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MAPA launches fast ball pool series

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MAPA launches fast ball pool series

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo Pool Association (MAPA) launched fast ball pool tournament series on February 18, 2025 at Landmark Bar, bringing together all pool players around Masvingo to witness the new initiative.
The fast ball series will run for the next three months, every week with the turnout expectation being 50 individuals per tournament.
The tournament launch had 42 participants who paid US$3 each for registration and competed in the race-to-five completion where the winner would be the first to win five games.
Fast ball is the fastest game in pool where two opponents take turns to clear a rack of seven balls, which were initially organized in a hexagonal tray before the break was initiated. The ball tray comprised of six balls of two groups of balls (three solids and three stripes) and one black ball.
The first four winners walked away with groceries and the individuals who were in the last round of eight of the tournament received airtime as their prizes.
Speaking to TellZim News, the man currently running Landmark Bar and MAPA Vice Chairperson Kudakwashe Mudekunye s said they created the fastball initiative to promote the sport of pool in Masvingo.
“The fast ball pool series initiative was created by MAPA which is chaired by Knowledge Nzombe to promote the sport of pool and try in a way to be modern in terms of how pool is being played in other countries and also trying to modernize the way people play the sport.
“We want to diversify the sport just like in athletics where there are 100metre races and 400metre races because some are good at fast ball where they are few balls and some are good in the standard pool,” said Mudekunye.
Mudekunye said the fastball was different from the standard pool in terms of incentives as most of the tournaments gave monetary prizes but the new initiative had groceries as prizes.
“Most of the pool tournaments hosted in Masvingo are based on monetary incentives but the new one is more based on basic need incentive such as groceries from toiletries, rice, flour, soap, cooking oil, sugar and washing powder.
“We had a smaller registration fee giving room for many youths to take part but also getting a chance to win groceries as their prizes and some cash,” said Mudekunye.
Speaking to TellZim News, the man who spearheaded the sponsorship, Gain Supermarket Manager, Elijah Chakanyuka said as Gain they sponsored the tournament because they wanted to give back to the community and pool was one of the fastest growing sport
“As Gain we are giving back to the community for their support and continue building lasting relationships and this is the beginning of a long journey with MAPA.
“Pool is one of the fastest growing sport and its attracting a number of participants’ especially unemployed youths and those in informal businesses. The sport is also friendly and attended by a number of people from different professions. We have used pool as a way of marketing our Gain brand,” said Chakanyuka.
Edward Charumbira the first winner won US$25 cash prize a box of pizza and some groceries, the second winner from the tournament was Behaviour Makuvaza who walked away with US$20 cash prize, a box of pizza and some groceries.
The third runner up was Wayne Mudhefi and the fourth runner up was Given Judge Mutamba and they received cash prizes of US$15 and US$10 and groceries as their prizes respectively.
Speaking to the first winner Edward Charumbira, nicknamed Master said he was happy with winning the tournament and he was excited with the groceries because if he won money he could not have bought groceries.
“I was happy with winning the tournament even though it’s not the first time but it’s the first time going home with a prize of groceries worth a big amount which I never thought of.
“If I had won money I was not going to buy such groceries for my family but this type of prize is worth to celebrate. All in all I’m in full support of the basic grocery incentive over money and my family is also grateful with the initiative as they are also benefiting from the sport,” said Charumbira.

Magaya to fulfil Mucheke Stadium pledge

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Magaya to fulfil Mucheke Stadium pledge

…promises another one in Masvingo

By Virginia Njovo

Heart Group of Companies Director Walter Magaya promised to fulfil his pledge of renovating Mucheke Stadium and to construct another one in Masvingo city, saying work will start on May 1 this year.
He made the revelation during a stakeholder meeting held at Masvingo City Council Chambers on February 18 and said he was working on the paperwork required to start the work.
“I am sure by May 1 2025 we will start construction of new stadium here in Masvingo as well as renovating Mucheke stadium with a target of making it have a carrying capacity of 2000 people.
“I am sure by that time all feasibility work as well as engaging responsible stakeholders and all paperwork should be done,” said Magaya.
He added that he was going to do the work at the same time considering the fact that while Mucheke Stadium was condemned beyond international standards, he was going to renovate it for Premier Soccer League standards (PSL) and construct a new one that would meet international standards.
“Since Mucheke Stadium is sub-standard, we cannot bring out an international stadium from it, however, we are grateful that the City of Masvingo pledged to provide land for the construction of a new stadium whilst renovating the old Mucheke one since there is an attachment between Mucheke community and the stadium,” said Magaya.
He went on to appeal to the media to work hand in hand with his company as he does the projects saying it was the only voice that can be heard by the society.
“I am calling for the fourth estate to do collaborative efforts with Heart Group of Companies in publicising the philanthropic work we are doing, we know people listens to the media more and this will help us to the project sustainability as community will buy in the concept,” said Magaya.
In November last year during a tour of Mucheke Stadium, Magaya said if given the opportunity he would want 90 days to revamp the stadium.
Magaya’s commitment to sports infrastructure development has been evident in his previous projects in Mutare, Kwekwe, Kadoma and the Heart Stadium in Harare.
The renovation project is expected to transform the stadium into the state of the art facility enhancing the sporting experience for athletes and other sporting activities.
In its 2025 budget, Masvingo City council allocated Mucheke Stadium Renovation (Phase 1) a total of US$ 80,000.

