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Assault case turns to robbery in court

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Assault case turns to robbery in court

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

In a surprise move in court, Masvingo Magistrate Catherine Tafira recently upended an assault case, adding robbery charges to the case, while denying the two accused men bail and remanding them in custody.
The twist came during the trial of two men Badri Husani and Sipho Ntsawa who are neighbors who were in court for allegedly assaulting the former’s cousin Takunda Svinuke after an altercation involving a blanket.
Giving his testimony, Svinuke told the court that he was assaulted by the two who also took his cash amounting to US$25 and a cell phone prompting the magistrate to send the case back to prosecution for further scrutiny of the new charge.
Circumstances are that on October 2, 2024 Svinuke arrived home around 11pm and asked Badri for his blanket. Badri then told Svinuke that he had sold the blanket to Ntwasa, to which Svinuke asked Badri to go with him to return the money so he could take his blanket back.
Upon reaching Ntwasa’s home, the three had an argument leading Badri and Ntwasa to team up and assault Svinuke.
In their defense, the accused denied the assault allegations although Badri admitted to have taken the blanket and said the complainant is the one who assaulted him and took his cash.
Badri said Svinuke had teamed up with their brother Cadri Husani to assault him and he went to Ntwasa’s house to seek refuge and the complainant dragged him back home and tore his trousers in the process.
However, Magistrate Tafira dismissed Badri’s version and said, the charges were supposed to be changed from assault to robbery due to the evidence provided by the complainant in court.
“The case should change from assault to robbery because the complainant lost his property to the accused person. Svinuke said they assaulted him and took his cell-phones and US$25 in this court. The draft paper was done wrong and it has to be processed to section 52,” she said.

Robber stabs infant with screwdriver

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Robber stabs infant with screwdriver

By Meditation Mposi

A robber recently stabbed a four-year-old infant with a screwdriver in suspected frustration after the boy’s mother fled from the assailant during the attack.
The incident, which happened near Mutimurefu Prison led to the robber being apprehended just moments after the brutal attack while looking for transport at a bus top, with the help of the boy’s father together with some prison officers.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident of robbery that happened at Mutimurefu.
“I confirm the robbery that happened in the bush near Mutimurefu. The robber was caught and will soon appear in court,” Dhewa said.
Circumstances are that on October 14 at around 1800hours Susan Mandike (24) of Hwendedzo Village, Chief Musara, Masvingo was going home using a path which went through the bush in the company of her four-year-old son.
After walking for some metres from the main road, Mandike met Stanford Zhou (24) of Nehosho Section Senga Gweru who had accosted the pair, and he took out two screw drivers demanding money from Mandike.
Fearing for her life, Mandike dropped the groceries she was carrying and a handbag before running away, leaving the child behind.
Zhou then stabbed the child twice with a screw driver in the back. From a safe distance, Mandike then called her husband who worked near the place for help.
At the same time, Zhou then released the child, searched Mandike’s handbag and took USD$40, and went to the bus stop near Mutimurefu to find transport.
Mandike’s husband quickly arrived with a car and on their way to the police station at the bus stop they saw Zhou waiting for transport.
With the help of the Prison Officers, Zhou was caught and taken to Masvingo Rural Police Station.
The child was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, was treated and discharged on the same day.

Masvingo records decline in veld fires

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Masvingo records decline in veld fires

By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo Province has recorded a decline in veld fires, with a total of 15332, 45 hectares having been destroyed by veld fires as of October 11, 2024 compared to 27426 in last year’s fire season.
Masvingo Provincial Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Public Relations Officer, Munyaradzi Mtisi said the record was from July to October.
“Last year the province recorded 27 426, 39 ha of area burnt with 283 incidents and we are expecting less cases this year.
“We have taught famers on the best practices to prevent veld fires. They constructed standard fire guards and are using other methods like hay bailing and thatch grass harvesting.
“We have also trained fire fighter teams in most villages and there is also a new law which punishes those who fail to put fire guards on premises,” Mtisi said.
Mutisi however said Gutu district had the highest number of hectares destroyed by veld fires compared to other districts.
“Gutu District has the highest number of hectares destroyed by veld fires, recording 6477, 1 hectares of area burnt by veld fires.
“Masvingo District is on second position with 4523, 72 ha, Chiredzi with 2696, 74 ha, Mwenezi has 651, 64 ha. Chivi recorded 557, 07 ha followed by Bikita with 283, 45 ha and at the bottom there is Zaka with 142, 73 ha,” said Mtisi.
Mtisi said they were expecting a lower record of veld fires in the Province compared to last year’s.
Due to drought, grasslands were almost bare and the few areas with grass became grazing grounds for cattle resulting in limited chances of veld fires.
However, Gutu District has several grasslands and wetlands with limited livestock due to the January disease which left many cattle pens empty in the district.

