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Shangaan cultural practices accused of perpetuating child marriages

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Shangaan cultural practices accused of perpetuating child marriages

Melinda Kusemachibi

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) recently issued a statement accusing Shangaan people of violating children rights by fueling child marriages through some of their cultural practices.
Khomba practice is a Shangaan cultural activity where boys and girls are purportedly initiated into adulthood through sexual related practices.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission Legal and Investigation Manager, Tinashe Larry Mazani said Khomba practice should not be done by minors as it allegedly stimulates child marriages that are skyrocketing.
“There should be strict enforcement of the age limit for initiation by local and traditional leaders. In order to avert child marriages, minors should be barred from Khomba cultural practice,” said Mazani.
However, Mazani highlighted that there is need for awareness in HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) since minors are now experimenting what they are taught at Khomba initiation ceremonies.
“There is limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, so there is need for extensive awareness specializing on HIV and AIDS in order to stop further engagement in risky sexual behavior such as the infamous ‘magate’, which affects marital relations and sexual health of the community,” said Mazani.
Vimbai Mutendereki from Shamwari yeMwanasikana said Shangaan cultural practices violates children’s rights and needs urgent probe.
“Khomba and Magate cultural practices should be looked into closely. There should be a joint venture amongst various stakeholders since it is not an individual thing to decide what intervention measures can be employed,” said Mutendereki.
Zimbabwe National Council for Welfare of Children national director, Rev Taylor Nyanhete said traditional leaders are custodians of law and should jealously protect the girl child.
“There is room for readdressing these issues and traditional leaders should be trained to safe guard the girl child. On issues of child marriages, there should be inclusion of local gatekeepers and traditional leaders,” said Nyanhete.
When a girl starts to have her menstrual cycle, she is considered ripe ‘akomba’, and she will start her Khomba lessons.
A Ward 7 Chiredzi Constituency village head Phelomon Magezani indicated that Khomba is part of their culture and every girl and boy should take part in it.
“This is what define us as Shangaan people, mostly boys and girls aged 18 years take part in this practice even elderly women take part in this initiation. When a girl reaches her puberty stage she is advised to take part in the practice,” said Magezani.
However, women’s rights pressure groups have alleged that older men are abusing the girl child soon after these lessons and getting away with it.

Chiredzi Duo found with US$19 500.00 worth of wildlife hides

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Chiredzi Duo found with US$19 500.00 worth of wildlife hides

Lisa Mlambo

CHIREDZI – Chiredzi duo, Esnath Mutuki (61) and Phanuel Kudiwa (48) recently appeared before Chiredzi Magistrate Misheck Brian Munyarardzi after being found in possession of Crocodile and Zebra skins worth US$19 500.00, TellZim News can report.
They were charged with contravening section 128 of the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14 which prohibits the removal of any animal or part of animal from any land or from one place to another on any land without permit.
The two nabbed by the detectives from the Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit (MFFU) together with ZimParks officials, were remanded out of custody to September 30 2021 for continuation of trial.
The state represented by Tafumanei Homera told the court that Mutuki of House Number 1794 Javangwe Street and Kudiwa (48) of House Number 850 West Road, Chiredzi were arrested on August 06, 2021, by police detectives who pretended to be buyers of hides.
The police officers acting on a tipoff approached Kudiwa who led them to Mutuki’s place of residence where the hides were kept.
It is alleged that after introductions and negotiations Mutuki proceeded to another room where she brought a sack with one Zebra hide.
She was then asked for more and proceeded to another room at the back of the house and brought two sacks which had one Crocodile and five Zebra skins.
That is when the detectives identified themselves leading to the arrest of the accused persons.

Father cruelly flogs 5 year old for losing two cigarettes

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Father cruelly flogs 5 year old for losing two cigarettes

