By Staff Reporter

Residents of Jerera, Zaka, are calling for urgent action to address the issue of stray pigs roaming the streets, causing damage and disruption to crops.
There are reports that the pigs have been knocking over market stalls, damaging property, and destroying crops in both the central business district and residential areas.
Ward 19 Councilor Albert Mazvanya confirmed the problem, stating that the pigs belong to one individual who has failed to secure them.
“The pigs are wreaking havoc, eating and destroying gardens. They belong to former Zaka Police Officer Jonah Mtisi. We have engaged him to ensure he removes them from the growth point,” Mazvanya said.
He added that the pigs roam freely, targeting the marketplace where they eat vendors’ goods and overturn bins.
“They also dig holes under fences and perimeter walls to enter yards, where they eat crops and dig up flowers,” Mazvanya explained.
When contacted by TellZim News, Mtisi acknowledged the situation and said he is in the process of collecting the pigs in batches.
He explained that the pigs strayed after he was transferred to Mkwasine, where he struggled to manage them due to his workers’ negligence.
“It’s true, the pigs are mine. I had an accident at work in 2019 and was later transferred. Because of that, I couldn’t manage the project, and my workers would let them out since I wasn’t around,” Mtisi said.
“When they’re not controlled, they breed excessively, which is why there are so many in Jerera.”
Mtisi also revealed that his home was destroyed by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani, forcing him to prioritize securing a new place to live and covering medical expenses after his discharge.
“The little I had went to medical bills and a new home. Now, I’ve finished building a house and am constructing pigsties. I’m collecting the pigs in batches from Jerera.
“So far, I’ve collected 50 and am trying to speed up the process. I’m also building temporary shelters to clear them faster,” he said.
Mtisi appealed to organizations and individuals interested in starting piggery projects to approach him and purchase the pigs, which would help accelerate the removal.
“If there are organizations or individuals who need them, they can come and get a good breed. This would also help me clear them faster,” he said.

