Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development will visit the Deka River in Matabeleland North to check how badly it has been polluted.
The Deka River, which flows into the Zambezi River, is heavily polluted with metals and industrial waste from coal mining and power companies, both local and foreign. 
This pollution is putting the health of nearby villagers, their animals, and even wildlife at risk.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, revealed the planned visit during a recent parliamentary session while responding to Hwange East MP Joseph Bonda. Said Kambamura:
<blockquote>
The Mines and Mining Development Ministry is going to undertake an exercise to visit the site and assess the concerns which have been raised.
</blockquote>
Bonda revealed that some villagers died last year after consuming water contaminated with sulphur. Said Bonda:
<blockquote>
I think the government neglected some of the people who are living along those places. This mantra of leaving no one and no place behind is leaving behind some people who are living in Hwange.
This issue is well known that there are miners who are mining along the Deka River. The Environment and Mines ministers know that very well.
</blockquote>
Bonda said that over the years, some villagers have suffered from skin diseases, stomach pains, and diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water from the river.
More: <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200040837/mines-ministry-to-assess-deka-river-pollution">Southern Eye</a>

Pindula News

The Ministry of Mines is going to check the Deka River which is very dirty with dirt and waste from companies. The water pollution is making people and animals sick. The government is going to visit and see how bad things are and try to help. Villagers have been getting sick from drinking this dirty water. They want the government to do something about it because people are suffering. The government will go see and hopefully make things better for the villagers who are getting sick.

Mines Ministry To Assess Deka River Pollution

A 17-year-old boy from Hwange tragically lost his life after being electrocuted by exposed electricity wires on downed ZESA poles.
Reports indicate that these fallen poles have remained unattended for an extended period, leading to several serious injuries among the local population.
Villagers are voicing their frustration over ZESA’s apparent negligence, alleging that live power lines have been left on the ground for over three years without any action taken to address the hazard.
In an interview with the Southern Eye, Ward 12 Nakabandana Councillor Jowan Chuma confirmed the alarming incidents, which have resulted in two people sustaining serious injuries, while the teenager’s death occurred in a separate incident last week. Said Chuma:
<blockquote>
A 30-year-old villager was severely injured in the Kasese area sometime in November last year while two boys, aged 13 and 17, suffered an electric shock on March 2.
The first one got injured at around 4 PM, while the 17-year-old boy was hit an hour later. The three were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, is responsible for managing the infrastructure that supplies power to consumers, ensuring reliability, maintaining power quality, and promoting efficient electricity use.
Hwange East MP Joseph Bonda reported that villagers encountered live power lines while returning from herding cattle. He said:
<blockquote>
There are about 15 poles that have been left lying on the ground for more than three years now. The power lines cut across a way leading to our pastures and the challenge is that when ZESA workers restore power they do not alert villagers making it difficult for villagers to know when they are in danger.
</blockquote>
The 13-year-old boy’s mother, Anala Mpala, said that her son, who is admitted to United Bulawayo Hospitals, suffered an electric shock while returning from herding cattle with other boys.
She revealed that ZETDC has offered to cover the boy’s medical bills and accommodation in Bulawayo. Mpala also said her son’s condition is improving.
More: <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039690/neglected-power-lines-kill-one-injure-two-in-hwange">Southern Eye</a>

A 17-year-old boy in Hwange died from getting electrocuted by ZESA power lines that were left on the ground for a long time. Other villagers have also been injured because of these fallen poles. ZESA has been blamed for not fixing the hazard despite complaints from the villagers. The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company is responsible for power supply and safety. The boy's mother said he is getting better and ZETDC will pay for his medical bills. Villagers are upset because they are not warned when ZESA workers restore power, putting them in danger.

17-Year-Old Electrocuted By Fallen ZESA Power Line In Hwange

Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, has urged coal mining companies in Hwange to build power plants to use their large thermal coal stockpiles.
Thermal coal is collected during the process of mining for coking coal, which is found deeper underground. 
Extracting coking coal involves removing an upper layer of earth, followed by a thick layer of thermal coal, which makes up about 70% of the total deposits.
Minister Moyo is worried that these large piles of thermal coal could become a fire hazard. He suggested that the companies use this coal to produce electricity and reduce the risk.
Addressing delegates at the National Competitiveness Commission summit in Bulawayo last week, Minister Moyo said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-urges-investments-in-thermal-power-plants/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
(The companies) have piled a number of tonnes and tonnes of thermal coal. And we are now, as Government, urging them to say, you already have thermal coal, and it will become a hazard.
It will start causing fires. Why don’t you turn it and bring plants so that you can produce power. Because you already have sunk your money in the production of this coal, which was at the top.
And what we are calling upon them is (to say), why don’t you go the last step and produce thermal power from your coal?
</blockquote>
Minister Moyo also encouraged companies and households to generate their own electricity to ease the pressure on the national grid, as Zimbabwe is currently facing electricity shortages.

Zimbabwe's Energy Minister wants coal mining companies to build power plants to use up their extra coal. This coal is a fire hazard, so it's better to use it for making electricity. The Minister also wants people to make their own power to help with the electricity shortage. Hopefully, this will help make sure there is enough electricity for everyone in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Government Urges Coal Mining Firms To Build Power Plants

Residents of Victoria Falls and Hwange have threatened to take legal action against Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe after he reversed the suspension of town clerk Ronnie Dube.
Dube had faced numerous graft allegations, including serious abuse of office charges, when he was asked to take leave on December 2.
Documents obtained by the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200036796/minister-residents-cross-swords-over-town-clerk-defiant-garwe-brands-vic-falls-associations-burial-societies">Zimbabwe Independent</a> show that Victoria Falls mayor Thuso Moyo’s letter suspending Dube was ratified by a full council meeting on December 3.
However, on December 6, Garwe intervened, arguing that the council’s resolution was “not in the interest of the inhabitants of the council area concerned” and “not in line with Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 20:15).” He then instructed the mayor to reinstate Dube.
Hwange and Victoria Falls residents’ associations, represented by Dube, Mguni, and Dube legal practitioners, have responded strongly to Garwe’s actions, saying it was he who was not acting in the residents’ interest. Their letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our clients are concerned that the contents of the honourable minister’s letter purport to represent the interest of the inhabitants of the City of Victoria Falls, whom he has not consulted.
The honourable minister is advised that the suspension of the town clerk complies with 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 20:15) regarding the inquiry into the allegations of the suspended town clerk.
</blockquote>
The residents warned that failure by Garwe to withdraw his directive would leave them with no choice but to approach the High Court.
The residents’ associations also criticized Garwe for allegedly compromising the government’s efforts to combat corruption. They wrote:
<blockquote>
There is, with respect, no legal basis for councillors to rescind a lawful resolution meant to combat corruption in local authorities. The honourable minister’s directive has adverse effects on fighting corruption.
The directive is meant to lift the town clerk’s suspension without him answering the allegations against him.
It is not government policy that those accused of corruption can be let off the hook without being investigated or brought to book.
</blockquote>
Following Garwe’s directive to the mayor, the town clerk was reinstated on January 6 after the councillors reversed their decision to suspend him.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Residents in Victoria Falls and Hwange are angry because a town clerk accused of bad things was allowed to come back to work. The mayor and council decided to suspend him, but the government said he should go back to work. The residents may go to court if the government doesn't change its decision. They think the government is not fighting corruption properly. The town clerk is now back at work, even though the accusations against him have not been resolved. Residents are not happy about this and want things to change.

