Victoria Falls former Mayor Somveli Dhlamini loses appeal against conviction, sentence

 FORMER Victoria Falls Mayor Somveli Dhlamini’s appeal to overturn his conviction and sentence for fraud has been dismissed by the High Court.

Dhlamini was sentenced to 30 months in prison by the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court in October 2023 for defrauding the Victoria Falls Town Council of US$15 000.

He sought to have his conviction quashed, arguing that it was excessively harsh and induced a “sense of shock”.

In his appeal, Dhlamini argued that the council suffered no significant prejudice and a fine of US$500 would have been a more appropriate punishment.

The High Court, however, upheld the lower court’s decision, with Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ruling that both the conviction and sentence were appropriate.

“There is, in our considered view, nothing that induces a sense of shock with the sentence imposed,” Justice Mutevedzi said.

“If anything, what is shocking is the leniency.”

Between August 1 and 6, 2022, Dhlamini fraudulently applied for a residential stand under the Wood Road Residential Scheme using the name of Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko, a close family friend.

Despite knowing that he was ineligible for the scheme, Dhlamini manipulated the process to secure stand number 1771 Wood Road in Victoria Falls.

As a result, the council suffered a direct loss of US$15 000 and faced a potential prejudice of US$66 462.75.

Source: Victoria Falls former Mayor Somveli Dhlamini loses appeal against conviction, sentence (22/01/25)

Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has entered a new era following yesterday’s appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new director-general.

He succeeds Dr Fulton Mangwanya who was recently appointed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director-general.

At the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Prof Gandiwa expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead ZimParks.

“I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility,” he said.

“It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work.”

Dr Mangwanya expressed heartfelt gratitude for his tenure at ZimParks.

He emphasised the broader significance of wildlife conservation, saying ZimParks’ mission extends beyond mere protection, to contributing to sustainable development goals, including poverty eradication.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as director-general alongside you all,” said Dr Mangwanya.

“Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans.”

Mr Edward Samuriwo, Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, highlighted the historic nature of this transition.

“This handover is a milestone for ZimParks,” he noted, emphasising Dr Mangwanya’s lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.

Mrs Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed her unwavering support for Prof Gandiwa.

Source: Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss (15/01/25)

Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course

 Construction of the multi-purpose Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is progressing well, with significant ground having been covered in terms of earthworks and pitch development.

The facility is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)’s ambitious infrastructure development plan.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to co-host the 2026 under-19 Cricket World Cup alongside Namibia and the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Namibia.

The project is on track, with 50% of the main pitch having been constructed.

“We have made significant progress in the earthworks. We’ve levelled Pitch A, the main pitch, and the practice pitch. Planting has commenced on the main square, including the wicket and the 30-yard area. The good news is this planting coincides with the rains. I’m told there’s been good rainfall in Victoria Falls, which is very encouraging. While the rains have temporarily slowed work on the practice pitch due to water logging, overall progress is substantial,” said managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, Givemore Makoni.

Construction of other facilities is expected to begin soon.

“Construction work on the media centres, players’ changing rooms, and grandstands is scheduled to begin in March this year. We are on course in terms of the field work and adhering to our phased plan. We are confident in meeting all our deadlines,” said Mr Makoni.

Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, is the main contractor.

Designed as a multi-purpose facility, the stadium will host cricket matches and other sporting events.
The cricket stadium, a flagship project within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls, is expected to boost tourism and economic growth.

Other major developments underway in the Masuwe SEZ include a convention centre with associated hotels and villas, a golf estate, a medical tourism facility, a commercial central business district, an international service centre, and high-end residential units.

Source: Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course (15/01/25)

Victoria Falls Hotel not for sale

 OWNERS of Victoria Falls Hotel have refuted claims that the property had been sold, saying the hotel remained under the ownership of Emerged Railways Properties (ERP) and the lease agreement with Meikles and African Sun remained intact.

This comes as media speculations had raised concerns about the future of the hotel.

A statement published by ERP, Meikles Limited together with African Sun Limited, who are the lessees and operators of the hotel, highlighted no intention to dispose of the hotel by the parties.

Contrary to the widespread rumours, the partnership reassured stakeholders that the lease arrangement is secure and will continue for the foreseeable future.

“The Victoria Falls Hotel has not been disposed of. It remains the property of ERP, and the lease relationship with the Partnership remains intact,” the statement read.

“This is not just a business, it is a heritage property that embodies the history and culture of the region.

“We caution the public against relying on unofficial sources or speculative reports regarding The Victoria Falls Hotel or the partnership.”

The partnership underscored its dedication to ensuring the hotel’s historic status is upheld.

Built in 1904, Victoria Falls Hotel is one of southern Africa’s most cherished landmarks, known for its colonial era charm and unparalleled views of the Victoria Falls, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage site.

Over the decades, it has attracted global tourists and dignitaries, contributing significantly to the local economy and the hospitality industry.

The statement also addressed the impact of misinformation, urging media outlets and the public to rely only on official communications for updates.

The partners reassured guests and stakeholders of their commitment to enhancing the hotel experience while preserving its legacy which includes maintaining the property as a key player in the region’s tourism industry and an integral part of Zimbabwe’s cultural and economic fabric.

With the lease intact and the partnership focused on growth, the partners say the property remained a shining example of luxury, heritage and resilience.

Source: Victoria Falls Hotel lease remains intact: Owners (03/01/25)