Brighton Chiseva

A Masvingo family was plunged into tragedy and utter destitution after a 33 year old man allegedly murdered his wife with an axe before systematically setting fire to three family homesteads, reducing all possessions to ashes and leaving eight school children without any belongings.

Police have since launched a manhunt for Morgen Gwazira, an artisanal miner, who disappeared after committing the heinous crime in Machingambi Village, Gwanha area, on October 12.

Acting Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred in Ward 13 of Chief Mugabe’s area.

“Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who escaped after killing his wife and torching three homesteads. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should report to any nearest police station

According to police accounts, the incident began around 10 AM when Gwazira, while seated with his wife Liliosa Gwenhamo (34) and their four children in a kitchen hut, allegedly struck her on the head with an axe, killing her instantly.

He then proceeded to douse the hut with petrol. Preliminary reports indicate he initially intended to set the hut alight with himself and the children inside. However, when he went outside to ignite the fire, the children managed to escape.

Gwazira is then alleged to have dragged his wife’s body outside, piled firewood on it, doused it with petrol, and set it alight. He subsequently moved to his uncle’s nearby homestead and, finding it unoccupied, set three houses on fire. He then proceeded to his father’s homestead and set another three houses ablaze, in addition to a pigsty, killing three pigs, before disappearing into a nearby mountain.

Close sources suggest a history of volatile behavior, stating that Gwazira had previously damaged property at his father’s residence while speaking incoherently. The source indicated that his mother, who heard the initial argument on the day of the incident, fled over fears for her safety based on this past conduct.

The arson attacks resulted in the total destruction of property across the three homesteads. The affected families lost all their possessions, including clothing, furniture, and critical documents such as national identification cards and birth certificates.

Eight school children from the households are reported to have lost all their educational materials, including uniforms, books, and stationery. The family of the suspect includes four children, the eldest of whom had recently completed Grade Seven examinations.

The family is currently appealing to the public for assistance with basic necessities, including food, clothing, and school supplies. Those willing to assist are directed to contact Local Councillor Sarah Munemo on 0772816260 or TellZim News on 0719355808.

By Staff Reporter

BIKITA – In a landmark development for rural infrastructure, Bikita Rural District Council has installed traffic lights at the intersection connecting the Mutare-Masvingo Highway to Nyika Growth Point, potentially becoming the first rural local authority in Masvingo Province to implement such urban-style traffic management.

The pioneering initiative, confirmed by Bikita RDC Chairperson Thomas Mataga, comes as a direct response to the alarming frequency of accidents at the busy junction.

Mataga explained that the council had observed persistent challenges with motorists navigating the intersection, particularly those traveling along the highway and others entering or exiting the growth point.

“We have witnessed numerous accidents at this intersection where motorists were failing to give way to each other. This traffic light system is a safety measure implemented using council resources to protect both drivers and pedestrians,” said Mataga.

The council is not stopping at traffic lights in its road safety campaign. Mataga revealed that plans were underway to install speed humps several hundred meters from the intersection near Gwindingwi High School, where speeding vehicles have endangered learners.

Additional safety measures are also planned along the highway near Rupare Secondary School and Mandadzaka Primary School, where learners regularly cross the road and face similar risks from fast-moving traffic.

The introduction of traffic lights has drawn positive reactions from road users, including self-described pirate taxi driver known as Gidza, who acknowledged the development’s significance despite its potential impact on his quick passenger pick-ups.

“Though it might slow us down as pirate taxis who usually rush to pick up passengers, this is a noble development that guarantees safety for all motorists and pedestrians. Who would have imagined that a rural growth point like ours could have traffic lights typically seen in urban areas?” he said.

The installation represents a significant step in modernizing rural infrastructure and addresses critical safety concerns while setting a new standard for traffic management in provincial growth points.

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – The Masvingo District Registry Office allegedly suspended the replacement of national identity cards for the past week due to a critical shortage of official receipt books required for processing the US$10 replacement fee, TellZim News has learnt.

Multiple sources confirmed they were turned away when attempting to replace the crucial documents, with one frustrated applicant revealing that only individuals possessing the older green identity passbooks were being served for upgrades to the new plastic cards.

“I went there intending to replace the ID that I lost, and it was urgent because I wanted to apply for a job vacancy. I was informed that since Monday, October 6, they had not been processing replacements,” said the source

When contacted for comment by TellZim News, Masvingo District Registrar Lawrence Mapara could neither confirm nor deny saying he was not allowed to speak to the media.

“I am not allowed to speak to the media, you are closer to the offices, you can come and see for yourself what is happening,” said Mapara.

However, an internal source confirmed the disruption in services, attributing the problem to logistical challenges involving fuel.

