Police in Chiredzi arrested a 32-year-old man for stealing nine cattle on March 12, 2025.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest of Godknows Chimbudzi (32) and appealed for the public to help with information that can lead to the arrest of the other suspect who is still at large.
“I confirm the arrest of Chimbudzi for Stock theft and efforts to apprehend his accomplice are underway. We appeal for the information which may lead to the location of the other one who is on run,” said Dhewa.
On March 12 around 1500 hours Police who were on patrol in Makambe Level Cross Road intercepted Chimbudzi and his accomplice who were moving with nine cattle. They stopped and interrogated them but they ran away.
Police took the cattle and carried investigations leading to the arrest of Chimbudzi. He was taken to Chiredzi Magistrate’s court for his trial.
Despite efforts to curb stock theft through awareness campaigns and deterrent sentences, police continue to record cases of this crime.
The courts have also taken a strong stance against stock theft, imposing deterrent sentences to combat the crime. However, despite these efforts, stock theft cases continue to be recorded in different parts of the country.
Three models from Masvingo province are set to participate at Miss Ebony Zimbabwe modelling pageant on March 28, 2025 at Robbi Mupawose, Harare Agricultural Show Grounds.
The participants, Lerato Masocha (23), Margret Mangowe (25) and Tinomudaishe Makumire (23) will represent the province at the pageant that will be running under the theme “Empowering through diversity” which celebrates the tapestry of cultures and languages that make Zimbabwe unique.
In an interview with TellZim News, Miss Ebony Zimbabwe facilitator, Faith Mazana said Miss Ebony Zimbabwe’s first edition was not just a pageant or a show but a revolution poised to dismantle the legacy of colonial beauty standards and forge a pathway to economic and social justice where black women lead.
“For too long the Western beauty dominates while the African beauty is ignored. Harmful stereotypes neglect the rich diversity and inherent strength of African women and traditional pageants fail to reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of our nation.
“Miss Ebony Zimbabwe is building a platform where inner strength, cultural pride and intellectual prowess are valued above superficial appearances. It is about beauty on our terms,” said Mazana.
Mazana said the pageant was set to equip young women with necessary skills to use in the world of entrepreneurship.
“We are equipping young women with the tools they need to thrive as entrepreneurs, activists and leaders. We are fostering a sense of community and unity among women and embracing our differences as strengths,” said Mazana.
The honorary judges at the pageant will be Dr Solomon Guramatunhu, Doreen Sibanda, Gianni Bauce, Yolanda Elizabeth Chimbarami, Sharon Chingwaro and Lindiwe Noma Mtamzeli.
The performing artists at the event will be Baba Matezo &Madzimambo band, Wowrae, Mary Anibal and Rutendo Jackie while Kim Sibanda and Curtley Gwindi will be the MCs.
Masvingo District proved to be the home of chess after scooping the first position at the National Secondary Heads Masvingo Provincial tournament which was held at Pamushana High School on March 14, 2025 to select the team that will represent the province at the national tournament.
The tournament had eight districts that were competing in seven different age groups namely Under 13, 14, 15,16,17,18 and 20.
Masvingo district walked away with seven gold, three silver and six bronze medals. Chiredzi District came second with three gold medals and one silver medal with four girls and three boys namely Abiud Venge, Akon Chaora, Ignatius Mhaka winning gold medals in the Under 14, 15 and 17 respectively.
Speaking to one of the school player coaches Moses Kujinga from Temeraire High School said he was excited with the outcome and some of his players contributed to the overall position.
“I am happy that of the seven gold medals we got as a district, two came from our school and this shows the sport is growing from school level to provincial level.
“Our efforts were rewarded because my players practise a lot at school. Chess is very easy but it takes consistency, discipline and practice to win a single game especially at Provincial level,” said Kujinga.
Females category Under 17 gold medalist who was also crowned outstanding player of the tournament Rutendo Hwede who won a gold medal in the 2024 national finals Under 16 girls category said the tournament was not that tough for her.
“The competition was not tough for me though I was nervous at first knowing that my coach, school head and family had high expectations since I was the 2024 national chess gold medalist in under 16 category.
“I didn’t want to disappoint them and after playing and winning four games I relaxed my mind. Having a clean sheet of 7/7 made me feel happy,” said Hwede.
