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Econet sounds alarm over surge in EcoCash scams, phone thefts

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Econet sounds alarm over surge in EcoCash scams, phone thefts

By Simon Masore

MASVINGO – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has urged residents in Gutu and Bikita to stay alert after a spike in EcoCash-related scams and mobile phone theft, which have left many customers vulnerable to financial losses.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo Province Awareness Campaign at Gedhemaranganyika Business Centre in Chief Budzi’s area, Econet’s Gutu and Bikita area manager, Principle Fungai Chikaura, warned that criminals are increasingly exploiting unsuspecting EcoCash users despite the platform’s robust security systems.

“EcoCash is secure, but criminals are taking advantage of people’s lack of awareness,” Chikaura said. We continue to receive reports of scammers calling customers, pretending to be Econet employees, and demanding EcoCash PINs,” said Chikaura.

He said customers should be aware that no Econet staff member will ever request a customer’s security PIN. Customers should treat any such calls as criminal attempts.

“Scammers are reportedly using deceptive tactics, including claims of ‘network upgrades,’ ‘account verification,’ or promises of prizes to trick users into revealing sensitive information,” said Chikaura. 

Chikaura cautioned against clicking suspicious online links or responding to unsolicited messages, even during promotional campaigns like Joy After Joy.

“All official communication from Econet is through verified social media platforms, our official website, or recognised customer care hotlines. We never send random links asking customers to claim prizes,” he said.

Chikaura praised the initiative, highlighting that collaboration between law enforcement, service providers, and the public is essential to curb fraud and cybercrime. He urged residents to report any suspicious calls, messages, or transactions immediately to Econet or the police to prevent further losses.

Mobile phone theft also remains a pressing concern, with stolen devices often exploited to access EcoCash accounts lacking adequate security measures.

The awareness campaign, organised by the ZRP, brought together police officers, traditional leaders, community members, and private sector stakeholders to promote crime prevention and digital safety.

New Chiefs Bere, Tshovani appointed after years of vacancy

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New Chiefs Bere, Tshovani appointed after years of vacancy

By Beatific Gumbwanda

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently appointed substantive traditional leaders for two chieftainships in Masvingo province, filling vacancies that have left the Bere chieftainship under acting leadership for five years following its historic restoration after 125 years of colonial banishment, while the Tshovani chieftainship has been without a substantive leader for four years since the death of Chief Hlaisi Mundau.

The appointments were made on February 7, 2026, with Petros Murombe Mahweshe taking over the Bere chieftainship and Victor Renias Chiromo assuming the Tshovani chieftainship in terms of Section 283 of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.

Masvingo acting District Development Coordinator (DDC) Joyce Chikugu confirmed in a statement seen by TellZim News that the President had appointed Mahweshe as substantive Chief Bere, formalising leadership of a clan whose chieftainship was abolished 125 years ago by the Rhodesian settler regime for resisting colonial occupation. 

The Bere chieftainship, of the Shumba totem, stretches from Mashava to the west and Bhuka in the south-east, bordering Zimuto, Charumbira and Chivi chieftainships. The chieftainship was originally disbanded in 1925 by the colonial government to pave way for the Land Apportionment Act of 1930, which saw the seizure of Bere clan land for white commercial farming. 

Following protests against the land grab, the Bere clan was split up by the settler government, with some relocating to Zaka, Gutu and Chirumhanzi, while others remained in Mashava.

The late Phineas Tafirei was installed as the first substantive Chief Bere in 2019 after President Mnangagwa resuscitated the chieftainship, ending nearly a century of vacancy. 

However, his reign was brief. He died in 2021 at the age of 85 after a short illness, and following his death, his son Phineas Tafirei Junior has been serving as acting Chief Bere until Mahweshe’s appointment. 

The resuscitation of the Bere chieftainship has not been without controversy. In 2018, before Tafirei’s installation, some aggrieved members of the Bere clan challenged the appointment process in court.

The chieftainship has also faced boundary disputes with neighboring Chiefs Zimuto and Charumbira, with tensions occasionally flaring at community gatherings like funerals.

In Chiredzi, Victor Renias Chiromo has been appointed substantive Chief Tshovani, filling a position that fell vacant following the death of Chief Hlaisi Mundau in July 2021. 

Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Lovemore Chisema confirmed the appointment in a letter seen by TellZim News dated February 17, 2026 

The chieftainship has experienced a turbulent succession period since Mundau’s death. His eldest son, Felix, served as acting chief before his own death in 2023, after which Eddmore Mundau acted until Chiromo’s appointment.

The Tshovani chieftainship had previously been at the centre of traditional leadership disputes in Chiredzi. In 2019, the area saw tensions when government revived the Neromwe chieftainship in wards that previously fell under Chief Tshovani’s jurisdiction, leading to court challenges.

Masvingo Christian College opens boarding facility to support children of diaspora parents

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Masvingo Christian College opens boarding facility to support children of diaspora parents

By TellZim Reporter

For many children in Masvingo whose parents are working far from home, growing up without daily parental supervision comes with emotional and safety challenges. Masvingo Christian College says its newly opened boarding facility is designed to bridge that gap.

The school has welcomed its first group of boarders, most of them children whose parents are based outside Masvingo or in the diaspora, in what school authorities describe as a move to provide stability, safety and close guidance.

School head Dr Edison Muresherwa said the boarding facility was born out of concern for learners left in the care of relatives or guardians.

“When parents are away for long periods, learners are exposed to many dangers, especially the girl child. We wanted to create a safe home-like environment where they are supervised, guided and protected,” said Dr Muresherwa.

He said the school has already enrolled a sizeable of learners and noted a higher uptake among girls, a development he described as encouraging.

“We are proud that more girls are enrolling for boarding. It shows that parents and guardians trust the environment we are providing,” he said.

Dr Muresherwa said the school’s vision was to offer more than accommodation, but a supportive community that helps learners focus on their education while feeling secure and cared for.

In support of the new facility, existing school houses have been renovated into boarding dormitories.

Masvingo Christian College has been defying odds for a day school with its vast projects that has since made it self-sustainable including piggery, fish and goat farming as well as poultry. 

The school is also championing climate change initiatives with its biogas production which supports the school’s Home Economics Department and Science Laboratory. 

Masvingo Christian College is popular for its ‘haven for all philosophy- huyai mose’ in which the school accepts learners from all backgrounds which is paying off as the school produces well rounded learners. 

The school is proving to be a trailblazer as it was also the first in the city to offer A Level Sciences in which excellent results are being recorded. 

In 2026, the school’s A level classes recorded outstanding results with a 96 percent pass rate despite enrolling low perfomers.

New Mucheke Bridge road fails compaction test

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New Mucheke Bridge road fails compaction test

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASVINGO – The new Mucheke (Chevron) Bridge has reached 93 percent completion, but its opening date remains uncertain after authorities said there were delays in disbursement of funds and failed compaction tests. 

Speaking during a media tour by deputy minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services Dr Omphile Marupi  held recently in the city, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) official and Masvingo Deputy Provincial Roads Engineer, Shadreck Kativhu concurred that funding for the works was delaying progress as well as the failed compaction tests which need corrections.

“The Mucheke (Chevron) river bridge is now 93 percent complete but there are other issues that are delaying the completion, the contractor is being paid by ZINARA and the Ministry of Finance. The other issue is that some tests did not pass as required and we have redone. Once there is a snag then we have to redo the work and corrections then proceed to the next ,” said Kativhu.

Authorities at the event said it was a matter of quality assurance with completion anticipated at the end of February 2026.

The disclosure comes against a backdrop of repeated delays on the project, which was initially expected to open in late 2025. Earlier government updates had projected completion between October and November 2025, after the bridge was reported to be about 60 percent complete by May 2025.

Despite those projections, the project spilled into 2026 without a firm opening date, fueling frustration among motorists and residents who rely on the crossing for access between Masvingo’s central business district and surrounding suburbs such as Mucheke and Rujeko.

In previous engagements, Kativhu had indicated that corrective works were still required, with tentative expectations that they could be addressed by mid-February, though no definite timeline was provided.

The continued absence of a confirmed opening date has intensified frustration in Masvingo, where the bridge is seen as a critical solution to congestion and safety challenges along the city’s main traffic route.

