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ZRP Masvingo appeals for information on missing boy (11)

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ZRP Masvingo appeals for information on missing boy (11)

By Karen Sibanda

 The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Masvingo Province has made a public appeal for assistance in locating an 11-year-old boy, Delight Matondo, who has been missing since November 18 2025.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident in a press statement issued on 4 December 2025, urging members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to the boy’s safe location.

Delight, a juvenile from Victoria Range, Masvingo, was last seen at around 6:00 AM on the day he went missing. He is approximately 1.05 metres tall, dark in complexion, and of medium build. At the time, he was wearing a striped red T-shirt, maroon trousers, and black push-in shoes.

Police say efforts to locate the child have so far been unsuccessful and fear for his safety are mounting.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Inspector Zivai Mlambo, Officer-in-Charge at ZRP Chikato on 0775 769 826 / 0392 262 137, or the Investigating Officer, Constable Sibongile Magonde,on 0783 217 981.

 Alternatively, tips can be relayed to the ZRP Masvingo Press and Public Relations Office via 0392 264 421 / 0775 996 945.

Masvingo dam levels surge as Tugwi Mukosi reaches 95.1% Capacity

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Masvingo dam levels surge as Tugwi Mukosi reaches 95.1% Capacity

By Karen Sibanda

The recent rains across the country and Masvingo Province have brought a welcome boost to dam levels, with many reservoirs reaching impressive capacities, as reported by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).

The overall water levels in major dams have risen significantly, offering hope for agricultural and domestic water supply amidst ongoing seasonal concerns.

As at December 1, Tugwi Mukosi Dam, the largest inland reservoir in the country, was at an impressive 95.1% capacity. This is particularly crucial for communities and farmers relying on this essential water source for irrigation and consumption.

Lake Mutirikwi, the second largest, has also seen a notable increase, with its water level now at 83.7%, up from the previous week, reflecting a steady improvement in the Runde Catchment.

Similarly, Manyuchi Dam has experienced a rise to 84.2%, bolstering supplies for the surrounding areas of Chivi and Mashava. These increases signify a positive trend that is crucial for sustaining agricultural activities in the region.

In contrast, Lake Chivero, one of the country’s major water bodies, remains at a lower level of 54.4%. While this is an improvement, it highlights the need for continued water conservation efforts, especially in light of varying rainfall patterns across different regions.

ZINWA’s statement emphasized that the overall average for major dams in the Runde Catchment had surged to a reassuring 67.5%, noting that this improvement was a direct result of the recent wet spells.

“The increasing levels in our dams should allow for better management of our water resources this season,” read the report.

While several dams are nearing full capacity, five dams including Nyatare and Gonye have already reached their endpoints, further alleviating concerns about irrigation shortages for the upcoming agricultural season.

However, ZINWA also cautioned against complacency, urging stakeholders to continue efficient water management practices to ensure sustainability through potential dry spells. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring and managing water resources effectively, as fluctuations in weather patterns remain a concern for the region.

Hailstorm leaves Buhera school reeling, appeals for urgent help

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Hailstorm leaves Buhera school reeling, appeals for urgent help

By Simon Masore

BUHERA – A severe hailstorm in Buhera West’s Ward 16 has caused extensive damage at Bika Primary School, blowing the roofs off of one classroom block and destroying textbooks, furniture, and other critical materials.

School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson Nelson Munyaradzi Chamunorwa confirmed the incident that happened on November 27 and appealed for assistance to repair the damage before schools reopen.

“A lot of textbooks for different subjects were affected, four subjects had 70 books each, three other subjects had 90 each, then Shona had 10, English 10, and Mathematics 50. The class had 40 learners and each had 8 books, totaling 420,” said Chamunorwa.

He reported that one classroom was flooded, damaging approximately 620 textbooks and 320 exercise books, most of which are now unreadable. The storm also ruined furniture and building materials.

“The rains soaked and deformed five wooden tables as well as 10 wooden benches. Twenty eight iron roofing sheets were bent and seven ridges, all roofing nails and six window panes were destroyed,” said Chamunorwa.

Other items destroyed include teaching charts, chalks, rails, and eight teachers’ record books.

Chamunorwa said the roof of a second block was loosened and temporarily secured with wire, but a permanent solution was needed.

“Another block had its roof shaken, so just yesterday (December 4) we met as parents and tied the sheets with wire, but we feel it’s not sustainable. We are appealing for help to remove that roof and put a new one with iron trusses, which won’t be affected by termites,” he said.

