Informing Business, Inspiring Success
Search Results
Search this site
3310 results found with an empty search
- Resurfaced Roads Strengthen Healthcare Access
By Obey Musiwa | Harare Resurfaced roads are improving access to healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe by making journeys to hospitals and clinics safer and more comfortable for patients, medical specialist Dr Coming Hove has said. Speaking during a pavement resurfacing exercise along Josiah Chinamano Avenue in Harare, Dr Hove said road infrastructure should be viewed as an important component of healthcare delivery because poor roads can delay patients and worsen discomfort during medical emergencies. He said improved road networks were particularly important for communities in remote areas, where patients often travel long distances to reach rural health centres. “Prior, I had to make sure that we resurface or upgrade the roads that lead to the rural health centres in Mberengwa,” Dr Hove said. He said damaged roads could increase suffering for patients travelling by ambulance or private vehicle, particularly those with injuries or medical conditions that make movement painful. “When patients come in via ambulance or private cars, there are a lot of bumps that also make people feel more pain,” he said. Dr Hove said resurfacing roads leading to healthcare facilities could therefore contribute to better patient experiences while improving the reliability of emergency transport. He said the intervention was consistent with the Government’s broader development philosophy of ensuring that infrastructure and public services reached communities across the country. “Our president has actually come on with a very, very, very good philosophy: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, and leave no place and no one behind,” Dr Hove said. The comments come as Zimbabwe continues to invest in road rehabilitation under its wider infrastructure development programme, with authorities and local councils working on roads in urban and rural areas. For the health sector, improved roads can have practical implications beyond convenience. Ambulances require reliable routes to reach patients and transport them to hospitals, while health workers and medical supplies also depend on functional transport networks. Dr Hove said the benefits of improved roads should ultimately be measured by how easily patients can access healthcare. “If we do it well, all other medical doctors and medical centres will follow suit, and the patient will find coming to the doctors is not really an obstacle or a difficult thing,” he said. He also called for stronger partnerships between medical practitioners, local authorities, businesses and community organisations to support infrastructure improvements. “We wanted really to partner with the City Council of Harare, and wherever there is a need, it is very important for us to come together,” Dr Hove said. The resurfacing of Josiah Chinamano Avenue highlights the growing link between road infrastructure and healthcare access in Zimbabwe, particularly where roads provide critical connections to hospitals, clinics and emergency medical services. As Zimbabwe continues road rehabilitation, health-sector stakeholders say maintaining reliable transport routes will be essential to ensuring that patients can reach medical facilities safely and without unnecessary delays. Healthcare access in Zimbabwe
- Chidimma Adetshina and the Uncomfortable Question of Belonging
By Percy Nhara Something deeply uncomfortable about the Chidimma Adetshina citizenship saga goes far beyond a passport, an identity document, or a court case. It is the uncomfortable question of what happens when the country a person calls home decides that the paperwork behind that belonging may not be valid. Adetshina was born in Soweto and grew up in South Africa. In 2024, she entered the Miss South Africa competition and quickly became the centre of a national storm because of her Nigerian heritage and questions surrounding her citizenship. She eventually withdrew from the pageant after facing intense hostility and safety concerns. She then travelled to Nigeria, won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, and went on to become first runner-up at Miss Universe, representing Nigeria. It was an extraordinary reversal: a young woman who had been questioned about whether she was sufficiently South African was embraced by another African country and came within one place of winning the world's biggest beauty title. Now the story has returned to South Africa, this time in a courtroom. In 2026, Adetshina has been fighting attempts by South African authorities to deport her. She was arrested in June over allegations that she was living in the country without valid immigration status. The Department of Home Affairs maintains that she does not have a valid legal basis to remain in South Africa, while she is challenging the process. And this is where the bigger question begins. If there was fraud in the acquisition or registration of citizenship, then the law must deal with it. If an adult committed fraud, that person should answer for it. No individual should be exempt from the law because the circumstances have become politically sensitive or emotionally difficult. But what exactly is the responsibility of a child for an alleged wrongdoing committed by an adult? That question has been at the heart of the controversy. South African authorities have alleged irregularities involving the documentation of Adetshina and her mother. Her South