The Mucheke (Chevron) Bridge forms part of the Harare-Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation programme, one of Zimbabwe’s most critical transport corridors. Its delayed completion has continued to contribute to traffic congestion in the city.

With the bridge now close to completion but key technical issues remaining undisclosed, uncertainty persists over when the long-awaited structure will finally be opened to traffic.

Bikita man jailed nine years for stealing two cattle

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Bikita man jailed nine years for stealing two cattle

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASVINGO-A 29-year-old Bikita man, Talent Mazambara, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he was convicted of stealing two cattle worth US$900 from a fellow villager.

Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson , Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed that the stock theft which occurred in Chief Mabika’s area earlier this month was uncovered following a community tip-off that led police to the suspect’s homestead.

Mazambara appeared before the Bikita Magistrate’s Court on January 23, charged with stock theft under section 114 of the criminal law (codification and reform) act [chapter 9:23] which criminalizes the unlawful taking of livestock with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. 

Assistant Inspector Patinyu said the complainant, Tamboonei Muchadakurwa (47) of Tamboonei village, Bikita, discovered the theft on the morning of January 20 after securing his cattle in a kraal the previous night.

‘Muchadakurwa had closed his cattle in the kraal on January 19 and went to sleep. Around 6am the following day, he noticed that two of his cattle, a brown cow and a brown heifer were missing,” said Patinyu.

The matter was reported at Mashoko Police Station, triggering investigations. The breakthrough comes after members of the community tipped off the complainant that the accused had been seen driving cattle towards his home.

“Acting on the information, the complainant and others went to the suspect’s homestead in Manjova village, Chief Mabika, where they found a brown cow tied in his kraal,’ said Patinyu.

Mazambara failed to give a satisfactory explanation when questioned about the animal.

The complainant positively identified the cow and Mazambara was arrested the same day and the stolen cattle, valued at US$600 and US300 respectively were recovered.

Police once again urged communities to brand their livestock and promptly report cases of stock theft to assist investigations. 

CARE Takunda project leaves lasting legacy in Chivi, Zaka

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CARE Takunda project leaves lasting legacy in Chivi, Zaka

By Andrew Zhou

​MASVINGO – As the curtains close on the multi-sectoral CARE Takunda project, communities in Chivi and Zaka districts are celebrating a transformative four-year journey that has redefined rural livelihoods and climate resilience. 

Since its inception in 2020, the project has moved beyond mere subsistence aid, establishing a robust infrastructure of solar-powered water systems, rehabilitated boreholes, and economic empowerment hubs across 46 wards in the two districts.

​One of the most visible successes of the Takunda initiative is the massive investment in Village Business Units (VBUs). These solar-powered garden schemes have turned arid patches of land into green belts. In Chivi, 26 VBUs were established, while Zaka saw the installation of 31 units. 

Chivi District Agritex Officer Brighton Hadzirabwi confirmed that all VBUs established by CARE Takunda had officially transitioned to Agritex supervision and encouraged leaders to work closely with local authorities and agricultural extension officers to maintain the project’s momentum.

​”The VBUs established by CARE Takunda are now under our (Agritex) supervision. Chairpersons should cooperate with local authorities and our Agritex officers in their respective wards to ensure the continuity of the great work done by CARE Takunda,” said Hadzirabwi.

​Care Takunda Country Director, Charlene Ambali lauded the success of localized intervention programmes in Chivi and Zaka, noting a significant decline in climate-induced vulnerabilities.

“By fostering economic resilience through robust vocational training, the project is effectively equipping villagers with the skills necessary to drive sustainable growth and financial independence in the face of ecological shifts,” said Ambali.

Speaking to TellZim News, one of the beneficiaries from ward 24 in Zaka, Maneta Matingwina, hailed the project as a transformative milestone for her family’s financial stability saying she had managed to settle her son’s tertiary tuition fees independently. 

“The revenue generated from the VBU produce has empowered me to independently settle my son’s tertiary tuition fees.”said Matingwina

Beyond gardening, the project addressed the basic need for clean drinking water through three piped water schemes in Chivi and six in Zaka, bringing water closer to doorsteps.

