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Night of terror, machete wielding robbers leaves Nyajena community in fear

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Night of terror, machete wielding robbers leaves Nyajena community in fear

By Brighton Chiseva

The calmness and peacefulness of Nyajena, Rupike area to be precise was shattered on the nights of Monday, June 9, and Wednesday June 11 when armed robbers went on a rampage, targeting schools, business centers and villages.
It all began around 10 pm at Tugwane High School, where the two armed bandits attacked the school head, Augustine Mashasha (54). They demanded the safe keys, but when they failed to unlock it, they struck him with an axe, leaving him unconscious.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged residents to enhance security measures at their homes to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We urge members of the community to enhance security at home. They should find ways to barricade doors at night to delay armed robbers from getting in while they call for help. If there are multiple locks, it takes more time for robbers to break in while victims call for assistance,” said Dhewa.
He said the police were investigating the cases and appealed for those who may have leads to report to the nearest police post.
After the Tugwane incident, the robbers proceeded to Rupike Village around 11 pm. They broke into Irene Phineas’ home, demanding cash and made off with US$30. Next, they headed to Tarumba Village, where they robbed 18-year-old Talent Madhori of US$20.
The duo continued their spree, arriving at Tongofa Village around the same time. They targeted Modest Muramba’s home, where they argued with Esnath Marumwa, demanding cash. They escaped with US$90.
They allegedly went on to break into Theresa Betserai’s home, slapping her after she tried to pursue them and making off with a handbag.
Their next targets were Shylet Kasimi, from whom they stole a Samsung cellphone, and Agrippa Kucherera, whom they robbed of a Tecno cellphone and US$150 cash around 2 am.
Emboldened by their successes, they then proceeded to Maweza Secondary School around 3am where they targeted two teachers. From Josephine Mubaiwa, they took US$30 cash and US$30 worth of Econet airtime scratch cards.
They attacked 38-year-old Zivekwa Fidelis. They took his vehicle and, when he tried to resist, one of the robbers struck him with an axe. After taking his car keys, they drove away in his vehicle.
While the community was still reeling from the shock of the brazen attack, the suspected same machete gang pounced on Zengeya and Guwa shopping centers, just a few kilometers away. At Guwa, they attacked and injured two kombi operators who were sleeping in a shop.
Locals managed to engage the gang in a fight, forcing them to escape and leave behind some of their tools.
However, residents lamented the lack of mobile network coverage, which they said could help alert others in case of an attack. They also expressed concern about the distance to the nearest police camp, located at Renco Mine, and called for the establishment of police bases in areas like Guwa, Rupike, and Zengeya among other areas to enhance security.

Mzembi’s return sparks speculation: Did Mugabe’s Blue-Eyed Boy ditch ‘Passenger No.34’ or engages ED on Kasukuwere’s behalf?

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Mzembi’s return sparks speculation: Did Mugabe’s Blue-Eyed Boy ditch ‘Passenger No.34’ or engages ED on Kasukuwere’s behalf?

…Did ED take heed of Makandiwa’s call to forgive Mzembi and Kasukuwere?

