Source: Govt adopts zero tolerance to veld fires: VP Mohadi – herald
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
GOVERNMENT has adopted a zero‑tolerance approach towards veld fires, with perpetrators set to face the full wrath of the law, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi has said.
He made the remarks while officiating at the 2026 National Fire Week and Global Integrated Fire Management Hub launch in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, yesterday.
The event ran under the theme: “Prevent, protect, preserve: Combating veld fires together.”
Addressing delegates, VP Mohadi warned that authorities would intensify enforcement measures against individuals responsible for starting veld fires.
“Government’s position is clear; we have a zero‑tolerance policy towards uncontrolled veld fires,” he said.
“Law enforcement will be strengthened. Surveillance will be increased. Those who deliberately start fires, whether for poaching, land clearing, or malice, will face the full wrath of the law.
“We must also empower communities with knowledge, firefighting equipment and early warning systems. I, therefore, call upon our development partners to assist in this regard.”
VP Mohadi encouraged citizens from all sectors of society to work together in preventing veld fires, saying the battle could not be won by Government alone.
“The Government cannot win this battle alone. Traditional leaders, school heads, Rural District Councils (RDCs), farmers, transport operators and every citizen must play their part.
“I urge you not to throw cigarette butts out of car windows and leave cooking fires unattended.
“You should report those who start fires to the responsible authorities, build fireguards, and join local fire management committees.
“Let me highlight that the launch we witness today is not only a ceremony, but it is a covenant we must all respect. A covenant to protect our biodiversity, to secure our food supply and to realise the goals of NDS2,” he said.
VP Mohadi said going forward, the nation should move with one purpose of preventing, protecting and preserving the environment.
“Protecting our environment, lives and property is paramount,” he said.
The VP stressed that preventing veld fires was a shared responsibility requiring collective action from communities, institutions and individuals.
“A fire‑free, prosperous Zimbabwe begins with you, it begins with me and it begins with all of us,” he said.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said the second week of May is National Fire Week, a time for reflection, awareness and collective action against the scourge of veld fires.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, challenged everyone to work together in the prevention of veld fires.
“Allow me to acknowledge an important truth: preventing veld fires is everyone’s responsibility, from the household level to national leadership.
“We know some property owners and farmers act as guardians of their own land. In places such as Chikomba, Wedza, Murehwa, Goromonzi, Seke and Marondera, some communities already practise fire prevention measures consistently, clearing safely around farms and conducting hay baling and proper land management regularly.
“Their discipline is commendable; it is stewardship in action. However, we also have brothers and sisters who are yet to fully appreciate the dangers of uncontrolled fires – danger to property, danger to human life and danger to the environment that sustains us,” he said.
Adv Ndudzo encouraged everyone in Mashonaland East to become history‑makers; to be the generation that turns the tide.
“Let our 2026 story be different. Let zero record of unattended fire outbreaks begin with us. Let fire safety not be a slogan, but a culture; not a wish, but a commitment. And as we commit, we promise our guest of honour (VP Mohadi) to be clear on roles,” he said.
Traditional leaders were challenged to lead by example through strengthening community guidance, enforcing fire discipline and mobilising respect for local authority in matters of safety.
Added Adv Ndudzo: “Also, political leadership, including councillors in every ward in all our nine districts, are going to translate policy into practice, ensuring that fire risk reduction is planned, resourced and monitored within communities.
“Civil Protection Committees must coordinate preparedness and response so that when danger comes, we are ready, not helpless. Law enforcement must deter negligence and enforce accountability where fires are set unlawfully.”
Equally, local communities were rallied to be the first line of defence in cases of veld fire outbreaks.
The post Govt adopts zero tolerance to veld fires: VP Mohadi appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.