Triangle man arrested for smuggling dagga

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Triangle man arrested for smuggling dagga

By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo police nabbed a Western Triangle man on February 17, 2025 along Masvingo-Beitbridge road after he was caught in possession of 10, 5 kilograms of dagga.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest of Kelvin Chiyangwa (28) and urged members of the public to desist from supplying, using or dealing with drugs.
“I confirm the arrest of Kelvin Chiyangwa who was arrested for possessing 10, 5 kilograms of dagga. We call upon members of the public to desist from supplying, using or dealing with drugs.
“Members of the public are applauded for supplying information which has led to the arrest of drug peddlers and are called upon to continuously supply such information,” said Dhewa.
On February 17, 2025 at around 1500 hours police officers were carrying out a motorised patrol along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road. They intercepted a Toyota Regius that being driven by Peter Pugeni (34) with 12 passengers on board.
A search was conducted and a brown suitcase wrapped in plastic papers belonging to Chiyangwa which had dagga inside. Chiyangwa was then arrested on the spot.

Prophet Magaya to renovate Mucheke Stadium in exchange for commercial land

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Prophet Magaya to renovate Mucheke Stadium in exchange for commercial land

By Virginia Njovo

The Prophetic Healing and Deliverance leader, Prophet Walter Magaya seemed not deterred by the disqualification and subsequent embarrassment he suffered as it emerged that he did not have five Ordinary Level (O’ Levels) that were required by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for one to contest for the presidency, which was ultimately won by Nqobile Magwizi on January 25 this year.
Magaya has continued pursuing renovating and constructing a number of stadiums across the country, with Mucheke Stadium mostly likely to be his next stop after Chahwanda in Kwekwe. He is targeting at least 10 stadiums.
The big question, however, is ‘what is Prophet Magaya getting out of all these deals?’ The man of God makes it appear like he is doing this for charity but the truth is he is getting commercial land in return.
Magaya was recently in Masvingo before he led a delegation of Masvingo city fathers and management to Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe where he showed them the on-going construction, which he said would replicate at Mucheke Stadium if they reached an agreement.
Masvingo Deputy Mayor, Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe confirmed to TellZim News that they are likely to give Magaya a piece of commercial land if they agreed on the deal.
Mberikunashe said Magaya had since communicated his intention to get land in exchange for the renovation of Mucheke Stadium.
“He said he want land but we are yet to decide because we want to first assess his capacity and this is one of the reason we went to his Chahwanda Stadium he is constructing in Kwekwe. We will only enter into an agreement with him once we are satisfied that he has capacity,” Mberikunashe told TellZim News.
Speaking to TellZim News during the tour of Chahwanda Stadium by Masvingo councillors and management, Magaya said he will commence work by May 01, 2025 latest once they finalize the agreement.
“Yes I was disqualified by ZIFA, but that will not stop me from building stadiums. I want to construct 10 stadiums across the country. I am ready to start construction work at Mucheke stadium as early as the 1st of May if we reach an agreement with the council,” said Magaya.
“It is my wish to see Zimbabwe hosting Africa Cup of Nations by 2032 or even the World Cup, hence, the need to build world class stadiums across the country,” he added.
Magaya said Chahwanda stadium, which commenced construction in December 2024, will be complete and ready for use by end of March this year.
Magaya is also engaging Kadoma City Council so that he can have a similar arrangement as the one he is striking with Masvingo City Council.
Kadoma Mayor, Councillor Nijel Ruzariro who was also part of the touring delegation said they can’t wait to partner with Magaya to construct a modern stadium.
“As Kadoma City we are ready to support Prophet Magaya. Rimuka Stadium will benefit the people of Kadoma in many ways; firstly it will be a major uplift for the City and it will be the first of its kind in Mashonaland West,” said Ruzariro.

