Death Notices

Celebration of life: It is with sadness we announce the passing of “Chippy” Lester James Graham-Owen on 22 Sept 2015. Chippy’s Celebration of Life will be held at 1 Hyams Close, Ballantine Park on Monday at 1100 on 28 September 2015.

 

Memorial Service for the late Mike Gleig who passed away Friday 18^th September 2015 will be held at 3:00pm on Friday 2^nd October at Sherwood Golf Club, No 9 Notley Road, off Sherwood Drive, Mabelreign.  There will be a cash bar and please bring a plate of snacks if you can.

Death Notices

Death Notice: Ryan Feneysey: The untimely Passing of Ryan on 20.09.15, the family would like for close friends and family to attend his memorial at Highlands Presbyterian Church on Thursday the 24^th September at 2pm. There will be a balloon release at Tin Roof afterwards. Please may everyone stay safe during and afterward Tin Roof. We would be grateful if everyone could bring a plate of snacks for this.

 

Death Notice: Roland Sylvester Hugh Corbett. It is with heartbroken  sadness that the Corbett family announce the death of their beloved husband  , father, Father in law and grandfather. Tragically taken from us after a short stay in hospital. “He tried so hard to stay with us, but his fight was not in vain, God took him to his loving home and freed him from the pain.” His going has left a huge void in our lives that will never be filled, but we are so blessed to have had him in our lives, guiding us, supporting us, and showering us with his love and wisdom. He was a true gentleman, and an example to all. Go well my darling, my life, our father and light. We will love you for ever. Heather, Kevin, Warren, Ross, Jason, Heath, Lisa, Justine, Avelyn, Taiya, Rhys, Leah, Karly, Kieran, Liam, Aiden and Nathan

 

Death Notice: BILL REVOLTA passed away on the 20^th September, 2015 at home in Pretoria, after a brave battle with Cancer. His loving wife Karen, his children Andrew & Leigh, Julie & Trevor, Michelle and Matthew and his grandchildren Tamzyn, Kendal, Cameron, Kirsty and Luke bid farewell to an amazing man.  

Total Eclipse of the Moon

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON

 

On Monday 28 September  2015 there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse visible from all over Zimbabwe.

 

The Moon will enter the Earth’s shadow completely at 4:11 am, maximum eclipse is at 4:47 am, and  totality will end at 5:22 am. At the start of totality the Moon will be low in the west, and it will continue dropping to the horizon: Moon set is at 5:45am. While in the Earth’s shadow the colour of the Moon will change dramatically from it’s usual silvery white to a coppery or dark brown.

 

It is worth setting your alarm to get up early to watch this spectacle.

You do not need any special eclipse viewers, but you do need a clear view of a low western horizon, so you may need to go out of your house and garden to an area clear of trees or buildings.

 

The next Total Lunar Eclipse visible from Zimbabwe will occur on 28 July 2018.  And the next Partial Solar Eclipse we can see is on 1 September 2016.

 

More information about eclipses etc. is at www.timeanddate.com

 

Dr Francis Podmore

podmore@zol.co.zw

===============================

 

 

 

Original Press Statement on Cecil the Lion

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE  ILLEGAL HUNT OF A COLLARED LION AT ANTOINETTE FARM IN GWAYI CONSERVANCY, HWANGE DISTRICT ON 1 JULY 2015 BY BUSHMAN SAFARIS PROFESSIONAL HUNTER, THEO BRONKHORST.

 

Ladies and gentlemen I make this statement with great sadness following the loss of an iconic attraction Cecil, the lion which we had successfully managed to look after both in terms of conservation and protection from a cub to a fully grown lion of 13 years. This is a lion we have been using for the purposes of research to monitor its movement patterns within the range of Hwange National Park and its surrounding areas.

