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Masvingo City female councillors sleeping on duty – residents

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Masvingo City female councillors sleeping on duty – residents

Perpetua Murungweni

Female residence in Masvingo Urban have accused female councillors especially those who got in council through proportional representation of forgetting why they were in council.
This came out after all the four female councillors at Masvingo City Council failed to show up at a meeting organised by Wezhira Community Radio Station at Yeukai Presbyterian Church on March 13, 2024 to discuss issues to do with women and service delivery in Masvingo.
It was said they all gave excuses that they were committed somewhere else, sparking anger among female residents who said since they were seconded to council after the August 2023 elections, no female councillor had held a feedback meeting with women to hear their concerns about service delivery.
One resident Letwin Musarurwa of ward 1 said she did not understand what the female councillors were doing in council where they are always busy if they do not know what challenges female residents were facing.
“Councillors should be busy in communities not in council like these female councillors are doing, they claim to be always busy in council not paying attention to critical issues that are affecting us as women.
“Who exactly are these councillors representing in the council and whose interests are they serving when they don’t come to us to ask and listen to what is affecting us as women? Development does not come from the council meetings, and I wonder what exactly they are reporting each month in council if they do not know our problems,” said Musarurwa.
Anna Chakanyuka said as women they were happy when the women’s quota system was introduced in councils thinking that the councillors will carry their concerns to council but they were angry that those who should be representing them were not doing so.
“As women we are very angry that those we voted for and those that made it through women’s quota to represent us are not doing so. They have totally forgotten us and all they say is they are busy, with what?” said Chakanyuka.
Shamiso Munyenye said when they saw the number of women increasing in council they were happy that their grievances were finally going to be heard but things have actually become worse.
“When we saw the number of women in council increasing, we were very happy that our grievances as women will now be heard and taken care of but things have gotten worse especially for us vendors.
“We had hoped that as female councillors thy were going to tailor and lobby for policies that allows us women especially vendors to get places where we can sell our goods in an orderly manner taking into consideration that its risky for women to be running around evading police but we are still running every day and are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Munyenye.
Women’s Action Group gender focal person Joyce Mhungu said female councillors were supposed go back to communities and interact with women so that they get their issues then go back with them to council.
“Female councillors especially the PR have a responsibility to come back to people after being sworn in council, they need to introduce themselves to the communities so that women appreciate their representation in the council.
“It’s almost half a year since these female councillors started their duties in council but most women do not even know them yet women are the ones facing more challenges that need to be deliberated in council.
“These female councillors should also take into consideration other organisations’ efforts to bring them together with communities so that they can interact closely with women but they are giving excuses every time and again saying they are busy.
“Most women are now confused they now don’t understand what is the role of these councillors, is their role to be always be busy or its to represent women in council,” said Mhungu.
Masvingo Women’s Forum Chairperson Sungano Zvarebgwanashe urged female councillors to organise events like what Wezhira Community Radio Station was doing to bring women together, interact with them and hear their challenges then take them back to council.
“Masvingo female councillors should take initiatives like these to bring women together and hear their challenges so that they can take issues affecting women back to council and work towards improving the livelihoods of women,” said Zvarebgwanashe.
Contacted for comment PR Councillor Esther Zishiri said it was difficult for them to conduct dialogue meetings with women because most of them attend depending on the party the councillor who call them belongs to.
“We are going to try and organise meetings through council to have interactive dialogues with women because we are facing some challenges in organising and conducting these dialogue meetings because people them will not show up because they usually look at who is calling and which party do they belong to,” Zishiri said.
Ward 1 councillor Sabina Chikwangwani said she had heard their need for feedback meetings with female residents and will organise it in future.
“I have heard the concerns and I am going to see what I can do,” said Chikwangwani.
Two other councillors who made it through the quota system, Sharon Marombedze and Alaika Time failed to comment on the issue.
Marombedze said she could not comment while Time said she was in the rural areas attending to a sick relative.
“I am in the rural areas attending to a sick relative so I cannot comment on that, you can get in touch with other councillors,” Time said.
On her part Marombedze said she could not comment because she had nothing to say at the time, saying she did not attend the said meeting because Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) usually do not invite Zanu PF councillors so the CCC councillors were better positioned to comment on the matter.
“NGOs do not invite Zanu PF councillors so you may ask CCC councillors. I have nothing more to comment,” said Marombedze.
Masvingo City Council has four female councillors out of 13 councillors with Zishiri, Time and Chikwangwani from opposition whilst Marombedze is from ruling party Zanu PF.
Ward 8 CCC Councillor Richard Musekiwa dispelled allegations that the female councillors especially PR could not go into wards to address women because the ward councillors would feel threatened.
He said they were free to do meetings with women as long as they notified the sitting councillor and where necessary they can go together.
“We were told during orientation that we are all equal councillors so if they want to have a meeting in my ward or any other ward they are free to do so. They should just notify me so that even if I am asked by other authorities I will be able to tell them that there is a meeting of that sort.
“Sometimes depending on the programme we can even go together we don’t have any problem with that. We are here to serve people so even if councillor Marombedze of Zanu PF wants to meet people in my ward she is free to do so because we are all councillors.
Where possible we can even go together because that is our duty as councillors, I encourage the female councillors to meet women so that when we get to council we will then pass resolutions that are informed from our people,” said Musekiwa.