African identity documents were subsequently cancelled, according to reports. Yet Adetshina has spent her formative years in South Africa and has described the country as home. That creates a profoundly human dilemma. Imagine growing up believing that you belong somewhere, attending school there, building friendships there and constructing your entire understanding of yourself around that country — only to discover as an adult that your legal status may depend on circumstances over which you had absolutely no control. Can the consequences of an alleged parental wrongdoing simply be transferred to the child? Legally, the courts must answer that question according to South African law. Morally, however, the question belongs to all of us. Because Chidimma's story has exposed something uncomfortable about Africa's relationship with identity. We speak passionately about African unity. We talk about Ubuntu. We celebrate the idea of a continent without unnecessary borders. We speak about breaking down the colonial divisions that separated people who share histories, cultures, and families. Yet we continue to create societies in which an African person's belonging can become conditional on the nationality of their parents. Adetshina's story made this contradiction painfully visible. During the Miss South Africa controversy, some of the hostility directed at her was explicitly connected to her Nigerian father and her African identity. The controversy became so intense that she withdrew from the competition. Nigeria then welcomed her. She won Miss Universe Nigeria. She represented Nigeria internationally. And she finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe. Her success did not erase the pain of what happened in South Africa. If anything, it made the contradiction more visible. Here was an African woman who could represent Nigeria on the world's biggest beauty stage while still carrying a deeply complicated relationship with the country where she was born. There is an irony that Africa should not ignore. We want a united Africa, but sometimes we teach Africans to fear one another. We speak about Pan-Africanism while questioning the legitimacy of an African person's belonging because their father comes from another African country. We condemn xenophobia when it becomes violent, but we sometimes tolerate the quieter forms of exclusion that tell people: You may live here, but you will never truly be one of us. That does not mean citizenship laws should be ignored. They should not. Countries have legitimate rights to determine who qualifies for citizenship and who has the right to reside within their borders. Documentation matters. Fraud matters. The integrity of national identity systems matters. But justice should also be capable of recognising the human being behind the document. That is why this case deserves more than the shouting that surrounded the Miss South Africa controversy. It deserves careful legal scrutiny. It deserves accountability where wrongdoing is proven. But it also deserves humanity. Adetshina's story forces us to ask whether belonging is merely a legal status or whether it can also be something shaped by memory, upbringing, language, relationships and the places in which a person learns to understand the world. Perhaps the most important question is not whether South Africa should enforce its citizenship laws. It should. The deeper question is how justice responds when the person caught in the consequences of an alleged wrongdoing did not create that wrongdoing. Let the courts decide the law. Let whoever committed fraud answer for it. But let us not forget the young woman standing behind the case file. Because sometimes, behind a disputed document, there is a life. Behind a nationality dispute, there is a childhood. Behind an immigration case, there may be a person who has spent years believing that somewhere was home. And perhaps that is the question Chidimma Adetshina's story leaves Africa with: If we truly believe in one Africa, why should an African have to spend her life proving that she belongs? Chidimma Adetshina citizenship
- Kelsea Tafirenyika Faces US$9.35m Money-Laundering Allegations
By Southerton Business Times Reporter HARARE — August 22, 2026 Prosecutors have added money-laundering allegations against Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, the second wife of Collins Mnangagwa, alleging that she acquired properties and luxury vehicles worth about US$9.35 million using proceeds allegedly generated through drug dealing. The latest allegations come days after Tafirenyika was granted US$1,000 bail by the High Court in a separate drug-possession case. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda allowed her bail appeal by consent on August 20 and ordered her to surrender her passport, report to police every two weeks, and remain at her stated address. According to the money-laundering allegations, prosecutors claim Tafirenyika acquired 19 properties in Zimbabwe using proceeds allegedly obtained from drug dealing. The assets reportedly include houses in several Harare suburbs and luxury vehicles including Lamborghinis, Bentleys, a Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover. The alleged value of the assets has been broken down as follows: Luxury vehicles: US$2,608,750 Immovable properties: US$6,745,000 Total: US$9,353,750 Prosecutors further allege that Tafirenyika has 13 properties outside Zimbabwe, including assets in South Africa and Dubai, while investigations into additional assets are continuing. However, the