Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Kariba ferry disaster: 15 perish, 27 missing – herald

Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mash West Bureau Chief

SEVENTY-SEVEN people were rescued while 15 bodies were retrieved after a passenger ferry owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority capsized near Long Island on Lake Kariba yesterday afternoon, but 27 others plus an unknown number of young children were still unaccounted for last night.

Among the dead was the captain of Mbuya Nehanda ferry.

Total numbers aboard the ferry when it capsized were still unknown last night. Besides the crew and passengers with tickets, there would probably have been young children who do not need a ticket when with a parent.

The vessel, formerly under the Department of District Development Fund and now run by RIDA, was caught by strong winds locally known as the Binga Wave during the leg from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp, taking on water through the cabin as the crew battled to keep it afloat.

Video footage taken when it moved off on this leg of its voyage shows the boat already labouring in choppy waters moments before it went under, passengers watching helplessly as the water rose around them.

The localised weather bulletin for the lake had pointed largely to calm conditions and light breezes with the high-pressure ridge extending from South Africa up into Zimbabwe and Zambia.

That same bulletin, however, had flagged a strengthening South Indian Ocean anticyclone bringing a moderate gradient and light-to-moderate north-easterly to south-easterly airflow, with winds expected to touch Force 1 to Force 2 and occasionally Force 3 in the afternoon.

Mariners had been cautioned to watch for localised choppy conditions as the afternoon winds speeded up over exposed sections of the lake, precisely the conditions in which the ferry capsized.

Mashonaland West provincial Director of Local Government Services Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo confirmed the disaster while reporting to provincial authorities yesterday, giving the first detailed account of the scale of the tragedy and the response under way.

She said the rescued passengers had been ferried to safety by Matusadonha rescue teams and other responders and were being held on Long Island in the lake while the Civil Protection Unit worked to bring them ashore.

“The CPU has mobilised boats to bring them on land and this is currently happening,” she said.

On the fatalities, Mrs Chitiyo said 15 bodies had so far been retrieved from the water, with Nyaradzo and Doves funeral parlours engaged to collect the remains.

The confirmed figures left about 27 people still unaccounted for, and she cautioned that the number could shift once the undisclosed number of young children below ticketing age was added in.

The Police Sub-Aqua Unit has since been airlifted to the scene to reinforce the search and rescue effort, joining the Civil Protection Unit, Matusadonha teams, boat owners, an African Parks helicopter and members of the surrounding community already on the water.

“This is the report to date, but you will be continuously updated as the search and rescue unfolds,” Mrs Chitiyo said.

Government has moved swiftly to respond to the disaster. RIDA director-general Mr Christopher Shumba and Mashonaland West provincial secretary Mr Josphat Jaji were among senior officials who headed to Kariba yesterday to oversee the rescue and recovery operation. Minister of State for Masonaland West Marian Chombo is expected in Kariba this morning to assess the situation on the ground and engage affected families.

In her report, Mrs Chitiyo recommended that the accident be declared a state of disaster, a call that, if adopted, would open the door to additional national resources and coordinated support for survivors and the families of those still missing.

Search and rescue operations were continuing at the time of going to print, with authorities warning that both the death toll and the number of accounted-for survivors would change as verification continues.

Mr Shumba confirmed that the Mbuya Nehanda ferry captain had died in the disaster, with children likely among those that could not be accounted for.

“This is a tragedy of major proportion and we have lost several people so far while others are still to be accounted for,” said Mr Shumba.

“The boat had enough life jackets and we suspect that women with children could have lost their children when disaster struck.”

He said search efforts would be suspended overnight owing to challenges with lighting.

The search and rescue mission is expected to continue this morning.

The post Kariba ferry disaster: 15 perish, 27 missing appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Traffic fines to be backdated: Minister – herald

Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent

GOVERNMENT has warned motorists that traffic cameras installed in Harare are operational and fines for all offences captured will be back-dated once Treasury finalises banking arrangements.

The warning comes as kombis and mushikashikas continue to flout traffic rules at major intersections fitted with cameras, apparently under the impression that nothing is being done.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the Electronic Traffic Management System was already operational and accumulating evidence against offenders.

Responding to questions in the Senate on Thursday, Minister Kazembe said the new system has been recording offences since going live early this year and fines shall be back-dated.