Victoria Falls Residents Threaten Legal Action Over Town Clerk Reinstatement

Hwange residents have petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe to address air pollution in the town, which is linked to coal mining activities.
The petition, presented by the Greater Hwange Residents Trust, aims to raise awareness among lawmakers about the health risks associated with coal dust pollution and to urge immediate action to protect residents from its harmful effects.
According to the trust, the Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08), designed to safeguard workers in dusty occupations, fails to adequately protect ordinary residents who are also affected by coal dust pollution.
Below is the full petition that was submitted to Parliament:
<blockquote>
DRAW the attention of the House to the following:
1. The Constitution mandates the Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe.
2. Section 117(2) of the Constitution, inter alia, mandates Parliament to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Zimbabwe.
3. Section 8 of the Constitution sets out the objectives to guide all institutions and agencies of the State in the formulation and implementation of policies that will lead to the establishment, enhancement and promotion of a sustainable, just, free and democratic society in which people enjoy prosperous, happy and fulfilling lives.
4. Greater Whange Residents Trust is a Hwange-basedTrust which advocates for the welfare and interests of people in Hwange.
5. The town of Hwange is home to over 50 000 residents. These include men, women and children that are not employed as miners. 
6. Coal mining is a key industry in that town and impacts on both the residents and the environment of Hwange town and beyond. Hwange is also surrounded by land which falls under the National Parks.
7. The Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08) came into operation on 1 August 1971. The Act remains in force. The long title of the Act gives as its objects the following: An Act to provide for the control and administration of persons employed in dusty occupations; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing. (emphasis added).
8. The Act was designed to respond to health issues affecting those employed in dusty occupations. Naturally,it is ill-equipped to respond to issues of stakeholders beyond this categorisation as stated by the lawmaker.
9. Mining in Hwange consists of both open cast and underground mining operations. Coal mining creates dust and dusty conditions that affect not just those employed by the coal mines. It affects communities that live on and around the mines.
10. Section 56 of the Constitution provides that all persons are equal before the law and have a right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
11. Your petitioners submit that ordinary residents of Hwange that are not employed in the coal mines are not benefiting from the provisions of the Act as currently framed. For instance, those directly employed in coal mines are eligible for regular medical checks under the Act to determine the impact of coal dust on their health, particularly the heart and kidneys. Ordinary residents are not beneficiaries of such tests. The Act was not designed for their benefit. It was exclusionary from the start.
12. Residents that are not employees of coal mines are therefore susceptible to health risks associated with coal mining, without the protection of the law. With the increase in coal and related mining activities, the number of persons that are not subject to the protection of the law thanks to the crafting of the Act has also increased. It is desirable that the Act be reviewed to embrace the protection of all persons that stay or live in environments that are subjected to coal mining dust. It may also be worthwhile for Parliament to consider how the Act could enjoin coal miners to contribute towards the reduction of coal dust, to enhance the health of residents.
13. Your petitioners are aware that section 73 of the Constitution guarantees their right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have their environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. In this regard, the State must ensure the progressive realisation of this right by residents of Hwange.
WHEREFORE your petitioners humbly pray as follows:
That the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercises its constitutional mandate to:
1. Inquire into the nature and extent of the threat posed to residents due to the dust pollution;
2. Review the fairness of the Pneumonoconiosis Act [Chapter 15:08] to non-employees of the coal mining industry that reside in coal mining areas; and
3. Make recommendations on the review of the Act given the current situation in coal mining areas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Residents of Hwange are worried about pollution from coal mining and want Parliament to do something. They say the current laws only protect workers in the mines, not ordinary people who also suffer. They want Parliament to investigate how this pollution is harming residents and to change the laws to protect everyone better. They are also worried about the environment being affected. The residents want Parliament to act now to make sure they and future generations are safe from harmful pollution in Hwange.

Hwange Residents Petition Parliament To Tackle Coal Dust Pollution

Hwange residents are living in fear of stray elephants, which are imposing curfews from dusk to dawn, putting mine workers and others at risk of attacks, reported <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/stray-elephants-impose-curfew-in-hwange-urban/">Chronicle</a>.
Earlier this year, a woman fetching firewood was seriously injured by an elephant and remains hospitalised in Bulawayo three months later.
The most affected areas include Lusumbami, Makwika, Ingagula, Lower Colliery, and the Airport area, where elephants frequently invade, damaging fences and entering homes in search of mangoes.
Residents, like Wallace Nyoni from Ingagula, are fearful of being trampled by the elephants, which have become a common threat near residential areas. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
It’s now dangerous to be on the streets after 6 pm as elephants will now be roaming the neighbourhood, we are living in fear as they have literally imposed curfews. These elephants are so daring that they actually move into people’s yards felling mango trees.
</blockquote>
Trynos Ndlovu from Lusumbami village reported that elephants destroyed a perimeter fence and a plastic storage tank at a local primary school while searching for water and food.
Ward 3 councillor, Bryn Chikumbo, said that residents are living in fear as elephants impose curfews and destroy property, including fences and power lines, leading to the killing of four elephants. Said Chikumbo:
<blockquote>
Elephants have become a menace in my community leading to destruction of property and potential loss of life. Damage and loss are left uncompensated.
For example, the destruction of vegetable gardens and property. The destruction of power lines is creating a challenge leading to energy poverty.
The poorly sited extractive projects have disturbed the ecosystem by tapping into the water bodies ultimately polluting the water, and making it undrinkable, which forces wildlife to draw close to communities.
There is a gap in awareness campaigns and capacity building meant to equip communities with strategies to enhance grassroots ability to tackle climate change.
The elephants have gradually taken over the Ingagula community. They often roam the streets after hours, making communities feel hostage.
</blockquote>
Ward 15 (Makwika) councillor, Elphas Owner Dhlamini concurred that the presence of elephants posed great danger to residents in his area. He said:
<blockquote>
With regards to the Wildlife conflict in my ward, this has become a serious threat, people are living in fear, elephants are everywhere, and as early as 6 pm they will be a stone’s throw from the compound.
Curfews are the order of the day on this side too. The major cause is the drought, which we are experiencing.
There is a serious shortage of food in the bush, if you are to look at these elephants you can surely tell that they are starving.
</blockquote>
Tinashe Matika, district programme manager of the Hwange Youth Empowerment Initiative, said that workers are also suffering from the heightened elephant activity in the area, which leaves them vulnerable to attacks as they travel home from work. Matika said:
<blockquote>
Most of the workers from areas such as No.3, Railways, Ingagula, No.2 and No.5 walk from work since there is a shortage of staff transport.
This puts them in danger of being attacked along the way as the jumbos are now known to camp close to residential areas. Mining is an intrusive economic activity that can drive development.
However, the poor location of the current wave of extractive projects has brought a series of negative externalities whose burden falls on communities.
</blockquote>
In 2023, Lydia Dube (30), a female security guard was trampled to death by an elephant while guarding a broken-down crane at Chaba Opencast mine.
Dube was rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where her condition deteriorated before being transferred to Mpilo where she succumbed to the injuries on arrival.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elephants in Hwange town are scaring people by imposing curfews at night. They are destroying property and even attacking residents. Elephants are going into neighborhoods, breaking fences, and looking for food. Some people have been hurt, and even killed, by elephants. The elephants are hungry because of a drought, so they are coming closer to people's homes. People are scared to go out at night, and workers are at risk of being attacked. The elephants are causing a lot of problems for the community, and there is no help or compensation for the damage they are causing.