claims concerning the properties should be treated as allegations until tested in court. Earlier reports had circulated a list of Harare properties allegedly linked to Tafirenyika, with the listed properties valued at approximately US$6.745 million. The claims had not been independently verified at the time, and the ownership and source of funds for the properties remained unclear. The money-laundering allegations follow Tafirenyika's arrest on August 4 after detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit raided her Greystone Park residence. Prosecutors allege that police recovered pethidine and morphine from her bedroom, while five rolls of cannabis were allegedly found in the armrest of a Lamborghini parked at the property. Tafirenyika denies the drug allegations. Her uncle, Isaac Arab Jessub, is also facing drug-related charges. The State previously opposed bail, arguing that investigations were continuing and that the accused could be flight risks. The latest allegations also reportedly include claims that some assets were acquired using money allegedly taken from Collins Mnangagwa. Those claims have not been established by a court. Reports have also alleged that police stopped Tafirenyika's mother-in-law, Amina Arab, and sister-in-law, Dyonne Tanaka Tafirenyika, at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport as they allegedly attempted to leave Zimbabwe for Dubai. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify those airport allegations, and they should therefore be treated as claims pending confirmation from police or court records. The developing case is likely to attract further scrutiny as investigators trace the alleged source of funds and establish ownership of properties and vehicles. Tafirenyika remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Kelsea Tafirenyika money laundering
- CITY ESCAPE: JACARANDA MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS OCT 2-4
By Mpundu Valerie Purple is back on the streets, and Harare is about to exhale. For 3 days, the city is trading traffic for drums, offices for open fields, and stress for sound. Jacaranda Music Festival director Walter Wanyanya is bringing The Jacaranda Music Festival 2026 home to Thornpark Polo Club from October 2-4, 2026 under the theme “ The Music, The People, The City”. Just outside Harare, just past the National Defence University, under a canopy of blooming jacarandas, the polo fields will come alive. Think picnic blankets, good food, cold drinks and that feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be. This year’s Jacaranda Music Festival lineup brings together an exclusive mix of local and regional talent. Zimbabwe stars: Jah Prayzah, Sylent Nqo, Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Minister Michael Mahendere, The Travellers Band and Fusion 5 Mangwiro, among others. Regional heat: Vusi Nova, Mafikizolo, The Soil and Murumba Pitch are set to bring the South African sound. More names are still to be announced. From gospel to Afro-pop, soul to jazz and house, the Harare music festival promises something for every sound that moves Zimbabwe. It’s gospel on Sunday morning. It’s Afro-pop on Saturday night. It’s your favorite song live, with thousands singing it back to you. "This is the city’s annual escape," organizers said. "The music that soundtracks our streets, the people who are our heartbeat, all gathered in one place to celebrate us." The full performance schedule and festival set times will be announced closer to the festival date. Bring your people. Bring your vibe. Bring your dancing shoes. Purple season is here, and Harare is going out. Jacaranda Music Festival 2026
- Veteran Radio Presenter Gray Gambiza Moyo Passes Away Aged 68
By Mpundu Valerie Veteran former radio presenter Gray Gambiza Moyo, 68, passed away at his farm on Plot 20, Highbury, near Mhangura. To millions, he was the voice of 'Zvisikwa Zvesango' on Radio 2, before it rebranded to Radio Zimbabwe. The calm, wise voice that brought the bush into our living rooms. The teacher who taught us about wildlife, culture, and wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe with warmth and humor. He was more than a broadcaster. He was a mentor to young journalists. He was a storyteller who made us fall in love with nature. He was a liberation war veteran who served his country twice — first in the struggle, then on the airwaves. Gray stood shoulder to shoulder with broadcasting giants like John Masuku and Joe Panganayi Mukaronda. He helped build the golden era of Radio 2, and he carried its spirit for decades. VOICES FROM LISTENERS “Mkoma Gray was the reason I knew the names of every animal in the bush before I ever saw them. He made radio feel like home.” — Tariro M., Harare “As a young reporter, he took time to correct my Shona on air and taught me how to respect the microphone. We lost a teacher today.” — Mentee, Radio Zimbabwe Today the microphone is off. The studio is quiet. But his lessons, his stories, and his love for Zimbabwe will echo forever. Zorora murugare, shumba yeredhiyo. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. Gray Gambiza Moyo
- WHEN THE PRAISES GO UP, HIS GLORY COMES DOWN: ARISE ZIMBABWE
