Zimstar News scribe, ex-police officer pens book

By Nkosana Dlamini, editor

Zimstar News chief reporter and a former police officer Auther Chimbgwa, has published a book, a rich collection of some captivating fiction short stories.

Now on sale, the book, entitled ‘The Blue Welding Machine and Other Short Stories’ is published by Talnet Independent publishers.

Some of his stories contained in the book were previously published in the police inhouse Outpost Magazine, where the 49-year-old scribe cut his teeth in journalism.

The Blue Welding Machine and Other Short Stories is now on sale and is available on 13 sites on Amazon and can be accessed on the internet.

In Harare, hard copies of the book cost an affordable US$9 per copy at one of Innov8 Bookshop’s branches at the intersection of First Street and George Slinduka road.

It has 12 short stories in which the gifted author gels his imaginative prowess with instructive content on life experiences.

The book was edited by prominent Zimbabwean investigative journalist and author, Tawanda Majoni, who has hailed it as a great piece of literary work.

“Written with emotional urgency and stark honesty, this collection refuses easy answers or sentimental comfort,” commented the former Zimbabwe Mirror editor.

“Instead, it offers intimate portraits of people wrestling with forces larger than themselves, revealing how private choices ripple outward into families, communities, and the nation at large.”

Majoni added, “The Blue Welding Machine and Other Short Stories is a powerful work of socially grounded fiction that will resonate with readers drawn to African realism, moral inquiry, and stories that linger long after the final page.

“The title story stands as a haunting meditation on temptation and moral collapse, showing how a single decision can undo a life built through years of sacrifice.”

ALSO READ: Harare cop pens book, an enthralling collection of fiction stories

Chimbgwa, who joined the Zimstar News family in 2020 as a reporter, retired from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in 2005 after a dedicated nine-year service.

He joined the ZRP in 1996 and was posted to Harare Central Police Station after completing a 6-months training course at Morris Depot (Now Mkushi Academy).

In 2000, he enrolled for a two-year Diploma in Journalism and Communication at a local college which paved the way for his transfer to Police General Headquarters (PGHQ), where he worked for the Outpost.

During that time, he was also pursuing ‘A’ Level studies in English Literature and Sociology, which he passed well.

During his time at the Outpost, the scribe wrote highly entertaining, educative and informative stories, which also earned him an opportunity to become a rugby correspondent for The Sunday Mail newspaper at one time in 2003.

READ SOME OF HIS NEWS STORIES PUBLISHED ON ZIMSTAR NEWS

. Jilted man butchers wife after she rejects reconciliation proposals

. Harare customer takes contaminated beverage drink complaint to Coca-Cola in USA

. Criminals snatch cash, CCTV data box in Harare fuel station robbery

Apart from his role as Zimstar News chief reporter, Chimbgwa is a literary editor of books published under the purview of Talnet Independent publishers, and has edited a number of books.

Chimbgwa, who hails from Matenda village in Zvishavane and was born on 25 July 1976, said a novel is also in the offing.

He attended Ruvimbo primary school from 1984 to 1989 before completing his primary education at what was a newly built Chana Primary School in Mbizo, Kwekwe.

The author, poet and journalist started writing seriously while he was in Form One at Mbizo Secondary School in Kwekwe where he did his secondary education, and edited the school’s newspaper, “Tomorrow’s Leaders” while pursuing his ‘O’ Levels in 1994.

But Chimbgwa could not proceed to ‘A’ Level after his mother coild not raise his fees to continue with his academic education.

He urged readers interested in literature to read his book.

“I appeal to everyone interested in literature and police officers alike to buy this book as it also touches on some of my experiences whilst serving in the ZRP,” said the veteran scribe.

Chimbgwa is a devoted husband to Chipo Noven nee Masawi, a relatively senior police officer, and a doting father to the couple’s four children namely Sheevyne (27), Slindile (25), Sandile (20) and Shantel (19).

The collection of short stories is Chimbgwa’s first book to hit the book shelves.