Stray Elephants Impose "Curfew" In Hwange Town

Ngezi Platinum Stars beat Hwange 6-0 in a rescheduled Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) match played at Baobab Stadium on Saturday.
The impressive victory came without head coach Takesure Chiragwi, who is currently on national duty with the Warriors in South Africa for the back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Namibia.
Takunda Benhura scored an impressive four goals in the match, bringing his season total to 10 goals.
Benhura opened the scoring with a header in the 14th minute before Tanaka Munemo added a second goal in the 22nd minute.
Obriel Chirinda made it 3-0 by the half-hour mark and Benhura scored again in the 61st, 85th, and 90th minutes to complete his haul.
The victory moved Ngezi Platinum Stars up to third place in the league standings with 46 points, while Hwange dropped deeper into the relegation zone.
Ngezi Platinum remains 14 points behind league leaders Simba Bhora, who have 60 points.
Hwange’s Dominic Chungwa missed a penalty that could have provided a consolation goal.
Ngezi Platinum still has one game in hand and is looking to maintain their strong performance as the season progresses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ngezi Platinum Stars won 6-0 against Hwange in a soccer match. Takunda Benhura scored four goals in the game. Their coach was away on national duty. The win moved them to third place in the league. Hwange missed a penalty. Ngezi Platinum Stars are doing well this season and have one game left to play. They are aiming to keep up their good performance.

Takunda Benhura Scores 4 Goals As Ngezi Platinum Stars Crush Hwange 6-0

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority on Wednesday, 09 October killed a problem elephant that had been terrorising communities and destroying mango fruits in Hwange.
Ingagula councillor Brian Chikumbo confirmed the shooting of the elephant to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/problem-elephant-shot-in-hwange/">VicFallsLive</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been having some human-wildlife conflicts of late, whereby jumbos, more than four herds, have been coming into the community around 7 pm every day and even inside people’s houses. It had become unbearable, and very soon we could have recorded a fatality.
We just want a lasting solution because we fear that one day we might have a fatality as the numbers and teams are increasing every day.
</blockquote>
Farai Maguwu, the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), expressed deep concern over the “senseless” killing of elephants, arguing that there is an urgent need to conserve biodiversity. Said Maguwu:
<blockquote>
If [the government] really cared about conservation and biodiversity they would take action against rampant destructive mining taking place everywhere in Zimbabwe.
To have the same officials suddenly showing concern for conservation by killing elephants is ridiculous. Some of us are not fools.
According to Zimparks, crocodiles are the number one killer in Zimbabwe followed by elephants. Why are we not seeing the Zimbabwe government going after crocodiles if it is concerned about people? Stop this criminal activity.
</blockquote>
Human-wildlife conflict is a major issue in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas close to national parks. This conflict often involves elephants, which can cause substantial damage to crops and property, and even pose a threat to human lives.
The Hwange National Park, for example, has seen increasing incidents of elephants straying into nearby villages, leading to crop destruction and sometimes fatal encounters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe officials killed a problem elephant that was causing trouble in Hwange. The elephant was destroying mango farms and entering people's homes. Some people think it was wrong to kill the elephant and that the government should focus on other ways to protect wildlife. The conflict between humans and animals is a big problem in Zimbabwe, especially near national parks. This can lead to damage to crops and danger to people. It is important to find a solution that protects both the animals and the people.

Zimparks Eliminate Problem Elephant In Hwange

Marauding elephants are causing massive damage in Dete’s township, Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, as they search for raw mangoes and water, destroying homes, gardens, and orchards along the way.
Ward 18 Councilor Stanley Torima has urgently called for action to address the elephant crisis, which has left residents living in fear. Torima told <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/elephant-crisis-in-detes-township-hunters-called-in/">VicFallsLive</a>:
<blockquote>
I called the Hwange Rural District Council Environmental officer to tell him about how these elephants are wreaking havoc in our communities, especially in the townships such as Garikai.
He responded saying that we should expect the rangers or hunters to come this evening (on Wednesday) to kill some because already there is a hunting group looking for elephants.
</blockquote>
The elephants have been wreaking havoc throughout the township, leaving no house untouched. The St. Xavier Mission’s orchard has also been completely devastated. Added Torima:
<blockquote>
They are destroying gardens, and the durawalls and people are living in fear for their lives as they come in large numbers to eat raw mangoes. No house has mangoes left.
</blockquote>
Torima said the anticipated intervention is not part of the government’s proposed culling programme, but rather a direct response to the residents’ urgent pleas for assistance. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s not true that this is part of the government culling program, it’s just us residents who appealed for help because we fear for our lives.
</blockquote>
The government of Zimbabwe recently announced plans to cull 200 elephants to feed communities facing acute hunger after the worst drought in four decades.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elephants in Dete are destroying homes and orchards while looking for food and water. The residents are scared. The government might send hunters to kill some elephants. The elephants are eating all the mangoes and ruining gardens. The government is planning to cull 200 elephants to help feed hungry communities. Residents asked for help because they fear for their lives. The situation is urgent and needs to be addressed quickly.

Marauding Elephants Devastate Dete, Homes And Orchards Destroyed

A 19-year-old man from Matetsi in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, who was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl, has been acquitted.
Coglainmore Blessed Sibanda, from Khayalethu Village in Matetsi, was accused of impregnating the girl and transmitting a sexually transmitted disease on April 18 of this year. The girl is from Breakfast.
Sibanda was found not guilty and discharged by the court due to insufficient evidence. His lawyer, Thulani Nkala of Dube, Nkala and Company, argued that there were inconsistencies in the State’s case, as witnesses, including the complainant, provided conflicting statements.
The girl and her 13-year-old sister had sneaked out of their home on Independence Day to go partying, and their whereabouts were unknown for five days.
When they were found hiding in a bush on April 24, they told their parents they had been living there.
On April 26, the girl fell ill with stomach pains, prompting her mother, who was also a State witness, to take her to the police out of concern that she may have eaten poisoned food during her absence.
She was then referred to Victoria Falls Hospital, where it was revealed that she was pregnant and had an STI.
After questioning, the girl implicated Sibanda, claiming he had offered them shelter and raped her, resulting in her pregnancy.
Sibanda denied ever providing accommodation to the sisters or assaulting her.
In his application, Nkala argued that all three witnesses—the complainant, her sister, and her mother—contradicted their written statements, leaving no evidence to substantiate the essential elements of the offence. Said Nkala:
<blockquote>
They claimed she had been raped on 22 April but in court they said she was raped on 19 April. The two siblings also contradicted during court testimony on whether there was a door or not in the room she was allegedly raped.
The complainant initially claimed the accused had closed the door behind her as she entered his room but in court later changed and said there was no door while her sister maintained that the accused closed the door.
It is accordingly prayed that the accused person be discharged at the close of the State case in terms of Section 198(3) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.
</blockquote>
The girl initially told her parents that she and her sister had slept in the bush and only mentioned Sibanda after being taken to the hospital.
Their testimonies contradicted the State’s outline, including conflicting accounts of how their parents found them after five days.
A family relative was also implicated in the alleged rape, but the witnesses disputed these claims in court.
Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira found Sibanda not guilty and acquitted him after the trial. A court order for the termination of the pregnancy was issued in May.
The State alleged that the complainant and her 13-year-old sister went out without their parents’ permission on the night of April 18 for Independence Day celebrations.
They allegedly did not go back home the following day and decided to hide in a nearby bush, the court was told.
Sibanda was accused of approaching the girls on April 22 at a football pitch near his workplace and offering them a room for the night.
It was alleged that he later called the complainant into his room, closed the door, and raped her twice with a condom.
When the girl complained of stomach pains, her mother took her to the police instead of the hospital.
She was referred to Victoria Falls Hospital, where it was confirmed that she was pregnant and had a sexually transmitted disease. The girl implicated Sibanda, leading to his arrest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 19-year-old man from Hwange was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The girl and her sister sneaked out, stayed in a bush, and got pregnant. The man denied the accusations. The witnesses gave inconsistent statements, leading to the man's discharge. The girl mentioned the man only after being taken to the hospital. The court found the man not guilty and ordered the termination of the pregnancy. The girl had accused the man of raping her and infecting her with a disease.

