The Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, Owen Ncube, has issued a strong warning against the misuse of farming inputs from the Pfumvudza Presidential Input Programme. He stated that anyone diverting the free inputs or soliciting payments for them would face legal prosecution, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
Minister Ncube instructed distribution committees to ensure fair allocation, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, and child-headed families. He advised provincial farmers to utilize the current rainfall for early planting and to diversify with drought-tolerant small grains. During the program's launch in Silobela, five hundred farmers and traditional leaders from Kwekwe district...
The River Valley Group of Companies has donated land and fuel to support anti-drug initiatives in Shurugwi district. The company's chief executive, Smelly Dube, announced the donation of a stand for building a rehabilitation center and one thousand liters of fuel for police-led awareness campaigns.
Dube described drug and substance abuse as a national disaster, citing local police data indicating approximately 150 related criminal cases monthly in the district. She urged parents and community leaders to collaborate with law enforcement. Gweru rural district police officer Superintendent Shandirai Munemo stated that drug abuse and child marriages are severe community threats, emphasizing that policing involves prevention and...
The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum is advocating for the government to create a ministerial position dedicated to religious affairs. The group's coordinator, Max Mkandla, stated that a Religion minister could address the specific needs of faith-based organizations, which he described as the nation's largest constituency.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by Apostolic sects, like the Johane Masowe, whose practices involve worship in open spaces rather than built structures. Mkandla urged local authorities to stop evicting these congregations and to facilitate land allocation for essential amenities, noting that some groups have waited over a decade for stands. He suggested drilling boreholes at worship sites to improve...
Preparations for next year's national Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, Matobo District, are advancing satisfactorily, according to local officials. Councillor Nqobizitha Ngwenya reported significant progress at the main site, noting the active involvement of heavy machinery for land leveling and the completion of two boreholes.
He credited the Matabeleland South Resident Minister, Albert Nguluvhe, for coordinating the contribution of machinery from local municipalities and setting a functional deadline for the stadium project. Ngwenya also praised the Department of Public Works for employing residents, though he highlighted a pressing need for food aid for these workers until government funding is received. He expressed...
One claimant to the Ndebele throne, Stanley Raphael Khumalo, has agreed to participate in a traditional lot-drawing process to resolve the kingship dispute. He has suspended all his own campaigns, including a previous plan to occupy the Bulawayo State House.
The initiative is led by the group Umthondo Wesizwe, which is engaging the five known Khumalo claimants to find a peaceful resolution through spiritual means. The group's chairman, Ernest Langalitshoni Ncube, stated that the current divisions and secretive coronations have prevented the recognition of an official king. He believes only the lot-drawing ritual can identify a rightful leader.
Reportedly, Peter Zwide Khumalo rejected the method, while the Bulelani Khumalo faction...
A Plumtree man, Ebiton Sibanda, has been charged with assault for allegedly pouring beer on his 68-year-old neighbor. Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi stated that the 25-year-old defendant confronted Sanelisiwe Ncube, accusing her of spreading false gossip about him to his wife.
The court heard that Sibanda carried out the act before leaving the scene. The incident was reported to the police, who then arrested him. Magistrate Joshua Nembaware has remanded the case for a future hearing.
A Plumtree herd boy, Sinai Ndebele, has appeared in court for allegedly assaulting a colleague following a dispute. The prosecutor, Sheila Nyathi, stated that Ndebele, aged 34, attacked Shadreck Ndlovu in a garden during October after accusing him of showing disrespect.
The court heard that Ndebele used a sling to strike Ndlovu in the eye before biting him on the arm. Following the incident, Ndlovu sought and received medical treatment. The magistrate, Joshua Nembaware, adjourned the case for a later hearing.
The City of Bulawayo has launched an immediate enforcement operation targeting vehicles with outstanding traffic fines. The initiative focuses on buses, kombis, and pirate taxis previously cited for violations like loading passengers at unauthorized locations under the city's clamping and tow-away regulations.
Authorities will impound and tow any vehicle identified with unpaid fines to a municipal storage facility. Owners must then pay the original penalty plus new charges for towing and storage to secure their vehicle's release.
The city also issued a warning to informal traders at official vending sites, stating they must promptly settle all overdue annual license fees and monthly rentals. Officials urged all residents and...
The Bulawayo City Council has reported a severe lack of funding for repairing water leaks, a situation that worsens water shortages and financial losses. Councillors expressed urgent concerns about the management of a special water levy intended for such repairs, with Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu stating the levy was implemented without a clear spending strategy.
Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu questioned whether the funds could be specifically reserved for fixing leaks and requested a full account of the collected money. In response, the water and sanitation department confirmed the levy is already budgeted for non-revenue water projects but proposed formally ring-fencing a portion of it for additional leak-repair work.
Officials...