By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi who recently returned to the country after six years in self- imposed exile, sparked speculation about potential political realignments within the ruling Zanu PF party.
Mzembi allegedly met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Wednesday June 11.
Some believe the meeting was to discuss critical issues, possibly engaging on behalf of Saviour Kasukuwere. Others think Mzembi might have abandoned ‘Passenger No. 34’ (Kasukuwere) and returned to the ruling party, signaling a potential reconciliation with ZANU PF.
The plot thickens as some wonder if President Mnangagwa’s willingness to meet Mzembi was a nod to Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s recent comments downplaying Mzembi’s perceived threat, suggesting that he may have taken the prophet’s advice to view Mzembi as harmless.
When contacted for comment on the reason why he was back and what they discussed with the President, Mzembi chose a diplomatic way of not responding telling this reporter that he would call back which he never did.
Further efforts to call the former Masvingo South legislator were futile as he did not answer calls nor respond to messages sent on his South African WhatsApp number.
Mzembi’s exile began in 2018, following a military coup that ousted Mugabe and brought Mnangagwa to power. As a key figure in Mugabe’s G40 faction, Mzembi faced corruption charges and claims of political persecution, which he denied.
A 2019 arrest warrant for alleged corruption charges related to misappropriating $2 million worth of televisions remains outstanding, raising questions about its validity. Despite this, Mzembi’s return suggests a possible shift in Zanu PF politics, potentially paving way for other exiled politicians to return.
Many believe he could have come back from South Africa where he was holed together with Savior Kasukuwere to negotiate for the team’s return in the country
Political analyst Dr. Wellington Gadzikwa believes that Mzembi’s return was a strategic move to stay home with assurances that he would support the establishment.
“Mzembi’s return may signal a shift in allegiance, with assurances of support for the establishment. Mzembi and others, like Professor Jonathan Moyo, have realized that change won’t come soon. “They’ve reassessed their opposition stance, opting to support the government instead. They thought there could be change soon, but have realized it won’t happen,” said Dr Gadzikwa.
Another political commentator Dr. Last Alfandika said Mzembi’s return may indicate political reconciliation or strategic realignment within Zanu PF.
“It shows us what we already know – the everlasting political bargaining where political interests and survival often override legal processes. His return raises questions about justice and public trust, particularly given he had an outstanding warrant of arrest,” said Dr Alfandika.
Dr. Arthur Fidelis Chikerema on his part said Mzembi and cabal had now finished all the riches they had acquired when they were in Zanu PF so they wanted to come back and replenish the supplies by rejoining the ruling party.
“They say it’s cold outside Zanu PF, and these guys, Mzembi and cabal, could have felt the cold and decided to come back. Remember they were surviving on savings they made during their time in Zanu PF and now they many now have nothing so getting back to Zanu PF was the only way to ensure they continue living the luxury life they are used to,” said Dr Chikerema.
He went on to say in politics there were no permanent enemies or friends but permanent interests. Mnangagwa could also have realized a decline in support for the party and decided to bring back the G40 rebels in the fold.
“In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests, Mnangagwa may have realized Mzembi and his team can help push the 2030 agenda, which they had previously opposed. With declining popularity, Zanu PF may be seeking to consolidate power by reuniting with rebel cadres,” said Dr Chikerema.
Rashweat Mukundu, a political commentator said once Zanu PF, always Zanu PF and so there was nothing amiss about Mzembi’s return not only to join the party but to enjoy the benefits that comes with being a member.
“ZANU PF members will always be Zanu PF members. The party comes with its trappings and opportunities to be close to the feeding trough and many senior members are entirely dependent on the party for survival and got what they have because of Zanu PF. So Mzembi’s coming back is exactly a survival move. He is not only negotiating for his return to the party but also how he can be brought back to the feeding trough,” said Mukundu.
As Mzembi navigates his return to Zimbabwean politics, the implications of his meeting with Mnangagwa and the future of his political career remain uncertain

ZiG struggles to gain ground in Masvingo, as cash shortages bite

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ZiG struggles to gain ground in Masvingo, as cash shortages bite

By Beverly Bizeki /Virginia Njovo

At a busy kombi rank in Masvingo, operators turn away passengers who offer Zimbabwe’s local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Instead, they demand either R5 coins or US dollars. Their reasons are simple, the notes are scarce, and they are not aware of the exchange rates and most importantly, they say ZiG cannot buy fuel which is the lifeblood of their business.
While the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) insists that the ZiG is now backed by over US$700 million in reserves which means there is growing sustainability of the currency, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly endorsed its adoption as a sole currency, a very different reality is playing out on Masvingo’s streets. The local currency is scarce, and confidence in its practicality remains low.
A survey conducted by TellZim News reveals that while vendors and ordinary residents are open to using ZiG, they simply cannot access it. Vendors in Masvingo’s Central Business District (CBD) said customers were rarely paying in ZiG, unlike in Harare where it is part of daily transactions.
“We have never rejected ZiG at our markets. The problem is that it is not circulating here in Masvingo. Customers are not bringing it, yet we need it to restock in supermarkets where it is accepted with at least better rates. The few notes we often get come from people traveling from Harare,” said one vendor in the CBD only identified as Mai Tinashe.
Other vendors said even when they try to circulate the currency, many consumers were hesitant in accepting it.
“When you give customers change in ZiG, some refuse, saying they do not know where else they can use it. It is risky for us to accept something that you may not be able to give the next person,” said another vendor.
For commuters like Mai Junior, early signs of rejection from kombi operators discouraged broader acceptance.
“At first, we tried to accept ZiG as change from vendors, but when we wanted to use it for kombis, it was rejected. That is when we gave up on it. We last used it in months,” she said.
Transport operators argue that without access to fuel purchases in ZiG, the currency remains impractical for their operations.
“As kombi drivers, we cannot accept payments in ZiG. It’s not that we do not want to, but service stations do not accept it for fuel purchases. Once fuel suppliers start taking ZiG, we’ll have no problem using it,” said Rasta, a local kombi operator.
The reluctance in Masvingo highlights the broader challenge facing Zimbabwe’s monetary authorities: restoring public confidence in a country where currency failures remain fresh in collective memory.
Stakeholders have argued that pricing fuel in the local currency was likely to cause shortages thereby downplaying the local currency.
Even as international institutions like the IMF express confidence, day-to-day survival decisions in cities like Masvingo may ultimately determine whether the ZiG sinks or survives.

