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Masvingo comes third in NASH athletics competitions

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By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo Province came third in the 2025 National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) Athletics competitions held on April 2 – 3 at Chipadze High School in Bindura.
The national event saw participation from all ten provinces across Zimbabwe, with Masvingo securing a third position after Mashonaland West and Harare respectively.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo Provincial Secretary General Tungamirai Tivafukidze said this year’s competitions were held under the theme ‘Run Against Drug Addiction, Empowering a Healthy Nation’ and aimed at raising awareness among learners about the dangers of drug abuse.
“The theme focused on combating drug addiction and promoting a healthy lifestyle among learners. Our participation reflected our commitment to this cause, as our Provincial Education Director, Shylet Mhike, also encouraged efforts to fight drug abuse and child marriages, in line with ongoing directives,” said Tivafukidze.
Masvingo Province won a total of 14 gold medals across various disciplines and made a significant improvement from their fourth-place finish in 2024.
A total of 108 learners represented the province, and 15 athletes from both the Under-16 and Under-18 categories qualified for the upcoming Confederation of Schools Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) games to be held in Eswatini this July.

Car thief abducts five year old in Masvingo

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By Staff Reporter

A 38-year-old woman from Mucheke D in Masvingo experienced a harrowing incident when a car thief stole her vehicle with her five-year-old child inside yesterday (April 9).

The suspect, who is still at large, allegedly dropped the child off at Runyararo Primary School, a few kilometers from the scene before disappearing with the vehicle.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the police were investigating the matter.

“We received a report where a woman lost her car and he child and the child was later dumped along the way and the vehicle was later found dumped and the suspect is still on the run,” said Dhehwa

The incident occurred after the woman had collected her car from Yeukai Shopping Centre Car Park, where it is usually parked overnight as she wanted to go and collect her other child from school.

She parked the vehicle in front of her gate and briefly went inside to collect her handbag, leaving the car keys in the ignition. Her child, who was holding a Samsung Galaxy A54 phone, remained inside the car.

Upon returning, the woman found that her vehicle, along with her child, was missing. A report was filed at Chikato Police Station, and an investigation ensued.

Fortunately, the child recognized the location where the suspect had dropped off, Runyararo Primary School, and managed to find a way back home.

The stolen vehicle was later found dumped near San Siro, along a road leading to the Provincial Heroes Acre, after being involved in an accident. The total value of stolen property was estimated at US$4,510 and property worth US$4,140 was recovered.

Masvingo Wellness Volleyball Academy appeals for sponsorship

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By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo Wellness Volleyball Academy is appealing for sponsorship from local businesses and individuals to support the team to participate in the volleyball league and other tournaments in and out of Masvingo.
The team which had been competing in local tournaments, has high hopes of joining the top flight league but is dream yet to become a reality due to financial constraints.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo Wellness Volleyball Academy head coach Munyaradzi Khumbula known as Mundy said they were appealing for financial and material funding from the sponsors with the academy having recorded a number of achievements.
“We are looking for sponsorship to support our training programs, purchase equipment and uniforms, and cover travel expenses for competitions. We are in need of volleyballs, nets, training equipment for drills, medical kits, sporting kits (balls, uniforms, nets),coaching department empowerment (refresher courses, workshops),travelling expenses (games, fixtures, affiliations) and refreshments during games.
“We have been competing for several months now and have achieved several notable milestones, including participating in the Masvingo Open Tournament and playing friendly games with different institutions. We are proud of our achievements, but more importantly, we are proud of the community we have built and the positive impact we have had on our members’ lives,” said Khumbula.
He said the academy had designed a coaching philosophy to tally with the sponsorship.
“Our coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where players of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and thrive. We instill values such as discipline, hard work, and perseverance, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude and this will align with the sponsorship,” he said.
The club, Board Vice Chairperson Taurai Chingwara told TellZim News that they planned to promote the academy and sponsors through social media and sponsors should expect return on investment from their partnership with the team.
“As a team we are planning to promote our team and sponsors through engagement with local newspapers and radio, use of WhatsApp Channels posting all the activities we do and also explore use of Facebook as well as having our own website as an academy.
“We believe that by partnering with us your brand name visibility is enhanced through displays and marketing of your products and services. Our team’s jerseys and all of our equipment will carry the brand’s name which is highly likely to increase the sponsors’ market share,” said Chingwara.
The academy was founded by Munyaradzi Michael Khumbula and Isaac Chiurawa in 2024 with their passion for volleyball, ignited by love for the game and its ability to bring people together.
It was established to promote physical activity, wellness and community engagement while also creating a platform for all age groups to come together and play volleyball.
The volleyball academy runs under the theme Zero tolerance to drugs, reflecting the team’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, mental and physical well-being among community members.
Interested sponsors can contact the board members directly through the use of the following details ctauraialfred@gmail.com