 

The Government of Zimbabwe through the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14 is mandated to manage and conserve wildlife in the country. This function is exercised through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, whose main mandate is to conserve Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage by ensuring that there is sustainable utilization of the natural resources. The Authority is charged with the responsibility to administer and regulate hunting, carry out antipoaching operations, carry out outreach programmes, manage human-wildlife conflicts, undertake research and to monitor programmes.

 

Trophy hunting in Zimbabwe can be conducted in safari areas, private land and CAMPFIRE areas and is regulated through the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14. Hunting quotas are therefore allocated on a sustainable basis using scientifically proven methodologies on the wildlife populations available. Area specific hunting quotas and permits are issued out to land owners on an annual basis. Each hunting permit specifies the species, numbers and sexes of animals to be hunted in specific hunting areas. Trophy hunting is done and supervised by qualified professional hunters whose licenses are issued by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and can be withdrawn in the event of breaching any hunting laws and regulations.

 

There are two forms of wildlife utilization, i.e. consumptive and non-consumptive.  Consumptive utilization is done in specific hunting areas for example safari areas such as Chewore, Chete and Matetsi. Non-consumptive utilization is done in strictly non-hunting areas for example national parks such as Hwange National Park, which was home to Cecil and his pride.

 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, on the 7^th of July 2015 after receiving a tip-off, our law enforcement officers immediately started investigating the matter and discovered that on the 1^st of July 2015, this lion was illegally killed by Dr Walter Palmer, a United States of America national and Theo Bronkhorst, a professional hunter with Bushman Safaris on Antoinette farm in Gwayi River Conservancy. The lion had a fitted GPS satellite collar as part of current research efforts being done in Hwange National Park and its surrounding areas. The lion was well known and regularly sighted by tourists.

 

Mr Honest Trymore Ndlovu owner of Antoinette farm was issued with a hunting quota for 2015 which excluded lions. Antoinette Farm is located in Gwayi River Conservancy in the Hwange Rural District and is adjacent to Hwange National Park. The professional hunter is alleged to have connived with the Antoinette land owner to kill the lion. The incident came to the attention of the Authority on the 7^th of July 2015 through an informer. This was followed by an investigation which clearly demonstrated that the illegal killing was deliberate. Firstly the land owner was not allocated a lion on his hunting quota for 2015. Secondly, the use of a bow and an arrow was meant to conceal the illegal hunt by using a means that would not alert the rangers on patrol.

 

Execution of the illegal hunt violated a number of provisions of the Parks and Wildlife Act.

·       The professional hunter violated Section 66 of the Act which regulates the manner in which trophy hunts are conducted.

·       Both the client, Dr Palmer and the professional hunter violated Section 123 of the Act which controls the use of bow and arrow for hunting.

·       The client also violated the Act through financing an illegal hunt.

·       The land owner violated Section 59 of the Act which controls hunting on private land in that he allowed a hunt to be conduct without quota and necessary permit.

 

From investigations carried out so far it shows that the whole poaching event was properly orchestrated and well financed to make sure that it succeeds. The professional hunter, client and land owner were therefore all engaged in poaching of the lion.

 

As we frantically try to protect our wildlife from organized gangs such as this one, there are people who command respect in the society such as Dr Walter James Palmer, a well known dentist and Theo Bronkhorst, an experienced licensed professional hunter who can connive to undermine Zimbabwean laws, international laws and CITES regulations. One can conclude with confidence that Dr Palmer being an American citizen had a well orchestrated agenda which would tarnish the image of Zimbabwe and further strain the relationship between Zimbabwe and the USA. This must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all genuine animal loving conservationists who believe in sustainable utilization of natural resources.

 

I take this opportunity, therefore to appeal to all conservationists, animal lovers and all institutions interested in the protection of wildlife biodiversity to come forward and assist the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority with resources to undertake its mandate effectively in areas such as game water management, antipoaching, road and fire guard maintenance, and transport. It is important that we all ensure that the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is adequately resourced to conserve and protect our biodiversity from organized international poaching as happened in this case. Failure to adequately resource the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority can easily subject our antipoaching units to temptation from those offering huge financial rewards for illegal activities.