Father, daughters kill grandparents over witchcraft

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Father, daughters kill grandparents over witchcraft

By Meditation Mposi

In a disturbing incident, a man has been arrested for teaming up with his daughters to brutally murder his parents, whom they accused of witchcraft.
The horrific family tragedy unfolded when Rameck Chidinhika(53), aided by his three daughters, Constancia Chidinhika (28), Vimbai Chidinhika (19) and a juvenile (15), assaulted his parents in their home and left them for dead.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and the arrest of the accused persons for fatally assaulting Tizirai Chidinhika (77) and his wife Miriam Polisiri (92) on October 11, 2024.
“On October 11, 2024 at around 0700 hours in Chorupanga Village Chief Nyajena, Renco, a couple, Tizirai and Polisiri, were severely assaulted by their son and three grandchildren to death,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that Rameck and his children teamed up and went to confront the now deceased persons at their homestead. They allegedly accused the couple of possessing goblins which were causing misfortune in the family.
Rameck and his daughters assaulted the two with switches, logs and a hoe all over their bodies. The now deceased persons sustained deep cuts and several fractures as a result of the assault. The four left the elderly couple lying unconscious on the ground and they went back to their homestead.
The couple’s neighbor who witnessed the assault called the police who then arrested the father and his daughters.
The bodies were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital Mortuary for post mortem.
Police also confirmed a separate incident that happened in Chiredzi, where a dead body was found in a state of decomposition inside a house at a plot and appealed to members of the public to supply the police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects as it is a suspected homicide
“On October 11, the body of Jabson Bunukwa Kwangwari, a male aged 35 years of Village 1, Runhare, Chiredzi, was found in a state of decomposition inside a house at a plot by his employer, Christopher Nyathi (75) years of Westwood, Chiredzi.
“The police urges members of the public to supply information so that the perpetrator or perpetrators may be brought to book,” said Dehwa.
It is alleged that on the day in question at around 0800 hours Christopher Nyathi observed that there was a swarm of flies and a stench coming from the now deceased’s house. With the help of the police, the door which was tied from the outside, was broken and the body of the now deceased was found in a pool of blood and it was in an advanced state of decomposition.
The body had a deep cut on the back of its head and on its arm. His trousers pockets were hanging and property was scattered all over the house. The body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for post-mortem.

Chivi man falls to death during scuffle with sex worker

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Chivi man falls to death during scuffle with sex worker

By Meditation Mposi

A bitter dispute over a refund for unpaid services turned fatal when a sex worker allegedly pushed a client, who fell to his death, after he demanded his money back following an unsuccessful encounter after which he refused to leave the sex worker’s house.
Masvingo Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of 59-year-old Christopher Tsuro of Nyengera village on October 13 and urged people to solve disputes amicably.
Tsuro was fatally pushed by Jenipher Gandiwa (48) of the same village on October 13, 2024 after requesting to have sexual intercourse with her.
“I confirm the death of Christopher Tsuro of Nyengera Village, Headman, Madyangove in Chivi. I urge members of the public to solve their disputes peacefully and avoid use of violence to save lives,” said Dhewa.
Sources privy to the incident said on the fateful day, around 11pm, Tsuro went to the accused Jenipher Gandiwa (48)’s home drunk and asked for sex.
The two agreed that Tsuro would pay US$3 for the encounter and they went on to spend the whole night but failed to have sex.
The next morning, Tsuro demanded his money back arguing that they had failed to have sex as agreed. Gandiwa gave in and returned the money before asking Tsuro to leave her place but he refused.
Gandiwa then pushed the late Tsuro, who fell on the ground landing on the back of his head.
The woman then dragged the unresponsive Tsuro to the back of her house and placed his clothes beside him.
Tsuro later left for a funeral which was in the same village and when she returned in the evening she found Tsuro where she had left him, already dead.
The police discovered that Tsuro had a cut at the back of his head and blood on the ground. The body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for postmortem and Gandiwa was arrested and will soon appear in

Council to host breast cancer awareness tournament

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Council to host breast cancer awareness tournament

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo City Council has joined the world in commemorating the Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a netball tournament that will be held on October 24, 2024 at Mucheke Stadium.

