Sleeping Sickness

             ZIMBABWE HUNTERS’ ASSOCIATION

                                     P.O. Box HG.548, Highlands, Harare     16, Walter Hill Avenue, Harare

                                Telephone/Fax: 707306, 704977   Cell 0772-329434     e-mail: zha@mweb.co.zw

                                  website:   www.rifaconservation.org

                    RIFA CONSERVATION EDUCATION CAMP

M E M O R A N D U M

To: All schools, interest groups and volunteer hunters attending Rifa Conservation Education Camp, Chirundu and members of the ZHA

As we always warn our visitors to Rifa of the possibility of Malaria in the area, so we would like to make our visitors aware of the disease Trypanosomiasis and the symptoms. 

There have been a few recorded cases of Tryps coming out of the valley over the past few years but it is highly unlikely but not impossible for one to get this disease.  Therefore, please see below some information in this respect.

The fly that carries human tryps is a rarer species (G. pallidipes) and a thicket dweller.  The common one, (G. morsitans) we get around Rifa Camp is only dangerous to livestock, dogs, etc.

Trypanosomiasis or Sleeping sickness is caused by a Protozoa. It is carried by the dreaded Tsetse fly. The disease was rare in Zimbabwe with good Tsetse control. However, there has been an increase in the number of cases of Tryps in recent years. It is found particularly in the valley and hunters, their staff and clients need to be aware of the risks. There is no real way to prevent Tsetses biting although some home made repellents have some effect. The symptoms of Trypanosomiasis come on over a matter of a week to several months and can mimic Malaria with fevers, headache, muscle pain, etc. The one distinguishing feature in the early stages is the localised enlargement of lymph glands to form a red angry looking lump or lumps, often in the neck glands but can be elsewhere. These are the symptoms of the early stage of the disease. If the protozoa crosses the brain barrier the patient will become tired, confused, irritable with severe headache, etc.

Another symptom of the disease can be the appearance of a chancre at the site of the bite, a bit like a veld sore. 

While there are not many cases it is vital that hunters working in Tsetse areas be aware of the risk.  It would be good to warn clients of the potential for this infection as the chances are that if they go back to their home country they would automatically be treated for malaria if they developed symptoms without anyone considering the potential for Trypanosomiasis. Here in Zimbabwe, keep it as a possibility. 

Medical Laboratories have a Lab technician who has experience in diagnosing an infection from blood slides.  Dr. Pasi on 0772-221343 is experienced in handling these cases.  It is a very dangerous disease, fatal if untreated and the treatment is not easy either but early diagnosis will be life saving. Warn your clients and be aware for yourself and your staff. Don't just assume that any such symptoms are malaria. If glands get big, get a blood test. This could be life saving for you and your team.

TRISH EVANS (MRS.)

SECRETARY                                                              

Comments on Harare problems

We live in Strathaven. Just to let you know we had an attempted break in last night.  This is the second time they have tried to get into our house in the space of a month.  The 1st attempt was through the veranda gate they tried to cut the padlock with Bolt Cutters, my husband got up and they fled.  Last night they got into the house through the kitchen window.  I was awakened with a noise I thought was from the garage, and again my husband went through with the dogs (We keep our dog’s in the house now after our last one was poisoned)  and again they fled.  I just want people to be warned that they are in the Strathaven area.

We tried to call Avondale Police station but no answer.  My daughter called Borrowdale Police and they sent a radio message to Avondale.  My Son-in-Law had to go to Avondale Station to fetch the police as they do not have any transport.

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This am I went along to Zinara , their offices are at the Glen Roy( ?) shops ( along  Glenara Ave.in Highlands) and got all 6 of my vehicle licenses done very quickly and politely . The staff are great and cheerful and a good order is kept on the queue system which is efficient and orderly , all done in about an hour . They are in the old Barker Mc offices on the ground floor. Maybe tell your readers about this avenue as it works well.