Lastly let me thank our law enforcement agencies who upon receiving information of the illegal hunt acted swiftly and apprehended the locally based poachers who are now facing the wrath of law but unfortunately it was too late to apprehend the foreign poacher as he had already absconded to his country of origin. We are appealing to the responsible authorities for his extradition to Zimbabwe so that he be made accountable for his illegal actions.

 

I thank you.

 

Hunting in Zimbabwe

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ON MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTARTION OF HUNTING IN THE COUNTRY

Following the illegal killing of an iconic lion, Cecil, outside the HwangeNational Park on Antoinette farm in Gwayi River Conservancy on the 1st of July 2015, it has become necessary that the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority further tightens hunting regulations in all areas outside the Parks Estate.
The Authority working with other law enforcement agencies has launched a crackdown to weed out any undesirable elements. To date our law enforcement agencies are following up on all found or reported cases and they have since arrested another culprit, Headman Sibanda, on allegations of breaching hunting regulations. He is currently assisting Police with investigations.
Further to that crackdown the following measures are going to be implemented immediately;
1. Hunting of lions, leopards and elephant in areas outside of HwangeNational Parks has been suspended with immediate effect. All such hunts will only be conducted if confirmed and authorized in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and only if accompanied by parks staff whose costs will be met by the landowner.

2. Bow hunting has been suspended with immediate effect and no such hunting will be conducted unless it has been confirmed and authorized in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

3. Members of the hunting fraternity are being reminded that it is illegal for quotas to be transferred from one hunting area to another. Any case of quota transfer is regarded as poaching. The Authority will not hesitate to arrest, prosecute, and ban for life any persons including professional hunters, clients and land ownerswho are caught on the wrong side of the law.

All players in the hunting industry are being reminded to familiarize themselves with the relevant statutes governing the wildlife industry. Further, the Authority would like to appeal to all members of the public that they should report any suspected illegal wildlife activities to the nearest offices of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police and other Government law enforcement agencies.


E. Chidziya
DIRECTOR-GENERAL

 

Kariba Lake Levels

Looking at the graph for Kariba water levels below it would appear that something happened in December 2014 or January 2015 increasing the draw down by about 0.75m per month (opening of the new Zambian station?).  This means that the extra draw down since January will be in the region of 7.5m beginning November and 8.25m beginning of December.  If you put that on the graph the lake will  be at minimum operating level sometime in November 2015.  So the generators will have to be switched off until January/February when we can expect inflows again.  With inflows over previous draw downs averaging 0.5m per month from beginning January to end June it seems that whatever increased the draw down is unsustainable. 

 

If whatever caused this extra draw down is stopped immediately we might just make it to the next inflows in January with about a metre to spare.

 

Regards

Alan

Civil Service Pensioners

The key points are :-

1.       All Government Pensioners living in greater  Harare must, in person, complete a Life Certificate by 31^st October. In Harare this is done at the Beit Hall within the Harare Polytechnic grounds. Entrance to the Polytechnic  is off Herbert Chitepo opposite Alan Wilson School.

2.       Each Pensioner should take their original  Zimbabwe I.D. or Zimbabwe Passport together with an uncertified copy thereof. Also required is a copy of a Bank Statement for the account into which the monthly pension is paid. They will be required to complete a simple form which will be given to them on the production of a copy of ones ID.

3.       The Director of Pensions is aware that due to immobility or illness a number of pensioners are unable present themselves at the Polytechnic and has indicated that his officials will, sometime in October to be advised, visit Old Age/ Retirement Homes to assist those persons and other residents.

4.       This exercise is being carried out all over Zimbabwe.

 

Regards

John

Crime in Bulawayo

Crime Awareness Bulawayo

Written and compiled by Tracey Conway Burns

01/07/15 – 09/09/15

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

 

Martin-Luther King Jnr

 

 

Well it had to happen!  My continual criticism of the horrendous driving in Bulawayo now happened to my girls and I on Friday 04^th September 2015.