The netball tournament will bring together residents from Masvingo community and the onsite services will include breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, psycho social support and counselling and GBV awareness.

The council partnered with several organizations and stakeholders to make the event a success. The Health Department will offer health expertise and breast cancer screening services, Friendship Bench will offer counselling services on mental health, Netball Association will be facilitating tournament logistics and breast cancer support groups will be providing emotional support for survivors and locals schools who will be participating in the awareness campaign.

Speaking to TellZim News, City Council Director of Health Services, Suzanne Madamombe, said council was inspired to host the awareness campaign due to the challenges faced by breast cancer victims.

“The city council was inspired to host a breast cancer awareness netball tournament due to the trauma incurred and faced by clients with breast cancer in our community. As a responsible and caring local authority, we recognized the need to raise awareness, promote early detection and support those affected by breast cancer.

“Our inspiration also came from the courageous stories of breast cancer survivors and tireless efforts of local healthcare organizations, support groups and advocates. We joined forces with these stakeholders to make a meaningful impact,” said Madamombe.

Madamombe said the breast cancer awareness netball tournament aligns with the council’s goals of promoting public health awareness.

“The netball tournament will significantly contribute to the city’s efforts in promoting health awareness and supporting cancer research in the following ways health awareness as it educate participants and spectators about breast cancer risks, symptoms and prevention, provide free breast cancer screenings and consultations and  also to encourage healthy lifestyles physical activity and wellness.

“The tournament will also contribute to supporting cancer research through partnering with research institutions to promote cut edging research and support innovative treatments and therapies.

“The tournament will enhance community engagement as it will foster collaboration between health care providers, community organizations and local businesses. It will also engage residents, schools and community groups in health promotion,” said Madamombe.

Madamombe said breast cancer awareness is important as it assisted in saving lives and breaking stigma associated with the disease.

“As an individual breast cancer awareness is important to me because early detection save lives, education breaks down stigmas, support networks are crucial, research drives progress and community solidarity inspires hope.

“This event is a testament to our community’s strength and compassion; together we can make a difference,” said Madamombe.

The city council intends to make breast cancer awareness netball tournament an annual event as this will establish a consistent platform for promoting breast cancer awareness, foster ongoing community engagement and support and also provide a fundraising opportunity for breast cancer research and support services.

WCoZ petitions council over dumpsite

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WCoZ petitions council over dumpsite

By Perpetua Murungweni

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has taken action against Masvingo City Council over the Runyararo West dumpsite which has been affecting nearby residents for a long time now.
WCoZ Masvingo Chapter Coordinator Blessing Chimombo said the petition was to push council to urgently move to the new dumpsite since the old one is affecting nearby suburbs.
“WCoZ Masvingo Chapter submitted a petition draft to Masvingo City Council urging council to urgently move the undesignated dumpsite from Victoria Ranch to the new landfill. The dumpsite is posing serious health risks to residents, outbreak of diseases, environmental degradation, and climate change and affecting communities well-being particularly women,” Chimombo said.
Chimombo said with the petition, WCoZ was safeguarding resident’s rights to health and protecting the environment to climate change.
“The dumpsite’s proximity to residential areas exacerbates health risks and is posing significant threats to public health and environmental sustainability undermining NDS1 and United Nations SDGs. We therefore through this petition request the city of Masvingo to take the issue of moving from the Victoria range dumpsite to a new landfill as a matter of urgency.
“By addressing this we can safeguard women’s health, protect the environment and combat climate change, upholding principles enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution,” said Chimombo.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe confirmed receiving a petition from WCoZ and said they were working on the matter.
“We received a petition from WCoZ over the dumpsite issue and its effects to the nearby residents. As council we are going to take responsibility to push the process of purchasing the necessary equipment required to the new dumpsite and as for now we are almost done with the procurement of the compactor that is needed to the new dumpsite.
“Council is working on the matter and we are taking the issue seriously because it has become an outcry and we have resolved that council will deploy municipal police so as to reduce some illegal activities carried out by some residents. Above everything the only solution is to close the old dumpsite and open the Cambria farm dumpsite,” Tabe said.
Masvingo City Council secured 10 hectares of land on Cambria Farm which is on the western outskirts of the city for the establishment of the new landfill in 2019 and was set to move there by the end of October the same year.
In October 2022, Acting City Engineer Kudzaishe Mbetu, said council was only left with construction of the site offices which was already underway. He was quoted saying council was going to start using the landfill at the end of the same month, adding that three boreholes had been drilled but only the control borehole had been equipped.
Masvingo City Council in June 2023 invited Vice President Kembo Mohadi to officially open the landfill despite it not being functional until now.
In September 2024 Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) released a report which revealed that council was violating environmental human rights and the right to administrative justice, years after the old dumpsite became cause for concern.