…wife wants protection order from ‘abusive’ husband

Thabiso Nxumalo

MASVINGO– A Mushagashe 43 year-old man, Adam Mushipe recently went on a frenzy and brutally assaulted his five year-old daughter for losing two cigarettes that he had sent her to buy at a shebeen.
Lucia Mushipe mother to the child said she left the young girl with her husband on September 27, 2021, while she ran some errands.
The father then sent the girl to buy cigarettes for him at a shebeen but she delayed to return prompting him to follow her.
Lucia alleges that he followed and intercepted her along the way and noticed that she had lost the cigarettes.
Adam then started flogging her all over the body using a stick leaving visible marks all on her back and stomach.
Efforts by Lucia to get help from the police have hit the brick wall as law enforcement agents continue to refer her from one office to the other.
“I went to report the case at Masvingo rural police station where I was asked to go and get a medical report. I was told that there was no doctor to assist me. I then asked police to open the case but was referred to different offices and I ended up leaving,” said Lucia.
Lucia also tried to get a medical report at Masvingo Provincial Hospital but failed since doctors were said to be out of office.
The wife at some point in time dragged her husband to court that granted an order to get maintenance from Adam but did not receive anything.
“I once sought for a restraining order against my husband but he does not stop abusing me and my kids. I applied for maintenance and he is supposed to be paying me ZW$3 500 for the two kids every month but he has not paid even a single cent,” added Lucia.
The man is said to be very abusive, beats up his wife, and even disowns the two children he sired.
“I am looking for help, I have reported him a number of times but nothing has changed. He physically and emotionally abuses me and the kids telling them that he is not their father. I am ready to go for DNA to prove the paternity,” alleged Lucia.
When contacted for comment, Adam confirmed to have beaten the child saying she had stolen his US$1 and accused his wife of misrepresenting facts.
“I just beat her up for stealing money and it was not something out of the ordinary. It was just punishment that any other child gets for misbehaving.
“The mother is fabricating the story against me and misrepresenting facts because of a little misunderstanding that we had,” said Adam.

Ndau Community radio hits the ground running

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Ndau Community radio hits the ground running

Thabiso Nxumalo

Ndau Community radio Trust together with Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) CEO Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka and a team of engineers on September 23 and 24 conducted a broadcasting workshop as they geared up to penetrate the air-waves.
The two-day workshop held at Checheche growth point graced by full force of BAZ engineers and Ndau community radio chairperson Donald Kumbana, staff and various stakeholders focused on the training and official hand over of studio equipment to the newly licensed radio station.
Radio station chairperson Kumbana thanked Ministry of Information, Media and Publicity that gave the minority Ndau community voice to participate on a global platform and they are forever grateful to BAZ who donated broadcasting equipment and skills.
He said they currently do not have network and as a result resort to use of MOVITEL, a Mozambican network service provider hence having an operational radio means they will first get a transmission base which will rid them of network nightmares.
Their project is community funded and rely on residents for voluntary labour hence he said the only challenge they currently have is financial constraints to finish studio building.
“I just wish everyone could experience the joy we have in this part of the country. We have been neglected for so long but finally the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has remembered us.
“We are excited and happy for the brand-new equipment handed over to us by BAZ; we will take good care of it and fully utilize using the skills they have imparted to our staff. The only challenge we face at the moment is funding for our building which is approaching knee-level and as such we are appealing to sponsors and well-wishers either in cash or kind to finish this historic journey,” said Kumbana.
BAZ CEO Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka confirmed the equipment handover and workshops saying he wishes they would go a long way in the radio’s broadcasting journey.
He also said BAZ’s aid was in form of equipment presented but also financially struggling newly setup radio stations can approach government for aid and further advised that government is working hand-in-hand with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in availing help to media organizations.
“I have faith that this equipment will be the building block on Ndau radio’s journey but we are well aware that there is a lot to be done that needs cash hence in that case they can approach government as it has partnered UNESCO to attend to such cases,” said Chakanyuka.
Well-wishers can assist through these channels: NAME OF ACCOUNT: NDAU COMMUNITY RADIO TRUST. BANK: CBZ Checheche Branch. Account Number and type Nostro (FOREX and USD): 10925716190024 or contact 0773 270 731

Young, old breaking the jinx for Zim in Triathlon

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Young, old breaking the jinx for Zim in Triathlon