Hwange Man (19) Acquitted Of Raping, Impregnating And Infecting 14-Year-old Girl

Carlos Ncube, a 26-year-old resident of Makwika village, Number 3, Hwange, appeared before the Hwange Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday facing two counts of unlawful entry.
On September 20, Ncube allegedly entered a home in the mining town and stole two pots, one containing sadza and the other beans.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), he also broke into a tuckshop that same night, taking Pepsi drinks, Fizzi, and Maheu. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
On the 20th of September 2024 at around 2200 hours, the accused person went to the first complainant’s house and and broke into the kitchen using an unknown object and took two silver pots, one with sadza and the other with beans.
The following morning, the complainant discovered that her pots were missing and tracked the accused person’s shoe prints which led to his place of residence.
On the same night, the accused person also broke into the second complainant’s tuckshop in the same village and stole 12 x 500ml Pepsi drinks, 2 litres Fizzy drink and 1x 500ml Pfuko Maheu. A police report was filed leading to the arrest of the accused person.
The total value stolen is ZWG514,17 and all was recovered.
</blockquote>
Ncube was found guilty and was scheduled to return to court on September 25 for sentencing. However, the National Prosecuting Authority has not yet provided an update on the sentencing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named Carlos Ncube from Hwange went into someone's house at night and stole two pots of sadza and beans. He also broke into a shop and took some drinks. The police caught him, and he was found guilty. He will go back to court for his punishment. The stolen things were worth ZWG514,17, but they were all returned to the owners.

Hwange Burglar Steals Pots Of Sadza And Beans

The Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, said that the government is engaging mining companies in Hwange following complaints from residents about air pollution in the area.
Residents of Ingagula have expressed concerns about excessive dust pollution from haulage trucks and coal mining activities, which they believe is contributing to respiratory diseases and other health issues.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/minister-moyo-were-working-to-reduce-hwange-pollution/">VicFallsLive</a>, Moyo said their engagements with Chinese mining companies have led to a reduction in pollution levels in the Deka River. He said:
<blockquote>
We are engaging stakeholder companies that are all operating in coal mining in Hwange, working in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency and Hwange Colliery, to address the issue of pollution.
We are trying our level best as Matabeleland North province government to address the issue of pollution in Hwange.
If you look closely now, the fluid that gets in the Deka river has been reduced. We have also tried to quell the pollution in the air and we a re still trying to address that.
</blockquote>
Bryn Chikumbo, a local councillor, has warned that the community is “sitting on a health time bomb” and has called for urgent action to address the pollution.
Coal mining and the resulting pollution can significantly affect the health and well-being of people living in mining areas in several ways
Dust from mining operations and coal combustion can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases.
Fine particles released into the air can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing cardiovascular diseases and exacerbating existing health conditions.
Runoff from mining sites can contaminate local water sources with heavy metals and other pollutants, impacting drinking water quality.
Consuming or using contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is talking to coal miners in Hwange because people are worried about pollution. Residents say dust and coal mining are making them sick. The government is working with Chinese mining companies to reduce pollution in the Deka River. They are also trying to reduce pollution in the air. A local councillor is warning that the community's health is in danger. Pollution from coal mining can cause lung problems, heart diseases, contaminated water, and more health issues. The government is trying to fix these problems to keep people safe and healthy.

Government Engaging Coal Miners To Tackle Hwange Pollution - Minister Moyo

Hwange Central Member of Parliament, Daniel Molokele (CCC), has criticised Chinese coal miners in the district for not respecting Zimbabwe’s laws in their operations.
This follows complaints from residents of Ingagula township in Hwange about excessive dust pollution caused by Chinese miners’ haulage trucks and coal mining activities.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/mp-daniel-molokele-speaks-out-against-chinese-companies-arrogance-and-disregard-for-the-law-in-hwange/">VicFallsLive</a>, Molokele alleged that Chinese investors are shielded from scrutiny due to their connections with powerful politicians in Harare.
He argued that this protection has led to a sense of arrogance among the Chinese companies operating in the area Said Molokele:
<blockquote>
We have also made efforts to reach out to the Chinese companies, most community local members are complaining that it’s the Chinese companies that are leading in terms of violations of environmental laws and making sure that there’s too much pollution, not just of the air but of the land and the rivers… but what we have learnt is that Chinese companies are very arrogant and they never respect any type of law including labour relations act.
When you look at the terms and conditions of their employees, it’s clear that they are deliberately and arrogantly violating the laws in terms of working hours, in terms of compassionate leave, study leave, medical aid, pension aid and permanent employment and so on…
In terms of health and occupational hazards, awareness and protection, so there’s a lot of violations happening… but it’s the manner in which Chinese investors start investments here in Zimbabwe because they come through high-level politics and they have got connections in Harare and some of the companies that China had set up here in Hwange, they major shareholding include the political elite and that’s where the source of arrogance is coming from… I have been working with other parliamentarians to set up a national chapter for the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.
We have an organization that works in over 50 countries that has been set up called IPAC headquartered in London that seeks to ensure that Chinese companies wherever they are investing, they have a sustainable development model and they respect local communities.
So we are in the process of setting the national chapter in Zimbabwe, hopefully, it’ll help to increase our capacity to force the Chinese companies to be more accountable.
</blockquote>
Molokele pledged to raise the issue in the National Assembly to hold Chinese companies accountable for their environmental and social impact in Hwange.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwange MP Daniel Molokele is angry at Chinese miners for not following the rules in Zimbabwe. People in Hwange are upset about the pollution caused by the Chinese miners. Molokele says the Chinese companies act like they are above the law because they have connections with powerful politicians. He wants to make sure these companies are held responsible for their actions. Molokele plans to talk about this issue in Parliament and work with other MPs to try and make Chinese companies follow the law and treat local people better.