Toddler drowns in well

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Toddler drowns in well

By Tatiana Mhararira

A three-year-old toddler recently drowned in a well while her sister was fetching water in Dauramanzi village under Chief Gutu.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and encouraged members of the public to monitor their children.
“I confirm the incident in which Blessing Chidziva drowned in a well and was pronounced dead upon admission at Gutu Mission Hospital.
“I urge parents to protect their children, as incidents of drowning are at a high level before the rainy season,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on October 15, 2024, Tendai Chibanhu (32) of Dauramanzi village left home around 7am for Masvingo to attend a funeral, leaving her children aged 13 and 3 behind.
The children went to the well at around 1pm to fetch water. While the eldest was filling containers, the three-year-old toddler fell into the well.
A neighbor rushed to the well, rescued the baby, and rushed her to Gutu Mission Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Drowning incidents in Masvingo are on the rise with the incident happening two days after siblings aged 13 and seven drowned in Bunzwi Stream in Gutu and another 18-year-old drowned in a swimming pool at Mutirikwi Lake Shore Resort.

FAO rescues Bikita livestock from drought

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FAO rescues Bikita livestock from drought

By Virginia Njovo

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has joined hands with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development in providing stockfeed to drought affected areas in Bikita district.
Bikita district is among the most drought affected areas in the region where there is shortage of stock feeds and those who cannot afford supplements feeds are losing their livestock.
Speaking to TellZim News, livestock specialist for Masvingo province Joseph Chipuri said they received stock feed from their implementing partner FAO and seven wards in Bikita district were benefiting from the program.
“Due to prolonged drought, Bikita district has been affected by drought for almost three seasons with inadequate rainfall in the region, but thanks to our implementing partner in the stock feed programme who chipped in with mitigating measures.
“Seven wards in Bikita District, which are wards 1, 2, 3,27,21,22 and 20 benefited from the programme. These are the wards we distributed stock feeds since there are no grasslands left in those areas,” said Chipuri.
As the El Nino induced drought has already been declared a state of disaster by many countries in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is making significant progress in developing and implementing drought mitigation strategies to combat its impact.
Bikita South Ward 3 Councillor, Mary Beancer Mukweya said the programme came at the right time since livestock was dying from lack of stock feeds.
“In my ward, about sixty–two families got ten bags each and this came as a relief to our livestock, though we have water challenges where we are supposed to walk to Turwi River which is fifteen kilometres away to water the cattle.
“We were fetching water for our livestock in containers since they could not walk fifteen kilometres but now it’s better since they have food,” said Mukwenya.
Mukwenya added that the mortality of livestock increased in Bikita where small scale farmers were losing their cattle due to drought.
“We no longer have enough draft power due to increased deaths of cattle which we use for farming as the rainy season is approaching,” she added.
Due to its geographical location, Bikita is a Red Zone where livestock diseases spread at a high rate hence the programme will assist in containing diseases since livestock won’t move from one place to another.

Tractor accident claims one

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Tractor accident claims one

By Nancy Bayereka

One person died while two were injured after a tractor they were travelling in was involved in an accident on October 12 at the 1km peg along old Zaka – Chiredzi road.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged people to be cautious while driving.
“I can confirm an accident involving a tractor that happened along Zaka – Chiredzi road and one person died while two were injured. I want urge drivers to be cautious while driving to avoid loss of lives,” said Dhewa.
Sources close to the incident said the James Hobwani (21) of Magumire Village1 in Chiredzi was driving a Londini Solis tractor with two passengers on board.
Upon arriving at 1km peg along Old Zaka-Chiredzi road, Hobwani lost control of the tractor resulting on the tractor overturning once and landing on its wheels.
As a result of the accident Hobwani sustained severe spine injuries and was taken to Chiredzi Provincial Hospital were where he died upon arrival.
The passengers also sustained injuries and one was reported to be in a critical condition while the other one was stable.

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