Clayton Shereni

NYANGA- It has never been all rosy for teen superstar, Makanaka Mawere who only had less than 90 days to recover from a career threatening injury that she suffered in Egypt in June as she defied the odds at the just ended Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup (ATU) in Nyanga, Troutbeck.
Born in 2004, the 17 year old Hellenic High pupil is a rare gem and if her current exploits are anything to go by, the young girl will surely conquer the world.
Mawere also a professional tennis ace went into this year’s 14th edition of the prestigious African showpiece that attracted triathletes from as far as Luxemburg with a mountain to climb as she was not fully fit.
The lanky athlete who raced in a star-studded lineup against some higher-ranked triathletes got a major boost of his career when he finished third settling for a bronze medal in the junior elite competition.
She finished behind South Africa’s Kira Ribbink who successfully defended her title while Anika Visser also from across the Limpopo finished second.
Mawere had a great start in the water but had a hard time on the track before she made use of her prowess on the bicycle.
On the clock she finished in 1hr27min31sec slightly one minute below her 2020 record of 1hr28min33sec that saw her occupy seventh position.
With a world ranking of 489, continental ranking of 19 and continental junior ranking of 5, Mawere still has age on her side to do better and add to her three podium finishes.
For the young woman who went into the competition carrying hopes of every Zimbabwean triathlon fan, the contest was a memorable one that made her go an extra mile to make her country proud.
“It was a tough race but I had to be mentally strong and keep telling myself not to give up. Otherwise I really enjoyed the race, it is challenging but fun and with everyone cheering it was a great race all together. I did exceed my own expectations,” said Mawere.
Although so many young teenage athletes shun the sport, Mawere took time to appeal to fellow teenagers to take up the sport, display talent and prove their menthol.
“I would say to other teenagers know yourself and be really honest with yourself and know where you think you could be good as a sports person. They should explore new things because you never know what you might succeed in. Explore outside your comfort zone,” added Mawere.

Wynn Green (far right in black) during the awards ceremony

However, on the other end of Elite women, it was 45 year-old Wynn Greer who proved that she still has something in her arsenal after finishing third behind Hannah Newman and Bridget Theunissen who finished first and second respectively.
Greer who was a major doubt for many due to her old age shocked triathlon enthusiasts with her consistency and endurance that lasted her till she reached the finishing line.
In 2006, Greer finished fourth on 2hr41min34sec but this time around she came back strong, fit and hungry for the title claiming the bronze medal with 1hr21min59sec on the clock.
Speaking to the media after the race, Greer said she had to force herself to finish the race to make her country proud although she was not fit for the race.
“I made the best of what I could, given what I started with. I would say half a tank because I did not have a full tank. I pulled through because my mission was to raise Zimbabwe’s flag high. It is an amazing feeling to have raced elite and for Zimbabwe,” said Greer.
Commenting on her age, she said that age was not a big deal but one’s ability matters the most when it comes to sport.
“It is not just about age but ability. I do not see age but I see what one has got on the start line but as of what is next, I think I am going to focus on cycling because that is where I would shine,” added Greer.
Despite most sporting disciplines in the country being male dominated, women have been urged to take sport seriously and break gender barriers.
Mawere and Greer’s performances come at a time when calls have been made for enforcement of the dictates of the Zimbabwe constitution that states that ‘the state shall promote the full participation of women in all spheres of Zimbabwean society on the basis of equality.

Armed robbers pounce on Neshuro Growth Point

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Armed robbers pounce on Neshuro Growth Point

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi-A gang of armed robbers pounced on two shops at Neshuro Growth Point on the night of September 27, leaving one of the security guard critically injured before disappearing with an undisclosed amount of money.
The incident occurred at around 6:15 pm when shops were about to close for the day and the thieves robbed Shovorai Zizhou’s shop and Chingwanga Neshuro supermarket.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident saying the gang is yet to be arrested.
“We have received information concerning that robbery and investigations are ongoing but so far no arrests have been made,” said Dhewa.
According to eyewitnesses three armed robbers who had a getaway car first entered Chingwanga supermarket, fied warning shots and ordered all the clients to lay down after shooting the shop’s security guard.
After getting away with undisclosed amount of money from the supermarket, the thugs proceeded to Zizhou’s shop were they also got away with some money.
Shop owner Shovorai Zizhou better known locally as kwa Mai Tina told TellZim News that two armed men entered her shop and got away with some money soon after they had robbed at Chingwanga supermarket.
“When the incident occurred there were about 12 clients who were in my shop. Two armed man entered and fired some shots. I am not sure about the exact amount of money which they got away with because we were yet to count but it could be something more than ZAR 1000 and 400 US,” said Zizhou.
After pouncing on the two shops the robbers reportedly fled with their getaway car along Matibi Mission road.
By the time of writing, Chingwanga security guard shot in the stomach was in the theatre where he was being attended to at Neshuro District Hospital.
Cases of armed robbery have been on an upward trend around the country of late.