Hwange MP Daniel Molokele Slams Chinese Miners For "Arrogance And Disregard For The Law"

Residents of Chisuma village in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, are living in fear due to the increasing menace of marauding troops of baboons.
Once a rare sight in the area, baboons have now become a constant nuisance, wreaking havoc on homes, gardens, and livestock within the village.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/living-in-fear-hwange-village-under-siege-by-marauding-baboons/">VicFallsLive</a>, Sikhanyiso Moyo, a community representative, expressed the villagers’ concerns, stating that the baboons have been killing chickens and goats. She said:
<blockquote>
We have a huge problem with baboons. They destroy our vegetables, attack our homes, and kill our chickens and goats. It’s like they have no season, they come anytime and cause havoc.
</blockquote>
Eneles Moyo, another Chisuma village resident, described an even more distressing aspect of the baboon attacks, saying the primates beat up children and throw stones at them when they try to chase them away. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We can’t even plant crops without them digging up the seeds. They prey on our chickens and goats, leaving us with nothing.
It’s been years, but with the drought, it’s gotten worse. They even beat and throw rocks at our children when they try to chase them away.
We leave our homes to safeguard our crops, but they still find ways to destroy them. They even break into our homes, destroying our thatch and property.
We need help now, not tomorrow. Our children are being beaten, our livestock is being killed, and our homes are being destroyed. We can’t wait any longer.
</blockquote>
The Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill, currently under review, aims to address human-wildlife conflict, among other issues.
The Bill provides for the establishment of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund to provide compensation for crop destruction and livestock loss, as well as the administration of the fund at the district level.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Baboons are causing trouble for people in a village in Hwange, Zimbabwe. They destroy homes, gardens, and kill animals. The villagers are scared and want help. The baboons even hurt children by throwing stones at them. The government is working on a law to help with this problem. The law will provide compensation for crops and animals damaged by wildlife. The villagers hope this law will help them deal with the baboons.

Marauding Baboons Terrorise Hwange Villagers

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has authorised MAC Auction Services (Pvt) Ltd to conduct an auction of Uncleared and Forfeited Vehicles and Goods for Kazungula, Victoria Falls, and Hwange. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the authority said the auction will be conducted as follows:
– Sale Date: Friday 5 January 2024 at 0830hrs 
– View Date: Thursday 4 January 2024 from 0900hrs to 1630hrs 
– Venue: State Warehouse Victoria Falls.
Vehicles:
Kazungula Yard:
– 2019 Toyota Rav 4 Chs#Jtmw23fv20j016798 
– 2015 Tata Telecoline Single Cab Chs#Mat374473e9r06467 
– 2016 Isuzu Dmax Doube Cab Chs#Mpatfs86jft026938 
– 2014 Ford Fiesta Chs#Wf0dxxgakdeu75657 
– 2014 Vauxhall Astra Sri Ctdi Diesel Chs#W0lpf8en5e8046852 
– 2008 Lexus Gs300 Petrol Chs#Jthbh96s605058968 
– Peugeot 206 Chs#Vf32ahfze40117573 
– Citroen C2 Chs#Vf7jm8hzc97468290 
– Bmw 316 Chs#Wbaa120x0aw53957 
– Hyundai I30 Crdi Chs#Tmad351ulfj267049 
– Isuzu Kb Chs# Frame Chsadmtfr260d50273475 
– 2016 Venter Mini Savuti Chs#Abv111sngn7s0030 
– 1997 York Lowbed Trailer Chs#A048885 
– 2004 David Lawrence Fltbed Trailer Chs#Sfcs3m4b00021 
– 2006 David Lawrence Fltbed Trailer Chs#Sfcs3m6b000307 
– 2004 Mntracon Flatbed Trailer Chs#Smrc3axxx4d065786 
– Trailer Chs#Whk170316102338 
– Iveco 75e17 Tipper Chs#Zcfa75c0102381329 
– 2 Engines 
– Steel Box
Victoria Falls:
– 1*Tse Max Load Trailer Ch Aag232pm10k1504 
– 1*Vanhool Bus(Volvo);Chs#Yb31mgd19na030508 
– 2000 Nissan Bluebird Sunny Sedan Chs #Jncfa16z0006231 
– 2004 Ford Mondeo; Chs #: Wf05xxgbb54e36528; Eng #: Tba; Colour Black [No Keys – In Ckd Form 
– 2003 Jaguar X Type, Chs# Sajac51m13xd35987, 2496cc, Petrol, Grey (No Keys) 
– Nissan Caravan; Chs # Ale50-017093; Reg # Abq9562 
– 01 X Honda Civic Hatchback Chassis # Shheu87208u211468; Eng#D16v13117600 Year 2003 Colour Blue 
– 1991 Toyota Minibus, Chs# Lh100 0020109 (No Keys) 
– 1994 Toyota Chaser; Chs#Gx906595926; Eng#1gfe61844427 
– 2001 Vauxhall Limo Wol0vbf6911111510 
– 2001 Vauxhall Limo Wol0vbf6921065112 
– Nissan Caravan; Chs # Ale50-017093; Reg # Abq9562 
– Toyota Gaia 
– 01*2005 Honda Stepwagon, Chs# Rg1102495
Other Items to Include:
– 20* Work Suits 
– 2*Work Suits Trousers 
– 4* Lift Belts 
– 60* Welding Glasses Goggles 
– 1* Box Welding Visor Glasses 
– 1*Boxes Filler Gauges 
– 32 Pairs Rumber Coated Gloves 
– 9 *Pairs Leather Safety Gloves 
– 2 Pairs Pvc Gloves 
– 28 Pieces Cutting Nozzles 
– 5*Fruer S Love Wine 
– 1*Saxenburg Anno 
– 3*Oomaine Deloprite 
– 8* Packets Plastic Connectors 
– 1* High Pressure Pipe 
– 4*20 Note Books Pads
A deposit of US$2,000 for vehicles and US$1,000 for other items is required to obtain a Buyer’s card. Payment must be made in cash, swipe, or RTGS (real-time gross settlement) at the conclusion of the sale.
 Selected items will be payable in US$ 
 Entry to viewing and sale days is strictly for catalogue holders only at ZWL 5 000.00 per head 
 Payment strictly Cash/Swipe/RTGS at the conclusion of the Sale
Forthcoming ZIMRA Auction Sales
 Plumtree 10-11 January 2024 
 Beitbridge 25-26 January 2024
For more information, contact: 
MAC Auction Services 
Shop P20 Upper Pavilion 
Westgate Shopping Centre 
Harare 
Tel 0242 309319 0716 676692 
Email: info@macauctionservices.co.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZIMRA Announces An Auction Of Uncleared and Forfeited Vehicles And Goods

The 30-year-old female security guard who died following an attack by an elephant while at work in Hwange on Friday was not equipped to safely discharge her duties, it has emerged.
The now-deceased Lydia Dube was deployed alone at night without a firearm or a radio communication system.
This was said by Farai Maguwu, the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG). <a href="https://x.com/FMaguwu/status/1728842793240736138?s=20">He posted on X Sunday</a>:
<blockquote>
Lydia Dube (30), was tragically killed by an elephant whilst guarding a broken down crane at Chaba mine in Hwange yesterday.
She was deployed alone at night without a firearm. She also did not have a radio communication system. Perhaps they wanted her to defend the machine with her body.
She is survived by her daughter. Human-wildlife conflict is now rife in Hwange due to various factors which may include climate change and mining near national parks.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_4TrRwXgAAcRfY?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
</blockquote>
According to a report by <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/female-security-guard-dies-after-elephant-attack/">The Sunday News</a>, Lydia Dube was pronounced dead on arrival at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo on Saturday after being transferred from Hwange Colliery Hospital.
The killer elephant has since been put down by Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management (Zimparks) rangers.
A source was quoted as saying Dube who was employed as a security guard was on duty where she was guarding a broken-down crane at Chaba Mine. Said the source:
<blockquote>
She saw an elephant a distance away and disembarked from the machine she was guarding to go to the guard room.
Unbeknown to her, there was an elephant lurking behind her that attacked her before she got to the guard room leaving her for dead.
She was discovered still alive but seriously injured.
</blockquote>
Dube was reportedly rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where her condition deteriorated before being transferred to Mpilo where she succumbed to the injuries on arrival.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Female Security Guard Killed By Elephant In Hwange Was Alone At Night, And Had No Firearm Or Radio - Maguwu

