HARARE – In a poignant turn of events following Wednesday’s tragic death of Blessing Mangezi in the Harare CBD, the driver responsible, Thompson Zuze, yesterday visited the grieving family to express his remorse. The accident occurred as Zuze, a mushikashika driver, was attempting to evade City of Harare traffic officers, while Mangezi was seeking assistance regarding the clamping of his vehicle.
Zuze, 32, accompanied by his father and younger brother, met with the Mangezi family at Parirenyatwa Hospital as they were processing the burial order for Blessing. Overcome with emotion, Zuze admitted his culpability in the tragedy.
“I admit my fault,” he said with a voice trembling. “I was under immense pressure after being sacked from my pick-up point on Robert Mugabe Road to Mabvuku. Even though I knew I was in a restricted area, I panicked and sped away. I didn’t see Blessing until it was too late. I truly didn’t intend for this to happen.”
Zuze further shared the difficult circumstances he was facing, revealing that he had recently lost his wife, who had left him due to his financial struggles. “I have two children, the youngest just two years old. That pressure weighs heavily on me, even when I drive,” he lamented.
Bothwell Nedawa, a spokesperson for the Mangezi family, acknowledged Zuze’s gesture and apology, stating, “Life is precious, and while we have lost Blessing, who are we to deny his remorse? Zuze’s visit shows a recognition of our shared humanity, a step toward healing.”
Nedawa also emphasised the family’s expectation for accountability from City Parking, as Blessing had contacted city officials regarding his clamped vehicle shortly before the accident. “Blessing had paid a fine for inadvertently driving against traffic, and he was still getting accustomed to the city’s roads,” Nedawa explained.
Describing Blessing as the family’s breadwinner and a loving father, Nedawa reflected on their recent Christmas celebration. “He brought gifts for the family, and we cherished our time together in Cashew Valley. Now, we have lost a devoted husband and father who meant everything to us.”
Blessing, one of 23 siblings that include four sets of twins, and a father of three, was scheduled to return to South Africa shortly. His funeral is to be held at Maraisi village under Chief Mutambara in Chimanimani.
Police Commissioner General Extends Condolences, Dismisses False Claims
In response to the incident, Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba extended his condolences to the Mangezi family.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified that claims suggesting police involvement in the accident were unfounded, urging the public to verify information before jumping to conclusions.
“The unfortunate death of Blessing Mangezi was the result of a private vehicular accident involving Mr. Zuze, and there were no police operations occurring at the time,” Nyathi stated.
Another Pedestrian Injured in Similar Incident
Tragically, a similar incident occurred yesterday along Robert Mugabe Road, where a female pedestrian sustained head and shoulder injuries after being struck by a pirate taxi attempting to evade council police.
The unidentified woman was rushed to hospital following the accident involving Gay Munyando, an Indrive driver, who was in a high-speed chase with a City of Harare traffic enforcement vehicle.
Munyando explained that he had fled the scene just before picking up his passenger near the Joina City building.
“My client was about to board when a council officer arrived, intending to spike my tires,” Munyando recounted at the accident scene, in an interview with Zimpapers. “In a panic, I sped off, and during the chase, I hit a pedestrian crossing the road.”
This incident follows the tragic death of Blessing Mangezi, who was killed on Wednesday while crossing the road.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi recently urged motorists to set a positive example by adhering to road rules and regulations. He emphasised the importance of compliance with traffic enforcement agencies rather than attempting to evade arrest.
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