High court calls police to probe security guard companies

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High court calls police to probe security guard companies

…As guards have developed a trigger free attitude

Leslie Karumbidza

Mutare -The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been challenged to make probes and investigate security companies before issuing them gun operation licenses as guards have developed a gun-trigger free attitude resulting in increased numbers of fatal killings of people.
Judge Justice Isaac Muzenda made the remarks on September 27, 2021, as he sentenced Lazarus Dapira (54) a security guard of Roscommon Estate to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide two of which were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Speaking after the court judgment, Judge Justice lsaac Muzenda said there is need for reforms on the issuing of gun licenses to security guard companies and police should investigate them and make sure that the companies’ guards undergo proper trainings on how to handle the firearms.
“I call upon the police to change the manner in which they handle out firearms licenses to security companies as cases of unnecessary shooting involving guards which is leading to loss of human lives is on the rise in the country. Law enforcement agents should also see to it that all the guards employed by security companies are trained on how to handle the guns so as to avoid unnecessary loss of human lives,” said Muzenda.
Dapira was initially charged with murder.
The State represented by Tafadzwa Katsiru alleged that on September 14, 2017, Dapira accompanied by a police officer and four other security guards caused the death of Benson Mazvierengwi by shooting him on the head with a 12 Bore optima Shotgun allegedly for crimes committed at the Estate.
The accused’s defense line was that the gun discharged accidentally while fighting the deceased who was trying to disarm him.
Of late the integrity of Roscommon security guards have raised question from the general public as this is not the first case involving their employees causing unnecessary loss of life after last year Nicolas Bere from the same company fatally discharged his fireman at walking villagers at night in the process killing one and was convicted of murder
His defense line was that he thought that the villagers where a mob coming to attack him.
Cases of reckless loss of life involving security guards shooting have been on the rise in Mutare and Zimbabwe at large.
Earlier this month police in Harare arrested a 35-year-old security guard who fatally shot and killed a 22-year-old female ZUPCO conductor believed to be his estranged girlfriend.
The police even recovered a 38 Astra Revolver belonging to his security firm that he used to commit the heinous crime.

Uncertainty over resumption of football lower leagues

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Uncertainty over resumption of football lower leagues

…Eastern region AGM set for this weekend

Fredrick Moyo

A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the resumption of football lower leagues as there are no specific dates set for commencement though government gave the go ahead for sporting activities.
Disappointments, failures and happy moments that form part of the beautiful game have been ruined for lower league stakeholders, as Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) remain adamant that only topflight league should be played.
ZIFA Head of Communications and Competitions Manager, Xolisani Gwesela told TellZim News that they have not settled for any date yet.
“I do not have answers as for now and specific dates, but I will get back to you when I do have them,” said Gwesela.
However, some lower league teams mostly Division One sides have now began training in anticipation of a go ahead to resume action from the football governing body.
With the return of Premier Soccer League (PSL) that resumed this week, pressure is mounting on Zifa to let other leagues commence.
PSL action started with the resumption of Chibuku Super Cup with major highlights being Harare Giants Dynamos edging tricky Yadah Fc 1-0 at National Sports Stadium in Harare while new boys Tenax CS lost 2-0 to army side Black Rhinos at Sakubva Stadium.
Meanwhile the Zifa Eastern region has settled for October 2, 2021, to hold their much-awaited Annual General Meeting.
Sources told this publication that the meeting will be held in Masvingo and one major highlight of the meeting will be filling vacant posts.
“We have settled for this Saturday as the day when we will hold the AGM. Ofcourse, we are yet to get a go ahead from Head Office but all is in order now. Vacant posts need to be filled in both the region and province so we will make that our priority,” said the source.
The top post of Regional Administrator will be one of the most contested post since it is deemed the powerful post in the region.
The post became vacant when veteran administrator Thaddeus Machawira retired in 2019 after a long spell at the helm of the region.

Covid-19 a major drive for GBV-WAG

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Covid-19 a major drive for GBV-WAG