From left Prophet Walter Magaya,Kadoma City Council Mayor Nijel Ruzariro at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe

4 die as Masowe sect members hide from rains under bridge

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4 die as Masowe sect members hide from rains under bridge

By Tatenda Sibanda

Four young children were swept away by raging waters while they were sleeping, as members of the Masowe sect in Gokwe sought shelter under a bridge as torrential rains pounded the area, defying logic and reason.
The incident happened in Gokwe at Tare Bridge around 3:30 am on February 15 and all the deceased persons were four years of age and below.
Midlands Province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that the three bodies of the infants were retrieved along the riverbank, while the fourth body belonging to a nine-months-old baby was found in another stream where it had been swept away.
“The victims have been identified as Beauty Mavhiringani (nine months); a boy, Devine Muvhiringani (4) all from Kamba Village, Pamela Natare, a one-year-nine-month-old girl from Tsive Village and Effort Shava, a three-year-old boy from Mudzimiri Village,” said Mahoko.
The incident occurred around 3:30am when a congregation of about 20 people from the Masowe Apostolic Church sect were praying near Tare Bridge along the Gokwe-Siabuwa road.
When it started raining, the congregants sought shelter under the bridge.
They then fell asleep while the rains were pouring upstream. A wave of floods came and swept them away.
They woke up in the floods and all their belongings including the minor children were swept away and three were found downstream while the fourth one was found in another river.
In a separate incident that happened on the same day, Inspector Mahoko confirmed the drowning of two minors who died while picking Nyii (bird plum) wild fruits at an abandoned home in a disused fishpond.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of sudden death by drowning where two children drowned in a disused pond in Mberengwa. We urged members of the public to educate their children on the dangers of playing near water bodies especially during the rainy season,” he said.
Circumstances are that the two minors, a nine-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy were picking Nyii when some of the fruits fell into the water and in their attempt to retrieve them, they dived into the pond and failed to make it out alive.

Brothers kill fellow villager over cattle

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Brothers kill fellow villager over cattle

By Richard Mukwenya

Two brothers from Nyamande village under Chief Geza in Mwenezi fatally assaulted a fellow villager on February 11, 2025 following an altercation over a cow that had been injured by the earlier.
Goodman and Checkmore Makanani, who are brothers, attacked Oliver Nyamande (32) with stones while he tried to flee from the scene after they had a fight regarding a previous cattle dispute.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and urged members of the public to resolve disputes in peaceful ways.
“I confirm an incident where Oliver Nyamande (32) died in an altercation following a dispute involving after a fight of cattle compensation dispute.
“I urge members of the public to solve disputes peacefully and desist from the use of violence. Dialogue is the only way forward after a misunderstanding,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on February 11 at around 1800 hours Oliver was drinking beer at Machakanye Business Centre in Mwenezi when he heard that his 17-year-old male cousinr was being assaulted by Goodman Makanani (21).
Oliver was told that Goodman was claiming that his elder brother Checkmore Makanani (26) had compensated the Nyamande family with a cow after they had physically injured one of their cattle’s leg, which he did not agree with. Goodman is said to have kept beating the 17-year-old juvenile demanding that he was supposed to return their cow.
Christopher Chauke (34) and Goodboy Nyamande (30) then accompanied Oliver to the scene holding a machete and upon arrival the three started slapping Goodman on his head.
Checkmore, who was at the scene started throwing stones at the 17-year-old, which made Goodboy and Oliver flee, with Checkmore and Goodman in hot pursuit, throwing stones.
Oliver was then hit by a stone and he fell down, dropping his machete as he had already started bleeding from the head shoulders.
Checkmore and Goodman caught up him, picked up his machete and allegedly hit him on the right leg and continued to stone him, aiming for his head and cheeks before fleeing.
The 17-years-old and Goodboy Nyamande came back and carried Oliver home, who then died on the way.
The matter was reported to the police and Checkmore was arrested but Goodman fled and was yet to be apprehended.
The deceased’s body was taken to Neshuro District Hospital for post mortem.

