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Chivi farmers’ embrace traditional grains farming

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Chivi farmers’ embrace traditional grains farming

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Farmers in Chivi District of Masvingo have shifted their focus to traditional grains, resulting in a 34 percent increase in planting of small grains.
Speaking at a field day in Kumbirai Village ward 12, Chivi Central, Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Chief Director Leonard Munamati said farmers in the district had responded positively to cultivation of traditional grains and called for those with threshing machines to facilitate the processing of traditional grains.
“This year, we discovered that farmers in Chivi have increased the cultivation of traditional grains by 34 percent. Farmers in regions 4 and 5 have responded to the recommendation that they plant traditional grains, as these crops are more resilient to lower rainfall.
“The yield from traditional grains is considerably better than that of maize in Chivi. Farmers now understand the importance of nutrition and as a government, we encourage those who have threshing machines to come and facilitate the processing of traditional grains,” said Munamati.
Munamati said the number of hectares cultivated had increased compared to the previous season indicating that farmers were heeding to the advice from government.
“We have seen an increase in number of hectares dedicated to traditional grains including rapoko, sorghum and millet. This trend is not only evident in Chivi but nationwide.
“Our farmers are saying let’s focus on these crops, which are more tolerant in areas with less rainfall. We are witnessing a return to traditional methods of promoting small grains among farmers,” said Munamati.
Speaking at the event, Chivi Central Member of Parliament Exevia Maoneke urged farmers to fight poverty through farming and take it as a business.
“We encourage members of the community in Chivi Central to cultivate small grains with the support of Extension Officers to help combat poverty through farming.
“We faced challenges due to erratic rainfall, but those who planted small grains have seen good yields. Compared to previous years, this year we received sufficient rainfall and achieved excellent yields.
“We urge farmers to cultivate their crops with the intention of doing business. Through agricultural training, members of the public have come to understand that cultivating traditional is beneficial,” said Maoneke.
Klein Karoo (K2) Salesman Starchily Mpofu said small grains cannot be easily affected by pesticides and suits areas that receive low rainfall.
“These small grains are not easily affected by diseases and they have better drought tolerance. Over the year, small grains can survive with rainfall of about 500 millimetres, which allows for better yields.
“During harvesting, one can get six tonnes per hectare if there is adequate rainfall. Additionally, some K2 small grains varieties take 110 days to get a successful yield,” said Mpofu.

Incest, abuse: man rapes own mentally challenged daughter

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Incest, abuse: man rapes own mentally challenged daughter

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

In a case of incest and sexual abuse, a 52-year-old man from Gutu was recently arraigned before the courts for raping his own 26-year-old mentally challenged daughter who also has visual and hearing impairments.
The perpetrator, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity was sentenced to 20 years behind bars by Masvingo Magistrate Innocent Bepura for the heinous crime.
In his defense, the accused however denied the charges saying the complainant’s mother was fabricating the story to get rid of him so she could stay with her boyfriend.
He argued that on the day in question, he went to the toilet and realized that his daughter was inside and went behind the toilet to relieve himself. He was however convicted after full trial.
It was the State’s case as presented by Prosecutor Liberty Hove that on December 2024 at around 0600 hours, the complainant went to the toilet to relieve herself and the accused followed her.
A few minutes later, the complainant’s mother went to the toilet and found the accused raping the complainant.
She allegedly confronted the accused who told her to leave him alone and she went away crying and later informed other community members.
One of the villagers reported the matter to the police which led to the arrest of the accused.