+263 77 271 6125 and khumbulamunyaradzi@gmail.com/ +263779358418.

Teenager up for kombi theft

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

An 18-year-old man from Chipfuwa Village, Chief Tshovani, in Chiredzi was arrested for stealing a commuter omnibus at Lyonaise Garage on March 28.
In a statement released on March 31, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo confirmed the arrest of Tinashe Mukoki and thanked members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of several criminals.
“ZRP Masvingo confirms the arrest of Mukoki for theft of motor vehicle which occurred at a car park in Chiredzi and applauded members of the public for supplying fruitful information that led to the arrest of several criminals,” read part of the statement.
Circumstances are that on the day in question at around 2000 hours Mukoki who is friends with a security guard at Lyonaise Garage was left at the car park.
Mukoki then got access to the keys of a commuter omnibus which was left by a client for safe keeping at the garage and drove away.
The security guard returned back and noticed that the commuter omnibus was missing and he filed a report to the police.
On the same date police received a tip off to the effect that Mukoki was seen driving the commuter omnibus along Mkwasine-Maware road in Chiredzi. A follow up was quickly made and Mukoki was arrested in Chipfuwa Village, Chiredzi, resulting in the recovery of the commuter omnibus valued at US$9 000.

Cattle rustling ring busted with twelve cattle

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By Meditation Mposi

A three-men gang from Chiredzi and Zaka were arrested on March 27 for stealing 12 cattle, with all the stolen cattle being recovered.
Lovemore Dzoro (46) of Ringisai Village, Chief Bota, Zaka, Lazarous Dzingai (25) and Elliot Hwende (48) of Village 1, Crown Range, Chief Neromwe, Chiredzi were all arrested for stealing twelve cattle at Almos Manyevere at Rushangarumwe Village, Three Hectares, and Chiredzi on March 26.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest and applauded members of the public for supplying information which led to the arrest of the accused persons.
“I confirm the arrest of Dzoro, Dzingai and Hwende. We applaud the public for supplying information which led to the arrest of the accused persons.
“In the same vein the police shall continue to work hand in glove with the community in curbing stock theft,” said Dhewa.
On the day in question, Dzoro, Dzingai and Hwende stole twelve cattle from Manyevere’s kraal. A police report was made and on March 27 police received a tipoff that Dzoro and Dzingai were seen driving cattle heading to Zaka leading to their arrest at Chekenyere Business Center driving five cattle belonging to Manyevere.
Through investigations, the remaining seven cattle were recovered at Hwende’s homestead. The total value of the cattle stolen is US$3 300.