Masvingo city councilors sound alarm over Mucheke Rank stalemate

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Masvingo city councilors sound alarm over Mucheke Rank stalemate

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo city councilors have expressed frustration over the local authority’s failure to renovate and utilize Mucheke rank, despite numerous resolutions calling for its upgrade and relocation of all vehicles to the facility.
This came out during a full council meeting held at the Town House on May 27, where ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga criticized the council’s failure to revive the terminus saying Masvingo City was supposed to draw inspiration from other local authorities.
“We should go and learn from Murambinda Growth Point. I was there recently, and their bus rank is well-structured. Meanwhile, here in Masvingo, we are failing to manage our small city. Buses are picking passengers all over town, and we are just sitting in here passing resolutions with no real action,” said Manyanga.
Councillor Esnath Zishiri, weighed in and called for immediate internal efforts to refurbish the facility rather than waiting for external contractors.
“I doubt the toilets there are even functional. Why don’t we assign our own workforce to refurbish the toilets, painting, re-marking lines, and general repairs? Forcing bus operators to return to the old terminus in its current state might only be a temporary fix. We need to fully restore it,” said Zishiri.
Ward 1 councilor Sabina Chikwangwani, whose jurisdiction the rank falls under, said water was already available at the site and added that only minimal repairs were needed.
“The toilets at Mucheke Rank are functional but need minor touch-ups. If that’s the main issue, then restoring the terminus shouldn’t be a major challenge,” she said.
Despite repeated commitments, Masvingo City Council is yet to deliver on its promise to renovate Mucheke Rank.
Long-distance bus operators do not use the rank and opt to use undesignated pickup points in the Central Business District (CBD) especially Old Croco Motors, a move that continues to disrupt order in the city and deprive the local authority revenue.
In 2022, the Mucheke Bus Terminus was listed under the city’s investment promotion plans during budget consultations. It was identified as a potential revenue stream for the local authority. However, the site has remained idle for years, with no significant refurbishment work taking place.
That same year, council resolved to relocate buses from the CBD to Mucheke under a proposed build-operate-transfer (BOT) partnership, modeled on a concept reportedly borrowed from Gweru City Council. Yet the plan has yielded no tangible results.
Several council resolutions aimed at removing public transport operators from the CBD have also failed. The informal pick-up points lack essential infrastructure, including ablution facilities and running water.
This has led to public health concerns as travelers resort to using alleys and sanitary lanes. The current situation also deprives the city of much-needed revenue that could be collected through organized rank fees.
In a full council meeting held in, councilors had resolved that the Old Croco Motors rank be transformed into a pickup point and would install a boom gate to generate revenue for old Mucheke Bus Terminus renovations.
The matter has been debated in almost every full council meeting but no solution or resolution has been implemented.
Mucheke Bus Terminus was abandoned over a decade ago, with long distance buses going to Harare or Bulawayo using the Old Croco Motors as rank. Those going to the east use Metro Peach Downtown rank and the issue has remain unsolved for years.
Zaka Rural District Council recently managed to remove all illegal ranks and moved all vehicles to the main terminus.

