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Birdlife Zimbabwe trains government agencies on vulture conservation

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Birdlife Zimbabwe trains government agencies on vulture conservation

Staff Reporter

Birdlife Zimbabwe recently trained representatives from various government agencies on the conservation of birds, especially endangered vultures in a bid to raise awareness on the importance of the scavengers on the ecosystem.
A number of vulture specie has been facing endangerment from illegal activities like belief-based use, habitat destruction and poaching, with some now facing extinction.
Representatives from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and rural district councils were trained at Flamboyant Hotel, Masvingo on their roles in protecting vultures.
Birdlife Zimbabwe Preventing Extinctions Programmes Officer Leeroy Moyo said the protection of vultures was no longer just the work of wildlife conservationists, but now required all hands on deck to prevent the scavengers from going into extinction, which will pose ecological and biodiversity problems.
“Vultures play a critical role in ecological balance and biodiversity, which helps maintain ecosystem stability. They help clean up carcasses, reducing the spread of diseases and preventing the accumulation of rotting organic matter. This process is essential for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems,” Moyo said.
Moyo said training government agencies on vulture conservation was essential for developing and implementing comprehensive conservation strategies that address the various threats vultures face.
“Training enables government agencies to work more effectively with other stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, researchers and local communities.
“As new information and technologies become available, trained governmental personnel can adapt their conservation approaches accordingly. They can then stay updated on latest research findings, techniques and best practices, aligning their efforts to most current and effective methods,” he added.
Speaking during the training, animal rights lawyer Advocate Nancy Makuvise spoke on the various ways to enforce conservation laws that protect vultures from illegal activities.
“Animals have rights, and likewise, vultures ought to be protected. There are many legal ways to enforce laws that protect vultures from being killed, which will in turn deter offenders.
“Laws that protect these endangered birds need to be implemented effectively, and governmental agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) need to know that offenders can be held accountable through deterrent legal penalties,” Makuvise said.
Research has shown that there has been increase in the use of vulture parts for belief-based activities, which has prompted rapid decline in vulture population.
In one of Birdlife Zimbabwe workshops with traditional and faith healers in Masvingo last year, it emerged that in some parts of the country, vulture parts were being used for medicinal purposes as they are believed to have mystical powers.

Man kills nephew (3) in brawl with police

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Man kills nephew (3) in brawl with police

By Tadiwanashe Mberikunashe

A 3-year-old child strapped to her mother’s back was tragically killed during a confrontation between her uncle and a police officer in Mushandike, Chief Charumbira area on June 27, 2025.
The incident occurred when a police constabulary had arrested the child’s father, who had been buying beer for the accused, for theft, sparking a violent reaction from the uncle, Justin Tavagwisa (47), who was intoxicated at the time.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of three-year-old Brian Mavhu and appealed to members of the public with information that can lead to the arrest of Justin and also warned people against using violence when solving disputes.
“I confirm a report of murder where an uncle fatally struck his nephew in Charumbira area during a scuffle with a local police constabulary. I appeal to members of the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest of Justin who is still on the run.
We also want to urge people to avoid the use of violence when solving issues,” said Inspector Dhewa.
On the day in question at around 2000 hours, the deceased’s mother Mary Tavagwisa who stays together with the accused arrived home from her piece job and found out that her door had been broken and US$60 was missing.
Her child informed her that her ex-husband Luckson Mavhu (38) was responsible for both the break in and theft.
Mary reported to a local police constabulary who found Luckson and Justin drinking beer at Chibhon’ashuro Business Centre. The officer arrested Luckson and they agreed to go home and solve the matter.
Justin followed and insisted that the officer should let Justin go since he was the one who had been buying him beer. Upon reaching home, Justin took a log intending to hit the officer who evaded and he struck the child when Marry tried to intervene.
Justin rushed the baby to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival the matter was reported to the police and Justin ran away.