Ward 16 Councillor Thomas Matsenhura echoed the call for urgent intervention and said appeals had been sent to the local council, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the school’s alumni.

“The school is in dire need of help. We have since written to several organizations including the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, council, as well as to old students,” said Matsenhura.

He acknowledged that the council may have exhausted its year-end budget but expressed hope for a positive response. Matsenhura also called on individuals and the corporate sector to assist in addressing the school’s critical needs.

Masvingo grade seven learner appeals for help to advance to form one

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Masvingo grade seven learner appeals for help to advance to form one

By Staff Reporter            

MASVINGO – A brilliant Grade Seven learner from Don Bosco Primary School in Masvingo, who achieved seven units in this year’s Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations, is appealing for assistance to continue her education, as her family cannot afford secondary school fees.

Purity Masvingise, who lives with her mother in Victoria Ranch, faces an uncertain future despite her outstanding academic performance. Her mother, Margaret Ganjiri, is unemployed and depends on inconsistent informal work, which hardly covers basic needs for her five children.

Ganjiri expressed her desperation and the painful history of being abandoned by her husband, which has made financing her children’s education nearly impossible.

“I wanted her to go to school, but I cannot afford it. Another one of my children even failed to write their Form Four exams due to school fees challenges,” Ganjiri said.

She explained that the father of her children left the family years ago without support and is struggling alone to put food on the table.

“He just left me with the family and never came back, leaving me to struggle with five children.”

Purity’s education has been sustained largely through the kindness of her former teacher, Mrs. Christina Gwenzi, who retired last year and many other well-wishers.

Gwenzi frequently covered school fees, uniforms, and other essentials throughout Purity’s primary education.

Now living on a modest pension, Gwenzi explained that while her means were limited, her desire to see Purity succeed remains strong. She described Purity as an exceptionally capable learner and emphasized how heartbreaking it would be if the girl could not continue her schooling.

“I am now a pensioner and the benefits I get are too little, but it is my wish to see Purity advance. She is a very smart and intelligent young girl,” Gwenzi said.

She made an earnest appeal to the public, hoping that individuals or organisations might step in to secure Purity’s educational future.

“I used to assist the family in whatever way I could back then, and my efforts would be meaningless if she fails to go forward. Well-wishers or organisations dealing with such cases should chip in and help.”

Gwenzi also highlighted that Purity’s younger sibling, currently in Grade Five, is equally bright and risks facing the same barrier if no support becomes available.

Purity was selected as a prefect in Grade Five, a role for which Gwenzi helped provide a proper uniform. Her academic consistency and leadership qualities make her a promising candidate for secondary education, should funds be secured.

Those willing to assist Purity Masvingise can contact her mother, Margaret Ganjiri, on 0782 824 727 or reach TellZim News on 0719 355 808.

Chief Bere demands arrest of ‘moneyed’ individuals fueling drug trade

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Chief Bere demands arrest of ‘moneyed’ individuals fueling drug trade

By Andrew Zhou

MASHAVA – Chief Bere has issued a sharp challenge to law enforcement, demanding that police arrest drug peddlers regardless of their wealth or influence, citing concerns that wealthy individuals were masterminding the drug trade in the province while evading justice.

The traditional leader, born Phinias Tafireyi, made the call during a high-impact Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse campaign held in Mashava on November 28, 2025.

“The police must arrest drug peddlers regardless of their profile or financial status, It is disturbing that many ‘moneyed’ individuals are cited as the main perpetrators selling drugs to our youth.

No one should be above the law, and financial muscle should not purchase immunity while our children suffer,” said Chief Bere.

The event, themed ‘Protect, care and act together against drug and substance abuse’, also featured strong statements from government and academic leaders.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, implored communities to join the fight, describing drug abuse as an existential threat.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Masvingo District Development Coordinator Joyce Chikugu, Chadzamira called for a united front against the scourge.

“We need a united front, communities must stop harboring drug peddlers and work closely with law enforcement to root out this rot that is destroying the moral fabric of our society. Drugs are destroying the future, the health and economic development of our nation,” said Chadzamira.

The academic sector weighed in through Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) leadership, with Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Marian Tukuta delivering a stern warning to students.

Professor Tukuta, who was representing Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo, encouraged learners to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits.

“You must focus mainly on your studies rather than drugs, substance abuse steals not only your health but your future. The temporary escape it offers is not worth the permanent damage it causes to your potential,” said Professor Tukuta.

Youth representative Tanyaradzwa Makalima of the Masvingo District Junior Council provided insight into the socio-economic drivers of the crisis, highlighting unemployment as a key factor.