Tractor accidents claim six lives in Masvingo in one month

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Tractor accidents claim six lives in Masvingo in one month

…18 die within 60km stretch along Masvingo –Mutare in a year

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

At least six people have died in tractor-related accidents in Masvingo province in just one month, raising concern from authorities over road safety and the misuse of agricultural vehicles.
Masvingo Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) Provincial Head Henry Kahiya revealed the statistics during a traffic safety awareness campaign hosted by Traffic Safety council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ).
The campaign was held at Zishumbe Shopping Centre along Masvingo-Mutare road where he said the recent surge in accidents involving tractors was alarming and highlighted the urgent need for targeted education and regulation.
“There is a worrying trend of accidents in Masvingo Province which involves tractors. Within a month, we have lost six lives due to agricultural tractor related incidents. That’s a big concern. Recently some government officials lost their lives in separate accidents involving tractors at Mutimurefu Prisons and again in Mashava,” said Kahiya.
Kahiya emphasized that the VID, which certifies all vehicles for road use, was working on strategies to educate farmers and miners who operate tractors, many of whom may not be fully aware of road safety protocols.
He highlighted the five pillars of traffic safety, enforcement, evaluation, education, engineering, and emergency response, as crucial to reducing fatalities and improving coordination across departments.
Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, Commissioner Fredrik Mbengwa said 18 lives had been lost within the 60km peg of the same road in one year which was devastating and urged the public to report drivers who speed or drive when drunk.
“Between June 2024 and May 2025, 18 lives were lost and 8 individuals were injured in 13 accidents along a 60km stretch of this road (from the zero to the 60 km peg).
“Even when we use roadblocks as methods of reducing speed but we observe drivers resuming excessive speeds once they pass them. Our gathering today is driven by the tragic loss of life on the Masvingo-Mutare road.
“We strongly encourage drivers to dedicate their full attention to driving when they are on the road. We also urge the public to report any instances of speeding or suspected drunk driving to the police,” said Mbengwa.
Mbengwa encouraged pedestrians to be cautious when crossing roads and attributed most accidents to human error.
“Pedestrians must exercise extreme caution when crossing roads, even at designated pedestrian crossings, as vehicles can unexpectedly develop mechanical faults.
“Vehicles nowadays have a speed limit that exceeds what we had long back but let’s avoid speeding. Most of the accidents are being caused by human error because of speed, receiving calls or changing music while driving,” he said.
Masvingo Traffic Officer Blessing Sai urged drivers to reduce speed paying attention to the condition of the roads saying most of the roads sides had no fencing and that increased the number of stray animals causing accidents on the roads.
“We encourage drivers to adjust speed with the condition of the roads, weather, light and traffic. Failure to make these crucial adjustments significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident.
“A significant and challenging factor is that our roads are unfortunately no longer fenced in many areas, as community members have removed the fencing. This substantially increases the risk of accidents involving animals,” said Sai.

Victoria Primary robotics team to represent Zim at global stage

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Victoria Primary robotics team to represent Zim at global stage

By Beverly Bizeki

Victoria Primary School in Masvingo’s junior robotics team earned a ticket to the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) international stage in Singapore in November this year after securing fourth position at the just ended WRO nationals held in Bulawayo.
Victoria Primary School Sports Director Charles Chengeta expressed joy in the team’s achievement considering that it was the school’s first time to participate in the robotics Olympiad with the learners competing against secondary school pupils.
“We are in cloud nine, Victoria Primary is known for many things but the fact that our pupils are flying outside the country to represent the school and their country is amazing. This is our first time participating in robotics competitions and we are already making waves. Everyone is happy about this achievement, the school staff, parents and the children as well,” said Chengeta.
Chengeta said the school started the programme this year to keep up with global trends and expose their children to global stages and the children were already gaining new skills through participation in the competitions.
“Times are changing and we want our children to keep up with the changing times and expose them to technology.
“The learners have already gained new skills with the likes of problem solving, ability to work under pressure and self-start,” said Chengeta.
He thanked the school authorities for rallying behind the success of the learners to the nationals and said stakeholders interested in supporting the initiative can do so through the relevant school channels.
One of the team members, 12-year-old Ayanda Mukakati said their parking assistant system project was driven by the prevalence of accidents caused by a lack of warning systems for drivers when parking
“We discovered that in our community many accidents are happening due to insufficient warning systems so we came up with a solution of making a smart parking assistant system. When we were in Bulawayo we were the only primary competing against high schools so I was not really expecting to win the competition but we managed to come fourth hence I am excited as we will be flying to Singapore too,” said Mukakati.
Another team member Darrell Kasinamunhu said he was not expecting to win the competition and was happy to get a chance to showcase his intelligence on an international stage.
“After winning the nationals I felt happy and surprised because I was not expecting it, I am happy about flying to Singapore to represent my school and showing my intelligence,” said Kasinamunhu.