Village head, villagers clash over abandoned soap factory

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Village head, villagers clash over abandoned soap factory

By Virginia Njovo

A long-abandoned soap factory in Majaya Village, ward 32 under Chief Marozva in Bikita West has become a source of conflict between the local village head and community members.
Factory chairperson, Miriro Munhanga said the factory, established in 2000 to empower women through skills training, only operated for a few years before becoming defunct.
However, former members of the soap-making project claim to have been denied access to the facility, which has reportedly been allocated to someone else.
“We used to produce soap during the first few years after the project started. Though the project collapsed due to some challenges, we wanted to revive it. But now the land and the building are no longer accessible to us, as the village head gave it to someone else,” said Munhanga.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, village head, Kumbirai Majaya Chisi, said he was not blocking any development in the village.
“I’m not stopping anyone from using the soap factory, but it was inactive for years. So I gave the land to someone else who is now using it productively,” said Chisi.
Chisi said the factory was initially funded by Gladmore Charamba as a community empowerment initiative for his mother who is now late and said he enquired from the funders if they wanted to continue so he would give them another piece of land.
“The so called factory was funded by Charamba who said he was doing the project for his mother and the community was benefiting from it.
“I approached him to check if he wanted to continue funding the project so that I can give them another piece of land to do their project. He said he only wanted roofing sheets from the building and nothing more,” said Chisi.
However, at the center of the matter was a row over the village leadership where Chisi is fighting for control with one Jevas Ruvanda who once presided over the area.
Ruvanda who is a nephew to Chisi is said to have been asked to rue the village while Chisi was still young, but later refused to relinquish power when Chisi came of age. The matter was taken to court multiple times, including an appeal to the High Court, which ruled in favor of Chisi.
Chisi’s legal representative from Ruvengo and Maboke Legal Practitioners, Collen Maboke told TellZim News that the case was still open as Ruvanda was not giving in to the court ruling.
“Ruvanda could not easily surrender authority over the village which was given to him when Chisi was young. He later denied targeting of Majaya village being divided so that he can get his part and call it Mutema village.
“Ruvanda lost the case and was even sentenced to six months in jail for defying a court order. Though the sentence was initially suspended, he later served the term for continued violations. The file of this case is not closed since Ruvanda does not comply with the ruling of court of law,” said Maboke.

Bikita residents demand action on policy gaps

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Bikita residents demand action on policy gaps

By Virginia Njovo

Bikita residents have expressed frustration over the lack of critical policies from the Bikita Rural District Council (RDC), highlighting gaps in housing, disability inclusion, and vehicle retention schemes, which they said undermine accountability and hinder inclusive development.
Speaking at a recent dialogue meeting organized by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) at Chevron Hotel, Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) Coordinator Bright Maduyu criticized council for failing to implement a formal housing policy.
“We are deeply concerned by the council’s failure to formulate a formal housing policy which has led to unregulated and opaque allocation of stands, a lack of affordable housing mechanisms for low-income earners, poor prioritization in land servicing, and vulnerability to land corruption as well as illegal settlements,” said Madhuyu.
Madhuyu raised alarm over the absence of a disability inclusion policy in the council, which he said contributed to the continued marginalization of people with disabilities.
“Bikita RDC has failed to adopt a Disability Policy, contributing to the ongoing exclusion and discrimination of persons with disabilities (PWDs), as there is a lack of accessible infrastructure and services, absence of representation in decision-making, and no targeted development programmes for PWDs. This neglects Section 22 and Section 83 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),” said Maduyu added.
Maduyu also pointed to concerns about a potentially fraudulent vehicle retention scheme at Bikita RDC, which he claimed was draining residents’ pockets.
“We have received credible reports of a non-transparent and potentially fraudulent scheme involving the sale and retention of council vehicles by senior management. Concerns include a lack of adherence to proper tendering or disposal procedures, the sale of vehicles to officials at undervalued prices, and non-compliance with public finance management and procurement laws,” Maduyu revealed.
To address these issues, Maduyu called for the adoption of a transparent housing policy, one that aligns with the Urban Councils Act and ensures equitable access, particularly for youth and low-income earners.
“We call for the drafting of a transparent local housing policy, provisions for equitable access, especially for youth and low-income earners, and strong planning and environmental safeguards,” said Maduyu.
In response to the growing concerns, residents also demanded that the local authority conduct a forensic audit of vehicle disposals over the past five years.
“We are demanding for an independent forensic audit of all vehicle disposals for the past five years, the immediate suspension of all vehicle disposals, and the adoption of a transparent council-approved asset disposal policy aligned with national standards,” said Maduyu.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News on the issues raised by residents, Bikita RDC acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arnold Mtuke said the residents had also raised their concerns directly to council so they would respond to them first before commenting to the media.
“We acknowledge receipt of BIRRA’s concerns and will address them directly. We will communicate developments to BIRRA and provide further clarification needed,” said Mtuke.
Service delivery concerns were also raised by residents of Masvingo Rural District Council, who complained about sewer bursts and poor refuse collection.
Calisto Rukwanda, a resident, highlighted some of the issues affecting the district saying Service delivery in Masvingo RDC was problematic, especially in Nemamwa Growth Point where sewer bursts were common.
He said roads were not being maintained in rural areas, especially the road connecting the Growth Point to Charumbira, which was damaged by heavy rains last season.
Despite these challenges, Masvingo RDC is one of the few rural councils set to receive devolution funds in 2026.
Addressing these concerns, Kudzai Tarirai, Deputy Director for Economic Analysis in the Office of the Minister of State for Devolution and Provincial Affairs, urged residents to engage directly with their local authorities to resolve these issues.
“As we are here for the decentralization of powers, I encourage you to address these matters with your local authorities. I also encourage you to attend budget consultation meetings. Many of these issues are budgeted for, and if you don’t attend and voice your concerns, you won’t see the changes you seek,” Tarirai said.