Justice Denied…

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Justice Denied…

… Chivi rape victim dies before court finalises case
…family wants closure as suspect walks free

By Brighton Chiseva

Martin Luther King Jr used the phrase, “Justice too long delayed is justice denied,” in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, smuggled out of prison in 1963, ascribing it to “one of our distinguished jurists”. Luther’s statement resonates well with what a Chivi family is going through right now after their 14-year-old girl who was a rape victim died barely three months after the ordeal, before the matter went to trial in court.
With broken hearts, the family said if the case had been heard in court in time it could have at least brought peace to their hearts, as they are now left with no closure after losing their child before she testified against her 63-year-old aggressor.
They say the perpetrator, who also happens to be a relative and neighbor pleaded guilty before a meeting convened by the village head soon after the matter came to light back in October last year.
Their bone of contention is that the matter was not closed satisfactorily when they came to court after the victim died mysteriously and they were casually told the case was closed, with noone caring to explain to them how that came to be.
The family also claim they recorded the accused’s testimony as the matter was being heard before the village head, who could also be a witness together with many others present on that day when the 63-year-old perpetrator admitted to the crime.
The victim’s uncle, Innocent Mupedzi said they are in a state of confusion but what pains them the most is how his niece’s health suddenly deteriorated after the perpetrator was granted bail and she sadly died before she got justice.
“My niece Andile was raped on October 13 2023 but until the time of her death on February 16, 2024, the case had not progressed meaningfully in court. She died only seven days before the date she was supposed to appear in court to testify against her perpetrator.
“What shocked the family also is how the investigating officer and the prosecutor reacted to the news of the demise of the girl which the family says came as a piercing dagger in their hearts.
“When I called the investigating officer at Mashava Police station, she simply said the accused is now a free man. The same statement was also repeated by the prosecutor,” said Innocent Mupedzi.
The grieving uncle to the deceased also had in his possession documents that he said could also be used as proof to what had happened to Andile, including the medical report that proved she was raped, and other medical reports which he showed this publication.
He also insisted that he has a strong conviction that his niece’s death is strongly related to the rape ordeal, which was giving him sleepless nights as he has to deal with a concoction of emotions because Andile can no longer narrate what happened both after the rape and after the perpetrator was granted bail.
Contacted for comment, the prosecutor who was dealing with the case Liberty Hove said he was not allowed to comment to the media and referred questions to his bosses.
Efforts to get a comment from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu and JSC secretary Walter Chikwanha were futile as their mobile phones went unanswered for several days.
However, sources within the prosecuting authority said if the incident had happened in October, there was no delay because the regional magistrate’s court is still trying a number of cases from last year since all rape cases are tried at Masvingo Regional Court.
“If it was supposed to appear in February then it was not delayed, the initial appearance should have happened in Chivi before it was referred to the regional court since it deals with all rape cases from the Province so there will be a backlog. Right now the court is dealing with some cases that happened even before that one,” said the source.
“What happened is, on the fateful day, the victim came back from school and went to the accused’s place with the intention of getting some lemons for since she had flue. Upon arrival, the accused instructed her to go into his house to collect keys to his garden where the lemons were.
Circumstances around the girl’s rape were that on the fateful day, she went to the elderly perpetrator’s home, which is about 500metres away from her home to look for lemons since she had a flu.
The perpetrator is believed to have asked her to go into a hut at the homestead to look for keys, after which he followed her.
“When she got into the house, the accused followed him and raped her inside the hut before threatening her with unspecified action. She then went back and home where she narrated her ordeal to her sister who told their grandmother.
“The whole family was involved, where the accused was also present and was recorded admitting to the crime, after which it was reported to police leading to the perpetrator’s arrest. However, after a few days he returned home and we all thought he was out on bail and although we were uncomfortable with it, we just thought we were going to meet in court,” said Mupedzi.
Mupedzi says the perpetrator’s return may have traumatized the victim but they had no option but to wait for the court dates although they knew how it probably troubled Andile so much.
The matter was allegedly supposed to continue by way of summons but the deceased’s family claims that the court dates kept on shifting from then until February this year when they were told that they were going to attend court on February 6, which was again postponed to a later date in the month.
“The matter was postponed for a number of times with the prosecution saying there was missing paper work or at times they would say the accused’s lawyer had another case hence they could not proceed,” said another family member.
The family said they suspect that the accused had something to do with the demise of the victim saying her illness was so drastic as she got worse within 2 days and sadly succumbed to the illness which saw her starting to bed wet in her last days.
They also claim that the day before she died, she bled from the nose most of the day and the doctor who was supposed to do post mortem at Chivi Hospital had to refer the body to Masvingo where the autopsy was done by then police doctor.
“We suspect the use of juju (black magic) to derail the court processes until the time of the victim’s death or that the accused could have bribed someone to delay the court processes whilst he was working on possible ways of silencing the victim once and for all,” yet another grieving close relative said.
Masvingo based lawyer Advocate Collen Maboke said legally when the victim dies the case will be closed because there will be no one to testify unless there was extra evidence that could be used to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
“If the victim dies then the case will be closed unless if the victim had testified in court and dies before the case is finalized where the magistrate or judge will use the testimony. It can also continue if there is extra evidence that the accused really committed the crime,” said Maboke.
Same sentiments were echoed by Advocate Yolanda Chandata who said if the victim dies before the matter is heard then there won’t be anyone to testify so the case is then closed.