Bikita man fatally axes wife over infidelity

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Bikita man fatally axes wife over infidelity

By Meditation Mposi

A 48-year-old man from Foroma Village, Chief Mukanganwi in Bikita axed his wife to death after accusing her of infidelity on March 17, 2025.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of 43-year-old Chiedza Marapiro to TellZim News and urged members of the public to desist from using violence in solving disputes.
“I confirm the death of Marapiro who was axed by her husband Antony Foroma after a misunderstanding where he accused his wife of infidelity. I advise the public to desist from use of violence when solving disputes and to involve third parties in settling conflicts,” said Dhewa.
On March 15, Foroma and Marapiro had a misunderstanding with the former accusing his wife of cheating on him. Marapiro is said to have assaulted her husband, stripped him naked and burnt his clothes during the fight.
Foroma walked through the village naked and a fellow villager offered him a pair of trousers and he disappeared for two days.
Foroma later returned home on March 17, at around 0500 hours and the couple had a misunderstanding again where Foroma accused Marapiro of cheating on him. Marapiro then left for Nyika Police Post to report Foroma for physical abuse.
In rage, Foroma took an axe, followed her and found her before she had arrived at the police station. He then struck his wife once on the upper right eye with the axe and she fell down groaning, bleeding and died on the spot.
Villagers who witnessed the incident reported the matter to the police, who arrested Foroma and Marapiro’s body was taken to Silveira Mission Hospital Mortuary for postmortem.

Shurugwi rural library appeals for sponsorship

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Shurugwi rural library appeals for sponsorship

By Tavonga Munyanyi

Khayelihle Rural Library in Dorset , Ward 21 in Shurugwi South, is appealing for financial assistance from well-wishers to achieve its goal of providing a supportive learning environment for learners in the community.
The library, a registered initiative under Hodzeko Arts and Culture, Rural Library, and Knowledge Development Center, was established in 2024 in response to the devastating effects of COVID-19 on rural education but is struggling to remain functional due to lack of resources and structures for its operations.
Speaking to TellZim News, Khayelihle Rural Library Director Siphosami Ndlovu said there was need for urgent intervention to support the group in bridging gaps in education for rural learners.
“We invite all community members, both local and international, to join this progressive initiative. Together, we can bridge the educational gap in rural communities, foster a love for reading, and create opportunities for growth and development,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said sponsorship would enable the library to construct a permanent facility, as it currently operates from a rented space, an arrangement that is becoming unsustainable due to financial constraints.
“Many community members are struggling financially, and rental costs are a burden. Our plan is to build a state-of-the-art facility, which will include a library with physical and digital resources, an exhibition room, and a storage facility,” said Ndlovu.
The library’s collection consists mostly of novels, with about 500 books in stock. However, Ndlovu stressed the urgent need for more textbooks and other educational resources, particularly for struggling students.
“Sponsorship will allow us to expand our reading materials by acquiring up-to-date textbooks and other essential resources that cater to the needs of local learners and the broader community.
“By working together, we can make a meaningful impact and provide access to quality educational materials for those who need them most,” Ndlovu said.
The library is Ndlovu’s brain child with support, supported by a network of dedicated individuals, including Dumisani Ndlovu, Vimbai Moyo, Desmond Chaza, Shepherd Mhene, Nkosana Dube, Nkosilathi Mthunzi, Sifiso Sibanda, and Obert Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said plans were underway to establish a Trust Fund that will provide free access to library resources.

For assistance, interested individuals can contact call 0782456772,
email:
khayelihlerurallibrary@gmail.com,
or visit Hodzeko.com.

Broke Mwenezi RDC workers go for 3 months without salaries

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Broke Mwenezi RDC workers go for 3 months without salaries

…local authority turns to illegal traders to raise funds

By Beverly Bizeki

Broke Mwenezi Rural District Council (RDC) has turned to illegal traders in the most remote parts of the district for penalties in order to assist the cash-strapped local authority to raise funds to pay workers who have gone for three months without salaries.

Mwenezi RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Chivanga did not deny the allegations of the local authority failing to pay its workers saying the situation was not unique to the local authority.

He said there was no need for workers to take their grievances to the media for they were aware of the ongoing situation at the council.

“There is really no need to be going to the media because the workers are aware of the situation at the council. There is no money and they know what should be done, they should work. The situation is not unique to Mwenezi RDC, this is just the state of the economy in the country,” said Chivanga.