By Mpundu Valerie Harare is set for a divine encounter this Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM as global gospel worship minister Sinach headlines a night of praise at Celebration Centre Borrowdale. Known for the global worship anthem "Way Maker", Sinach will be joined by an anointed lineup of local and regional ministers: special guest Victor Thompson, Bonnie Deuschle & Celebration Choir, Janet Manyowa, Ellard & Sharon Cherayi, Joyful Praise Choir and Eleana Makombe. Organizers say the Arise with Sinach concert is more than music. It’s ministry. "This is not just a concert. This is worship," one host shared. "Come with your burdens, come with your faith. We’re believing God for healing, breakthroughs and testimonies. When we lift His name together, heaven comes down." For Christians, fans and first-time visitors, the night promises intimate praise and worship, powerful ministry and a reminder that God is still making a way where there seems to be no way. Sinach Harare gospel concert
- HULL IS BACK, AND UNITED IS ON WARNING
By Mpundu Valerie The Tigers are back in the Premier League, and they’re coming out with claws. Michael Carrick’s Manchester United roll into the MKM Stadium on Sunday for what should be a statement Premier League opening fixture. But Hull City aren’t here to roll over. After years away, the newly promoted side want to remind everyone why this place used to be a nightmare for the big boys. The form tells two different stories. United head into the season without any real momentum. Two wins, two draws and two defeats in their last six pre-season games. Flashes of quality, but no consistency. Hull look the steadier outfit. The Tigers have lost just once in five pre-season matches and will have a packed MKM desperate to see top-flight football return to East Yorkshire. All eyes will be on Michael Carrick, definitely. The Manchester United manager job has become a familiar trap in recent years: bring in a coach to steady the ship, hand him the job full-time, then watch it unravel once he’s given full control. Sunday is his chance to break that cycle before it even starts. Slip up at Hull, and the pressure will arrive in week one. This won’t be pretty. Hull will press, fight, and feed off the crowd. United will need to match that intensity or risk being dragged into a scrap they’re not ready for. One team is chasing stability. The other is chasing survival and pride. Kickoff at the MKM Stadium on Sunday. Three points on offer, but the tone for both seasons will be set here. Hull City vs Manchester United
- BATTLE OF THE TWO HALVES: CAPS UNITED TRAVEL TO FACE BCC AT LUVEVE
By Mpundu Valerie Sixth-placed CAPS United travel to Bulawayo to face 12th-placed Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium on Saturday in Castle Lager PSL Matchday 27 of 28. It has been a turbulent few weeks for the Green Machine. Poor Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League results and off-field issues forced CAPS United into damage control mode. What looked like a clean-up appeared to be little more than sweeping problems under the rug. Tensions peaked when club president Farai Jere called an emergency meeting at Jameson Hotel. The majority in attendance made it clear they wanted head coach Takesure Chiragwi out. Something changed after that meeting. CAPS United suddenly looked like a different side. A 4-2 win over Highlanders FC in the league was followed by a 6-1 demolition of Scotland FC Academy in the Munhumutapa Cup. They literally took the small boys to school. Then came the real test of character: a drunkard performance to edge Simba Bhora 3-2 in the Chibuku Super Cup. It was messy, it was nervy, but CAPS got over the line in the dying minutes. The CAPS United supporters' chant from the terraces has been growing louder: “Takesure is making sure.” CAPS arrive in Byo with momentum and eyes on a top-half finish. Bulawayo Chiefs sit 12th and need points in front of the Luveve faithful. CAPS United Castle Lager PSL
- Mat South Minister Calls for Action Against Non-Performing Teachers
By Southerton Business Times Reporter BEITBRIDGE — August 21, 2026 Matabeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has called for non-performing teachers to be removed from the classroom, arguing that Zimbabwe has a growing pool of unemployed teachers who have returned from South Africa. Nguluvhe made the remarks during the recently concluded Provincial Schools Sports, Science, Arts Festival (PASSAF) in Beitbridge, where he raised concern over the province’s low academic performance. “We should identify teachers that are not working, they should pack their bags and go. We have a lot of teachers who want jobs. I saw a lot of teachers who have returned from SA,” Nguluvhe said. The minister said poor educational outcomes in Matabeleland South were unacceptable, pointing to the low number of students from the province graduating from Gwanda State University, the province’s local university. “Teachers should work hard so that children will also work hard. Out of 68 students who graduated from Gwanda State University last year, only three were from Mat South. We cannot tolerate such,” he said. The minister’s comments come against the backdrop of concerns over teacher performance and education outcomes in Matabeleland South, with available figures showing that 11 schools in the province recorded a zero per cent pass rate at Grade Seven level in 2025. However, his call for teachers to be dismissed is likely to reignite debate over teachers’ salaries and working conditions in Zimbabwe. Teachers have repeatedly complained that their remuneration is inadequate, with average earnings cited at around US$250 plus ZiG5 500. After statutory and other deductions, many reportedly take home approximately US$200. The low salaries have been blamed by teachers’ representatives for undermining morale and making it difficult for