Zim education truly gone to the dogs

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Zim education truly gone to the dogs

Ladies and gentlemen, things have been a bit chilled in the corridors of power lately, mheno varikuita nezvei mazuvano kuti zii zii kudai, maybe they are preparing kuvhura extra large very soon. Ko team racho rinombotana here kuzarura huru, kungodai vatobura imwe episode. Chete these days there is a lot of darkness, Zesa is acting like sidechick renyika rinoita zvarinoda parinonda, kkkk. It seems as if Zesa wants us to keep talking about it because the inconsistency looks very deliberate. I heard paBikita apo they got dedicated power line, maChina akakoshaka kudarika imimi, inga you know wani. I hope the mine will give the construction of a stadium priority now that Bikita Minerals FC is in the PSL, not kuswera muchiita kunge muchadonha nemabhazi makananga Sakubva. I really think the promotion of Bikita into PSL should benefit the province, not amwe maprovince, because mari yese iyoyo that you use to hire mastadium kwaMutare can go a long way in the development of the beautiful sport not only in Bikita but in the province at large. Again, kuBikita uko kukaita stadium ine musoro, imagine what that will do to the business community. I am just thinking about all the benefits that will come kubva kumavendor, shops, those in accommodation, fast food, you name it. Mapombi anoita seasina musoro but if you give heed to what I say munotoona zviine musoro. This is a big chance for the district to grow, moti mine, moti bhora, I tell you Bikita will become a sought after destination. Musazoita njere dzinenge dzakanamwa neharurwa morega kudeveloper the sport side of things zvamurimi, munotisekesa by people from other provinces. On that note also, I think it is high time Masvingo City Council works towards the renovation of Mucheke Stadium. Ari kushaikwa here mapublic-private-partnerships nemaBuild-operate-transfer? Please take this issue seriously because you may be sitting on a treasure trove, considering how much people love soccer and other sport. Wherever you go, you hear people talking about sport, chero neakapfeka mamvemve unonzwa achiti takatenga player yakati worth millions, kkkkk, apa dzakabata kasmall bundle kecovo dzichibva pamusika.
It’s been a while since I last checked on my comrades kuCCC uko, what is happening guys? It looks like these days they are letting the sleeping dogs lie. Vakatosara muparliament nemumacouncils vakatosara and vakatopinda muSenate vanaTshabangu vakatopinda, we are now back to square one. One thing chinondisparka about team zhinji reopposition is how impulsive they are, no strategy, no nothing, just vibes. Didn’t you see how hyped masupporter aNero were soon after he announced his departure from CCC? Vamwe vakatorasa nezvimahovhorosi nezvimahelmet zveyellow, hanzi tava veblue. Even a chameleon will salute you at the rate at which you change colours, kkkk. Chibaya, Ostallos, Prince Dubeko nerimwe team rese who were recalled by Tshabangu dzakuperaka shungu dzekudzingwa, energy is now low. Ndozvinoita upenyu mabiyangu, once you are out you are out, ukazoona wodzoka haa dzava nyasha dzaMwari sanaDavid Coltart, otherwise anenge angova matakadyakare. Speaking of which, gara kwaimbova nemurume ainzi Obert Gutu? Mmmm, politics is one hell of a game I tell you. Now vakungohumana on Twitter seeking relevance on subjects that are clearly above their reach. Relevance dzakadyiwa neutara hweZanu. Chero mukapinda mumakomishoni nemaopareshoni that were once recited by the talented duo of Shows Lambada and Michael Mabwe, no one bats an eyelid. I also saw Mwonzora opening his mouth very wide achipopotera civil servants remuneration. Mati madiiko Ba Bertha, you