The local authority was also accused of seizing people’s goods and working during the night targeting people in rural areas.

Chivanga confirmed the council’s efforts in the remote areas but said they were simply following council regulations.

“Those are just normal council procedures. Illegal traders are supposed to pay penalties and this even in government this is allowed. The allegations that council is seizing people’s properties are not true but why are these people running away from council and not doing the right thing? Tax evasion is a crime and businesses must do the legal thing.

“About people accusing council workers working during odd hours, this is a matter of distance so our workers end up not being able to return with vehicles on the same day,” said Chivanga.

Sources said council descended upon some of the most deserted places in Mufuli Ranch in Mwenezi East Constituency where most of the operators not even licensed.

“Council came to these areas to tax the business operators here, trying to raise funds for its operations. They would even go to the extent of taking things like solar panels that had been abandoned outside as people closed shops running away from the local authority.

“The situation is bad such that workers are spending nights working in order to raid these areas taking fines from unregistered businesses which are said to be having illegal structures,” said the source.

Shortage of contraceptives hits Zaka amid fears of smuggling to SA

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Shortage of contraceptives hits Zaka amid fears of smuggling to SA

By Brighton Chiseva

A serious shortage of contraceptive tablets have hit Zaka clinics sparking suspicions that they were being smuggled to South Africa.

The revelation was made by the Zaka Rural District Council audit committee Chairperson Stella Shambira during a full council meeting held at the local authority council chambers on Tuesday April 1.

Presenting the audit report, Shambira said the audit committee noted the drug stock balances had some excesses and shortfalls and had resolved to task the internal auditor to investigate.

“The audit committee noted the drug stock balances had some excesses and shortfall beyond generally acceptable tolerance of 10 percent.

“Clinic drug stock issuing should be done by a particular member of staff for proper accountability,” said Shambira.

She went on to say they noted that the family planning pills were making highest shortfalls than other drugs at most clinics and suspect that the nurses and other members of staff were selling them because they are sought after in South Africa.

“We suspect that the nurses and other members of staff could be selling the tablets which are later being smuggled to South Africa where they are sought after,” she said.

The committee also noted challenges in fuel coupons which were recorded with serial numbers not in sequence as well and that fuel with different characteristics was being recorded on the same page.

It also noted an issue of large arrears by those leasing council properties and recommended that departments make monthly written follow ups on tenants in council leased properties.

However, a health practitioner who chose to remain anonymous said the issue of smuggling could not be the cause of shortages but rather it was an issue of supply chain.

The practitioner said smuggling had been there since time immemorial but it had not affected the supply.

“There could be an element of smuggling but it has always been there and has never affected the supply. So the issue has to with the cutting of funding by USAID which affected several organizations which were supplying the products,” said the practitioner.

Masvingo United FC to host fundraising Dinner

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Masvingo United FC to host fundraising Dinner

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Masvingo United FC is set to host a fundraising dinner at Flamboyant Hotel on April 12 where the team is expected to unveil its executive and team for the season.

Masvingo United Spokesperson Omen Mafa confirmed the development to TellZim News and invited locals to attend the dinner and support the team while marketing their brands.

“We encourage all corporate entities to attend our fundraising dinner and elevate their brands while supporting our team through sponsorship. Masvingo United FC is a well-established brand that has been around since before the year 2000.

“During the fundraising dinner, we will unveil the 2025 executive and the team that will be participating in Division 1 games. We invite all partners to collaborate with us, as this is an excellent opportunity to market their products,” said Mafa.

He said the event will be accessible online with a certain fee to be paid though.

“Those who are abroad or outside Masvingo will still have access to the fundraising dinner. Purchasing a table does not require your physical presence at the event; it signifies that you are sponsoring or partnering with the club. The event will be streamed on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms, but there will be a fee required to view it online.