South Mining Mutagech, a company involved in the extraction of coal in Hwange, has reportedly fired 25 of its employees after they asked for protective equipment.
Solidarity Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Prince Mpala told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200013810/workers-dismissed-for-demanding-protective-clothing">Southern Eye</a> that the workers were fired last week on Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
South Mining Mutagech (Hwange) dismissed employees after they demanded proper protective equipment/clothing.
Twenty-five employees (were) dismissed by a Chinese supervisor while others were reinstated.
The Labour Act is very clear, thus section 104(4a). We are taking this matter to the National Employment Council for the mining industry in Bulawayo.
</blockquote>
Mpala said the law allows workers to resort to collective job action, noting that subject to this Act, all employees, workers committees and trade unions have the right to resort to strike action to resolve disputes.
He also said mine supervisor David Wang asked him (Mpala) to visit the mine to understand what is happening.
Wang claimed that the workers were refusing to work so they had to be dismissed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Coal Mine Workers Fired For Asking For Protective Clothing

ZESA Holdings subsidiary, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), says it is generating 951 megawatts (MW) of electricity against a national peak demand of 2 200MW.
The power shortage has resulted in the country experiencing electricity blackouts of up to 18 hours per day in some areas.
Despite the successful synchronisation of Hwange Unit 7 into the national grid, ZETDC call centre supervisor Milton Zata said they were still facing challenges. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009437/zesa-only-generating-951mw">NewsDay</a> quotes Zata as saying:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, we have national grid challenges, resulting in these long outages.
</blockquote>
This comes amid reports that traditional power suppliers – South Africa and Mozambique – recently stopped exporting electricity to Zimbabwe due to arrears.
The blackouts are seriously affecting businesses and industries countrywide.
With Hwange Unit 7 appearing to struggle to feed the envisaged 300MW into the national grid following its upgrade, the power crisis is set to persist as Hwange’s Unit 8 is only expected to go live in October with another 300MW.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Power_Company">Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC),</a> a ZESA subsidiary, announced Tuesday that the southern African nation was generating 951 MW of electricity at three power stations as shown below:
<blockquote>
Munyati ……………………………………. 16MW
Bulawayo ……………………………………. 0MW
Harare ………………………………………..  0MW
Kariba …………………………………………. 350MW
Hwange ……………………………………… 585MW
</blockquote>
<div>
<blockquote>
<div>TOTAL …………………………………………. 951MW </div>
</blockquote>
<div>Zimbabwe is experiencing a power crisis due to a lack of investment and outdated equipment. This has resulted in frequent power outages and reduced production in industries, leading to job losses and decreased revenue. Small businesses, hospitals, schools, and water treatment plants have also been affected. </div>
<div>The power crisis has also led to an increase in illegal electricity connections and theft, which is dangerous and contributes to revenue losses.</div>
<div> Resolving the crisis will require significant investment and policy changes in the power sector. </div>
<div>There are several alternative sources of electricity that households and businesses can use in addition to traditional electricity. These include solar power, biogas, mini-grids, wind power, hydropower, and generator sets. </div>
<div>These sources can provide more sustainable and affordable energy, especially in areas where electricity is limited. </div>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>
</div>

ZESA Generating 951 MW Of Electricity Against Demand Of 2 200MW

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has announced that the country’s power outages could ease from March 20 when Unit 7 at the coal-fired Hwange power station will be added to the national grid.
 ZESA spokesman, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Manyaya">George Manyaya</a>, said Hwange Unit 7 is set to begin a “synchronization process” on Monday during which it will feed power to the national grid. Testing could last up to six weeks.
Unit 8, which is also close to completion and is expected to deliver another 300 MW, is set to come on stream in April. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zesa-sees-power-crisis-easing-from-march-20-as-hwange-unit-7-fires-up/">ZimLive</a> cites George Manyaya as saying:
<blockquote>
A lot of technical work has been done to ensure we deliver a robust system. Commissioning is a delicate procedure and has to be done diligently.
We’re pleased that we have conformed to the standards. We’re also satisfied that based on tests that have been taking place since December 2022, the Hwange 7 and 8 units have been well-designed and built to world standards. 
There have been challenges in the electricity supply owing to technical challenges at our power stations and Zimbabwe’s capacity to pay for imports. The Hwange expansion project will close the demand and supply gap.
</blockquote>
On Friday, 17 March 2023, Zimbabwe was generating 315 MW at Hwange, 241 MW at Kariba and 11 MW at the coal-powered Harare Power Station for a total of 567 MW before imports and power from independent producers.
The new unit of the Hwange power plant will lift Zimbabwe’s installed capacity to 2 400 MW, although the country continues to generate far less.
The government says the country’s peak electricity demand is 1,700 MW.
Zimbabweans are currently enduring power cuts lasting up to 18 hours due to restricted generation at Kariba hydropower station, constant breakdowns of Hwange’s ageing generators and ZESA’s inability to pay for electricity imports.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Power Outages To Ease From 20 March - ZESA

Residents of Hwange and surrounding communities have implored Parliament to enact laws that compel Chinese coal mining companies operating in the area to desist from environmental degradation and respect labour laws.
There are more than 10 mining companies mining and processing coal in Hwange.
Speaking at a consultative meeting conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in Hwange, residents urged the government to protect local people and the environment, reported CITE.
Local communities raised a number of issues they want to be addressed, among them, environmental degradation, pollution, failure by mining companies to plough back to the community, destruction of infrastructure such as roads, exploitation and victimisation of labour.
Parliament is consulting citizens towards crafting a Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill that seeks to shape the future of mining activities in the country.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwange Community Pleads For Protection From Chinese Miners

A minor earthquake hit the Lubimbi area in Binga on Sunday night and was felt by residents in Hwange.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.0 and no damages to property were recorded, reported <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/earth-tremor-hits-hwange/">the Chronicle</a>.
Matabeleland North Province chief meteorological officer Austin Masikinye said the epicentre of the earthquake was Lubimbi in Binga District, close to Kamativi. He said:
<blockquote>
An earthquake was felt in Hwange and Binga on March 5, 2023, at 2309hrs local time. The epicentre is in Binga, Lubimbi area near Kamativi.
No reports of damage were received, however, more inquiries would be made to determine its intensity in the locality and to determine the exact areas it was felt.
</blockquote>
Residents in almost all Hwange town suburbs said they were shaken by underground movements on Sunday night.
Nolwandle Moyo from Ngumija and Prisca Mpofu, a resident of Cinderella township, about 10km from Ngumija, both said they felt the unusual movement from underground just after 10 PM.
Hwange Local Board spokesperson Dumisani Nsingo, who stays in Empumalanga, said:
<blockquote>
I suddenly remembered the unfortunate events in Turkey and became very scared but thank God the intensity was minimal.
</blockquote>
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck South-Eastern Turkey and Northern Syria last month, killing 50 000 people, among them Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu.
MSD head of forecasting, James Ngoma said earth tremors are common in the Kariba area. He said:
<blockquote>
Kariba is in a seismic tremor area, so now and again earthquakes are recorded. Those below 2.5 on the Richter scale may not be felt by humans but our machines regularly pick on those.
Earthquakes of between 2.5 and 4.5 on the scale are usually felt but we consider them to be minor and cannot cause damage. Anything above that is of concern.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minor Earthquake Hits Binga, Felt In Hwange

