Chipinge – Tragedy struck again on Chipinge’s roads yesterday when a Honda Fit veered off the road and overturned multiple times, claiming the lives of two people. The accident, reminiscent of a similar incident in April, has raised renewed concerns about road safety and the conduct of mushikashika operators in the area.
The accident occurred at approximately 4 pm along the Skyline – Waterfalls road, near Christina Diary Farm. Manicaland Acting Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident to Chipinge Times, identifying the deceased as the driver, Norman Khumba (24) of Gaza, Chipinge, and Blessed Myambo (40) of Plot 18 Sterks Room, Chipinge.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka provided details of the accident, stating that Khumba was driving a purple Honda Fit with four passengers on board when the tragedy occurred. “Circumstances are that Khumba was driving a purple Honda Fit along the Skyline – Waterfalls road with four passengers on board. Khumba lost control of the vehicle upon reaching the 51km peg near Christina Diary Farm,” he said.
According to police reports, Khumba lost control of the vehicle at the 51-kilometre peg. In an attempt to regain control, he allegedly oversteered, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn multiple times.
“The vehicle veered off the road and Khumba allegedly oversteered in trying to regain control. The vehicle overturned and rolled multiple times,” Assistant Inspector Chinyoka explained.
Following the accident, all five occupants were rushed to Chipinge District Hospital by a well-wisher. Sadly, Khumba and Myambo were pronounced dead upon arrival. Chipinge Traffic Police attended the scene to conduct investigations.
The accident has left other passengers with varying degrees of injuries. One passenger remains unconscious and is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Chipinge District Hospital, while another sustained minor injuries. Miraculously, one passenger escaped the horrific incident unscathed.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed the nature of the injuries sustained by the deceased. “Khumba sustained severe head injuries and a laceration on the right hand. Myambo sustained severe head injuries,” he said.
The tragic accident echoes a similar incident that occurred in Chipinge in April this year, also involving a Honda Fit mushikashika.
On 21 April, a fatal road traffic accident occurred when Panashe Mhlanga, the driver of a Honda Fit, allegedly attempted to overtake in front of an oncoming vehicle at a bridge. The incident resulted in the death of Garikai Katambo (47), of Southdowns Estate, who was ejected from the vehicle as it overturned several times.
Four other passengers were injured and hospitalised following the April accident.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, who also confirmed the April accident, stated that Mhlanga is now facing a charge of culpable homicide.
“On April 21, 2025 at around 2:2pm, Panashe Mhlanga (24) was driving his car with seven passengers on board along Chinheya-Chipinge Town Road. Upon reaching Nyabore Bridge, he committed himself to overtaking an unknown vehicle in the face of oncoming traffic,” Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said. “The vehicle veered off to the left, overturned twice and landed on its roof in the middle of the tarmac. Katambo was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal head injuries.”
He added that Katambo “died upon admission at Chipinge District Hospital. Four other passengers were admitted at the hospital, while three escape unhurt. The driver is now being charged with culpable homicide.”
The two accidents, both involving Honda Fit mushikashika vehicles, highlight the dangers associated with this mode of transport, particularly on Chipinge’s roads. Concerns have been raised about reckless driving, overloading, and the general disregard for traffic regulations by some mushikashika operators.
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