“Unemployment is fueling the uptake of drugs by youths. When young people stay unoccupied and see no immediate economic opportunities, they become vulnerable. Idleness is driving them toward substance abuse as a coping mechanism,” said Makalima.

The Mashava campaign was part of a broader provincial initiative to operationalize the national drug master plan, with numerous schools from Masvingo district attending and pupils showcasing the dangers of drug abuse through various presentations.

Past the pink ribbons: The reality of breast cancer

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Past the pink ribbons: The reality of breast cancer

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

While October in Zimbabwe is known for many things, from jacaranda trees that paint cities in shades of purple to the intense heat and end of year examinations for high school learners, it is also internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the disease while promoting early detection and support for those affected.

For 57 year-old Sungano Zvarebwanashe, a Masvingo resident and breast cancer patient, the month of October is more than just a time for pink ribbons and awareness marches. It carries a painful reminder of her long and difficult journey with breast cancer.

The international health campaign is often symbolized by the colour pink and the pink ribbon, but for women like Zvarebwanashe, the fight goes far beyond the symbol as it is a deeply personal story of fear, strength and survival.

Her battle began quietly in 2020, with what seemed like a harmless itch on her left breast accompanied by a watery discharge.

In 2021, she noticed that her breast was swollen and when she sought medical attention, she was told it was just a boil but a month later, the boil reappeared.

“After visiting the hospital for the first time with my swollen breast, I was told it was just a boil that needed to be squeezed. When it came back a month later, the doctor said it was because it hadn’t been squeezed properly the first time,” she recalled.

It wasn’t until 2022, when her condition worsened that she decided to see a new doctor who recommended a breast cancer screening.

What came after were the results, confirming her fears, giving a face and a name to what she had carried for the past 2 years.

She had breast cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says breast cancer happens when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control forming tumours and about 99% of breast cancer cases occur in women, while only about 1% affect men.

What followed after the diagnosis for Zvarebwanashe was a series of advice from family and friends with some urging her to try traditional remedies, while others encouraged her to seek medical treatment.

She then began her journey of medical treatments only to be met by challenges around accessibility of healthcare services.

The National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP, 2025-2030) developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) notes that Zimbabwe currently has only two public oncology centresinHarare and Bulawayo, serving over 15 million people.

This was one of the biggest challenges, for Zvarebwanashe as she sought treatment hundreds of kilometres away from her home in Masvingo.

“Another challenge was that facilities offering cancer treatment are only in Harare and Bulawayo which meant extra travel and accommodation costs for me. On top of that, you would get there to find that there was a long list of patients before you so sometimes you would have to travel back without treatment,” she explained.

Her story comes at a time when awareness campaigns are intensifying across the country. On October 16, Masvingo City held a breast cancer awareness walkathon from Croco Motors to the Civic Centre, encouraging residents to get screened for free and to learn more about early detection.

Also present at the awareness campaign was Masvingo Provincial Medical Director, Dr Amadeus Shamhu, who emphasized the urgent need for improved diagnostic facilities in the province, particularly the introduction of mammography services.

“Unfortunately, here in Masvingo we do not have mammography yet but it is something that we are trying to do. We hope that by next year at the Masvingo Provincial Hospital, we will have mammography,” he highlighted.

In essence, through low dose X rays, mammography is used to view the internal structures of the breast allowing breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

Dr. Shamhu also highlighted that another challenge with breast cancer was treatment options available as most people often resort to traditional methods while encouraging patients to seek medical treatment promptly.

“Another challenge that we face with breast cancer patients is that they usually want to seek traditional treatments first. I am not saying this is wrong but usually when these people eventually come to the hospital, the breast cancer will be at the second, third and fourth stage which makes it difficult for successful treatments. I urge all of us to seek medical advice promptly whenever we notice changes in our bodies,” he said.

As awareness campaigns continue across the country, national health authorities are also working to strengthen cancer care and policy frameworks to address the growing burden of breast cancer in Zimbabwe.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) developed a National Health Strategy for 2021-2025 which seeks to improve the health and wellness of citizens with the goal of ensuring universal access to health services.

While this is crucial, Zimbabwe also needs disease specific strategies to address the unique challenges posed by breast cancer including late diagnosis, limited screening services and high treatment costs.

To address these gaps, the MoHCC recently launched the National Cancer Control Plan (2025–2030) which advocates for a comprehensive cancer control programme.

The plan acknowledges however that current infrastructure, diagnostic equipment and treatment capacity do not adequately meet the country’s growing cancer burden.

These policies and initiatives are a step in the right direction, yet their success will depend on actionable implementation, sustained funding and collaborative efforts among government, NGOs and the private sector.