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) says it is at various stages of repairing four units at Hwange Power Station after a series of breakdowns in recent days.
The breakdowns at the thermal power plant, which is the country’s second-biggest plant, literally plunged the country deeper into darkness as it is now operating at just 10 percent of its 920 megawatts capacity.
According to a general supply summary report produced by ZPC, between February 15 and 23 this year, four units at the Hwange thermal power plant were switched off, leaving the plant operating with one.
ZESA spokesperson George Manyaya promised to provide comment to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zpc-attends-to-faults-at-hwange-power-plant/">The Herald</a> after “getting a status update from the technical team” on Tuesday, but he had not done so by the time of publishing.
According to ZPC, a unit of ZESA Holdings responsible for generating electricity, Unit 4 was switched off on 15 February after developing a boiler tube leak.
Unit 1 was taken off on February 24 after a high-pressure fan got damaged.
Unit 3 was stopped on February 24 after developing a tube leak while Unit 6 was switched off on February 23 after developing a similar problem.
The damaged units are at various stages of being repaired, said ZPC. Unit 5 tripped in October 2021 due to excessive turbine vibrations.
On Wednesday, 01 March 2023, Kariba hydroelectric plant was generating 280MW.
Kariba’s Unit 4 was taken out on July 20 2022 due to a damaged turbine runner.
Generator 1 was switched off on February 2 2023 for turbine runner inspection. The inspections have been completed and the unit has been placed on annual maintenance.
Unit 8 tripped on 20 December 2022 due to GTx 8 fault and is being replaced.
Unit 6 was taken out on December 16 2022 for an annual overhaul and machine cooling water pipework replacement. Kariba dam level has slightly improved to 13,75 percent.
Meanwhile, Hwange was generating only 72MW this Wednesday while the small power stations, Munyati and Bulawayo are currently switched off for boiler maintenance.
Zimbabwe is importing 50MW from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa; 180MW from Eskom, between 130-200MW from Electricidade de Moçambique and 1 00MW from Zambia’s state-owned power utility ZESCO.
The country is exporting up to 80MW to Namibia.

Several Units At Hwange Power Station Break Down

Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda has said the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station’s Unit 7 is 99 percent complete, with only the synchronisation of the whole system set to be done.
The Unit is expected to add 300MW to the national grid upon completion.
Addressing journalists in Harare, Soda said the synchronisation will be completed anytime this month. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/hwange-thermal-power-station-unit-7-99-percent-complete/">The Herald</a> quoted Soda as saying:
<blockquote>
Hwange Unit 7 has actually progressed with all other systems having undergone commissioning tests and they were successful.
One of the critical stages in the commissioning of a power station is the achievement of certain revolutions of the turbine and that was achieved.
We are only left with the synchronisation of the whole system starting from where the coal is burnt, steam is produced, turbines are turned and causes the generator to produce electricity which is evacuated into the grid.
We expect that anytime from now given that the whole system is 99 percent complete; we are only left with one percent which is the synchronisation of the whole system.
</blockquote>
Work on the project started in August 2018 using an initial $199 million from China Eximbank but its completion was delayed by the outbreak of the coronavirus in late 2019.
According to the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) <a href="https://www.zpc.co.zw/">website</a>, on Monday, 13 February, Hwange Thermal Power Station was generating 378MW.

Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7 Now 99% Complete - Soda

The five teachers at Ndangababi Primary School at Cross Dete in Hwange District who were ordered to leave the school by disgruntled parents and guardians are reportedly refusing to do so.
The local community recently accused five teachers of incompetence, insubordination, and disrespecting traditional and community leaders and demanded their removal by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry.
School Development Committee (SDC) deputy chairperson Olitha Ndlovu said the teachers were refusing to leave the school despite the fact that the ministry advised them to seek transfers to other schools.
Ndlovu said the teachers in question were Nkosana Toddy Ngwenya, Nelly Chisiwa, Ruvirai Sgauke, Mkhululi Maphosa, and Nyika Ndaguta.
Maphosa and Ngwenya are reportedly from Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North, while the other three were from Mashonaland provinces. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The situation was bad here. Our school had roofs of classroom blocks blown away by strong winds in 2019. It was renovated by council through devolution funds.
But the behaviour of some of the senior teachers who have overstayed at the school is now worrying us.
These teachers do not respect the school head, they do not respect village heads.
Even if the headman visits the school, they utter a lot of disrespectful things.
</blockquote>
She said the teachers are so rude to such an extent that they tell villagers that people in Matabeleland are uneducated.
Ndlovu also revealed that the pass rate and the enrolment were decreasing at Ndangababi Primary School. She said:
<blockquote>
The school usually has 700 plus enrolment, but last year we were at 621, now it’s at 512 because people are transferring their children every day due to the low pass rate.
There are junior teachers who are working, but these seniors are a problem and have a bad influence on the juniors.
This has resulted in us writing a letter to the district schools inspector (DSI) so that they (senior teachers) are removed from the school. They are refusing to leave.
We cannot have teachers who insult us in front of our children when there are a lot of unemployed teachers.
</blockquote>
Hwange DSI Walter Moyo told Southern Eye that he was not in a position to comment on the matter. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200006707/hwange-parents-demand-expulsion-of-rude-teachers">Southern Eye</a>

"Rude" Teachers Refuse To Leave Hwange School

Five teachers at Ndangababi Primary School in Cross Dete, Hwange District, were expelled by parents and guardians after they were accused of being incompetent, disobeying orders, and disrespecting traditional and community authorities.
According to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/community-chases-5-teachers-away/">Chronicle</a>, the dismissed teachers were only named as Messrs N T Ngwenya, Maphosa, Ndaguta, Ms Sigauke, and Ms Chisiwa.
Parents and guardians said that the teachers seldom ever taught since they spent much of their time on personal concerns, with Ms Chisiwa reportedly spending time at the Cross Dete Business Center selling second-hand clothes.
Parents also expressed concern and blamed the teachers for the school’s pass percentage, which fell sharply from 21% four years ago to 5% last year.
Parents, traditional elders, members of the Dete Residents Association, and representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education all attended a meeting called by the school development committee last Friday.
The five instructors were given till Monday to depart the school after it was decided during the meeting that they should leave.
Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education told the meeting that the affected teachers will be transferred to other schools.
11 teachers were initially targeted, but the other survivors survived the chop after they apologized in public and the community apparently decided to give them another chance after.
It is said that Mr G. Ngwenya, the school’s head, had trouble keeping them under control and that the school development committee (SDC) found it difficult to carry out its tasks.
Last year, parents submitted a petition to the government, which Chief Dingane-Nelukoba approved. The community chose to resolve the issue on its own after the government took too long to address it.
Two school heads have left the school in the past 10 years after a fallout with the teachers.
Due to parents withdrawing their children from Ndangababi Primary School, the institution’s enrollment fell from 627 last year to 512 this term.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Community Expels Teachers From A Local School