Bikita man gets 16 years behind bars for murder

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Justice was finally served when a 35-year-old man from Bikita was slapped with a 16 year jail term by Masvingo High Court for a murder he committed in March 2022. He was arrested in October 2023 but the matter had been dragging since then.
In a statement on its official X handle, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe confirmed the conviction of Simbarashe Zano (35) from Nherere Village, Chief Marozva, Bikita for the murder of Gift Mudyiwa (32)
Circumstances were that on the day in question, Zano and Mudyiwa were drinking beer at Mugabe Bar at Chinhamo business centre. Later at around 0300 hours, Mudyiwa went to one Brian Bandauko’s shop to buy beer.
The following morning, at around 0500 hours, a witness walking near Chinhamo Business Centre bus stop saw Zano dragging something that appeared heavy. The witness identified Zano by his dreadlocks and a blue t-shirt he was wearing the previous day when she visited his shrine.
Mudyiwa’s body was found near Chinhamo Business Centre where Zano was seen by the witness before he disappeared until October 2023 when he was arrested by the police.
Mudyiwa was found lying on his right side, face down, in a pool of blood, with blood coming from his mouth and nose. A log was found near the body.
The police attended the scene at around 0800 hours and Mudyiwa’s body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital, where a post-mortem was conducted.
The post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was a severe head injury and blunt trauma.

Sengwe-Tshipise tourism development plan in motion

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-The joint Tourism Development plan along the Sengwe-Tshipise corridor by Beitbridge and Chiredzi Rural District Councils is set roll out following the availability of funding by SAT-Wild and Zimparks.
The technical planning committee was set in place towards the review of the Sengwe-Tshipise Local Development Plan, TellZim News can reveal.
Speaking during a full council meeting recently, Chiredzi Rural District Council (CRDC) Chief Executive Officer, Ailes Baloyi said they had already secured funding from their development partners towards the review of the development plan.
“Council secured funding through its development partners thus SAT-Wild and ZimParks to review the Sengwe-Tshipise Local Development Plan. Following the setting up of the technical planning committee a number of meetings have been lined up to gather and collect enough data for the review of the local plan.
“An inception meeting involving traditional leaders and other key stakeholders was held in Chiredzi in order to sensitize stakeholders on the need to review the plan,” said Baloyi.
The Sengwe-Tshipise Wilderness corridor, which is the mainstay of the Great Limpopo Trans frontier Park, (GLTP) facilitates free wildlife movement between the National Parks of Zimbabwe (Gonarezhou National Park), South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park, is set to benefit Chiredzi and Beitbridge Rural District Councils tourism industries through investment opportunities.
Sustainable Agricultural Technology Wild (SAT-Wild) and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife have successfully funded the two local authorities to review the Sengwe-Tshipise corridor Local Development Plan, with the technical planning committee having been put in place.
With political borders rarely respecting ecological systems, the three Southern African countries (Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa) signed an international treaty in 2002 Xai Xai, Mozambique that gave birth to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which aims to straddle the three countries political borders while joining some of the established wildlife areas into a huge conservation area of around 35 000km2 which is managed as an integrated unit across the three countries.
The Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor has since been benefitting animals since the formation of the GLTCA in 2002 and the two local authorities were moving in exploring ways which the communities can benefit from the place of ‘pain and gain’, which is the Sengwe-Tshipise wildlife corridor.

Masvingo ready for Miss Universe Zimbabwe auditions

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo is set to host the Miss Universe Zimbabwe auditions on April 12, 2025, at 1000 hours at Chevron Hotel with the event aiming to attract interested models from across the province to participate in the national pageant.
In an interview with TellZim News, General Manager of DC Entertainment, which is currently handling the Miss Universe Masvingo auditions Deltrish Muzvaba, highlighted the numerous benefits of participating in the Miss Universe modelling pageant.
“The Miss Universe pageant empowers women to make a positive impact in their communities and promotes cultural exchange and understanding among nations. It provides a platform for contestants to launch their modelling careers and offers scholarships and awards to support contestants’ education and personal development. The winner of the Miss Universe title receives global recognition and becomes an ambassador for their country,” said Muzvaba.
Muzvaba said that participants should expect to gain modelling skills and should register on time.
“Models will have the opportunity to showcase their talent, beauty, and charisma to our panel of judges, receives personalized coaching and guidance from industry experts, and gain a platform to launch their modelling careers.
“For registration, models should arrive at the audition venue with a completed registration form (available at 0771304212/0776 030357), a copy of their Identification Document (ID), passport-sized photos, and any relevant modelling experience certificates,” said Muzvaba.
The minimum age for participation is 18 years, allowing any woman above that age to compete in the auditions. This age adjustment aims to promote inclusivity, giving women from various age groups a chance to participate.
Winners will represent the province and battle for the crown at national level on a date to be later announced.
The Miss Universe pageant is a celebration of beauty, intelligence, and cultural diversity. It provides a platform for women to shine and make a positive impact in the world.