“I want to inform the residents of Zimbabwe that the cameras are already effective and they are capturing crimes that are being committed. As we say, ‘a crime never dies’.

“Tinoda kuzivisa vagari vemuZimbabwe kuti mhosva hairove. Macamera aya ari kutobata mhosva),” he said.

“For now we are not yet issuing fines because we are waiting for consultations between the police, Treasury and TelOne on the allocation of funds and the payment mechanism. We agreed that there shall be revenue sharing once TelOne completes the project.”

He further stated that the police had compiled a comprehensive register of offenders who would in due course, be summoned.

“For that process to be effected, consensus must be reached regarding the financial institution into which the fines will be deposited, a matter currently under consideration. The surveillance cameras are, however, already operational and recording offences,” the minister said.

Data on all motorists violating traffic laws is being gathered.

“We possess a register of all persons committing violations, together with video evidence of infractions such as proceeding through a red traffic signal and the use of cellular devices while driving. All such evidence is being collated, as an offence does not lapse with time,” Minister Kazembe said.

“Upon finalisation of all administrative processes, we shall proceed to retrospectively enforce all recorded offences, as the evidence is available. This constitutes the first phase of implementation. The programme will subsequently be extended to Bulawayo, Mutare and other major urban centres.”

At Jason Moyo and Fourth Street, kombis and mushikashika are brazenly operating at the robot despite cameras overlooking the intersection.

At Julius Nyerere Way and Robert Mugabe Road, kombis on the Chitungwiza illegal rank are also operating in full view of the cameras.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, also confirmed that more than 1,1 million road traffic violations had been flagged as at the beginning of this month.

“As of last week, we had recorded a total of about 1,1 million vehicles that had violated traffic laws, and these were recorded on the various traffic cameras installed across the city,” he said.

“However, we are still validating these offences. Probably at the time the violation was committed, the intersection was being controlled by a police officer. Then, in some instances, maybe the markings on the road were not clear enough. Those are some of the verifications that we are working on.”

Authorities said the verification process is expected to eliminate erroneous records before enforcement begins, to ensure motorists are only held accountable for genuine violations.

The high-tech cameras detect speeding, failure to obey road signs and traffic lights, use of mobile phones while driving, and failure to wear seatbelts, among other breaches.

Government intends to install more than 300 cameras in Harare before rolling out the programme to other cities.

The post Traffic fines to be backdated: Minister appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Electric atmosphere grips Rufaro – herald

Mukudzei Chingwere-Senior Reporter

RUFARO STADIUM was turned into a showcase of precision, pride and power yesterday as Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations marked the 46th anniversary of the country’s military, an event that drew crowds eager to witness the professionalism of the nation’s uniformed services.

The day carried the unmistakable energy of a military parade rooted in history, yet driven by discipline and modern operational capability.

From the moment the march and displays began, the stadium’s air vibrated with commotion, cheers, chants and sustained applause that underlined how much Zimbabweans value their defence forces.

President Mnangagwa, presiding over the celebrations, was the central figure throughout the programme.

His presence, along with senior leadership, gave the occasion a ceremonial weight matched by the momentum of the performances on the ground.

Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi were also in attendance, watching the Zimbabwe Defence Forces display its military prowess.

The event drew not only serving commanders and dignitaries, but also respected retired commanders of the defence establishment.

Among them was former Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who attended wearing his uniform. Also present was former commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Elson Moyo. One of the most striking elements of the programme was the military display by the Airforce.

The Airforce’s performances, including their divers, added spectacle and urgency, combining discipline with the daring spirit associated with airborne operations.

As the divers moved with control and confidence, spectators responded with bursts of excitement, reflecting how the Airforce continues to capture public imagination, while demonstrating real operational training.

For those who did not attend, the most memorable impression from the Airforce display was the sense that the military’s reach goes beyond the ground, into the sky, into rapid response, and into readiness that can be mobilised when called upon.

The Zimbabwe National Army drew loud applause with displays that highlighted modern military equipment and tactical capability.

Spectators were treated to a showcase of armoured vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers and other platforms, as the units demonstrated movement, control and formation discipline.

The equipment on display was not just a visual statement, it served as a reminder of operational strength and the capability to protect national interests in a fast-changing security environment.