4-H Zimbabwe launches youth development committee in Masvingo

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4-H Zimbabwe launches youth development committee in Masvingo

By Virginia Njovo

4-H Zimbabwe launched a youth development committee in Masvingo on July 2 at Chevron Hotel where various political parties converged to engage and discuss their experiences pre and post elections.
Speaking during the launch, 4-H Zimbabwe Director John Muchenje said their organisation was mandated to create safe environments among youths to ensure development in their communities as well as amongst themselves.
He said the committee was going to spearhead development through promoting peace across political parties.
“This development committee will be the tool of promoting peace across political parties, I believe there cannot be any development when there is no peace. We will be engaging Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira so he can hear the concerns of the youths as one without political affiliations,” said Muchenje.
Muchenje said the executive will have two representatives from each of the 11 political parties in the country.
One of the facilitators, Youngerson Matete said youths should adopt various strategies of youth inclusion in peace building processes.
“There are various strategies that should be adopted in minimizing violence across political parties which includes creating inclusive platforms for dialogue and discussion allowing young people to engage with diverse stakeholders and promote social cohesion.
“There should be monitoring and evaluation so as to ensure that youth inclusion is monitored and evaluated using feedback to improve and adapt peace building strategies,” said Matete.
Representatives from political parties shared their experiences on how they were deprived their rights as opposition leaders in communities pre and post -election.
Chirumanzu South MDC National Youth Organizer Liliosa Mujere said she was persecuted during elections time and was once blocked from participating in School Development Committee (SDC) elections.
“If you are not from the ruling party it is difficult to be part of community development programmes, I was once blocked from participating in an SDC election at our local school. During the run up to the August 2023 elections I was beaten,” said Mujere.
She applauded 4-H Zimbabwe for providing the opportunity for various political parties to meet which she said changed her perspectives about the ruling party.
“I want to thank the 4-H team for this engagement platform as the trauma which I got from the ruling party is now fading I am now realizing that not everyone is cruel, you can meet a kind person who supports growth from the ruling party,” said Mujere.
Another NPC member said he was evicted from his land by a powerful ZANU PF member after ditching Zanu PF for NPC.
“I was evicted from the land which I had an offer letter to only because I had chosen to join NPC from ZANU-PF. If the systems remain like that there will be no meaningful development as the minority parties are not included,” said Mujere.
ZANU PF Masvingo District Youth League Political Commissar Tawanda Junior Makwazhe said youths should observe peace if they are to be included in developmental programmes.
“We have some projects that we are doing in Masvingo as youths and not as ZANU-PF, it is high time young people swallow their pride and leave political backgrounds aside and do one thing with one common ground not working with assumptions.
“Our party does not have a policy of grabbing others people’s things neither does it support violence” said Makwazhe.
The political parties included ZANU-PF, Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), Democratic Official Party (DOP), Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), NPC among others.