educators to meet basic household expenses. The contrasting positions highlight a broader challenge facing Zimbabwe’s education sector: how to improve learner outcomes while addressing the working conditions and remuneration of teachers. While Nguluvhe argued that teachers who fail to perform should make way for unemployed educators, the issue of teacher accountability is closely linked to how performance is measured and what support is available to educators working in under-resourced schools. Matabeleland South has also faced challenges associated with access to quality education, particularly in rural communities where schools can struggle to attract and retain experienced teachers. The minister’s remarks nevertheless place renewed focus on the province’s academic performance and the need for stronger accountability within the education system. The reference to teachers returning from South Africa also points to the changing labour market, as Zimbabwean educators who previously sought employment across the border increasingly look for opportunities back home. For parents and learners, the central concern remains whether schools can improve pass rates and provide students with the skills required to progress to higher education. Nguluvhe’s intervention is therefore likely to fuel further discussion among Government, teachers, unions and parents about the balance between teacher accountability, fair remuneration and improved educational outcomes in Matabeleland South. Mat South teachers
- Kariba Ferry Disaster: Authorities Seek Family of Unclaimed Woman’s Body
By Southerton Business Times Reporter KARIBA — August 21, 2026 The Department of Civil Protection has appealed for public assistance to identify the unclaimed body of a woman believed to be in her early 20s, recovered following the deadly Lake Kariba ferry accident. The body was initially claimed by a family but was later returned after relatives determined that the deceased was not their missing family member. Local Government Services director for Mashonaland West, Cecilia Chitiyo, confirmed the development. “However, the family later said the body was not that of their relative and returned it, meaning that we now have one unclaimed body,” Chitiyo said. Authorities said the woman was wearing a grey hoodie branded “New York Police Department”, a black denim skirt, black shoes and black skin-tight leggings when her body was recovered. Families with relatives who remain missing following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster and who may match the description have been urged to visit Kariba Hospital mortuary to assist with identification. The appeal comes as rescue and recovery teams continue working to locate people still missing after the tragedy. Divers are reportedly searching the waters around the accident site near Long Island and King’s Camp, while rescue teams are working to overturn the vessel at Musambakaruma Island. The ongoing operation is focused on both recovering bodies and establishing the identities of victims so that they can be reunited with their families. The ferry capsized on August 11 while crossing Lake Kariba, resulting in at least 95 deaths, while 77 people survived the disaster. The accident has been described as the deadliest maritime and public transport disaster in Zimbabwe’s modern history, leaving families across the country waiting for information about missing relatives. The identification of recovered bodies remains one of the most pressing challenges facing authorities as the search operation continues. Authorities have therefore urged families who have not yet accounted for relatives who were travelling on the vessel to remain in contact with officials and check available identification channels. The discovery of an unclaimed body also highlights the difficulties faced by recovery teams following a disaster involving a large number of victims, particularly where bodies cannot immediately be identified. For families awaiting news, the identification process is critical not only to establish the final number of victims but also to allow relatives to begin funeral and burial arrangements. As divers and rescue teams continue their work around the accident site, authorities are expected to provide further updates on recovered victims and the ongoing search for those still missing. Anyone who believes the unclaimed woman may be their missing relative has been urged to proceed to Kariba Hospital mortuary to assist authorities with the identification process. Kariba ferry disaster
- Harare to Shut Down Water Supply for Three Days
By Southerton Business Times Reporter HARARE — August 21, 2026 The City of Harare will shut down water supplies across the city for three days from Friday morning to allow urgent repairs and cleaning at key water infrastructure. The planned Harare water shutdown will run from 6 am on Friday, August 21, to 6 pm on Sunday, August 23, after the council postponed the works that were initially scheduled for August 14 to 16. The disruption will affect residents across Harare as engineers carry out work at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works and Warren Control Pump Station. According to the council, Morton Jaffray will undergo a partial shutdown, while Warren Control Pump Station will be completely shut down to facilitate urgent leak repairs and reservoir cleaning. “Consequently, water supply to the entire City of Harare will be affected during this period,” the council said. The announcement means households, businesses, schools, hospitals