For women like Zvarebwanashe such efforts around strategies and policies offer hope only if they are accompanied by action and real change on the ground.

“With breast cancer, there isn’t much being done beyond awareness and screening. If a woman discovers she has breast cancer and there are no treatment services available, she ends up dying at home. I think this is why many women choose to live not knowing their status,” said Zvarebwanashe.

Although she remains hopeful, Zvarebwanashe’s journey is far from over as she is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer in Botswana and the costs continue to weigh heavily on her. With her health limiting her ability to work, every hospital visit and medication purchase becomes a financial burden.

Sadly, this is not just a story but the reality for many women in the Masvingo province and the country at large.

Commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October remains a pivotal step, but there is a pressing need to move beyond a once a year conversation.

True awareness lives in consistent efforts such as investing in modern medical equipment, expanding healthcare facilities, bringing cancer services closer to communities, stronger advocacy and the courage to keep the conversation alive long after the ribbons are taken down.

Only then can stories like Sungano Zvarebwanashe’s be celebrated truly.

Only then can a breast cancer diagnosis feel less like a death sentence.            

Triangle stillage pond collapse, poisons Runde River

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Triangle stillage pond collapse, poisons Runde River

By Beatific Gumbwanda

​A stillage pond at Triangle Section 6 in the lowveld collapsed last week, releasing 16 megaliters of chemical-laden liquid waste into the Cheche and Mtirikwi rivers, prompting a critical public health and environmental alert across the Lowveld region.

Officials fear the toxic plume has already reached the Runde River, one of the district’s largest waterways.

​The 16 megaliter stillage tank collapsed, instantaneously injecting a substantial volume of liquid stillage, a waste product often containing harmful chemicals directly into the natural river system.

​The immediate environmental consequences were confirmed by reports of dead fish sighted upstream of the Runde River, strongly suggesting that the contamination had already progressed downstream.

​Chiredzi District Development Coordinator (DDC), Lovemore Chisema who chairs the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) together with Environmental Management Authority (EMA) issued an urgent public advisory to safeguard human health.

​“Residents are strictly warned NOT to consume fish from the Cheche, Mtirikwi, or Runde rivers until further notice due to the confirmed chemical contamination.

​“Also the use of water from these rivers for domestic purposes (including drinking, cooking, or bathing) must be avoided entirely until water quality tests confirm safety,” said Chisema.

​Chisema also indicated that emergency response teams had been deployed to execute immediate dilution efforts in a bid to mitigate severe environmental damage.

​“Authorities are actively diverting large volumes of clean water from three separate sources, the Gungwa Weir, Off Take 18, and Christine Water, into the affected rivers. The goal of this emergency action is to dilute the concentration of the toxic waste as quickly as possible and minimize the spread of the plume,” added Chisema.

​Affected communities were advised to follow official updates from the Environmental Management Agency and local authorities for ongoing guidance and official water-quality test results

Man killed for refusing to share beer

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Man killed for refusing to share beer

By Karen Sibanda

RENCO MINE – Police have launched a manhunt for Maxwell Marumbwa of Manyise Village under Chief Nyajena, who is accused of fatally assaulting a fellow patron after he refused to share beer at Pamuzinda Bar, Zengeza Business Centre.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 29, 2025, around 2:00 AM, when Marumbwa and the now-deceased Sentie Hando were drinking together.

Inspector Dhewa appealed to the public for information that may help apprehend the suspect, saying anyone with details can report to the nearest police station.

“Police have launched a manhunt for Maxwell Marumbwa who is the prime suspect in a murder case in which a man was found dead after an altercation with the suspect over beer. We appeal for information that can help us apprehend the suspect,” said Inspector Dhewa.

Sources privy to the incident said Marumbwa, who was holding an empty 2-litre bottle, demanded more alcohol from Hando. When Hando refused, a heated exchange broke out between the two.

The dispute was temporarily calmed by Livison Shamu (40) of Gwaindepi Village, who witnessed the altercation. However, tensions remained high. Shortly after, Hando left the bar to make a phone call and returned, only for Marumbwa to continue pressing him for beer.

Hando allegedly exited the bar once more and was reportedly chased by Marumbwa down the rocky hill where the bar is located. Marumbwa later returned to the bar alone and told Shamu that Hando had “run away” and he had failed to catch him.

However, on November 30, 2025, at around 1:00 PM, Hando’s body was discovered lying in an open space near Zengeza Business Centre. The police were alerted and attended the scene, but the suspect was nowhere to be found and is still on the run.

