Update leads:
- Mat-South youths heave relief on phased opening of Zim borders
- Concerns over growing cases of armed robbers in Mat South
- CYDT activities
Mat-South youths heave relief on phased opening of Zim borders
This week, the government announced the reopening of border posts to the public. The border posts had remained closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions which aimed at curbing the spread of the corona virus, which causes Covid-19.
Government resolved that the borders will open in phases starting from the 1st of December. The borders will open first to private vehicles and pedestrians then finally public passengers.
Mat-South youths who mainly depend on cross border trading welcomed the news with excitement as it means they will be able to resume their cross border operations.
In towns like Beitbridge and Gwanda, majority of people especially the youths migrate to South Africa in search of better living conditions as the economic situation at home continues to deteriorate. Zimbabwe borders closure had cornered them; placing them at the mercy of hunger and starvation. Some brave youths were crossing the borders illegally, exposing themselves to a whole lot of experiences, from rape and paying lots of money as bribe to cross. Therefore, this phased reopening of borders has brought back hope of survival.
However, Mat-South youths who have been waiting for borders to reopen, lamented that December is far away sighting that December is the month they must be preparing to come back home not the other way round. They noted that the government should have considered opening borders in November as they are struggling to make ends meet.
Concerns over growing cases of armed robbers in Mat South
Mat South youths have expressed their concerns over growing cases of armed robberies in the province especially in Beitbridge that has recorded several armed robbery cases recently.
While Beitbridge residents are still reeling from tragic and shocking story of the late John Sithole, a notorious armed robber who before his death held several people hostage, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported yet another armed robbery which is said to have taken place along Beitbridge-Dite Road around 2200hrs on 27 October 2020.
According to the statement released by the ZRP, 10 unknown armed robbers blocked the road with stones before attacking eight motorists and stealing their belongings after the motorists had fled. Mat South youths are concerned on the growing number of these armed robbery cases and warned Mat South residents to be on the lookout as these hooligans are still at large.
Youths are of the view that these cases may scare away potential investors or business people who want to come and operate in the province, therefore, youths encouraged residents to work with the police in trying to locate these armed robbers so they can be apprehended and face justice.
Recently, five armed robbers who allegedly operated with the late armed robber John Sithole, who terrorised Beitbridge residents, appeared in court facing robbery and murder charges.
CYDT Activities
The organisation conducted community social accountability forums in Stanmore and Nkashe, Gwanda rural communities. These forums aimed at making the local leadership account for service delivery issues. The youths used skills gained from previous activities in making the leadership account, use of score cards and the citizens report.
The organisation also conducted a training on capacity building and local governance in Nkashe. This training gave youth the opportunity to learn on the need to partake on issues of local governance from the grassroots levels. This training also aimed at capacitating youth on local governance processes such as budget consultations; so that youths may participate during these processes and influence budgets that carter for their needs.
Remember to follow these tips proposed by the WHO to prevent getting infected with COVID-19;
- clean your hands more often using alcohol based hand rub or soap and water
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Contact emergency COVID-19 numbers near you, if experiencing any symptoms related to the pandemic
Social Distancing Tips
- Shop alone, do not shop in groups
- Stay/Stand two metres away from other customers (especially in mealie meal queues)
TOGETHER WE CAN DEFEAT COVID-19!
Dial 2019 if suspecting any COVID-19 Symptoms!
Recent Comments