will fight and fight to get back on the people’s good side but dzichasvika padzicharema njuga dzacho mozongotsvagawo pekuti pfee modya munyerere, that is if Zanu still sees your relevance. The issue of teachers’ salaries gives vanaTrabablas headache, and this thing is perennial. Vakazongogona havo by allowing the proliferation of private schools, thereby commodifying education on the highest level. Ndakanhonga bepa kuno kuChitima reZimstats raitaura about the number of children who are out of school and it is shocking. While education is expensive, the teachers are not being paid adequately, varikuhora nzungu, and if you do not have money for extra lessons, hapana hapana. The teachers themselves no longer afford to pay fees for their children because they do not have the money. Mheno kana risiri drama but I saw some Artuz members who were taken to court for failure to pay their children’s school fees. But pafair chaipo, have you seen the living and working conditions teachers have to endure in many of these schools? Apa on payday wonotambira hako nyoka kubank. Wonzi increment, wanei i$30 isingakwani kubhadhara fees yemwana one wekuprimary. Surely the education system has gone to the dogs. Mateacher acho aneta nekucomplainer so those who will suffer are the majority, because ruzhinji rwevana go to these public schools where teachers are being treated in the worst possible conditions. It is saddening that the rich can just take their kids to private schools, while the general majority have no option than kuvaendesa kumateacher iwayo anogara aine stress yezvimbadzo. The whole lot of them varikuhorera kumamoney lenders because that is the only way they can afford to send their kids to school. The government of Zimbabwe has drastically failed the teacher, and no matter how passionate they are, unosvika paunozorora wani. These people are surely passionate, zvinongoonekwa by how they endure kugara mudzimba that look like zvikwere zvehuku in the name of imba yebasa. Manje the sad part of casualising labour is that it becomes a culture, and a very bad one for any system because it also comes with the casualization of the workplace. Kumauniversity uko madoctor nemaprofessor varikungokwangwayawo because they are not being remunerated accordingly. Zvinozoda here, treating the country’s academia like that? Ndozvinoratidza kuti the government has failed its people at the highest level. People are paying a leg and thigh to send their children to school, muchiti vanodzidziswa nani anoita shungu when he or she is suffering? These are the generations of men and women you all expect to be leaders of tomorrow. Sometimes ndombonzwira vana vari kuenda kuchikoro now tsitsi because really, the quality of education they are getting is definitely compromised, ndoreva venyu ivava vekwana St Nyoka, Mupiniwasvotoka nekwaChirimudombo. It is sad really. Something ought to change. Ko iwo maworkers union amazuvano akabviswa meno nanikowo? Otivozve ndokumwe kune vanorambira pazvigaro, unwe kutaurisa. You know who I am talking about, itai muchisuduruka muchipawo vamwe vane miono mitsva. Genuine worker rights activists who are not only after twerking for donors hakuchina mazuvano, kkkkk. Kwangozara ivava who do not have their fellow colleagues at heart.
Ko these days where is vana Mhamha vedu, I mean vese zvavo? Ndasuwa kuona Mhamha Oksi vachibika nyevhe ine dovi towards Vision 2030. Ukuwo Dr Gire vangotiwo dii. Chimbouyai mupopotere vanhu veZesa kani Dr Gire, tanzwa nerima isu.
Let me go ndinokanga maputi angu zvangu for lunch. I heard Minister Masuka vakati kuri kuuya maproject mumisha umu embudzi nehuku, asi hanzi musadya. Zvisazongoita sezvaVaMphoko zvezvitiyo zvakangozoti tsakata zviya. Until next time, mboko imboko!