By Brighton Chiseva

During the Easter holidays, videos of churchgoers crossing the swollen Mutirikwi River in tree bark canoes stirred vivid memories of my childhood in Muchibwa, Masvingo South.
I often visited my maternal grandparents in Matigimu Village, under Chief Nyakunhuwa, Zaka, navigating the river’s treacherous waters.
As a young child, after being weaned, I stayed with my grandmother in Zaka and the journey involved a two-hour walk followed by a canoe ride across the river, especially during the rainy season.
These trips became frequent as my grandfather worked at Renco Mine, and we visited him often.
In the 1990s, I grew accustomed to these makeshift canoes, my grandmother’s steady hand guiding me as we navigated the waters with ease.
School holidays meant more crossings, though sometimes we arrived to find the navigators retired for the day, forcing us to seek overnight shelter in Mushawasha homes until morning.
Drier years reduced the need for canoes, and many skilled boatmakers passed away. After completing school, I moved to Masvingo town, losing touch with the river’s challenges.
The recent Easter church gathering brought these struggles back into focus—seeing people risk their lives in canoes to attend services underscored how these communities remain stuck in the past.
The Mutirikwi’s flooding has made life perilous for residents on both sides, forcing reliance on hazardous tree bark canoes. The need for a bridge has never been more urgent.
These makeshift boats, crafted from tree bark, are a desperate relic of a bygone era, highlighting the absence of safer alternatives. For residents of Charingeno, Mudzara, Mushaya, Zingwena, and surrounding areas on the Zaka side, and Renco Mine, Muchibwa, Masarasara, and Mushawasha farms on the Masvingo side, crossing the river is a dangerous necessity.
The river disrupts economic activities, social interactions, and access to education. Learners from Mushawasha must cross to attend Chiira Secondary School in Zaka, facing real risks.
The elderly share haunting stories of lives lost, including Bridget Imbayarwo, who drowned during Cyclone Eline when a canoe she was in with others capsized.
Her father, Jepheys Imbayarwo, said, “Though it’s been two decades, the loss remains fresh. A bridge could have saved my daughter. I urge authorities to act to save lives.”
The Mutirikwi River remains a formidable barrier between Zaka and Masvingo districts, its waters swelling with relentless rains in recent years.
These canoes, while better than nothing, pale in comparison to the sturdy bridges found elsewhere in Zimbabwe. Bridget’s death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Persistent flooding, worsened by crocodiles venturing upstream from Bangala Dam, heightens the peril for those crossing on foot or by canoe. These predators make an already treacherous journey even more dangerous.
The river also threatens social cohesion, as closely knit communities rely on intermarriages, funerals, church services, and traditional ceremonies that require crossings. Even casual gatherings, like beer-drinking sprees, put lives at risk.
Village head Joseph Mutubuki of Matigimu Village echoed Imbayarwo’s plea: “The river isolates us for days, hindering access to Renco Mine and Muchibwa Hospital. A bridge is essential. The only alternatives via Masvingo Town or Chiredzi are costly and time-consuming,” said Mutubuki.
The flooding isolates these communities, limiting participation in vital social events.
Elders recount tales of Zanla soldiers who perished in the river during the liberation struggle, their sacrifices etched in collective memory.
Villager Edward Taru shared, “At night, you hear splashes and voices crossing the river, but no one’s there. Many believe these are the ghosts of Zanla soldiers lost in canoes,” said Taru.
The need for a bridge is critical, as Zaka residents cross daily to access Renco Mine, Muchibwa Hospital, and schools. Women from Chivhuru, Banduki, and Chisara sell vegetables at Renco Mine for their livelihoods. For Mushawasha learners, the lack of a local secondary school forces them to travel to Zaka, a journey made hazardous by this season’s heavy rains. In drier years, crossings were manageable, but the river is now a formidable obstacle.
In the past, entrepreneurs like Mukondori introduced plastic boats as a safer option, but these fell into disrepair during drier years. In 2016, MPs Vincent Mawere (Zaka West) and Walter Muzembi (Masvingo South) planned roads and a bridge to address the issue, but their efforts stalled after losing their seats in 2018. The existing low-lying bridge upstream becomes impassable during floods, rendering it useless.
The call for a sturdy bridge grows louder. These communities deserve safe connectivity to foster economic growth, social cohesion, and security, freeing them from the dangers of a river that has claimed too many lives.

