zambia and licensing of a new liquor operator at Hillside Extension Shopping center in the last full council meeting held on June 27.
The Public Works and Planning Committee Chaired by ward 8 councilor Richard Musekiwa had recommended that the committee visit Kitwe, a city with a twinning arrangement with Masvingo, to learn about a solar plant they wanted to implement back home at Bushmead water works.
The members of the finance and general purpose committee and those in the health, housing committee who do not sit in the public works committee were against the idea saying the local authority had no money so they could not have the trip.
Sources said ward 3 councilor who chairs the health committee Maxwell Madhuna clashed with ward 10 councilor Sengerai Manyanga and PR councilor Esther Zishiri with the support of the chairperson pushing for the trip and the debate almost degenerated into a fist fight.
“Madhuna pointed out that council had recently funded an international trip to Japan for the Mayor and Health Director, and Councilor Manyanga was poised to go to China for another trip.
“He had support from councilor Benard Muchokwa who chairs the finance committee and the PR councilor Alaica Time and the two groups exchanged harsh words and vulgar,” said the source.
Sources said Madhuna and company argued that if there was real need, they would rather send the two engineers instead of the whole committee and other department members since the council’s financial situation was precarious.
“The tension between Manyanga and Madhuna was palpable, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down. The near-fistfight was averted, but if the situation had continued like that they would have exchanged blows,” said a source.
However, it was later resolved that council should send only the engineers who would understand what was done there and what could be done back home than sending people with no technical knowledge.
Sources said the issue had escalated from a previous disagreement over the Health and Housing Committee’s recommendation to allow a bar to operate atHillside Extension Shopping center which was disputed by Manyanga and Zishiri.
“The standoff was a carryover of a clash over the licensing of a bar operator at Hillside Extension Shopping center, Manyanga’s committee rejected the proposal, citing noise concerns and potential competition with existing businesses. The Health Committee, led by Councilor Maxwell Madhuna, argued that the bar owner had met all requirements, including soundproofing.
“Manyanga and PR councilor Esther Zishiri argued that no one was supposed to get another license in that area. They argued that there were reports of noise so they could not allow another operator to add more noise despite reports that he had met the requirements. Tempers flared and Madhuna accused them of having been paid by the current operator to make sure than no other person gets a license there,” said the source.
Madhuna accused Manyanga’s committee of being influenced by a prominent nightspot operator who wanted to limit competition.
However, the matter was sent back to the committee for further scrutiny and would come to the next full council meeting for deliberations.

Mucheke main bridge now 58% complete

TellZim News
-
0
Mucheke main bridge now 58% complete

By Beverly Bizeki

The long awaited construction of the Mucheke main bridge in Masvingo is progressing steadly with authorities saying it is now 58 percent complete and anticipated to be completed by end of September this year.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Roads Engineer Shadreck Kativhu confirmed the development and said preparations for the final deck were being worked on.
“The bridge at Chevron is now on 58 percent. Preparations are being done for the construction of the final deck and we expect that by end of September we would have completed works at the bridge,” said Kativhu.
Kativhu said the Chimusana Bridge was 2.5 percent while the interchange on Charumbira Street was on three percent and construction was already underway.
“The Chimusana Bridge is at 2.5 percent. Relocation of sewer lines, bases of foundations and preparation of a detour upstream is taking place.
“For the third one, the interchange, construction has started and it is now on three percent,” said Kativhu.
Construction of the Chevron Bridge commenced in June 2024 and was initially supposed to be completed in February 2025 after years of false starts.
In March this year, officials said efforts on the Chevron Bridge were at 40 percent completion and designs for Chimusana Bridge were at advanced stages, both of which will alleviate congestion.
In 2012/13 budget, Masvingo City Council had proposed US$800 000 for the widening of Chimusana Bridge and in 2014 council then indicated that the same project needed at least US$2.5million. The council, then under the late Town Clerk Adolf Gusha claimed that the money that was proposed in the 2012 council budget was never collected as residents failed to pay their bills.
In 2018, government cancelled a tender to modernize the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway that had been awarded to Austrian firm, Geiger International and awarded it to five local companies namely Masimba Holdings, Exodus and Company, Fossil Contracting, Bitumen World and Tensor.
In 2022 Masimba Construction Company was contracted to construct additional bridges on Mucheke River in Masvingo which were aimed at reducing congestion along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP 2).
The Mucheke Chevron Bridge is located on the Harare-Masvingo Beitbridge highway and is used by traffic to Harare with it also being used by the locals to cross to Masvingo CBD.
The bridge is the only route into town when Chimusana Bridge is flooded.
With the bridge being the only way through to the CBD from across the river, traffic congestion stretches from the bridge to Masvingo Polytechnic and to Chikato Police station from the other side.
Reports also showed that Chimusana structures consist of two new double-lane bridges, each 74m long, forming a 4-lane dual carriageway on the Masvingo City Bypass. The western bridge will carry northbound traffic, while the eastern bridge will carry southbound traffic. Construction of these two bridges commenced in August 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in May 2025.

Junior High wins Oratory Toastmasters Zimbabwe national tournament

TellZim News
-
0
Junior High wins Oratory Toastmasters Zimbabwe national tournament

By Tatiana Mhararira

Junior High School, one of the best private schools in Masvingo, recently won the High Schools Oratory Toastmasters Zimbabwe National competitions held at the school from June 27-29, 2025.
Junior High team comprising of Tapiwa Chuma and Tinashe Gwara scooped the first position in debate.
In English public speaking Takudzwa Mawarire scooped the first position, in Ndebele poetry Anashe Makwara was on position 1 and in Spelling Bee the best overall speller was Raphael Joel who won the gold medal.
Overally, Junior High won 10 gold medals, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze and the winners will proceed to the international competitions in March next year.
Speaking to TellZim News, Junior Enterprises, which runs Junior Primary and High Schools, Director Noah Marima said they were proud of the achievement and the support they got from parents.
“We are proud of this achievement and grateful for the learners’ dedication. We try by all means to balance to excel in whatever we do as a school be it in sport or class.
“We want to thank parents for their unwavering support and their encouragement has played a significant role in the learner’s success,” said Marima.


The team patron Netsai Hove said the team performed well and they needed to work on quiz where they did perfom well so that next time they dominate all the categories.
“Our students performed exceptionally well in most of the disciplines. We are proud of the entire team. Patrons and learners worked as a united form and dedicated their free and social time for practice. However, we need to improve in Quiz especially current affairs and general knowledge categories so that next time we dominate all categories,” she said.
The seven participating schools were Mavhuradonha, Mzilikazi, Bulawayo Adventist, Hermain Germiema, Terry Goss, Victoria High and the host school.
In April, Junior High School made a remarkable achievement in the Sustainable Environmental Conversational Trust Africa (SECTA) competitions held in Mutare.
Out of 36 participating schools, the team secured an impressive third place, showcasing their exceptional debating skills and knowledge on environmental issues

1...323334...956Page 33 of 956