Masvingo Junior Social League bears fruits

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Masvingo Junior Social League bears fruits

…..as one of its junior players currently in SA, also scheduled for trials in UAE

By Decide Nhendo

Masvingo Junior Social League (MJSL) is yielding results as one of its best products, Tinovimbanashe “Junior” Chivange, is on trials in South Africa and is scheduled to go for other trials in the United Arab Emirates as his exceptional talent is being recognized locally and internationally.
Tinovimbanashe’s father Talent Chivange said he was happy that his son was going for trials to several teams and said he was confident in him that one day he would raise Masvingo’s flag higher.
“Junior is training with the South African Jomo Cosmos under 15 team and last week he was called by another team in South Africa as a guest player where he went on to showcase a thrilling performance and managed to net two goals.
“He is also being courted by many clubs like Puma Middle East who are looking at endorsing him as well after a few trials, which means he will be traveling to the UAE for trials with a scholarship on offer,” said Chivange.
Chivange said MSJL was playing a pivotal role in grooming and nurturing young talent in Masvingo, he said business communities and stakeholders willing to grow the league must promote the youthful league.
“MSJL is a league of great potential, progress and its capabilities must not be undermined as it is playing a significant role in bringing up soccer professionals from young children in Masvingo. All stakeholders willing to chip in with financial assistance must not hesitate to help the league for community development,” said Chivange.
He said Junior started playing soccer at a young age and managed to distinguish himself as an extraordinary player on the soccer field with MSJL.
“Whilst in primary, it did not take time for soccer coaches at Victoria Primary School to spot him and he even captained the school team,” said Chivange.
He said in MSJL Junior played for different teams including Rujeko Academy and Jojo Academy as well as his father’s side at Nemanwa.
Chivange said Junior’s elder brother Victor who was at Prince Edward was the first person to identify his young brother’s talent and informed him to take a closer look at him which he did and started helping him.
In a bid to grow his talent, his father said they seriously considered what Victor had said and sent Junior to trials that were being done in Harare.
In Harare at City Academy, he displayed an amazing performance which resulted in him being listed to go to Spain and Manchester City side in Dubai but failed to go due to some complications.
In 2023 alone he won the most improved and upcoming player at Harare City Academy last year and a certificate from Yadah Sports Academy.
He is under the instruction of his personal coach and trainer former Zimbabwe left-back and Orlando Pirates player, South African soccer legend Innocent Chikoya who is mentoring him.

Women’s month gift: Govt, partners offer free fistula repair

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Women’s month gift: Govt, partners offer free fistula repair

By Courage Dutiro

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, along with its partners, is offering free obstetric fistula repair surgery at Mashoko Christian Mission Hospital in Masvingo province.
The free treatment camping program started on March 11 and is ending on March 28, 2024.
Obstetric fistula, as described by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is a birth injury caused by typically prolonged or obstructed labor. This condition results in a woman’s inability to control her urine or stool.
Reproductive health officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Dr Chipo Dembedza said the Government of Zimbabwe and its partners were holding a free treatment for women with obstetric fistula at Mashoko Christian Mission Hospital and are expecting to assist forty-five women during the camping.
“This program is held quarterly. Currently, we have an ongoing camp at Mashoko Mission Hospital in Masvingo province, ending on March 28, 2024.
“We are expecting that by the end of the camp, forty-five (45) women will be treated free of charge. In our last camp held last December at Mashoko Hospital, thirty-six women were assisted,” said Dr Dembedza.
She also said over a thousand women have benefited from the programme since its launch in August 2015 at Chinhoyi Hospital as a public health programme.
“This programme started at a public health level in 2015 August at Chinhoyi Hospital and then later decentralized to four other hospitals across the country. These hospitals include Mashoko Mission Hospital, Morgenster Mission Hospital, Mutambara Mission Hospital, and Chidamoyo Hospital.
“Since the programme started more than one thousand (1000) women were assisted. Those who are suffering from the problem or those who know someone with the problem can call the toll-free number 080802341 for further information,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obstetric fistula can be prevented by reducing the number of early, unplanned pregnancies, ending harmful practices such as child marriage, and ensuring access to quality emergency obstetric care, especially cesarean section.
A report by Amnesty International Zimbabwe indicates that most women had lived for years with obstetric fistula, or undiagnosed conditions of incontinence related to childbirth, with many thinking they were the only person with the condition.
The report further indicates that lack of information about the causes and treatment of obstetric fistula increased women’s risk of discrimination and abuse within their families and communities.