Zimbabwe is reportedly negotiating with neighbouring Zambia for additional power imports following indications that the country’s <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kariba_South_Power_Station">Kariba South Power Station</a> could soon be switched off due to low water levels.
Acting Information minister<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jenfan_Muswere"> Jenfan Muswere</a> told a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday that deliberations had been made and Energy minister Zhemu Soda would update the nation soon.
Apart from the Zambia deal, Zimbabwe is banking on the expected coming online of Hwange unit 7 with an additional 300 megawatts (MW) next month.
Tests are reported to have been run although indications are that after the formal commissioning, the plant will run gradually until it optimises.
Zambia and Zimbabwe have a combined generation capacity of 2 130 megawatts at Kariba, which is on the Zambezi River that separates the two countries.
In July, Zambia declared that it had a surplus of about 1 000 MW.
According to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Power_Company">Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC)</a> website, Hwange Power Station is generating just 245MW, while other power stations Harare, Bulawayo, Munyati and Kariba are generating 11MW, 0MW, 14MW and 854MW, respectively, to give a total of 1 124MW, against a peak demand of 2 200 MW.
The move to engage Zambia comes after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said Zimbabwe had exhausted its 2022 water allocation necessitating the shutdown of the Kariba South Bank Power Station.
However, former Finance minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti">Tendai Biti</a> said Zimbabwe needed a fresh 2 000MW on its national grid to meet rising demand. He told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004326/zim-turns-to-zambia-for-power-bailout">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
You should just strike off Kariba, forget about it and look at new projects such as Batoka which can give you 2 000MW split in half between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
</blockquote>
He said the balance comes from alternative sources, including wind, solar and independent power producers.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Engages Zambia For Additional Power Imports - Minister

A sixty-seven-year-old widow from Hwange lost almost her entire herd of cattle and goats overnight to a pride of lions.
Jenifer Khupe, from the Chief Mvuthu area in Matabeleland North’s Hwange West district, said the incident happened on the night of 8 September when she was in the process of selling one of her cows in order to buy food.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/hwange-villagers-lose-livestock-to-marauding-lions/">VicFallsLive</a>, Khupe said their crops were destroyed by elephants during the previous farming season.
She said a total of seven lions killed seven of her 13 herd of cattle that night and 10 goats. Khupe said:
<blockquote>
I was in Plumtree when I received a phone call from my son who told me that lions had killed almost all our livestock.
Our kraal was secured in a way that repels predators. It was secured even at the rooftop, but because these lions are now used to marauding around people’s homesteads even during the day, they have become so daring that they can dig deep to gain entry into the kraals.
My son was sleeping at home and he was awoken by neighbours who heard noise from the kraals and they mobilised themselves to scare the lions away.
</blockquote>
But it was too late to save the livestock from the predators as the villagers found Khupe’s herd of cattle almost wiped out. Said Khupe:
<blockquote>
The lions killed the entire herd of cattle through suffocation and devoured the carcasses, so much that we couldn’t salvage any meat.
As for the goats they just killed seven of them, but left the carcasses untouched.
</blockquote>
A local wildlife conservation organisation bought the cattle carcasses for less than US$150.

Widow Loses 7 Herd Of Cattle, 10 Goats To Lions In One Night

A 29-year-old maid from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, allegedly raped her employer’s 14-year-old son when they were home alone while two boys were sodomised in a different case.
According to local police, on an unknown date in September at around 1 pm, the complainant was alone in a store room when the accused person opened the door, came inside and locked the door. 
The maid is alleged to have then grabbed the minor, forcibly removed his shirt, and trousers and forced him to have sexual intercourse with her once without protection.
After the act, the accused person told the minor not to tell anyone about the matter, <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/maid-rapes-employers-son-in-cowdray-park/">The Sunday News</a> reported citing said acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. Said the inspector:
<blockquote>
The matter came to light on 6 November when the boy’s father noticed some change in behavior of his child. He then asked his child what was bothering him and the boy narrated the ordeal a report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused person.
We urge teenagers and youths not to fear to report such cases and find people to confide to.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man from Hwange appeared at the Hwange Magistrates Court facing <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/20-year-old-man-molests-two-juveniles/">two counts of sodomising two boys.</a>
Craig Gandiya (20) from Chibondo in Hwange appeared before regional magistrate Mr Collet Ncube on Thursday on allegations of sexually assaulting two boys aged eight years and below. 
The incidents are alleged to have occurred on different dates sometime this year.
The State represented by Mr Vumizulu Mangena alleges that on dates unknown to the court, Gandiya was at the home of one boy when he called him to the backyard and molested him once.
On yet another date sometime this year, the court heard that Gandiya took another boy, and exposed him to pornographic videos before he undressed him and sodomised him once. 
The matter came to light on 25 August when one of the victims revealed the matter to his brother and it was subsequently reported to the police.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Maid Rapes Employer's Son, Two Boys Sodomised

A woman from Madumabisa village in Hwange was electrocuted on Wednesday last week after she tried to switch on a light in her fowl run.
According to the police, Lilian Mhlanga (41), had connected a cable from the house to the fowl run where she kept chickens that she wanted to feed on the fateful day.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland North Province, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/hwange-woman-electrocuted-to-death/">CITE</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
On 27 October 2022 and at around 1900 hours, Lilian Mhlanga entered a fowl run intending to feed her chickens.
</blockquote>
While switching on the lights, she was electrocuted and fell down to the floor.
The now deceased’s unnamed daughter later followed her to the fowl run to check on her and found her lying on the floor. Added Insp Banda:
<blockquote>
She tried to hold her by her hand but she was also shocked by the electricity.
</blockquote>
The deceased’s daughter then alerted some neighbours for help. One of the neighbours tripped an electric breaker so that they could remove the body from the fowl run.
An unconscious Mhlanga was rushed to St Patrick’s Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police officers and electrical engineers from Hwange Colliery Company Limited attended the scene and observed that the electricity connection from the house to the fowl run was illegal and some electricity conductors were not insulated.
Insp Banda implored members of the public to desist from making illegal electricity cable connections following Mhlanga’s death.

Hwange Woman Electrocuted While Feeding Chickens

A woman from Hwange was electrocuted by a naked electricity cable she had allegedly illegally connected to a fowl run at her house, Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed.
Lilian Mhlanga (41) of Madumabisa village was confirmed dead upon arrival at St Patrick’s Hospital following the incident that happened last Thursday, <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/woman-dies-after-electrocution-from-illegal-connection/">Chronicle</a> reported. Insp Banda said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm that we received a report of a woman who was electrocuted by an electricity cable. Lilian Mhlanga of Madumabisa village Hwange, was electrocuted after she tried to switch on a light in her fowl run intending to give feed to the chicks.
Lilian Mhlanga was then taken to St Patrick’s Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
</blockquote>
He said Mhlanga’s daughter discovered her mother’s lifeless body and alerted neighbours who rushed her to the hospital where she was confirmed dead upon arrival.
<h2>What happened:</h2>
It is alleged that on Thursday, and at around 7 pm, Mhlanga entered a fowl run intending to feed her chickens.
She attempted to switch on a light inside the fowl run and was shocked and fell down.
Police said her daughter upon realising that an unusually long time had passed before she could return, followed her to the fowl run to check on her and found her lying on the floor.
The informant touched her by hand and was also shocked by the electricity.
She alerted neighbours who tripped the electricity mains in the house and accessed the body.
He said police and electrical engineers from Hwange Colliery Company Limited which administers the area attended the scene and observed that the electricity connection from the house to the fowl run was illegal.
Some wires were also not insulated.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says illegal connections are <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zera-lists-major-causes-of-recorded-electricity-accidents/">among the major causes of recorded electricity accidents</a> in the country.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

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