Chiredzi Town moots health club resuscitation amid littering concerns

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI- Chiredzi Town Council is taking a significant step to address the growing issue of littering in the area. In a bid to promote community cleanliness and tackle the problem head-on, the council resolved to resuscitate reviving health clubs that were previously successful in encouraging residents to take pride in their environment.
This came out during the 56th ordinary full council meeting which was held in council boardroom recently.
Speaking during the meeting, Health and Housing Committee Chairperson, Danford Chikanyau said the local authority was understaffed so there was need resuscitate ward-based Health Clubs in order to improve a clean environment around business centers and streets.
“It was recommended that there is need to resuscitate Health Clubs in each and every ward. Incentives like a box of soap should be given per month to each ward per health club,” said Chikanyau.
He said to promote a clean environment, there would be competitions and prizes including short plays and dramas.
“Furthermore, competition in visual arts for example poems, short plays, drama be done among the clubs in promoting environmental health awareness and prizes will be given,” added Chikanyau
Various open spaces around Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) were slowly becoming illegal dumping sites due to the local authority’s refuse collection schedule of once per week failing to meet the increasing demand.
The local authority has two refuse trucks operating around the town but they still fail to meet the demand.
The health clubs, when they were once introduced, had a profound impact on the community, leading to a significant reduction in litter and an increase in sanitation coverage. The clubs not only promoted cleanliness but also fostered a sense of community and social responsibility among residents.
By reviving the health clubs, the council aims to rekindle a sense of community spirit and encourage residents to work together to keep their town clean. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, public health, and the overall quality of life in Chiredzi.

PWDs complain over poor infrastructure at public institutions

By Tatiana Mhararira

People with disabilities (PWDs) in Masvingo have raised concern over poor infrastructure across the city which they have said fails to accommodate them especially in public places.
Speaking at a Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) community engagement meeting at Chevron Hotel in Masvingo on March 28, 2025 a Masvingo resident, Moses Chitombo said the infrastructure at clinics and other public places were not accessible for PWDs.
“At Mucheke Clinic a PWD cannot access the toilet because from the entrance there is a trench and one cannot get through.
“We appeal that the budget should make sure that the buildings that were build long ago be made accessible for PWDs. We also appeal to council to ensure that new buildings are inclusive to all, their designs must cater for us as well,” said Chitombo.
The resident also queried council on whether or not the sports facilities that were being built around the city were PWD inclusive.
“Currently we do not have sports facilities for the PWDs and we want the budget to also construct sporting facilities which will create entertainment for the PWDs in Masvingo,” he said.
In his response, Masvingo City representative Tinashe Chamwaita said renovations were being made on some buildings and the local authority was also working on the sports facilities.
“We are renovating some of the infrastructures to ensure that you have access to such facilities. About Mucheke Clinic we will report the matter to the authorities so the issue can be addressed
“I appreciate that we are lacking on providing inclusive sports facilities but we are currently upgrading our sports facilities including Mucheke Stadium it’s included on the budget,” said Chamwaita.
Another resident appealed for hospital beds which are user friendly in the maternity wards so they can access them without challenges.
“The beds in the maternal ward are too high and l am appealing to authorities if it is possible we can get beds which are different from the ones already there which we can use without problems as PWDs,” she said.