By TellZim Reporter

The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Judea held a memorial service during the Easter holidays to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dr Bishop Ofiro Mawewe, who passed away last year.
Speaking after the service, his son and successor, Bishop Rev Emmanuel Mawewe, reflected on his father’s profound contributions to the church and broader community. To commemorate the late bishop, he announced the launch of a book titled From a Woodcutter to a Hero. “This book chronicles my father’s journey, from the hardships of his early days to his rise as a revered church leader, recognized by the Zimbabwean government as a national hero,” Rev Emmanuel said.
He also shared details of an ambitious church project, a 10,000-seat cathedral under construction at the ZCC headquarters in Muchechetere, Zaka District, Masvingo.
“Valued at US$2 million, we aim to complete the cathedral within two years. We invite all stakeholders who share this vision to contribute,” Rev Emmanuel said.
Dr Mawewe assumed leadership of the ZCC in 1979 after his father’s death, a transition that sparked a division within the church. The ensuing conflict led to years of legal battles in magistrate and traditional courts, culminating in a 1994 ruling that resolved the dispute. “Despite interference from the opposing faction, Dr Mawewe remained steadfast in his vision for transformation and community empowerment,” Rev Emmanuel said.
Under Dr Mawewe’s leadership, the church undertook significant development initiatives. He supported the government’s land reform program and established primary and secondary schools in the Manjirenji area, where he was allocated land for a mission center.
His vision included plans for a hospital and a vocational training center, reflecting his commitment to uplifting communities.
The church also expanded internationally under his guidance, establishing branches across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, as well as in Australia, the UK, Poland, and India. Beyond his ecclesiastical work, Dr Mawewe was celebrated for his dedication to social progress and community welfare.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s Herbert Chitepo School of Law will host its inaugural Corporate Law Moot Competition on April 29, 2025.
The competition, exclusively for GZU law students, is sponsored by Harare-based law firm Absolom and Shepherd Attorneys and will run under the theme “Fostering Excellence in Corporate Law Through Mooting.”
Speaking to TellZim News, GZU Moot Coordinator Emerge Masiya said preparations were well advanced, and student interest had exceeded expectations.
“Preparations are progressing smoothly, the venue is booked, and students have responded enthusiastically. We initially had 15 registered teams, but due to time constraints, we revised the rules and selected the top eight based on their memorial submissions.
“Since it’s a one-day event, we used the written memorials to shortlist teams for oral arguments. The competition will be judged by three legal professionals,” Masiya said.
Masiya outlined the competition format and the skills participants are expected to develop.
“The competition began with memorial submissions, from which the eight best teams were selected for the preliminary round. Four teams will advance to the semifinals, and two will compete for the trophy. Judges will evaluate each team’s analysis and advocacy skills.
“Participants will gain advocacy, legal research, and public speaking skills, as well as confidence to appear in court. These moot competitions provide students with opportunities to build such confidence,” Masiya said.
She explained that the corporate law focus aims to expose students to a vital but less familiar legal field.
“Many people are familiar with human rights, environmental, and family law, especially through programs like the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s show highlighting everyday legal issues. However, corporate law is less understood, yet many students aspire to work in the corporate world.
“These competitions offer insight into the challenges legal practitioners face, equipping our students with essential skills for the corporate sector. We also aim to identify GZU’s top corporate law students,” she said.
GZU has a strong track record in moot court competitions, recently winning the inaugural Fiscal Justice and Economic Development Moot Court Competition, hosted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD).

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

The Masvingo Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Women’s Network held a belated International Women’s Day commemoration at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments on April 16.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner Felistas Musvipa said the ZRP Women’s Network aims to foster pride among women officers and acknowledge their role in transforming economies.
“This year’s theme, ‘For all women and girls’ rights, equality, empowerment,’ seeks to promote pride in serving and protecting the community, support women in reaching their full potential, and advocate for fairness and equality.
“As women in policing, we recognize the vital role women play in shaping the organization, societies, and economies. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and dedication to their work,” Musvipa said.
She noted that while they celebrate the achievements of female police officers, gender-based challenges persist.
“An anonymous writer stated, ‘In every policewoman, there is a story of bravery and dedication.’ We celebrate the achievements of our female colleagues who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and encourage others to exhibit extraordinary skills to deliver excellent service.
“We know women in policing face gender-based challenges, but today we reaffirm our commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and empowerment within our ranks by equipping them with skills and support through various training programs,” she added.
Masvingo Regional Traffic Safety Manager Esther Kashangura encouraged women to train in vehicle maintenance and urged the public to drive safely during Easter.
“We encourage women to learn vehicle maintenance to empower themselves. We launched an Easter Campaign with the Minister of Road Transport, Felix Mhona, aiming to reduce accidents by 50 percent. Road safety begins with you, wherever you are. We discourage driving at night due to reduced visibility and advocate for safe driving without alcohol consumption. For those who drive, we encourage defensive driving lessons for only US$45,” Kashangura said.
Network chairperson Chief Superintendent Ntombizodzwa Mutambo explained that the ZRP Women’s Network, launched in April 2009, is dedicated to empowering women.
“We gathered here to celebrate our belated International Women’s Day in a unique way, supporting tourism as the ZRP Masvingo Women’s Network. The network was established following the realization of the need to champion empowerment initiatives within member states, in line with United Nations resolutions of 2000,” Mutambo said.
International Women’s Day is commemorated worldwide on March 8 each year.