The deceased’s body was ferried to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Masvingo records sharp decline in human rights abuses

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Masvingo records sharp decline in human rights abuses

By TellZim Reporter

Masvingo Province has for the first time recorded a sharp decline in the number of human rights abuses recording only three cases in October 2025 out of a total of 116 cases recorded during the month.

According to the Zimbabwe Peace Project report for October 2025, the three cases related to Masvingo include forced displacement, physical assault and harassment as well as intimidation in Gutu and Mwenezi districts.

“In Gutu Ward 6, a woman living with a disability was forcibly displaced from her land by a traditional leader, highlighting violations of property rights and protections for vulnerable persons. In Mwenezi Ward 4, a male resident was accused of organizing the one million men march on 17 October and was assaulted by ZANU PF supporters, sustaining injuries, illustrating politically motivated violence and the suppression of civic participation.

“Additionally, in Gutu Ward 24, nurses at a medical facility were harassed and intimidated for accepting donated blankets without ZANU PF approval, demonstrating interference in professional and humanitarian activities,” reads a part of the report.

According to the report, the violations which include forced displacements, threats, physical assault and hate motivated violence affecting 2 531 individuals.

“In October 2025, ZPP documented a total of 116 human rights violations across the country, affecting 2,531 individuals, of whom 1,360 were female and 1,171 were male. Among these, 58 women and 51 men were persons with disabilities.

The violations recorded included gross abuses such as forced displacements, hate-motivated violence, threats, and physical assault.

“Additional infringements encompassed restrictions on freedom of assembly and association, curtailment of freedom of expression, unjustified arrests, and inequitable access to government aid and essential social services,” reads a part of the report

.

Harare topped the violations with 38 cases largely linked to service delivery failures, followed by Mashonaland East (20), Manicaland (16), and Matabeleland North (13). Mashonaland Central and Midlands each recorded 8 violations, Mashonaland West and Bulawayo 5 each.

Zanu PF supporters accounted for 19.2 percent of the perpetrators, with the party’s leadership at various levels accounting for 12.1 percent. Local authorities contributed 16.5 percent while the Zimbabwe Republic Police and traditional leaders were counted as 15.2 percent and 9.8 percent of the violators respectively.

Other state actors, including school authorities and security personnel, together accounted for 11.5percent, while civilians unaffiliated with any institution represented 14.1percent. Members of the MDC-A were responsible for 0.7 percent of violations.

In April 2025, Masvingo topped the statistics with a shocking 300 percent increase in human rights violations from five recorded in March of the same year to 20 in April exposing a disturbing trend of systemic repression and abuse of power by those in offices.

In May 2025 Masvingo and Harare recorded the highest number of violations in May.

Provincially, Masvingo and Harare recorded the highest number of violations with 13 and 16 violations respectively.

Power FC ends four lions’ unbeaten run in season finale

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Power FC ends four lions’ unbeaten run in season finale

By Andrew Zhou

MASHAVA – Four Lions FC’s unbeaten season came to an end on Saturday after falling 1-0 to rivals Power FC in their final Division Two league match at Bere Grounds.

The newly-crowned champions suffered their first defeat in 18 matches, though they had already secured promotion to Division One before the fixture.

Power FC, who clinched third place with the victory, secured the win through defender Shawn Chisango’s second-half long-range strike.

Four Lions Coach Mahala Lonne acknowledged the defeat while maintaining pride in his team’s championship season.

“Credit where it’s due, Power FC came out with an energy we simply did not match today. The unbeaten run was an incredible achievement, and while it hurts to lose now, it does not take away from the title we’ve won,” Lonne told TellZim News.

Power FC head coach Maxwell Kwangwari described the victory as particularly satisfying after losing the first leg encounter.

“This win is huge for our fans and for the history books as it was our revenge match since we lost our first leg match away. We respect the Four Lions for their title win, but we were determined to show the league that they are not unbeatable,” said Kwangwari.

Team Manager Edson Maziti emphasized the significance of beating the champions for team morale.

“The boys showed heart today. We knew we had the potential to do this, and to achieve it in the final match is monumental for our club’s morale and future recruitment,” Maziti said.

When asked about promotion prospects, Maziti said ZIFA would decide which teams will be selected for playoffs or to be promoted into the division one league.”

Club Secretary Trywell Gwatinonga expressed appreciation for the community’s support throughout the season.

“The pride we feel is immense. The support from the stands was phenomenal, and this victory sends a clear signal that Power FC is a serious contender. We thank every fan and player for making this a memorable season,” said Gwatinonga.

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