MSD warns thunderstorm, heavy rains expected across Zimbabwe

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MSD warns thunderstorm, heavy rains expected across Zimbabwe

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

The Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has issued a warning on February 17 for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall across various regions of Zimbabwe.
The rains and thunderstorm are expected from noon of February 19 till early hours of February 20.
In a statement released by MSD, a thick cloud is slowly approaching the western borders of the country from Botswana and is expected to be coupled by moisture from the north-west and from the south-east.
This is anticipated to cause heavy rainfall (exceeding 70 mm) as well as strong winds in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands and southern parts of Matabeleland North.
MSD issued the statement in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection, urging civilians to keep safe during storms.
“Avoid the use of machinery or open vehicles like tractors and the use of taps and showers. Do not go into flooded areas and follow regular updates on official MSD platforms,” the statement reads.
They encouraged civilians from the affected provinces to exercise caution as the thunderstorms are expected to be violent, causing floods.
“There are chances of flash floods in flood prone areas, and in river basins. Roads may also be slippery and visibility reduced.
“Increase braking distance. Reduce speed on the road. Do not go into flooded areas or attempt to cross flooded rivers. Do not stand under a tree or park your car near one. Take precautionary measures as advised by the Civil Protection Unit,” read part of the statement.

EMA takes World Wetlands Day commemorations to Bikita

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EMA takes World Wetlands Day commemorations to Bikita

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) on February 14, 2025 organized a media tour in Mukweture (ward 31) and Chapedo wetlands (ward 5) in Bikita in commemoration of the World Wetlands Day which was on February 2, 2025.
The wetlands conservation initiative was spearheaded by Christian Care which partnered with local communities providing resources and expertise.
Speaking during the tour, EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager, Milton Muusha urged communities to conserve wetlands as they play a crucial role in their everyday lives.
“As we commemorate the World Wetlands Day 2025 I encourage all our communities and various stakeholders to participate through taking part in awareness as well as wetlands restoration projects in various communities.
“Members of the media fraternity who are here today are encouraged to join the government in spreading the message on the need to restore and conserve wetlands as they play a vital role in our communities,” said Muusha.
In an interview with TellZim News, Christian Care Project Officer Regismistong Taruberekera said Christian Care facilitated the project at Mukweture and Chapedo wetland to reduce the number of people moving to other areas due to poverty.
“As Christian Care we worked with the communities moving with the notion Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Resilience to mitigate displacement since many people were leaving the area in search of greener pastures because the wetlands were not conserved so that water would last for a long period of time.
“We worked with Act for Peace and The Charitable Foundation from Australia in a bid to protect the wetlands making sure that water is available closer to where people stay, people derive livelihoods from the project and coming up with community based protection groups that assist people in different social problems,” said Taruberekera.
Mazvimba headman Miracle Chaambuka said the vegetation in the Mukweture wetland was no longer visible but with the conservation measure done there is now existence of vegetation throughout the year.
“Before the wetland was conserved trees and grass used to dry up but with the wetland conservation measure vegetation is always green, livestock and people get water always. Different fruits are being found in the wetland.
“The wetland has become a source of water for the dam which stores the water in large quantities,” said Chaambuka.
The wetland project encompasses of wetland protection, catchment management, water harvesting, commercial garden, beekeeping and orchard.
Mukweture Wetland secretary Svodai Svaruka said they got lessons on conserving wetlands and resources needed.
“Growing up I never knew that wetlands were important and we can make a living out of them but we got enlightened on the need and ways of protecting the Mukweture wetland.
“We got fence enough to cover five hectares. We worked together as a community with nine villages coming together to conserve this wetland.
“We started beekeeping projects and after three months bees started flocking into the beehives. The project is flourishing well and more projects such as fish farming in fish ponds, gardens and tree planting are yet to come.
“The wetland projects has assisted us to be self-sufficient and reduced dependency on my husband since I’m getting some money from these projects.Hardwork is actually paying off to all community members,” said Svaruka.
The World Wetlands Day is a day commemorated to mark the signing of the Treaty on the Conservation of Wetlands, which was signed on the 2nd of February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The Treaty became popularly known as the Ramsar Convention and its aim is to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources.
This year (2025)’s theme was, “Protecting wetlands for our common future,” Wetlands play a pivotal role to Masvingo as a province, and there is need to sustainably manage them to achieve intergenerational equity.