​A staggering 124 boreholes were repaired or rehabilitated, with 58 in Chivi and 66 in Zaka, ensuring that the most remote villages have access to safe water. 

The project’s reach has been expansive, touching nearly 160,000 lives, 91,652 in Chivi and 67,818 in Zaka including individuals trained in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and members of Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) who are now running their own small-scale businesses.

The official handover of assets in Masvingo was done in October 2024 and the project is currently in its “wrap-up” phase with the official end date set for April 2026. 

As the Takunda team prepares to exit, the lush gardens and functioning boreholes stand as a testament to what collaborative developmental work can achieve in Zimbabwe’s most drought-prone regions.

Another successful year for RCZ schools 

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Another successful year for RCZ schools 

… As all 10 high schools post impressive A Level results 

By Tadiwa Shunje 

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe run schools have once again posted strong O and A level results marking another successful year for the church’s education system with all of its 10 schools maintaining high pass rates from the previous years, proving the church as a force to reckon with in the academic landscape in Zimbabwe. 

Four out of 10 schools, that is, Chibi, Makumbe, Nyashanu and Magreth Hugo, a school for the visually handicapped scored 100 percent passrate at A level.

The six others performed exceptionally well, maintaining above 88 percent with Pamushana producing excellent results, with 99.37 percent. Important to highlight is the quality of the results with their best pupil scoring 56 points while 145 scored 10 points and above while 94 others are flying above 15 points. 

Jichidza scored 88.88 percent. Of the 27 candidates that sat for the examination, 13 had 10 points and above. Gutu High scored 98 percent, out of the 95 candidates 61 attained 10 points and above.

Makumbe High, which is upcoming in terms of performance, scored 100 percent again, of the 95 candidates, 79 had 10 points and above. 

Alheit Chingombe scored 98.2 with 34 out of 55 learners scoring 10 points and above. Chibi scored 100 percent with 97 learners out of 110 scoring 10 points and above. 

Nyashanu scored 100 percent a repeat of last year’s feat with 46 out of 52 getting 10 points and above. 

Zimuto High scored 99.18 percent with 104 out of the 122 candidates getting 10 points and above. 

Magreth Hugo a special needs school scored 100 percent with 21 out of 29 candidates getting 10 points above. 

Eaglesvale, which is a Cambridge institution, had 91 percent. Out of its 76 candidates, 13 had 10 points and above.

RCZ Education Secretary Dr Witmos Mutumburanzou applauded the schools for the hard work which he said was a testament to the responsible authority’s thrust to maintain excellence. 

“This performance is quite exceptional, quite a lot of work was done for us to achieve these results. There is consistency in the performance of our schools. They are always performing very well and are in the 90s always maintaining that feat in some cases going up. 

“We are gearing up for these schools to record 100 percent each. This outcome is a result of hard work and the commitment of people who are dedicated to their work despite many challenges they go through,” said Dr Mutumburanzou.

Dr Mutumburanzou said the 2025 results align with the church’s vision of delivering better quality education across its institutions.

“This performance is in line with the church’s vision where we are pursuing excellence. Our schools are topping the charts in their respective districts and even the nation so this is our vision where we expect to produce learners of high standards who would fit into their society as academics but also morally upright. We are quite happy that our vision is being fulfilled. We want to rule the academic ship in the country,” said Dr Mutumburanzou. 

He said the RCZ was putting efforts towards digitalizing the schools in order to meet standards for the digital era and make learning easier. 

“We have made deliberate efforts to digitalize our schools and we are beginning to see the impact of it. We have purchased smart boards and we continue to do so and have developed our staff in using these digital devices so we can bring out a product that is relevant to the 21st century needs. Products that fit contemporary society,” he said. 

Dr Mutumburanzou also thanked parents and learners for supporting the responsible authority’s thrust in educating learners. 

Vision Academy shines in 2025 ZIMSEC results

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Vision Academy shines in 2025 ZIMSEC results

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

MASVINGO – Vision Academy has once again proved itself as one of Masvingo’s leading schools after achieving strong results in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations at both Advanced and Ordinary Level.

The privately owned school, located in Mucheke suburb, produced strong results that saw a significant number of learners attaining high grades.