She warned against overconfidence which she said nearly costed her one game and she corrected the mistake before it was too late.
“There was a moment of overconfidence during my fifth game and that’s when I made a mistake which I later corrected. The tournament taught me that I should never be overconfident and never to underestimate any opponent at any level of the competition,” said Hwede.
Male category Under 17 gold medalist from Temeraire High in Masvingo district Ignatius Mhaka said the tournament was tough but he won at the end.
“The tournament was a bit tough but I scooped a gold medal. I finished the tournament with a score of 6,5/7, which was slightly below my expectations. I had a solid start, winning first three games against weak players.
“In the middle of the tournament, I struggled to find my rhythm, drawing one game against a strong player. The tournament was a valuable learning experience. I had no exposure of playing with strong opponents and had opportunity to test my skills in a competitive tournament,” said Mhaka.
Mucheke High School coach and Zimbabwe Chess Federation Masvingo Province Secretary General Zvishamiso Mushamainza said the tournament was stiff but the best were chosen to represent the province at national tournament and the sport proved to be inclusive as it had a learner with disability.
“The competition was stiff and the outstanding players were selected to represent Masvingo at national level where last year we had some of our players winning gold medals at such a level.
“Among our players we had Providence Ndebele from Morgenster High who is deaf and dumb. Ndebele played very well and won a bronze medal. All coaches learnt and accepted that disability does not mean inability. All students were educated on how to accommodate one another despite them having disabilities,” said Mushamainza.
“We encourage the blind, deaf, dumb and everyone to participate in chess games since chess brings all people together and has become an inclusive game. I hope those who are proceeding to the nationals will represent the province well and go to as far as international level,” she added.
The provincial tournament was a follow up of the chess district tournament which was held at Zimuto High School on February 28,2025.
My Age Zimbabwe Trust has launched the Sarudzo hotline to empower young people in Zimbabwe with critical counseling services and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
My Age Communications Officer Veeslee Mhepo said the hotline was a game changer and a critical tool towards revolutionizing access to SRHR services by youths in Masvingo and beyond.
“The Sarudzo hotline is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s youth. By providing a safe, anonymous, and accessible space for young people to discuss sensitive SRHR issues, we are bridging a critical gap in support services,” said Mhepo.
The Sarudzo hotline, meaning which means choices in Shona, is designed to be user-friendly and culturally relevant, reflecting the unique needs and dynamics of Zimbabwean youth.
She said My Age saw the need and importance of giving SRHR support hence the birth of Sarudzo hotline which she said will be manned by trained counselors who engage callers with empathy and understanding, ensuring they receive both factual information and emotional support.
“At MyAge Zimbabwe, we recognize the importance of prioritizing SRHR support for young people. The Sarudzo hotline is a vital resource that will help empower Zimbabwe’s youth to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.
“The hotline will be manned by professional counselors who would be ready to assist in any way and provide counselling services as well as important information they may need,” said Mhepo
By establishing partnerships with local health service providers, the hotline ensures seamless access to vital services, furthering the journey toward well-informed choices in SRHR.
Mhepo went on to say the hotline was set to promote making of informed decisions as to allow youths to get all information on SRHR.
“The Sarudzo hotline is a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s youth, affirming their right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to its continued impact, she said
The hotline was launched at a time where there is rampant misinformation and stigma that often deter youths from seeking for help and would help to dismantle the barriers.
The hotline offers a safe space for individuals to discuss sensitive issues related to sexual health, family planning, and reproductive rights.
Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust Project Manager Shumirai Celta Chakaora said the hotline was a crucial step empowering youths by providing a confidential space to seek guidance.
“The launch of this hotline is a crucial step towards empowering youths with accurate and unbiased information on SRHR. This platform provides a safe, confidential, and accessible space for young people to seek guidance, ask questions, and access support.
This hotline is more than just a resource, it’s a lifeline for young people navigating complex issues and making informed decisions about their bodies and health,” said Chakaora.
Nomazwe Macebo from Adult Glam Divas said the hotline will break barriers for marginalized communities like youths and those with disability get to access correct information timeously.
“The development indeed came at the right time because the world has shifted to a digital age. It will help demystify myths and challenge misinformation.