“The standard packages are priced at US$50 per head, with a table for 5 costing US$250, a table for 6 at US$300 and a table for 10 at US$490. The VIP packages are priced at US$100 per heard, with a table for 5 at US$500, a table for 6 at US$600 and a table for 10 at US$1000,” said Mafa.

Shock as 102-year-old is appointed headman

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Shock as 102-year-old is appointed headman

By Staff Reporter

Tradition prevailed over progress in Chivi where the Makovere clansmen appointed a 102-year-old man, Sungai Dzatikona, new headman Makovere, sparking widespread outrage and controversy with other houses with claim to the throne challenging the outcome.
Other clansmen felt that Dzatikona could no longer discharge required duties and keep the clan intact considering his advanced age and also that he was now visually impaired.
Chief Nemauzhe confirmed the appointment of the centenary but said that traditionally, the eldest surviving member of the family in the generation is considered.
“I was chairing the selection process and they brought forward the one who was selected. Traditionally, the eldest surviving member of the family in the generation is considered. However, if they had not brought his ID no one would have known that he was there so the family is to blame for that,” Nemauzhe said.
In a letter to Chief Nemauzhe dated March 11 leaked to TellZim News, the concerned house said the selection process was hurried and they were not given enough time to do proper consultations.
“We take note of the meeting held at Paradza School on 27 February 2025 advising us to consult among ourselves. However, the Chisuwa house with vested interests in the Makovere headmaship has several households that are scattered in Zimbabwe.
“We have conducted most of the members with the hope of meeting this week. Our plans have been scuttled by this urgent invitation here, which we have grudgingly obliged to. We are now confused because we assumed we would invite the Chairman to that meeting, discuss and produce minutes for submission to the DA as family resolutions.
“Your urgent invitation has come too soon. It is our wish that we give you a family spokesperson for any future correspondences so that we avoid ambushes like this invitation. We are therefore requesting an extension to allow us to finalize the consultative process,” read the letter.
Nemauzhe also confirmed that other houses were complaining but there’s nothing that could be done, even if it was clear that the selected person may not be fit for the job.
“Other houses are complaining but there was nothing we can do even if we see that the selected person could not be fit for the job,” said Nemauzhe.
The Chisuwa family also petitioned Chivi District Development Coordinator (DDC) Innocent Matingwina, saying the selection process was flawed.
Asked for comment by TellZim News, Matingwina confirmed the selection saying it was above board and the age factor was not an issue as he was elected as per tradition.
He also acknowledged that there were complaints by other houses but said that was normal in any traditional leader selection process.
“Yes he was selected and it was done as per tradition so it was above board, however, its normal to have complaints especially with regards to traditional leaders, that’s the norm,” said Matingwina.
One family member said they had engaged the local DDC over the matter but he said the process was done and dusted so the selected member was going to be installed headman as per tradition.
“DDC Matingwina dismissed the matter with the indication that the process was done and dusted and will proceed regardless of our objections. We believe this stance is unfair and disregards our legitimate concerns” said the family member.

Drug peddlers turn funeral hearses into drug haulers

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Drug peddlers turn funeral hearses into drug haulers

By Beverly Bizeki

Police at a roadblock along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway once again intercepted a consignment of substances worth US$2 160, just a week after busting a US$25 000 haul at the same block.
The peddler in the latest case, Polite Moyo, 33 has since appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Isaac Chikura facing drug smuggling charges, and was remanded in custody.
It was the State’s case, represented by prosecutor Precious Takuva that police officers conducting an anti-smuggling operation stopped a Great Hope Funeral Parlour white commuter omnibus on March 15 at around 3 PM.
The vehicle, driven by Dumani Mayibongwe, was carrying mourners when officers conducted a search and found 360 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup stashed in a green sack between Moyo’s legs.
Mayibongwe and the mourners identified Moyo as the owner of the contraband. Authorities also revealed that Moyo had previous convictions for similar offenses in Harare.
In a separate case, Charles Bhebhe, implicated in another drug bust, was sentenced to 21 months in prison by Masvingo Magistrate Arafat Khozanai. Bhebhe and his alleged accomplices, whom he later exonerated, were caught transporting 2,250 bottles of Broncleer, 2,400 bottles of Benylin cough syrup, 480 bottles of Astrapain cough syrup, and 100 bottles of Salterpyn.
These incidents highlight a disturbing tactic used by drug traffickers, exploiting the sanctity of funeral processions to evade getting caught. The cases also raise questions about law enforcement loopholes, particularly at border entry points, that allow such large quantities of illicit substances into the country.