Two weeks of mourning for late ZCC bishop

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Two weeks of mourning for late ZCC bishop

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – The Judea Zion Christian Church board and family of the late Bishop Dr Ofiro Mawewe have declared two weeks of mourning for the church leader who was leading one of the biggest Zion Christian Churches denomination headquartered near Muchechetere High School in Zaka who died on Saturday March 16.
Dr Mawewe, who passed on at Noraz Surgical Clinic in Masvingo due to a diabetes related ailment will be buried during Easter Holoidays on Saturday March 30.
He was 77 and is survived with one wife, six children and 18 grandchildren.
His son Oriah Mawewe confirmed the two weeks of mourning and said they decided to extend the time of mourning to allow the family and church ample time to celebrate the life of a hero who contributed a lot to the spiritual lives of many people he led.
“The Servant of God will be laid to rest on March 30 2024 at his homestead in Matekwe Village Chief Ndanga at Judea Headquarters, in Zaka District. We have decided to declare two weeks of mourning to allow congregants reflect and celebrate the life of a dedicated General of God His Grace Bishop Dr. Ofiro Mawewe,” he said.
He went on to say that apart from being just a religious leader, the Bishop was a philanthropist, educationist and Pan Africanist who contributed to the development of education, promotion of indigenous churches as well as supporting the liberation struggle.
“Bishop Mawewe was not only a religious leader, he contributed a lot to the education system of Zimbabwe by constructing schools. He also supported the liberation struggle as a young man delivering prophetic messages from his late father to the freedom fighters.
“He was also a philanthropist where he and his father fed and clothed the freedom fighters. He continued with the work even after the death of his father where he paid fees for orphans, clothed and fed the needy. Because of that he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by a South African University in 2017.
“A writer who authored books on the history of indigenous churches, Bishop Mawewe was also a supporter and beneficiary of the land reform programme where he was allocated with number 17 Dawlish Farm in Manjirenji where he established two mission schools; a primary and a secondary,” he said.
At the time of his death Bishop Ofiro was working on plans to establish a hospital and a vocational training center at the farm.
Bishop Ofiro was born on June 17 1952 in Ndanga where he grew up. As a boy he grew up during the liberation struggle and served as a war collaborator of a distinct nature.
As the only son to his father Late Rev Saul Maguta Mawewe and founder of the church, Bishop Mawewe took the reins of the church in 1979 following his father’s death.
The church was founded in 1938 and as such the family became a target by the colonial regime as Bishop Ofiro helped his father to support the revolution.
The church leader is credited for growing the Judea ZCC congregation from half a million to 1, 5 million followers during the 44 years he was leading the church and established branches all around Zimbabwe and abroad, in countries like Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, UK, Australia, Poland among others.
ZCC Judea Masvingo Branch Pastor Augustine Bikani Chipezeze described the late Bishop as a humble person who was devoted to the work of God for his entire life and welcomed everyone despite any differences.
“Bishop Mawewe was a soft and humble person who was dedicated to serve God and could welcome everyone at his home at any time and did not look at the person’s religious belief,” said Pastor Chipezeze.
Zaka Central MP Davies Marapira said he was disturbed by his death saying he died before he fulfilled his promise of visiting him at his church headquarters.
“I was supposed to visit his HQ but unfortunately he passed on before I went there. He had a lot of followers in ward 34 of Zaka Central Constituency. His passing on disturbed me a lot because I had promised to visit and assist where possible in the construction projects going on at the church,” said Marapira.