“It bridges the gap of stigma, most youth are shy to go and ask for information in clinics because they fear being stigmatized, but now MyAge has brought the information directly to one’s phone because in many Zimbabwean societies, open discussions about sexuality contraception and reproductive health are considered a taboo especially for the youth,” said Macebo.
She said the hotline also advances Sustainable Development Goal 3 and 5 and help encourage responsible sexual behavior amongst youths.
“The hotline advances SDG 5 gender equality by providing youths especially young women with knowledge to make informed decisions and SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well being as it will improve youth SRHR outcomes.
“Access to reproductive health services is limited for young people due to geographical, financial, and social barriers, the hotline will be able to direct them to youth friendly places where they can access these services.
“The hotline encourages responsible sexual behavior and this will foster healthier relationships and more responsible attitudes towards their sexual health, it can also help the youth facing sexual violence, it can offer immediate confidential advice on how to escape or seek legal and medical support,” said Macebo.
Conscious Development for Empowerment Trust (CODET) Programs Officer Fortunate Black said the hotline was a development to help youths who were suffering in silence a chance to get help.
“Having a dedicated SRHR hotline for the youths is actually a groundbreaking move. It gives a more secure, confidential, and easily accessible platform for young people to acquire vital information, guidance, and support on sensitive topics. Many youths end up not getting help because they are afraid if they seek help their secrets will be exposed hence they suffer in silence.
”MyAge Zimbabwe’s initiative can empower youths with trustworthy information, alleviate the stigma surrounding SRHR issues, expand access to essential healthcare services and resources,” said Black.
A struggling elderly couple from Mavizhu, Mutekede Gwamanjoma Village in Masvingo is appealing for assistance to take care of their four adult children who are mentally and physically challenged. With no stable income and increasing caregiving demands, the parents are finding it difficult to provide for their four children. The children, Sakina (40), Ngonidzashe (38), Locadia (35), and Edwin (27) all have mental challenges, with three of them also being physically disabled. The fourth child, while not physically impaired, has severe speech difficulties and mental challenges. The couple, Shylet Mahwela (62) and David Mutekede (68), have been forced to stay home to care for their children, making it difficult for them to earn a living. The family desperately needs wheelchairs for three of the children to help them move around. They also need a secure fence around their home, as the children tend to wander off when left unattended. Their parents often have to search for them, which is exhausting and dangerous. In addition to mobility challenges, the family also struggles with access to clean water. The mother walks long distances to fetch water from a nearby river, and they are hoping to receive help in drilling a borehole to ease their burden. The family is appealing to well-wishers, individuals, and organizations to assist with food, assistive devices, fencing, and access to clean water. A group of well-wishers from Masvingo led by one Nyaradzo Shumba who visited the family have since started mobilizing resources to help the family. Well-wishers can contact Nyaradzo Shumba on 0777900863 or 0774110131 Or Ecocash the Mutekedes on 0775968619 – Mary Mutekede
Two men were arrested on March 9, along Masvingo-Harare and Masvingo – Mbalabala road after they were found in possession of 200kg of dagga at around 0100 hours. Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and thanked members of the public for providing information on criminal activities in communities. “I confirm the arrest of Limbikani Mwanandi (36) and Speakmore Mhonda (39) who were found in possession of 200kg of dagga. Our officers will remain vigilant in fighting crime and we are grateful to members of the public who give us information,” said Dhewa. Sources revealed that on March 8, police in Masvingo received information that Road Link, a cross border bus, which was being driven by Mwanandi was transporting dagga. The police then pursued the information and found the bus at the junction of Masvingo-Harare and Masvingo-Mbalabala, where it had broken down. The police maintained their surveillance and at around 0100 hours, they saw Mhonda arriving at the bus driving a Nissan Caravan NV350 vehicle. Mwanandi and Mhonda were transferring the dagga to the Nissan vehicle when the police arrived. Mhonda attempted to escape but he was unsuccessful, leading to their arrest. The police recovered 17 plastic bags of dagga weighing 200kg with a street value US$22 000.
In a stellar display of speed, strength, and agility, Junior Group of Schools’ Junior Primary School (JPS) in Masvingo clinched the top spot in the elite schools’ athletic competitions held in Gweru last Friday (March14).