Zaka RDC councilors threaten to fire CEO David Majaura today

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Zaka RDC councilors threaten to fire CEO David Majaura today

By Brighton Chiseva

Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) Councilors are threatening to fire the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Majaura, amidst allegations of incompetence and mismanagement following an HR Committee recomendation made recently.

The decision, made despite the issue not being on the agenda of the committee meeting is set to be executed at a full council meeting scheduled for today (April 1) with some councilors are proposing to replace Majaura with Council Admin.

Contacted for comment, Majaura told TellZim News that he could not comment on the issue and reffered questions to Maregedze.

Maregedze confirmed the recommendation by the HR committee and said they did not want to fire him but recommended for his suspension pending investigations.

“They just make recommendations to full council just like other committees, so it’s not firing, they recommended for his suspension followed by investigations in many areas they cited,” said Maregedze

However, the move was interpreted by some as Maregedze’s retaliation against Majaura, who allegedly led to her arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in October 2024.

Maregedze was acquitted of five counts of criminal abuse of duty in January 2025, with the court ruling that she had acted within council resolutions and had not abused her office.

 Sources told TellZim News that Maregedze was allegedly trying to rally other councilors to support the recommendation and make it a resolution in the upcoming full council meeting initially slated for March 27 and was moved to April 1.

She was alleged to be promising US$300 to councilors to support recommend Majaura’s suspension and eventually expulsion with support from his husband who is Zanu PF Zaka District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chairperson and Zaka South MP.

It’s not the first time that the two have been accused of bribery, as they allegedly offered $50 to councilors to elect Maregedze as council chair in 2023.

“Maregedze and her team are sending emissaries to councilors whom they feel might resist the recommendation and is offering US$300 she has support from her husband who is also using his power as DCC and MP,” said the source.

However, Maregedze scoffed at the allegations saying there was no way she could try to bribe councilors because as council chair she had power to suspend the CEO.

“I cannot be accused of bribing people because according to the RDC Act, I have the power to suspend him,” she said.

The power struggle is also linked to Zanu PF factional fights between heavyweights Chiduwa and Davies Marapira who is Zaka Central legislator and command a faction in Zaka.

Other sources who spoke to TellZim News said the infighting had already led to the resignation of the council engineer, which may affect ZINARA funds disbursement.

“The fight between the top management and Maregedze with her faction has already led to the resignantion of council engineer. Zaka RDC had a youthful and female engineer but she has tendered her resignation after failing to withstand the pressure.

“However, her resignation has detrimental effects to the localauthority as that would delay disbursement of the ZINARA Funds because they don’t release them if there is no engineer. The district dearly needed the funds as roads were damaged by the rains,” said the source.

Maregedze and Majaura have been at odds for some time, with Maregedze accusing Majaura of hindering development in the district and blocking her and other councilors from executing their duties.

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, intervened by appointing a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the various allegations that were raised.

The enquiry established that there were interference from councilors which affected the smooth running of the council and also ordered for retaining of committee chairpersons whom were said did not know their roles, among other recommendations.

This isn’t the first time Majaura has faced opposition from councilors, as similar threats were made in 2016 by the then-MPs, led by then Zaka Central MP Paradzai Chakona, who accused him of gross incompetence.

The current tensions between Majaura and the councilors are reportedly linked to various issues, including the council’s failure to utilize a US$200,000 water drilling rig, which has been idle for years.  Maregedze also raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement of council resources.

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