Masvingo City Council to conduct dog census

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Masvingo City Council to conduct dog census

By Beverly Bizeki

In an attempt to control the rising cases of dog bites in Masvingo City, council is set to task meter readers to do a dog census in residential places, in inorder to be able to control the number of dogs per household.
This was revealed in Health, Housing, and Environmental Services Committee Minutes dated February 5, 2024, where council resolved that the Chief Health Environmental Officer liaise with the Finance Director on the feasibility of the operation.
“Council has resolved to recommend that the Chief Health Environmental Officer be instructed to liaise with the Finance Director on the feasibility of engaging meter readers to take stock of dogs in the commonage during their meter reading duties with a view of enforcing regulations for dog keeping,” read part of the minutes.
This is one of council’s control measures in the case of dog bites.
“On control measures regarding the keeping of dogs in light of rising dog bites, it was suggested that meter readers be tasked to take stock of dogs in the commonage to enable council to institute control measures on the number of dogs per each household,” read the minutes.
Masvingo City Acting Director of Health, Housing, and Environmental Services Sithabile Matava said as council they were worried by the increase in the number of dogs in the commonage saying several people were into the breeding of dogs and that resulted in cross-breeds that have unpredicted characteristics.
“We have an increase in the number of dogs that are roaming around and this may be a result of people who are into breeding of dogs. We are receiving an average of five dog bites per month in Masvingo City and that is worrisome,” said Matava.
She further said there was a new bylaw on dogs and said residents will be sensitized about it but urged those who keep dogs to keep a limited number, make sure they have a license, and are vaccinated.
In the same minutes, council also raised concern over the increased number of push carts operating in the Central Business District (CBD).
“The committee raised concern that the number of push carts operating in the CBD had increased so much therefore inconveniencing motorists. Management noted the concern and assured the committee that municipal police would attend to the matter,” read the minutes.
Council has also raised a total of US$27 471 from the various bylaw offenses committed around the city and also from Boom gate collections.

Masvingo’s Charles Austin Theatre to host Poetry Day commemorations

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Masvingo’s Charles Austin Theatre to host Poetry Day commemorations

By Decide Nhendo

As the world celebrates World Poetry Day on March 21, Masvingo’s Charles Austin Theatre is hosting this year’s edition on March 23 from 12 pm to 4 pm.
The commemorations which were organized by Masvingo Theatre and Arts Club (Charles Austin Theatre) in conjunction with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Studio One Thousand will run under this year’s global theme ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’
Speaking to TellZim News, Charles Austin Theatre director Mhlauli Mlalazi said poets needed to be celebrated as they have a big responsibility of shaping communities through their works of art helping fight societal problems.
“Poets in our communities must be celebrated because they play a big role when it comes to fighting certain societal ills like drug abuse, gender-based violence, child marriages, among other problems.
“They easily send important messages to fight these problems through poetry when they create works of art, selling their feelings and emotions to people which can be used by different stakeholders to tackle challenges hindering development in communities,” said Mlalazi.
Mlalazi also said he was happy with the local arrangement where they pay tribute to local artists and said though the day is March 21, they settled for March 23 which is a weekend to allow all who can come since some will be at work during weekdays so Saturday will be the best day.
He urged all members of the community to come to celebrate together the work being done by the poetry sector of the arts industry in educating and entertaining the community, at the same time for them to understand what poets do and how they operate.
One local-based poet Tecla Mwoyo said the day was set aside to promote the expression of life and cultural diversity among people.
She said they were bidding to revive the traditions and also teach the budding poets how to express themselves and said poetry was used to explain situations, and motivate even liberators.
“This day is vital to my journey as a poet because it raises awareness of poetry and its significance, hence people tend to appreciate my works too. This is the time that is meant to promote teachings, expressions, and delivery, explaining to others what poetry is exactly and how it’s being used to appreciate the beauty of the world with diverse cultures. The platform raises visibility through various platforms like media,” said Mwoyo.
She said World Poetry Day helps increase literacy insights from different dimensions in an interesting manner.
Poetry is described as a form of expression or writing which lets readers get out feelings and thoughts on a subject and reading it encourages people to connect and find meaning in their experiences.
March 21 was adopted as World Poetry Day by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999 during the 30th General Conference in Paris and the day aims to support the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.
This year’s theme ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’ is focused on appreciation of all poets or writers of the past whose work enlarged poetry’s footprint across cultures.