and other institutions supplied by the municipal water system are expected to experience significant interruptions during the three-day maintenance period. The council has urged residents to prepare for the Harare water supply disruption by storing sufficient water before the shutdown begins. Residents have also been advised to keep stored water in clean, covered containers and use it sparingly throughout the maintenance period. The council expects normal water supplies to resume at 6pm on Sunday, August 23, once the planned works have been completed. The latest shutdown comes as Harare continues to face challenges involving ageing water infrastructure, leaks, limited treatment capacity and pressure on municipal water supplies. The maintenance at Morton Jaffray is particularly important because the facility is central to Harare's municipal water treatment system. Previous disruptions at the plant have affected water availability across the capital. The latest announcement has also prompted renewed calls for residents to plan ahead, particularly households without private boreholes or alternative water sources. A recent report on the planned shutdown confirmed that the three-day interruption is intended to facilitate urgent repairs and cleaning at the city's main water facilities. Residents should therefore ensure that essential water requirements are covered before the shutdown starts at 6 am on Friday. Households are likely to need water for drinking, cooking, bathing, toilet use and other basic domestic activities during the interruption. Businesses that depend heavily on municipal water supplies have similarly been advised to make contingency arrangements to minimise disruption to operations. The council's stated target is to complete the work and begin restoring supplies by 6 pm on Sunday. However, because water networks require time to refill and regain pressure after major shutdowns, some areas could experience a gradual return to normal supply rather than an immediate restoration, depending on local network conditions. For now, Harare residents have been urged to conserve available water and prepare for the scheduled three-day interruption. Harare water shutdown
- Man Found Alive Under Rubbish After Falling Asleep in Kwekwe Skip Bin
By Southerton Business Times Reporter KWEKWE — August 20, 2026 A man believed to be in his early 30s was found alive beneath a heap of rubbish at the Kwekwe City Council dump site after scavengers mistook his legs, protruding from the waste, for those of a dead person. The man, who is reportedly battling drug addiction, allegedly climbed into a council skip bin at the Kwekwe long-distance bus terminus on Tuesday night and fell asleep while heavily intoxicated. Council workers were unaware that he was inside the container when they arrived the following morning to collect refuse. A council employee, who requested anonymity, said the man entered the skip bin at about 9 pm. “At around 6.30 AM, a Kwekwe City Council refuse truck arrived for its routine collection. The driver lifted the bin and drove to the city’s dump site on the outskirts of Kwekwe to offload,” the employee said. The waste was subsequently emptied at the dump site, where scavengers began searching through discarded material for recyclable items. It was during the search that they spotted what appeared to be human legs sticking out from the rubbish. Kwekwe mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga confirmed the unusual incident, saying the scavengers initially believed they had discovered a corpse. “The man was found buried in a heap of rubbish at the dump site. The people who collect discarded objects such as wood and scrap metal saw human legs protruding from the dump and assumed it was a corpse,” Zinhanga said. One of the scavengers alerted council officials, who contacted the police. “When the police came, they realised the person was breathing and ferried him to Kwekwe District Hospital for medical care,” the mayor said. The man was later transferred to Amaveni Rehabilitation Centre for assessment. Tariro Moyo, 46, a recyclable-material collector, said the discovery initially caused panic among scavengers at the dump. “I make a living from collecting recyclables at the dump site. We were looking for plastic and metal when I saw legs sticking out from under a sack,” Moyo said. “The trousers were dirty, and his feet were not moving. We all thought it was a dead person killed for ritual purposes and dumped, and we fled from the scene.” A police officer who attended the scene said determining whether the man was alive was initially difficult because he was deeply buried beneath the refuse. The officer said police heard a faint snore after pulling back some of the rubbish. The man had reportedly been buried beneath plastic, cardboard and food waste. Although he was breathing, he was described as weak and disoriented after spending the night inside the skip bin and subsequently being transported to the dump. He also sustained cuts and bruises to his arms. The incident highlights the potentially dangerous consequences of people entering refuse containers, particularly where waste collection crews cannot know whether anyone is inside before mechanical lifting and emptying takes place. For authorities, the incident also raises concerns about drug addiction, substance abuse and vulnerable people seeking shelter in refuse containers, although the circumstances surrounding the man's decision to enter the skip bin remain unclear. Kwekwe dump site man found alive