From despair to hope, Masvingo man beats drug abuse

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From despair to hope, Masvingo man beats drug abuse

By Tatiana Mhararira

In a nation grappling with the devastating grip of drug addiction, one young man’s remarkable journey offers a beacon of hope. Without the aid of rehabilitation centres or government support, his story is one of personal triumph over addiction as he fought his way out of the darkness of substance abuse and into a life of purpose.
His harrowing journey from the depths of drug addiction to a life full of hope and potential is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for transformation.
Born and bred in Masvingo Brave Mutava (27) passed his Ordinary and Advanced levels with flying colours at Ndarama High in Masvingo but failed to proceed to tertiary triggering his involvement drug abuse.
“In 2015 I finished my A level but failed to continue with my education because of financial challenges. Coming from a poor background, I have several siblings who needed to go to school as well.
“With nothing to do, I had to stay at home alone most of the time because my parents lived out of town. I got involved with people who exposed me to dangerous drugs such as mbanje, broncleer and maragada from around 2015 to 2016,” said Mutava.
Mutava’s drug addiction worsened to the extent that at some point he got employed but his whole salary lost to drugs.
“I got employed in 2019 and became less burden to my family but because I had become an addict, I used my salary to buy drugs. I left the job, sold my phone and returned home.
“In March 2020 I went to South Africa where I was introduced to new drugs like mutoriro. I got employed, started living alone and had a simple life to buy drugs because guka went for as little as R30. From 2019 to 2021 I took guka full time. We were now being named champions of the drugs,” he said.
He said mutoriro had negative effects on his life while he was in South Africa where he got injured leading to his return home later.
“One day I got injured and I did not feel it because I was high after taking guka. I told my brother about the injury but I never endured pain after taking the drug so I continued taking it so that I won’t feel any pain.
“I was admitted at a local hospital for two weeks but I would go out to look for guka using the money my brother would give me after hospital visits,” he said.
Mutawa said after getting discharged, during the Covid-19 lockdown, he lived a hard life since he was not employed and his relatives decided to send him back home to Zimbabwe.
“During the Covid 19 lockdown I survived with Indian food aid which was given to people in Pretoria. My relatives having seen the type of life I was living contributed money for me to return to Zimbabwe but personally I did not want to return. My brother paid for the bus fare and gave the other money to the bus driver so that he would give me upon arrival at Exor.
“I was only given R50 to buy food along the way. The money I was given could not sustain me so I had no option other than returning home. Back home I failed to blend with other family members,” he said.
He said his journey to recovery began when he was sent to the rural areas having failed to live with others in town because of his character.
“After having problems with family members in Renco Mine compound, I was sent to our rural area in Zaka where I had no access to money. I could only get mbanje and beer only. So from March 2022 up to the end of the year I failed to get the drugs I was used to and that changed me. I got help from my grandmother who gave me milk and other traditional therapies and that family rehabilitation was helpful for me.
“I told myself that I wanted to change so that I live a purposeful life. When I finally came back to town, I stayed in Victoria Ranch,”
He said he went to church in a bid to redeem himself and started selling popcorn, a business he learnt in South Africa but after getting the little money, he tried getting back to drugs but fought off the urge after considering several factors including losing the little he got from selling popcorn.
“I started selling popcorn a business that I had seen some doing in South Africa. After I got money I looked for those who sold drugs and wanted to return to the old fashion. After taking drugs I would lose capital and had no one to help me bounce back to business or even cater for my utilities. That’s when I told myself that I want to stop, remembering my grand mother’s words and effort, I went to church and they prayed for me,” he said.
Mutava encouraged others who are into drugs to stop and urged them to work hard saying drugs were destroying lives.
“Drugs destroy life and future of individuals taking them. I am now into business full time because if people realize that you are doing something fruitful they support you.
So I urge those who are into drugs to find something to do to occupy themselves otherwise they lose lives,” said Matawa.
Mutava is a proud owner of Brave Snacks, Spices and Events a growing initiative which he hopes to grow into a company when funds permit.
With funds permitting he also hopes to further his studies now in line with business.

Brave Snacks

Flat tyres bring Masvingo City trench project to halt

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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