Melinda Kusemachibi

Covid-19 induced lockdowns have been a key driver of gander-based violence in the country according to a report released by Woman Action Group (WAG) recently.
The measurements employed by government to curb the spread of the pandemic nationwide including travel restrictions has been reportedly cited as one of the major causes of the recent surge in cases of gender-based violence in the domestic arena as a result of most men staying at home than workplaces.
“Reports of domestic violence, child marriages, violence by state officials and armed guards, online abuse and other forms of GBV have increased globally and regionally during the pandemic and Zimbabwe is no exception to this trend,” said the report.
WAG Zimbabwe also said emotional violence saw a sharp rise during lockdown, possibly due to heightened household tensions resulting from confined living conditions and increased financial stress.
“Transport challenges and movement regulations made it difficult for women and girls to report violence and access support as well as various necessary for survivors of violence. Economic hardships have highly pronounced with the Covid-19 pandemic leaving girls vulnerable to child marriages initiated by their families as a livelihood,” added the report.
The report further revealed that Innovators Against Gender Based Violence (IAG) have established a total number of 53 Peace Huts in Manicaland, 33 Mutasa, 19 Chipinge and six in Buhera.
Center for Gender and Community Development Projects Manager Chidaushe Mudadi said gender-based violence is a threat to most women and it has affected them especially during this time of the pandemic.
“CGCZ is calling for increased channels through which women must report GBV during lockdown. Movement restrictions have affected women than men whereby they are abused after curfew times and cannot visit the police station fearing arrest for walking after curfew time,” said Mudadi.
Musasa Project Advocacy and Communications Officer Rotina Musara said cases of domestic violence have increased since the introduction of lockdown with Masvingo recording more cases.
“As at September 18 Masvingo One Stop Center recorded 1 247, Bikita 149, Gutu 299, Nemamwa 155, Mwenezi 329,” said Musara.
In Masvingo province, it is estimated that the issue of domestic violence escalated to 200% since Covid-19 lockdowns started.
A Mucheke woman claiming to be a victim of domestic violence indicated that she experienced a hard time and it traumatized her.
“I am a victim of domestic violence and my husband beat me up in front of our children. All this started during first days of Covid-19 national lockdown. My husband beat me up because l could no longer go to my work place to sell fruits and vegetables,” said victim.
It is said that Covid-19 lockdown has exposed women and girls to violence when accessing social services.
Women and girls who face multiple forms of discrimination were already at higher risk of violence, which COVID-19 is likely to exacerbate.
Emerging evidence in Zimbabwe, or regionally, indicates that poor women, those in rural areas, women and girls with disabilities, adolescent girls, elderly women, women and girls with HIV, migrant women and women in quarantine facilities, and refugees are at heightened risk of violence.
United Nations revealed on April 1, 2021 that many countries in East and Southern Africa reported very high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and the preliminary reports of some countries indicate that GBV has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to UN violence by an intimate partner was reported by more than 40% of women in Zimbabwe even before the pandemic.

Council pays ZW$2 for digging metre deep trenches

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Council pays ZW$2 for digging metre deep trenches

Kimberly Kusauka

CHIPINGE- A move purportedly meant to reduce unemployment seem to be backfiring for Chipinge Town Council as youths came out guns blazing accusing local authority of taking advantage and using them as cheap labor.
Youths in Chipinge accuse council bosses of being inhumane and consciously offering ‘peanuts’ whilst they get hefty salaries and allowances.
The local authority is reportedly paying ZW$2 for a trench that is one metre deep on its sewer project and has been a major concern for the town.
Youths who attended the ward 5 ‘HowFar?’ feedback meeting organized by Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) in collaboration with TellZim News lambasted town authorities for taking advantage of the dire economic situation local youths find themselves in to exploit them.
“We are being paid peanuts to dig a trench that is one metre deep and we are forced to bring our own tools which is very unfair,” said one youth.
Ward 3 Cllr Mildred Gwinji however, had a different version claiming that the local authority was paying more than what the youths were alleging.
“The money which council is paying for their services can be converted to US$100-150 on the black market, so you can see that council is trying to be fair,” said Gwinji.
However, another youth said the councilor was misleading people by her claims that they were paying over US$100.
“Let us be practical, we want to work but we cannot be slaves. We have responsibilities and council is not being honest by saying that what they are paying us ranges between $US100 and 150. How many meters does one have to dig to reach that figure when in actual fact we are being paid ZW$2 per metre,” said the youth.
Ward 5 Cllr Hamuchineyi Nhengu said council is going to revise the amount and make a better offer with a reasonable amount to those who take the job.
“It is not fair to pay these workers ZW$2. Even the poorest person cannot take that offer because no one can work for that little money.
“We will sit-down as council and discuss the matter. It has been previously mentioned and those responsible are going to increase the amount so that it can sustain people who take up the job,” said Nhengu.
Currently the town is facing persistent water woes and poor refuse collection amidst chaos after the recalling of four councilors by the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T.

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