Many in the crowd appeared particularly impressed by the range of platforms and the confidence with which they were manoeuvred within the stadium setting.

Alongside the broader armour and formation displays, Special Forces units also featured prominently. Their presence added depth to the day’s narrative of adaptability, capability and readiness across the different arms of the defence forces.

What made the day especially memorable was the way spectators remained engaged throughout the programme, an atmosphere that reflected public pride and a shared belief in the role of the defence forces in safeguarding Zimbabwe.

People enjoyed the displays, watching the formations, cheering the units, and applauding the technological and tactical demonstrations, while the anniversary milestone of 46 years served as a unifying theme of continuity, resilience and national service.

In her remarks, Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri set the tone for the day by linking the celebrations to national priorities and the defence forces’ role in guaranteeing peace and stability for Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.

Among the excerpts incorporated into the programme were her welcome to dignitaries for the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, noting that the gathering came against the backdrop of National Heroes Day commemorations the previous day, where homage was paid to fallen and surviving heroes of the liberation struggle.

She also outlined the theme of this year’s commemorations: “Guaranteeing peace and stability for the attainment of Vision 2030.” That theme resonated with the constitutional mandate of safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the defence forces’ alignment with the pillar of good governance, institution building, peace and security in the National Development Strategy 2, including enhanced peace, security and social cohesion, inclusive governance and accountability, and transparency and accountability.

She highlighted how the defence establishment has continued to contribute to stability that supports economic recovery, while reaffirming preparedness roles such as disaster response, demining progress, and community assistance programmes.

“Today, we are honouring our gallant sons and daughters who continue to uphold the dictates of the struggle,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

“Your forces remain consistent contributors to SADC, AU and UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Across all deployments, Your military demonstrates ultra-professionalism, discipline, and full respect of international humanitarian law,” the Minister told the President.

“Our Ministry has taken full heed of your directive to upgrade and modernise our defence capabilities to mitigate the rapidly mutating and complex operational environment. In modern warfare, peace is not cheap. Deterrence demands investment. Readiness demands innovation.

“We thank you Your Excellency for availing resources which have enabled our forces to undertake research and development and to participate in advanced training programmes so as to adapt to modern technology.

“In keeping with the tradition, and as part of our contribution to enhanced, inclusive service delivery to the people of Zimbabwe, the Defence Forces, under the Community Assistance Programme, this year launched nine flagship projects across the country comprising eight schools and one Civil Registry Office,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She acknowledged the presence of military delegations from other countries that came to celebrate with the ZDF.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also noted the presence of a Defence delegation from Namibia led by Air Commodore Retoveni Muhenje.

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Source: 114 fire tender boost for councils – herald

Theseus Mauruki Shambare-Herald Correspondent

RURAL district councils and their urban counterparts have received 114 Belarusian-made fire tenders as Zimbabwe moves to strengthen emergency response capacity at local authority level.

The fire tenders, known as Red Lion, are being deployed to respond to fires and serious road accidents, with Belarus providing training to ensure local personnel can operate the equipment effectively.

Belarusian representative and Bison Agro Machinery marketing director Mr Andrei Kloeinov said the equipment rollout was being accompanied by efforts to build local firefighting capacity.

“Over 90 RDCs and town councils have received Belarusian fire tenders named Red Lion, in total 114 units,” Mr Kloeinov said.

“Belarus is supporting not only in the supply of the equipment, but also with the training on application of fire extinguishing techniques.”

The training programme, conducted last year in collaboration with the Belarus Institute of Disaster Management, involved two cycles.

The first trained 86 firefighters and fire tender operators, while the second equipped 21 trainers from Harare and Bulawayo fire stations with skills that could subsequently be transferred to personnel in other local authorities.

Mr Kloeinov said RDCs were now undergoing training for their newly established fire brigades at the two stations.

The equipment is expected to strengthen emergency response in communities that have traditionally relied on limited or ageing firefighting resources.

The Red Lion fire tenders can carry 5 000 litres of water and are capable of drawing water from external sources such as rivers and lakes.

They also carry 300 litres of foam-forming agent, allowing them to respond to fires involving chemical and electrical sources.

Each fire tender is fitted with a water gun capable of projecting water to considerable heights under pressure.