12 years later, no refuse collection system for Masvingo suburb

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12 years later, no refuse collection system for Masvingo suburb

By Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City Council has raised concern about the vulnerability of the Victoria Ranch suburb to the cholera pandemic as the area is prone to the effects of rampant illegal dumping of garbage due to lack of a proper refuse collection and disposal system.
This was noted in the Health, Housing, and Environmental Services committee minutes where the committee resolved the City should engage Masvingo Rural District Council and advise them on the need to have refuse collection and disposal systems as the fight against cholera continues.
“On the control of the cholera pandemic, the committee raised concern that the city of Masvingo would be more vulnerable to the disease given rampant illegal dumping of garbage notably in Victoria Ranch suburbs.
“The Chief Health Environmental Health Officer was tasked to write a letter to Masvingo RDC advising on the need to put in place refuse collection and disposal systems in Victoria Ranch to mitigate against the cholera outbreak,” read the minutes.
The Victoria Ranch suburbs were established around 2012 and residents have not had proper service delivery as the project has allegedly been abandoned by land barons involved in the project.
Residents in the suburbs are still exposed to the ordeal of a lack of proper drainage systems, sewer reticulation, among other things.
One Victoria Ranch resident Dr Munyaradzi Chidarikire said the situation was getting out of hand as the population increased every day and urged the local authorities to treat the matter with urgency.
“The issue of refuse collection in Victoria Ranch has reached a critical point due to the increased human population, leading to severe consequences. Residents are resorting to burning refuse resulting in significant air pollution. The burning which usually occurs at night further exacerbates the problem causing breathing difficulties for some individuals.
“Some residents are also disposing of used diapers in open spaces, posing a serious health risk to the community including diseases such as cholera. In light of these pressing concerns, I urge the council to take immediate action by designating a refuse disposal facility located far away from the residential area.
“Further, council should prioritise the deployment of refuse trucks in these suburbs to ensure timely collection of refuse from residents. This step is essential in maintaining cleanliness and preventing further health hazards within the community. By addressing these challenges promptly, council can alleviate the adverse effects caused by lack of refuse collection,” said Dr Chidarikire.
Heaps of dumped rubbish, mostly used diapers have become an eyesore in Victoria Ranch, and the residents are also exposed to another hazard posed by the old dumpsite which is closer to houses.

Bikita twins off the hook for rape

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Bikita twins off the hook for rape

By Bright Zhou

20-year-old twin brothers from Chief Mukanganwi area in Bikita who appeared before Masvingo Magistrate’s court facing rape charges after allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl who was coming from school are now free men after Masvingo Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka acquitted them as the case lacked incriminating evidence against them.
The duo, who are not related to the complainant but are neighbours, initially appeared in court on March 13, 2024, and were remanded out of custody for continuation of trial on the following day (March 14).
In their defence, the accused persons said they were doing a menial job on the day in question, only knocking off around 1800hrs, the same time the complainant claimed to have been raped of which they were working about six kilometres away.
Their claim was corroborated by the witness whom they were working with on the day and time in question.
In passing judgement, Chineka said it was reasonable that the complainant could have been raped by other people because it was during dark hours and that the accused persons were working about six kilometres away from where she was raped.
“It is reasonable that the complainant was raped by other people because on that day the accused persons were moulding bricks in their village which is about 6 kilometres from where the complainant was raped. She said she was raped at around 6pm and that is the time accused persons left their working place,” said Chineka.
He also said the complainant did not mention the accused persons’ names when she told her school teacher that she was raped and there was no reason for her to hide rapist names.
It was the state’s case on January 25, 2024 the complainant was on her way from school at around 1700 hours when she met the accused persons.
The complainant noticed that the accused persons were following her and she tried to run away but they caught up with her.
The court heard that the first accused person dragged the complainant to a nearby bush, laid her down on her back and told his brother to tie the complainant’s hands and to close her mouth after which he raped her while the second accused person was watching.
After that, the second accused person also raped her whilst the first accused was watching before they threatened the victim with death if she disclosed the matter to anyone.
The following day the complainant went to school and she informed her friends who escorted her to the school teacher where she narrated her story.
The teacher told the school head in turn and later escorted the girl home, where she told her parents that she did not tell them of her ordeal as she was afraid of her father.
A report was made at ZRP Nyika post and the accused persons were arrested.

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