At Advanced Level, Vision Academy recorded a clean 100 percent pass rate, with 11 out of 24 candidates attaining 13 points and above. 

Two best learners scored 15 points each with Bright Mavhundutse scoring As in commercials with a combination of Mathematics, Economics and Business Enterprise Studies (BES).

Blessing Machingambi also scooped 15 in arts subjects namely Shona, Family and Religious Studies (FRS) and Sociology.

The school also posted encouraging results at Ordinary Level, achieving a 65 percent pass rate which is way above the national passrate. 

Top performer at O level Samuel Nusena passed a total of eight subjects with 7 As and 1 B.

Vision Academy head Reuben Mapfumo expressed satisfaction with the results, describing it as a reflection of discipline, teamwork and commitment from both learners and staff.

“These results reflect the hard work, discipline, and focus of our students. We are also deeply grateful to our staff, parents and guardians for their unwavering support,” said Mapfumo 

Operating under the motto “A school of fireworks,” Vision Academy bridges the gap left by public schools which cannot meet the demand in Masvingo Town.

Pamushana High posts outstanding O and A Level results

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Pamushana High posts outstanding O and A Level results

… As top performing pupil gets 56 points

By Beverly Bizeki

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe run Pamushana High School has once again stamped its authority as one of Zimbabwe’s top-performing secondary schools after recording an impressive 99.37 percent pass rate in the November 2025 A Level ZIMSEC examinations.

159 learners sat for the examinations, with 97 candidates attaining 15 points and above, underlining the school’s continued dominance in academic excellence.

Top performer Mukudzeyi Ziveyi led the class after an exceptional performance that saw him amass 56 points from 12 subjects, while Tafadzwa Stezi followed with 30 points.

Other high achievers include Exy Jambaya, Gracious Mubvakure and Gideon Shumba, who each attained 25 points. Wonderful Chidaura and Tadiwanashe Zimuto followed closely with 24 points, while Ryan Zvandasara recorded 22 points.

Julius Marecha, Tatenda Charles Jegede and Tanyaradzwa Gosha each attained 21 points, while 17 other learners scored 20 points, further reflecting the depth of strong performance at the school.

The school recorded 100 percent pass rates in Literature in English, Geography, History, Shona, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Biology, Physics, Crop Science, Software Engineering among others. 

At Ordinary Level, 267 learners registered for five subjects and above, with 250 candidates passing five subjects or more.

Of these, 247 passed five subjects including English, while 167 passed five subjects including English and Mathematics.

In Science subjects, 169 learners (65 percent) passed Mathematics and Science, while 167 candidates passed five subjects including English, Mathematics and Science.

School head Agrippa Moyo described the results as a reward for collective effort and discipline, praising both learners and staff for their commitment.

“These results are not just numbers, they reflect discipline, consistency, teamwork and consistency from both our teachers and pupils. We are proud of what our pupils have achieved both at O and A level. We are grateful to the Responsible Authority for its continued support,” said Moyo.

Beyond academics, Pamushana High continues to build a strong all-round profile, with the school also excelling in sporting disciplines such as soccer, reinforcing its reputation as a holistic learning institution.

Masvingo City Introduces Weekly Visiting Doctor Services at Clinics

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Masvingo City Introduces Weekly Visiting Doctor Services at Clinics

By Cephas Shava

Masvingo City Health Department has announced the introduction of weekly visiting doctor services across all city clinics in a move aimed at improving access to healthcare for residents.

According to a public notice issued by the City of Masvingo, Dr. Matsvaire will be available once every week to provide medical consultations and clinical support for a wide range of health conditions. The services will rotate among selected clinics on designated days, beginning at 11:00 hours.

Under the weekly schedule, Dr. Matsvaire will attend to patients at Runyararo Clinic on Mondays, Rujeko Clinic on Tuesdays, Mucheke Clinic on Wednesdays, and North West Medical Centre on Thursdays.

City health officials have encouraged residents to take advantage of the service by visiting their respective clinics on the specified days. The initiative is expected to ease pressure on referral hospitals while ensuring that communities receive timely and professional medical attention closer to home.

The City of Masvingo said the visiting doctor programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for residents.

For further information, residents can contact the City of Masvingo Public Relations Office on 071 286 8823.

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