Masvingo residents demand for increased police patrols, streetlights

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Masvingo residents demand for increased police patrols, streetlights

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City residents called on the police to increase night patrols and the local authority to install streetlights from Chevron Hotel to the roundabout and the road that passes through Ndarama High to Pangolin Shopping Centre to ensure their safety and security.
The call was made following two cases, one of murder and another of robbery, near Ndarama High School.
Speaking with TellZim News Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba said the mentioned areas had increased cases of robberies hence the need for streetlight and police patrols at night.
“We urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to enhance night-time patrols throughout the city to protect residents from potential threats. Increased visibility will deter criminals and help reduce crime rates in Masvingo.
“We call on the city council to collaborate with the ZRP by installing streetlights along the route from Chevron Hotel, via the roundabout to Pangolin Shopping Centre, and extending to Exor. These areas have seen a rise in robberies, and without action, we risk losing more residents’ lives,” said Mutimba.
Residents also urged council to take action on the issue of stray dogs in the city. Following a recent incident in Harare where a pit bull attacked and killed a man, Masvingo residents called for council to shoot stray dogs and enforce regulations on dog ownership.
“We are concerned about our residents safety as the issue of stray dogs is yet to be addressed in the city. The major concern on this issue is that there are some types of dogs which are not human friendly and sometimes they are found on the streets risking residents’ lives,” said Mutimba.
Councillors also raised the issue of installing street lights at different areas around the city at a recent full council meeting saying that could help save lives.

Man left for dead for refusing to buy beer

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Man left for dead for refusing to buy beer

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

What started as a simple friendly request for a beer ended in a brutal attack leaving the victim battling for life and the accused behind bars for attempted murder charges.
The accused from Kelvin Zambuko (31) Village 4 Chikwirira in Chiredzi, is up for attempted murder after he attacked a fellow villager, Brighton Mupfumba (40) with a stone in his head for refusing to buy alcohol for him at Chikwirira Township on May 29.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to solve disputes without the use of violence.
“I confirm an incident of attempted murder where a man was attacked with a stone by the accused after he refused to buy beer for him at Chikwirira Township.
“Brighton was admitted on a serious condition and Zambuko was arrested and is assisting police with investigations. I urge members of the public to resolve disputes without the use of violence,” said Insp Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on May 29 at around 1500 hours Brighton went to Chikwirira Township to drink beer with his friends and he did not return home on that day. His father Moses Mupfumba (73) looked for him but failed to locate Brighton.
The following day, Moses found his son Brighton lying unconscious on the ground near the township. Moses then took Brighton to Chikwirira clinic for medical attention.
Brighton gained consciousness and told his father that Zambuko was the one who had attacked him with a stone on his head and had beaten him all over the body after he refused to buy beer for him.
Later on Brighton was referred to Chiredzi General Hospital where he was admitted on a serious condition.

