A grim pall has been cast over the nation following a devastating head-on collision involving a bus and two other vehicles along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, claimed the lives of seven people and left fifteen others injured.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of the seven victims who perished in the horrific crash. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP’s national spokesperson, confirmed the details in a statement released over the weekend.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Leopold Mudiwakure (43) of Waterfalls, Harare, the driver of the Toyota Aqua.
- Fortune Eddington Chitsaka (21), male, of Waterfalls, Harare.
- Sithembiso Bhegedhe, female, of Waterfalls, Harare.
- Danson Chidewu of Chitungwiza.
- Martin Mazhata (41) of Gweru.
- Takudzwa Msanaganise (35) of Zowa farm, Zvimba, Mashonaland West.
Tragically, the body of the seventh victim, a male adult, remains unidentified and is currently at the Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary.
The fatal accident involved three vehicles: a Yutong bus, a Toyota Aqua, and a Toyota Dyna truck. The collision occurred at the 175km peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road at approximately 0245 hours on September 12, 2025.
According to police reports, the Yutong bus, carrying 48 passengers, was travelling towards Beitbridge when it collided head-on with a Toyota Aqua, which had five passengers on board and was heading in the opposite direction towards Masvingo. In the aftermath, a Toyota Dyna truck, also travelling towards Masvingo, collided with the wreckage.
The impact of the initial collision was devastating. “Two passengers from the bus, three occupants from the Toyota Aqua including the driver, and two occupants from the Toyota Dyna including the driver died on the spot,” the police statement confirmed.
In addition to the fatalities, thirteen passengers from the bus and two passengers from the Toyota Aqua sustained injuries. They were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
The Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, a crucial transport artery connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, has become notorious for its high accident rate. This latest tragedy has reignited concerns about road safety and prompted renewed calls for motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid reckless driving.
As investigations into the cause of the accident get underway, the police have assured the public that further details will be released as they become available. “More details will be released in due course,” the police statement added.
The accident has once again brought into sharp focus the need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving habits. The Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, while vital for trade and travel, has become a death trap for many.
The call for caution and responsible driving is more urgent than ever. Motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
The loss of seven lives in this single accident is a stark reminder of the human cost of road accidents. Each of the deceased leaves behind grieving families and friends, and their loss will be felt deeply by their communities.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the swift recovery of those injured.
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