“It’s true, we have not been issuing replacements since Monday. The office ran out of receipt books, and I understand there’s no fuel available to collect new stock from the head office in Harare,” said the source.

This is not the first time the registry has faced operational challenges. The office has previously experienced similar disruptions, including fuel shortages for generators during power outages.

“The registry has repeatedly been plagued by administrative hurdles like fuel shortages for generators, especially during electricity cuts. Even when well-wishers offer to assist with fuel, bureaucratic government procedures prevent such interventions,” the source added.

The registry office was also among several government buildings that endured prolonged power disconnections after the Department of Public Works failed to settle prepaid electricity accounts. The situation was only rectified following media exposure of the issue.

The current suspension of ID replacement services continues to inconvenience citizens who require the vital documents for various transactions, including employment applications, banking services, and access to other essential services.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

ZAKA – The community of Chisara Village in Zaka is in mourning following the tragic death of 14-year-old Joseph Chisasa, who succumbed to head injuries after falling from an electric pole.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 4, 2025, around 1:30 PM.

Reports indicate that Chisasa was walking to visit his aunt with his 12-year-old brother when he suddenly climbed the electric pole and fell. His younger brother recounted that after the fall, Chisasa cried out in pain, was unable to stand, and began crawling.

The younger sibling immediately ran to alert nearby relatives, who rushed the injured boy to Mashoko Mission Hospital.

Tragically, Chisasa was pronounced dead upon arrival. A subsequent police examination revealed that he had sustained severe head injuries from the impact.

Inspector Dhewa urged parents and guardians to maintain close supervision of their children to prevent such accidents.

“We advise members of the public to avoid climbing trees, poles, and rooftops without safety harnesses, as it is dangerous,” said Inspector Dhewa.

This incident follows the recent drowning of two teenagers in Gutu, serving as another painful reminder of the need for constant vigilance to protect children from preventable accidents.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

MASHAVA – A 25-year-old miner, Talent Zamuchiya, died in a tragic accident at Cambrine Mine 21 in Mashava after being buried under a collapsing load of slime while loading rocks into a cyanide tank.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 5, 2025, around 10 a.m.

“I confirm the death of Talent Zamuchiya from Chiteka Village, Rusape, who died in a mining accident that occurred on October 5, 2025, around 10am at Cambrine Mine 21,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Zamuchiya’s work involved loading rocks into tanks containing cyanide, a highly toxic chemical used to separate gold from ore.

Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, Zamuchiya arrived later than his colleagues, who had already completed their daily targets and left the site. While he was working alone, loading rocks into the tank, a mass of slime, a residual byproduct of gold processing, suddenly gave way and buried him completely.

Around noon, another worker arrived and noticed a hand protruding from the slime. Colleagues rushed to dig him out, but he had already died.

Police and mine management attended the scene, and his body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Inspector Dhewa urged mine operators to prioritize safety measures to prevent such incidents.

“Safety should not be a slogan at the workplace but must be practiced in real time to save lives and properties. Those in the mining industry are encouraged to adhere to safety protocols,” he said.

The incident comes barely exactly a month after a 30-year-old from Matsena Village under Chief Mpapa, Mwenezi died in a devastating mine shaft accident at Mahlasela Mazuruse Mine in Mwenezi.

The incident occurred on September 6 around 5 pm while the deceased Rushmore Matsena was being lowered into a 28-meter deep shaft in a bucket when the rope suddenly loosened, causing him to fall to his death.

Earlier this year, 3 people died at Boss Mine in Mashava after a mine shaft collapsed while the workers were underground.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

GUTU – The Gutu community was plunged into mourning and disbelief after a 70-year-old man from Gomba Village took his own life, in a tragic incident that casted a shadow over the entire district.

The now deceased Johnson Gama, was found dead on October 3, 2025. By passerby’s who were going to church

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident to TellZim News and said Gama left his home on October 2 to search for his lost cattle and returned.

“He successfully recovered the animals and returned home, but later left again without informing anyone of his whereabouts. His grandson was reportedly the last family member to see him alive around 8 PM that evening,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Inspector Dhewa expressed deep concern over the increasing suicide cases in the region, particularly among men, and urged community members to seek support during difficult times.

“Suicide is never an option. People should learn to share their challenges so that they can get assistance rather than resorting to suicide,” Dhewa emphasized.

Tragically, in the early hours of October 3, women en route to a Masowe apostolic church service discovered Gama’s body hanging from a Muora tree.

Police investigations confirmed he had used a wire to hang himself and the reason for his decision to end his life is yet to be established.

The body was transported to Gutu Mission Hospital for post-mortem examination as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

This incident follows another recent tragedy in Chivi, where a man died by suicide after being rejected by his former wife.

These consecutive cases highlight urgent need for enhanced mental health support and intervention strategies, especially for men in rural communities facing emotional distress.