Mr Kloeinov said the vehicles were already being deployed beyond conventional firefighting duties.

“Now at every fire incident, and even in case of serious car accident, you may see these fire tenders attending,” he said.

For local authorities, the intervention represents a major improvement in emergency response capacity, particularly for councils that previously had inadequate equipment to deal with serious fires.

Epworth Local Board chief executive officer Dr Wilton Mhanda said the new equipment would help address the longstanding challenges faced by local authorities.

Speaking to the media after the maintenance training, Dr Mhanda thanked the Second Republic for the intervention.

“We could not deal with fire over the years because there were only few old fire tenders in the country, but now this will be the thing of the past as all local authorities are equipped with fire tenders,” he said.

Meanwhile, Belarus has indicated its readiness to support Zimbabwe with additional firefighting technologies.

Mr Kloeinov said one possible next step was the introduction of a national fire monitoring system for the early detection of fires in forests and fields.

“On the prospective side, Belarus is ready to assist with new equipment and technologies,” he said.

“One of the next steps in line of fire security would be implementation of national fire monitoring system for early detection of the fires in the forests and at the fields.”

The proposed system could complement the expanded firefighting capacity created through the distribution of the tenders and training of local personnel, while improving Zimbabwe’s ability to detect and respond to fires before they spread.

The post 114 fire tender boost for councils appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: 114 fire tender boost for councils – herald

Theseus Mauruki Shambare-Herald Correspondent

RURAL district councils and their urban counterparts have received 114 Belarusian-made fire tenders as Zimbabwe moves to strengthen emergency response capacity at local authority level.

The fire tenders, known as Red Lion, are being deployed to respond to fires and serious road accidents, with Belarus providing training to ensure local personnel can operate the equipment effectively.

Belarusian representative and Bison Agro Machinery marketing director Mr Andrei Kloeinov said the equipment rollout was being accompanied by efforts to build local firefighting capacity.

“Over 90 RDCs and town councils have received Belarusian fire tenders named Red Lion, in total 114 units,” Mr Kloeinov said.

“Belarus is supporting not only in the supply of the equipment, but also with the training on application of fire extinguishing techniques.”

The training programme, conducted last year in collaboration with the Belarus Institute of Disaster Management, involved two cycles.

The first trained 86 firefighters and fire tender operators, while the second equipped 21 trainers from Harare and Bulawayo fire stations with skills that could subsequently be transferred to personnel in other local authorities.

Mr Kloeinov said RDCs were now undergoing training for their newly established fire brigades at the two stations.

The equipment is expected to strengthen emergency response in communities that have traditionally relied on limited or ageing firefighting resources.

The Red Lion fire tenders can carry 5 000 litres of water and are capable of drawing water from external sources such as rivers and lakes.

They also carry 300 litres of foam-forming agent, allowing them to respond to fires involving chemical and electrical sources.

Each fire tender is fitted with a water gun capable of projecting water to considerable heights under pressure.

Mr Kloeinov said the vehicles were already being deployed beyond conventional firefighting duties.

“Now at every fire incident, and even in case of serious car accident, you may see these fire tenders attending,” he said.

For local authorities, the intervention represents a major improvement in emergency response capacity, particularly for councils that previously had inadequate equipment to deal with serious fires.

Epworth Local Board chief executive officer Dr Wilton Mhanda said the new equipment would help address the longstanding challenges faced by local authorities.

Speaking to the media after the maintenance training, Dr Mhanda thanked the Second Republic for the intervention.

“We could not deal with fire over the years because there were only few old fire tenders in the country, but now this will be the thing of the past as all local authorities are equipped with fire tenders,” he said.

Meanwhile, Belarus has indicated its readiness to support Zimbabwe with additional firefighting technologies.

Mr Kloeinov said one possible next step was the introduction of a national fire monitoring system for the early detection of fires in forests and fields.

“On the prospective side, Belarus is ready to assist with new equipment and technologies,” he said.

“One of the next steps in line of fire security would be implementation of national fire monitoring system for early detection of the fires in the forests and at the fields.”

The proposed system could complement the expanded firefighting capacity created through the distribution of the tenders and training of local personnel, while improving Zimbabwe’s ability to detect and respond to fires before they spread.

The post 114 fire tender boost for councils appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.