The school’s athletes amassed an impressive haul of 37 gold medals, 22 silver medals, and 24 bronze medals, solidifying their institution’s reputation as both an academic powerhouse and a sporting haven.
Speaking to TellZim News, Junior Group of Schools Director Noah Marima said the impressive athletic achievement was a testament to the school’s well-rounded approach to education, which emphasizes excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.
“We are thrilled with our students’ outstanding performance in the athletic competitions. This achievement is a testament to our school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that fosters excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.
“I am proud of our students, coaches, and staff who worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable success. We will continue to nurture and support our students’ talents,” said Marima
The school sports director Jimmy Makwanda said hard work had paid off adding that sports was not only about medals but developing culture and perfecting skills that benefit leaners even after school.
“This is an incredible moment for Junior Group of Schools, and we are ecstatic about our students’ dominance in the athletic competitions. Our coaching staff and athletes have put in countless hours of hard work and dedication, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts paying off.
“We are proud to have created a culture of excellence in sports, and we will continue to push our students to reach new heights. This is not just about winning medals; it’s about building character, discipline, and teamwork which are essential life skills that will benefit our students long after they leave our school,” said Makwanda.
The competition drew participation from esteemed schools across the region, including Parkview Junior (Gweru), Paradise Junior (Kwekwe), Lingfield, Orchids both from Gweru and Mberengwa Junior.
Paradise Junior School earned the distinction of first runner-up, trailing behind Junior Group of Schools’ remarkable performance.
Junior Group of Schools has consistently produced top performers in national examinations, with a strong track record of academic excellence.
This latest achievement adds to the school’s growing list of accolades. Recently, Junior Primary School, received the Private School of the Year 2024 Award at the Sundrive Business Awards. The school’s director, also received the Businessman of the Year Award.
The school’s athletic prowess is not limited to track and field events. Four learners from Junior Primary School excelled in the national tennis tournament in Harare last year, bringing home medals and further cementing the school’s reputation as a hub for talented young athletes.
Villagers in rural Zvishavane are living in fear as hyenas continue to wreak havoc on local livestock. The hyenas have been attacking and devouring livestock in ward 8, which covers 24 villages from Welezi to Masvisvi. One village head, Gladys Gwamatsa told TellZim News that the hyenas had been a problem for years, but their attacks have increased significantly since October last year. The villagers are now afraid to leave their homes at night, fearing they might be attacked and were losing their primary source of income. “The hyenas have been a problem for so many years but from the previous year in October up to now they are moving around at a high rate eating goats and chicken throughout the village and we have lost count of the animals we lost. “We are living in fear as the hyenas are getting bolder and bolder, and our worry is that they will soon start attacking people. We can’t even go out of the house at night with fear of being attacked,” said Gwamatsa. The situation is dire, with some villagers considering abandoning their homes to move to safer areas. Speaking to TellZim News, Ward 8 councilor Stella Mlalazi said as a community they were appealing for assistance from responsible authorities. “The hyenas have left many villagers without livestock as they are preying on their precious possessions and they are left with nothing. “We appealed to Runde District Council who told the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) to intervene and help control the hyena population. However, so far, no assistance has come. We call upon the authorities to deal with this problem before it’s too late,” said Mlalazi. The situation was not unique to Zvishavane as similar reports were reported in Zaka district where hyenas were reportedly wandering in ward 24. Headman Nheya born Runesu Cosmas Sananguro of Zaka said the hyenas were seen even during the day. “The animals roam around every night in search of food. Some kraals (livestock enclosures) have been closed after they have devoured all the animals especially small livestock. “Their combination with baboons and wild pigs could leave people with poverty as the other animals are destroying crops,” said Sananguro.
Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has urged communities to take full ownership of development projects to ensure their sustainability and reduce reliance on donor funding, which has affected various sectors in Zimbabwe and across Africa. Speaking at the official opening of the Save Sub-Basin Vanyoro Community Seed Bank in Zaka Central Ward 17, Dr Nyoni said were communities the backbone of national development and called on residents to embrace and protect the initiatives brought to their areas. “I urge the people of Vanyoro and surrounding communities to take full ownership of this seed bank. Let us work together to protect and manage this valuable resource, ensuring that it serves both present and future generations,” said Dr Nyoni. Dr Nyoni highlighted the impact of donor dependency, citing how the withdrawal of USAID funding had negatively affected many organizations and communities that relied solely on external assistance. “Taking full responsibility of these projects only helps us as communities, as you can see the USAID withdrawal affected many people and various organisations who were solely depending on them but look at us now we are here with our project continuing to fulfill its goals and objectives in this community only due to the spirit of oneness you have as well as your collaborative support,” said Dr Nyoni. Dr Nyoni reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting the project, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society. “My ministry is committed to provide all the necessary policy support to ensure that this project succeeds, in particular ensuring that its results influence both policy and practice within the country, region and globally,” she said. She further emphasized the importance of seed banks in mitigating effects of climate change, especially in rural areas where erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts threaten agricultural productivity. “The commissioning of this seed bank is a bold step in towards the strengthening biodiversity conversation, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience of our communities in dry land areas. The impacts of climate change have been particularly seen on rural livelihoods, with erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged drought threatening agricultural productivity,” said Nyoni. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Douglas Chimhande, Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, stressed the need for community ownership. “To the farmers, I urge you to take full responsibility for this seed bank. It is your duty to ensure that this facility is well-managed and utilized effectively for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Chadzamira. Seed banks serve as a critical conservation measure, preserving plant species and replenishing seeds lost due to natural disasters or human activities such as pollution. At Vanyoro, the community restored lost tree species and preserving crop seeds through a nursery and diversity wheel system. The Vanyoro Seed Bank was-equipped, with 100 earth augers, 100 two-wheel tractors, 100 five-row planters, a borehole, and office facilities to support its operations. The Drylands Sustainable Landscape Impact Program (DSLIP) is a large-scale initiative implemented across 11 countries, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Zimbabwe, the Save-Runde Sub-Basins are receiving technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). To oversee its implementation, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife has appointed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) as the executing entity, working alongside the Forestry Commission and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority. This initiative represents a bold step in strengthening biodiversity conservation, enhancing food security, and improving climate resilience in Zimbabwe’s dryland areas.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded, Dry Lands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSLIP) has set a target of empowering 52 percent of women in Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland Provinces out of the 15 000 beneficiaries. Speaking at a cocktail at Great Zimbabwe hotel recently, DSLIP Zimbabwe Child Project National Coordinator, Precious Magwaza said the GEF funded project focused on restoring degraded land and forests with a target to restore 2 150ha of degraded land. “In Zimbabwe the project is being implemented in dry land areas across Save and Runde catchments covering Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland. Out of these provinces we have donated machines to eight districts and 44 wards where the projects are running. “Our target is to restore 2 150 hectares of land and have 172 540 hectares of landscapes under improved practices through the implementation of integrated land use plans promoting Sustainable Land and Forest management. We also aim to reach out to 15 000 beneficiaries, 52 percent being women,” said Magwaza. Speaking at the same event, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira said the province was mainly dry and climate change had contributed to various environmental challenges but more support was needed. “Masvingo province is predominantly dry and characterised by frequent droughts, our rural population largely depends on agriculture and as such susceptible to climate change inviolability. Climate change impacts has contributed to some of the environmental challenges we are seeing today. “These include wetland degradation, stream bank cultivation, illegal mining and firewood trading and soil erosion among others. While efforts have been made by government to address these challenges more needs to be done. Thus support such as the one being offered under the DSLIP is appreciated,” said Chadzamira. He said the project was being implemented in 18 wards from four districts in the province and said the project was critical to address environmental challenges in dry areas, promoting sustainable land, forest management to enhance community resilience and support sustainable development. “By promoting sustainable land management and sustainable forest management practices strengthening policy frameworks and enhancing community life-booms this program contributes significantly to the broader goals of land deforestation neutrality, climate adaptation and sustainable development,” said Chadzamira. The project is being implemented in three wards in Bikita, two wards in Zaka, seven wards in Masvingo and six wards in Chivi Districts. The number of wards were reduced from nineteen to eighteen wards due to the changes that occurred during the delimitation exercise in 2023. Wards 24 and 27 in Bikita District were amalgamated into one ward DSLIP program is being implemented in 11 countries across Southern Africa, East Africa and Asia and the focus is to restore degraded land, forests and support community livelihoods. It is funded under the seventh cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF7) and it’s funded through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