Masvingo Province records decline in human rights violations

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Masvingo Province records decline in human rights violations

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Masvingo Province has witnessed a notable decline in human right violations with reported cases dropping from 23 in December 2024 to 11 in January 2025 marking a significant improvement in the province’s human rights record.
This was revealed in the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)’s monthly report which TellZim News has in possession of, for the month of January.
The recorded violations included unfair distribution of food aid as well as the disregard of the right to equality and non-discrimination.
In one case, a young female student was denied the right to access education as councillor Tapiwa Ngorima of Mwenezi North, ward 6 removed the victim’s name from a CAMFED scholarship’s beneficiary list because her mother did not attend ZANU PF meetings.
Manicaland recorded the highest number of violations, 24, in January 2025. In one incident, ZANU PF leaders looted fertilizer, distributing one bag per three people to non-party members, while party members received one bag each. Harare province recorded 10 documented.
In Mashonaland West 12 human rights violations were documented while 14 were reported in Mashonaland East. In Midlands Province, 13 human rights violations were documented in January alone. In Mashonaland Central, 13 human rights violations were documented, against 5 in the previous month.
The monthly report indicated that more than 100 cases of human rights violations were recorded countrywide.
“In the month of January, the ZPP documented 119 human rights violations. The violations included threats of violence, assault, unfair distribution of aid and instances of degrading treatment.
“26 violations of unfair food aid distribution, affecting 1135 people, 628 women and 507 men. Traditional leaders and ruling party officials have been at the fore front of this discriminatory practice.
“Violations against fundamental freedoms were also recorded, among them breaches of the rights to freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression and restricted access to social services. There were unjustified arrests of victims by the police force as well as restricted access to information,” part of the report reads.
The report also indicated that the ruling party Zanu PF and the Zimbabwe Republic Police topped the list of violators, also revealing that perpetrators were predominantly affiliated with the ruling party, as they made up 46percent of the total, while Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members accounted for 16percent.
“Other violators included local authorities (10.4%), CCC members (7.6%), artisanal miners (3.6%), traditional leaders (2.8%), war veterans (2%) and government security agents (2%). Notably, 9.6% of the perpetrators were not linked to any specific group or organization,” part of the statement reads.

RCZ takes Education 5.0 to another level; introduces interactive boards to its schools

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RCZ takes Education 5.0 to another level; introduces interactive boards to its schools

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) has taken the Education 5.0 curriculum to another level as it equipped all its schools in some electronic interactive boards in order to keep the learners and teachers abreast with the ever changing technology.
The church, through its Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi, handed over 68 interactive boards to its nine boarding schools on February 19, 2025 at the Reformed Church University (RCU).
An interactive white board is a display that reacts to input from a user or from other digital devices. They can be used to digitize tasks and operations, share messages, presentations and present information as well as engaging in collaborative brainstorming among many other functions.
The beneficiary schools of these smart boards were Pamushana, Jichidza, Makumbe, Nyashanu, Zimuto, Chibi, Henry Murray, Gutu and Alheit Chingombe High Schools.
Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi said their goal is to strengthen digitalization as we work towards attaining smart schools.
“I acknowledge the tremendous efforts that has been put into advancing digital learning within our schools. As we move forward, it is essential to remember that smart schools is our ultimate goal. The integration of technology in education is not just a trend but a necessity for preparing our students for the future and these smart boards are a testament to that,” said Rev Dr Baloyi.
“However our journey should not end here; we must continue to strengthen our digitalization efforts by acquiring more hardware such as laptops, tablets, CCTV systems and many other technological tools. This will ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to thrive in the digital age,” he added.
RCZ Education Secretary Dr Witmos Julius Mutumburanzou hailed the idea of buying technological gadgets as a consortium of schools as it ensures that no school is left behind and it gives an advantage for the schools to bargain.
“The decision to form a consortium was a strategic move that allowed us to achieve significant advantages such as cost efficiency because purchasing in bulk allows us to bargain. Also buying as a consortium we shared the costs for logistics such as shipping and customs clearance,” said Dr Mutumburanzou.
“Tailor-made specifications was another advantage as there was ability to customize the boards to meet our exact needs. Initially we were offered boards with Windows 10, Android 10,8GB RAM and 66GB hard drives. However through direct negotiation we secured upgraded specifications Windows 11 Pro, Android 13.0, 16GB RAM and 256 GB hard drives,” Dr Mutumburanzou added.
In an interview with TellZim News, Jichidza High school head Thomson Charambira said these boards will go a long way in improving the teaching in schools.
“I am excited about this new approach to learning in our schools. I hope with these interactive boards we are going to have improved pass rates across all our schools,” said Charambira.

Some of the interactive boards that were commissioned
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