 

Driving along Cecil Avenue, towards Hillside Road, the infamous intersection of Banff Road, going into Fairbridge Road.  An unlicensed young woman (Miss N) drove straight through the Give Way into the left side of my car, causing me to spin 2 x 360 degrees and another 90 degrees.  I am so thankful that Jesus took the wheel, as we were protected.  I am glad I did not brake and that there were no other cars coming along.

 

I jumped out the car and shouted why she did not give way and then looked at my girls who were passengers in my car.  One twin was in the front and thankfully the seat belt had stopped her being flung around.  She sat dead quiet and still in the car and I thought the worst.  I talked to her and when she batted her eyelids I knew it was shock.  The other twin who was sitting behind her, thankfully had not worn her seat belt (which she usually is so fastidious about) and she was flung around in the back.  Her door received the main impact from the other vehicle and if she were in a seat belt she would have had very serious injuries. Miss N came running to me grabbing my hand saying she had a serious problem.  I said yes, my daughter was trapped in the car, she said no, she was sorry about the accident, but please could her boyfriend take the blame, as she was unlicensed.  I told her she was asking the wrong person to do this as I am already on a “campaign” to stop the bad driving and the unlicensed drivers in Bulawayo, and that she should never have been behind the wheel in the first place.

 

My thanks go to Mrs C K, who gave the twins a sweet and also controlled the traffic.  She also called her father, Mr B De S who I had worked with in Business Against Crime, as I was wanting the traffic police (which I knew Hillside does not have) and she called him (thanks Brian) who called both Traffic and Net Star to collect my girls.  Mr G I came and gave us all some Coca Cola to drink for shock.  The twin in the front of my car had to be lifted gingerly out the driver’s door as the passenger doors could not be opened at all.  Her twin was crying about her sister. Final results, twin one injured her collar bone, shoulder and elbow and both twins have neck braces for whiplash.  I am just very stiff and sore along my spine.  The main thing, we all walked away with our lives and not badly hurt at all.

 

The frustrating thing is that too many accidents are happening and the procedures one has to go through.  The young woman obviously was not insured but her boyfriend who was in the car with her, and it was his vehicle only had 3^rd Party.  I found out that 3^rd party means they pay for the injured ONLY!!! Full 3^rd Party, they pay for injured and the victims vehicle.

 

What needs to be done:

 

1.    Notorious intersections that have had many accidents need to be correctly marked whether by having traffic lights to control, bigger speed bumps and clear markings on the road.

2.    I feel that if so many people can afford the cars coming in, then they can all afford to pay Fully Comprehensive Insurance.  Why must the ones who do get themselves covered always have to put our insurance companies to use when the ones who are causing the accidents seem to get away with a US$ 20 fine for Negligent driving or driving without due care?

3.    Too many people over the years have bought their licences, majority because they cannot be bothered to do the proper course and others out of sheer exasperation of bribing and having to go for repeats on their driving tests.  We need to get to the correct side on all of these issues.  This all needs to be relooked at since even when I got my licence and that is over 30 years ago there was corruption taking place.

4.    The police have lost total control of the situation with the driving, mainly because so many of their friends own ET’s, the little private cars that stop to collect passengers (known as pirate taxis).  They need to get stricter the infrastructure has always been there, it is just not been properly monitored.  Has anyone driven to Drill Hall, as the ET’s are horrendous along Herbert Chitepo Avenue, and the rest of the streets that run parallel to Herbert Chitepo.

5.    I noticed over two years ago how suddenly the Traffic Safety Board were going around to schools, all in the latest and newest vehicles.  Where are they these days?

 

The tricks that have been noted from accidents from the driver in the wrong:

 

1.    Sometimes he/she drives away without stopping.

2.    The driver gives a false name and ID no.

3.    In court somebody else takes the blame and victims have noted that the driver in the dock is not the original driver.