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Groombridge Stop St - Would just like to let all your readers know that firstly the 2 sign boards that at the Inter-section should be moved and secondly there is a policeman that hides behind the sign board on the Service Station side that tells the policeman whose has not stopped or who hasn’t. the policeman who wait along Alpes Rd by the wall  of OG’s tennis courts cannot even see the stop Intersection and maybe motorists should ask for a witness to be present to identify the car and also provide the necessary proof.

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My father went to Zinara yesterday morning. That is somewhere near/at Runniville.  There were masses of people milling about and a shambles of note with disorderly queues of people trying to get license discs.  Some messengers were camping out overnight. Some people had one registration to do, others had batches of up to 30 vehicles. Mabelreign and Mt Pleasant offices on our side of town  are not yet issuing licenses.  They also have 15 hr power cuts several times a week.  Many of the old folk used to use Avondale or Belvedere. Now it would seem that is not available.

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Just to let you know of an incident that occurred on Sunday morning at my house (cnr crowhill /Luna Rds; Borrowdale Brook)

At 10 15 my gate bell rang - no response on intercom.  It rang again - still no response on intercom but I could see a black vehicle at the gate so I went down to the gate.  As I approached the gate the car reversed out and moved off in the direction of Luna Rd.  About 5 minutes later it came back and, seeing me, turned in at the gateway again.  I stayed my side of the gate and the driver (a smartly dressed African in a dark suit) got out of his car.  When I asked who he was looking for he said "you, Mrs Lander" - which is not my name but is the name at the gate!) I did not enlighten him as to my name.  He said his name was Alexander went on to say that he was associated with USAId and they were trying to enlighten people on HIV, healthy eating and had a set of 3 books you could buy, the last of which had

96 recipes.  He also said he needed to check out the premises.  I told him to go away.  Then heard him hooting at every gate in the neighbourhood.  At 12 40 I was on Crowhill Rd going past Stonechat Lane when I spotted what I am fairly sure was the same car (reg starts AAW but I didn't get the rest). I was then at a lunch birthday party where I met people who live on Hogerty Hill and he had been there as well, telling their guard that he needed to be let in to check that their premises were not unhealthy. 

Does this sound like another scam?  The average domestic thinks he is genuine because of the smart clothes and car so perhaps people could warn them.  It sounds as though he may have got in somewhere as my workers say all the workers in the neighbourhood are talking about it. If you think it worth it please pass on the warning - Sunday seems a popular time as they expect everyone to be at church!

Car fines

I have just been to Borrowdale and Highlands  Police Stations again to find out what the story is with the Vitz and Cell phone fines

I was informed by the Assistant Inspector at Borrowdale that the maximum fine for a traffic offence is of the order of $20. They do not give tickets any more but are supposed to have a receipt book so that they must give you a receipt for any money you have given them. If you do not have money on you then they can take you down to the their Police Station where a docket will be prepared for the incident. You will have to agree when and how that fine is to be paid. If you disagree with the fine then they will have to arrange for a court hearing. You cannot be locked up for a traffic offence (not sure about drink driving).

That is why I said that it is best to have a spare $20 or 2 in the cubby hole of your vehicle so that you can pay any such fine straight away

It is also worth noting that they are just doing a job as you probably do and most of them are very pleasant. I am sure you are all aware that when customers treat you with respect then it is so much easier to resolve tricky issues.

The bottom line is that you should not speak on your cell phone whilst driving and you all know it!

Regards
Mike G
 

Safeguard and car problems

We at Safeguard will now be keeping an eye out for this vehicle, and would really appreciate any more info on this or other vehicles (general description or reg number) so that we can be alert for them. We have many vehicles on the road at one time and would be perfectly placed to alert police of anything dodgy and would even be able to pick up police from the nearest station to help. Bruce Woodward logik78@yahoo.com