When hunters become prey

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When hunters become prey

…TMPC, Chiefs, Police launch manhunt for Zaka, Nyajena Tsikamutandas

By Beatific Gumbwanda

The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched a joint crackdown on notorious witch hunters known as Tsikamutandas in Masvingo’s Zaka and Nyajena districts.
TMPCZ is mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe under the Ministry of Health and Child Care in terms of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] to register, licence, regulate, control, supervise and promote the practice of all traditional medical activities in Zimbabwe.
The Tsikamutandas have been accused of swindling villagers out of their possessions and tearing families apart by accusing people of witchcraft and demanding payments in the form of livestock to ‘cleanse evil spirits’.
The TMPC has taken decisive action, writing to the ZRP in Zaka and Nyajena districts, requesting assistance in arresting and bringing to book persons operating as Tsikamutandas.
In a letter by TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda, dated May 28 and directed to Oficer In Charge Zaka and Masvingo policing districts, and the District Dveleopment Cordinators of the two jurisdictions, the council noted with concern the increased illegal activities of fraudulent traditional medical practitioners and persons operating as Tsikamutandas in the said areas.
“The council notes with concern the increased illegal activities of fraudulent traditional medical practitioners and persons operating as Tsikamutandas swindling villagers of their possessions in cahoots with some traditional leaders and village heads.
“We are seeking your assistance for the arrest and bringing to book, persons operating as Tsikamutandas throughout Masvingo Province including the culprits involved in Zaka and Nyajena Districts. The activities of persons operating as Tsikamutandas are illegal according to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) and TMPC does not support such activities,” reads part of the letter.
The police sources confirmed their involvement in the crackdown, calling on members of the public to notify them of the whereabouts of Tsikamutandas in Zaka to dismantle the alleged networks of corruption that have enabled their activities.
Chief Bota Born Tafirenyika Bwazvo also said he had joined the crackdown, saying he was notified of Tsikamutandas operating in Dzoro, Mushaya, and Dekeza and refuted allegations that he was involved in their operations.
“I went to Dzoro area but I couldn’t find them. I also went to Mushaya and heard they were also operating in Dekeza area. I heard that the headmen were getting US$100 per day to allow them to operate.
“I am not involved in any way, I even summoned the headmen involved to my court but they did not come,” said Bota.
However, sources close to the matter casted doubt on the chief’s denial of involvement, suggesting that the chain of corruption may rose to and his counterpart, headman Muchibwa in Nyajena.
Sources alleged that Tsikamutandas bribe police officers to ensure smooth clearance of cattle taken from unsuspecting villagers, allowing them to continue their illicit activities with relative impunity.
The Tsikamuandas are alleged to be booze lovers and are often seen with traditional leaders in both areas drinking at the shops oftenly raising questions from the public.
In Bota, the Tsikamutanda is haboured in Mutukirwi Village with the blessing of the village head who is also a ceremonial headman.
After hearing that he is being sought, he is said to have retreated further dow near Bangala dam and is operating from there deserted homes.
In Muchibwa he stays in Chiponda Village at one police constabulary’s home who also happens to be the village head’s aide.
The effectiveness of the crackdown remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step towards restoring sanity in the affected communities, where Tsikamutandas have been causing havoc and destroying lives.

New private health care facility for Gutu

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New private health care facility for Gutu

By Staff Reporter

Gutu Residents will soon have access to a private and modern health facility in Mupandawana, marking a significant milestone in the area’s healthcare development and providing an alternative to public healthcare options.
The new facility, Utano Medical Centre, will open doors on Monday June 9 and on the day, the medical centre will offer free consultation, BP and Blood Sugar checks as well as medical examinations.
The medical center is run by Dr. Mutero Mupereki, a health practitioner and Gutu District Medical Officer (DMO), and is expected to provide quality healthcare services to the community.
Speaking to TellZim News, Dr Mupereki said the center will offer a comprehensive range of essential services, including doctor consultations, reproductive health services, HIV testing and treatment, TB screening, medical laboratory services, X-rays, scans, pharmacy services, and dental care.
“We will be offering reproductive health, family planning, HIV testing and treatment services. TB screening is going to be offered and at the same time we are also going to provide medical laboratory services since we do not have any private medical laboratory in the district.
“The only one we have is at Gutu Mission Hospital which is often overwhelmed forcing people to travel to Masvingo and Chivhu at times carrying own samples putting pressure on the community,” said Dr Mupereki.
He said the services will be provided by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Dr Mutero said the facility was a one stop medical centre where a variety of services will be offered to relieve pressure on patients who often had to get consultation somewhere then go elsewhere to get medication.
He said the centre had dental services as well as a pharmacy and will launch an ambulance service in the near future.
“We will be offering pharmacy services, yes there are two private pharmacy services, however these pharmacies are not part of any health facility or institution so our clients are taking prescriptions from private surgeries and then they have to move again to get to private pharmacies so our medical center is going to be one stop shop where the client does not have to do a lot of movement as they will get their services there.
“We are also going to have a dental unit. This is a major break through our community , has been crying for this service in Gutu since there are no dental services both in the public and private sector,” said Dr Mupereki.
He said the center was established to complement government’s efforts in providing quality healthcare saying the public healthcare system in Gutu was overstretched. This was leading to frequent downtime of critical equipment and limited availability of essential services and the new center will help bridge the gap.
Dr Mupereki said the center’s location in an industrial area was strategic, providing a peaceful and quiet environment conducive to healing and was open for people from all walks of life including the elite who desire quality services.
He said the centre will also create employment opportunities for healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, lab personnel, pharmacists, and radiographers. This initiative will contribute to the development of the local economy and support the government’s vision of creating a middle to upper-middle-class economy by 2030.

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