4.    The driver jumps into the ambulance and runs away from hospital.

5.    Dockets are “lost”

6.    Money speaks loud in some instances.

 

At an accident scene:

 

1.    With worrying about the accident, one has to worry about the “rent a crowd” where some people are genuine in wanting to help, but others just come to steal what they can.  Be very careful of ipad’s, ipods, tablets, lap tops etc.

2.    Also, because of the series of horrific accidents that have claimed so many lives, people are very “short fused”.  I had a few people who were ready to fight verbally and physically just because of what has happened recently.  People control your tempers, if you are not going to be of any help rather keep your mouth shut and observe or drive off.

 

The sheer frustration now of trying to get everything done through police and insurance and assessors is enough to drive one to eat more chocolate!!!  I now have the inconvenience of running around when I can, to get all the necessary details and to borrow a vehicle plus try to find one to purchase without being ripped off! Plus more importantly how do I get to victims, as there has been an increase in robberies and assaults, all because of one person’s inconsiderate action.

 

REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

 

This notice issued as follows:                                                                                                                                          G.Makoni

Registrar of Central Vehicle Registry

 

General Notice 238 of 2015.

 

Notice of intention to cancel registration of vehicles not licensed or exempted

 

It is hereby notified, in terms of section 12 (c) of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter13:14), that the Registrar intends to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed or exempted for a period of two or more years as at 12^th March, 2015 which are listed in the schedule (Government Gazette-28 August 2015)

 

Affected parties are hereby notified to approach the Central Vehicle Registry to regularize their vehicles or the Zimbabwe National Road Administration to negotiate a payment plan or pay the outstanding arrears within thirty days from the date of publication of this notice.

 

LATEST INCIDENTS IN BULAWAYO

 

1.

Just to let you know that I have been mugged yesterday evening whilst I was closing my Gate at 8 p.m. 

A guy jumped at me, threw me to the ground and as I started screaming he tried to throttle and gag me. Fortunately my wife did hear my screams and as she opened the back-door she also started screaming and the dog charged.  The accacker bolted empty handed. 

I am bruised on the neck, face, arms etc. and at 86 this is quite a shock.   

 

We live in the Fortunes Gate area and I am sure that criminals are living at the Hillside Dam and Circular Drive area. 

 

2.

We would just like to let our customers know that both the Tropica signposts were dug out and stolen on Thursday night. We are not sure when or if we will be able to replace them but we want you all to know that Tropica is still open. Sad that this sort of thing is now starting to happen in Bulawayo.

 

RECENT INCIDENTS – HARARE

From the Anti Hijack Harare

 

There is definitely an increase in crime with theft… cash being the biggest sort after commodity. It is not wise to leave large sums of money in your homes or businesses  … even for one night … have the armed security division of your security company send a team to collect your money and have it delivered safely to the Bank. 

 

When drawing large sums of money from the bank, be very weary you are not being watched and then followed, do not leave large sums of money unattended or left in a vehicle this spells disaster!  Unemployment rate is on the increase so be vigilant at all times.

 

There have been reports of a Black Mercedes cruising in public car parks outside supermarkets surveying the area and will try to distract you by waving an object in your face and then swiftly grab handbags or valuables that are in view. It is best to keep doors locked even when inside the vehicle in these public areas. When shopping, do not have large sums of money on you as you just may be under surveillance and a prime target after leaving the tills. 

 

The jamming of locking mechanisms is still happening … be sure your vehicle is locked by manually checking the handle before leaving your vehicle. This takes only extra seconds to check and is peace of mind in the long run.

 

COUNSELLING AVAILABLE

 

There are still a number of people getting beaten up in home robberies or whilst walking on the roads, children getting traumatized from the break-in or violent attack.  Remember children suffer just as adults, and victims need to talk it out.  So if you are a concerned parent, please organize for the child to see me or someone who will listen.  Please do not hesitate to contact me for counseling or a shoulder to cry on.

