HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of the 17 individuals who tragically lost their lives in three separate road traffic accidents on 17 December. These incidents occurred in Nyamapanda, Nyabira, and Ruwa, casting a dark shadow over the festive season.
The announcement from the police follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of a State of Disaster in response to the horrific head-on collision near Suswe, along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, which claimed ten lives.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP spokesperson, confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, 20 December, that all victims had been positively identified by their next of kin. He also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged drivers to prioritise road safety.
“Above all, motorists should observe all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives,” Commissioner Nyathi added.
The deadliest of the three accidents occurred on the Harare–Nyamapanda Road, between 11:30 AM and noon at the 185-kilometre peg near the Suswe area. A Honda Fit, carrying ten passengers and travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, collided head-on with a haulage truck heading towards Harare, which had four occupants.
According to police reports, the Honda Fit veered into the path of oncoming traffic, resulting in the devastating collision. Tragically, all ten occupants of the Honda Fit died at the scene. None of the truck occupants sustained fatal injuries. The victims have been identified as:
- Gachirai Tahwina (36), a male adult of Chinzanga, Mutoko – Honda Fit driver
- Anesu Nyani (25), a female adult of Glen View 3, Harare
- Kudakwashe Mudiwakure (33), a male adult of Kaitano Village, Mudzi
- Rumbidzai Musimbiro (48), a female adult of Maruza Village, Mudzi
- Tadiwanashe Nyandoro (32), a female adult of Maruza Village, Mudzi
- Miriam Portia Kunaka (30), a female adult of Tsiko Village, Mudzi
- Moilla Kunaka (26), a female adult of Tsiko Village, Mudzi
- Shannel Muchato (2), a juvenile of Tsiko Village, Mudzi
- Lucas Morais Jone (28), a male adult
- Nenyasha Mapato (1 year 6 months), an infant of Tsiko Village, Mudzi
The second accident took place on the same day, along the Harare–Mutare Road near Masimba Gardens in Ruwa. At approximately 11:45 AM at the 32.5-kilometre peg, a Toyota Hiace kombi, carrying 18 passengers, overturned. Police investigations revealed that the kombi’s right rear tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The kombi overturned before landing on its left side. This incident resulted in three fatalities and injuries to 15 other passengers. The deceased have been identified as:
- Dorothy Chizuva (45), a female adult of Mupanga Village, Glendale
- Victoria Manjokoto (16), a female juvenile of Stoneridge, Harare
- Carlos Ganyaupfu (35), a male adult of Eastview, Harare
The third accident occurred near Nyabira at around 2 PM at the 37-kilometre peg along the Harare-Chirundu Road. A minibus carrying 14 passengers overturned multiple times before coming to rest on its left side. This incident claimed the lives of four individuals. Police reports indicate that the vehicle’s rear right tyre burst, leading to the accident. The victims have been identified as:
- Mutsikwa Mudzimba (44), a male adult of Meadow Crescent, Hatfield, Harare
- Nicholas Esaya (20), a male adult of Damba Village, Mhangura
- Kisha Chitundu (9 months), an infant of Kilimadagi Village, Mapinga
- Joel Gogo (70), a male adult of Budiriro 3, Harare.
Acting Minister of Public Works and Local Government, Felix Mhona, made the declaration on Friday, 19 December, invoking Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06].
“His Excellency, the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster… following the tragic road traffic crash that claimed ten (10) lives at the 185km peg near Suswe along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road,” Mhona stated. He explained that this declaration empowers the government to mobilise resources and coordinate support for the grieving families during this difficult time.
Mhona further elaborated that the government, through the Civil Protection Department and other relevant agencies, will provide necessary assistance to the affected families, including support for funeral arrangements and other urgent needs. He emphasised the urgent need to address illegal transport operations, commonly known as “Mushika-shika,” and reckless driving on the nation’s roads, highlighting them as contributing factors to such tragedies.
The Minister urged all road users – drivers, passengers, and pedestrians – to exercise extreme caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and prioritise safety at all times.
In related news, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has partnered with Discovery Ambulance Services to improve emergency response times on the nation’s highways. Ambulances will be stationed at accident hotspots across the country to provide free transportation for road users from accident scenes.
TSCZ CEO, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, stated that ambulances have been dispatched to various locations, including Beitbridge, Wedza, and 22 Miles. He highlighted that areas with a high frequency of accidents, such as Makuti in Karoi and Connemara in Midlands, will have dedicated ambulances to ensure swift emergency medical response.
Dr David Munowenyu, founder and CEO of Discovery Ambulance Services, told The Herald that the agreement will also see ambulances stationed at 100km intervals.
“We are proud to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the people of Zimbabwe. This strengthened partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe underscores our shared mission: to save lives, enhance emergency response and keep communities safe during the festive season and beyond,” he said.
“The idea is to have an ambulance close by, no matter how far you travel away from the capital. In pre-hospital care, there is what is called the ‘golden hour’ theory, which basically explains that the sooner one gets medical help, the higher their chances of surviving an emergency. So, in this regard, we are sending our ambulances to all areas across the country,” Dr Munowenyu added.
He urged the public to dial Discovery Ambulances Services’ toll-free number, 991, to request the free ambulance service.
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