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I was an unfortunate victim of a smash and grab on Friday afternoon around 3.15 pm on Guest Road, New Alex Park. I am very alert to following vehicles, but these guys were to clever for me. I keep my bag under the seat all the time, however upon arrival at my gate I pulled my bag out from under the seat to answer the phone whilst my gardener was put the electric gate onto manual. I put the phone down and noticed a white car drive past. I turned to watch it and it continued up the road into John Plagus and turned around. I heard a knock at my passenger window and there was this very smart African gentleman, clean cut, stocky, dark skinned, wearing a smart black suit jacket, light blue shirt and I think he had a white t-shirt under the shirt ( I thought he was our next door neighbour) he smiled at me and with that he hit the window and broke it and we both grabbed my bag off the passenger seat, unfortunately he won. With that I accelerated drove through the gate and then the adrenalin rushed in and with that I reversed and gave chase out onto Churchill with my hand on my horn and my hazards on. Unfortunately no one came to my rescue. I followed them down past National Parks and then back onto Churchill and lost them on Second Street. I went to the police station to report the incident. What a procedure. They do not make it easy for us as victims!!!  During my reporting to the police I received a message and a couple of phone calls which I did not answer in case it was the thieves as they now had my number. The messenger claimed to have found my bag. I went home and called Safeguard, Mr Dube. He was amazing, he called the number and spoke with the person informing them that I had asked him to contact them re: the return of my bag. He then sent his security detail to the address to collect my bag. He then personally delivered it to me in the evening - I was very fortunate. All my bank cards, keys and drivers licence were still in the bag. Apparently the thieves had thrown the bag out of the window after taking any cash. I must say in this case that Safeguard as always have come up trumps once again. Please could you let the public know that there is a white toyota that looks like a honda CVR with no number plates cruising around with two well-dressed African men in it. I am certain that they are cruising around the Alex Park area, in fact I am sure that I saw them in Hudson Road yesterday. I have reported it. 

Mike - do you by any chance know of a place that can replace a passenger window on a Mazda Eagle. I would appreciate any information.

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I feel it is necessary to draw attention of ZRP to the fining that is going on by the Police who situate themselves on Alpes Road heading towards Harare Drive.  I know there is a stop street there and on Saturday afternoon I was turning right from the Chase into Alpes and had stopped back from the intersection not that you can see any line there!!! Then because there is a durawall and you cannot see traffic coming from the left I edged forward to proceed when I saw a vehicle coming from down Alpes to my right – I stopped a second time before turning into Alpes.

I WAS FINED $20 FOR SUPPOSEDLY NOT STOPPING AT THE INTERSECTION BUT I HAD STOPPED FURTHER BACK. THE POLICE WHO WERE BASED TOO FAR DOWN ALPES COULD NOT SEE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY STOPPED AT THE CORRECT PLACE  BECAUSE OF THE DURAWALL AND ASSUMED YOU WERE STOPPING FOR THE FIRST TIME.!!!

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I was stopped by police yesterday at the intersection outside of Old Georgians, i turned left out of OG's and as i turned left again they said i had failed to stop at the stop street, i had actually stopped but in front of the stop sign as if you go and look you will see there is a big advertising sign that obstructs your view if you stop on the line, after arguing with their officer in charge for ten minutes and me proving to him with the next 4 consecutive cars that stopped having to roll forward to see oncoming traffic they let me go without paying a fine. it is getting pathetic and i have no doubt they knew exactly that the sign obstructs your view and used it to their advantage to fine people unfairly! fortunately i was prepared to argue my case and not pay the $20 they asked me to pay ... but how many people are bullied into paying i wonder!

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Mike I have just gone into town to pay for some work done by a guy, he was stopped by the police in Avondale car park for driving on a cell and was fined USD 20 without any mention of it being USD 1500 plus court !

I have since phoned him back and asked for a copy of his ticket as proof so that you can circulate this later on once i have everything in my possession !

This fine looks like it ‘depends on who you are ‘

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Deaths

Deaths: Hickey Clifford Francis  Passed Away At St Anne’s Hospital 15^th May. Will Be Greatly Missed By His Sister Sherrol And Brothers Tony, Fred, Errol And Zane. Funeral Arrangements To Be Announced. sherrol.delia@gmail.com

Deaths: Please Be Advised That The Funeral For The Late Irene Moira Morris Will Be Held At Highlands Presby Church On Friday 18^th May At 3pm.   Teas Will Be Held Afterwards At The Church. bichard@mweb.co.zw