 

Crime Awareness is into its 15^th year of operation in Bulawayo and I am into my 18^th year since being involved with the Anti Hijack Trust in Harare.  Years of experience and I have managed to guide a number of people around Zimbabwe into operating business-like affairs in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch etc.

 

I do not charge for counseling victims – they are survivors in my eyes – so naturally I still need a great deal of donations and support from the communities that I hold dear to my heart.

 

WISH LIST

 

If any company or individual wants to donate something towards Crime Awareness Bulawayo, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 

Please assist where possible

 

·         URGENTLY REQUIRED – New COMPUTER hard drive, keyboard and mouse – mine is just too old and very nearly ready to pack in!! WHICH YOU WILL KNOW WHEN THE UPDATES STOP ALL TOGETHER………

·         Stationery – new printer cartridges for Canon being black 512 and colour 513, and any other stationery – especially as I need to print out my updates and have hard copies!

·         Payment towards ADSL - only US$ 25 a month

·         Fuel is always needed

 

 

THANK YOU to REGULAR SPONSORS

 

I have the following companies and individuals to thank for donations and services already received this year and going to continue: 

 

Acacia Insurance

Apollo Tyres (originally Dunlop Zimbabwe and they still make Dunlop Tyres)

Comp-IT

Compu Pro

Farm Fresh

Fawcett Security

Femina Garments

Iway Africa (Mweb)

Mine Machines

Safari Insurance Brokers

Safeguard Bulawayo

Trentyre Bulawayo

Toyota Bulawayo

Whitehead

 

All the people who give me words of encouragement and support THANK YOU.

 

 

CONTACTS FOR THE FOLLOWING

 

I have contacts for the following:

·         Latest Alarms and installations

·         Various Lighting Advice and imported LED lighting – note South Africa is banning all incandescent lighting as from 2016 – replace your lights now with LED’s. 

·         Flood Lights in LED 10W, 20W and 50W is available, plus flood lights that change colours, all done with remotes to set up in gardens etc.  Lowers all electricity costs considerably.

 

HOT LINES

 

Crime Awareness Tracey Conway-Burns BULAWAYO direct:  0712-701 323

 

EMRAS  (Emergency Ambulance Services) in Bulawayo: 09-62611

 

MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services Ambulance) in Bulawayo: 09 – 64082

 

POLICE

24 Hour Instant Hijack Reaction Team in Bulawayo: 09-885479 (Stops Camp)

CID Central Police Station Bulawayo: 09-75168 (Wk Hours)

CID Central Police Station Bulawayo: 09-66306 (24 Hours)

They are fully armed.  Call them if you have been hijacked as soon as physically possible.

24 hour National Complaints Line (04) 703 631

 

Childline Bulawayo (child abuse, rape etc)  :09-888891 or (toll free) 882761

 

The Haven Trust (a transitional home for abused women and their children) 09-242071

                          Fax No:  09-286151 Mobile Nos:  0712-231 309 / 0775-174 443

 

Musasa Project Bulawayo (abused wives and families, rape):09-880112 or 09-882888

 

24 Hour Clinic - Margaran House S. Pairienyatwa between 9th and 8th Avenues.

Dr C Sururu or other doctors are on duty every day and night

Tel:  (09) 60952

Cell: 0712 - 881 439

 

Know your police station numbers for your area.

 

GUEST SPEAKER

 

Please contact me for any talks for schools, companies, groups or questions on individual security, etc on crime@mweb.co.zw or cell phone no: 0712-701 323, for your bookings or questions so that I can place it in my diary.

 

POSTAL ADDRESS:

 

P O Box 9161

Hillside

Bulawayo

 

Please note that anyone who wants to quote in writing any information that I have stated in my updates for the past 15 years, to please verify with me that I will allow you to use it, in case it is a sensitive issue where just a word out of place can result in upsetting individuals and to acknowledge use by placing it under Crime Awareness Bulawayo including any other quotes I have used, to mention them – state it all correctly.

Tracey Conway-Burns – UNQUOTE