Chivhu Mourns 27 Victims as Government Vows to Tackle Road Carnage

A sombre atmosphere engulfed Chivhu on Sunday as families, Government officials, traditional leaders and church representatives gathered to mourn 27 people killed in the country's latest deadly road accident. The memorial service was held at Chivhu General Hospital following Friday night's fatal collision between a commuter omnibus carrying African Apostolic Church (Mwazha) congregants and a haulage truck along the Harare-Masvingo Highway. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the Chivhu road accident a State of Disaster on Saturday, meaning the Government will meet burial expenses and medical costs for survivors.

Government joins Chivhu families in mourning

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera joined mourners at the memorial service.

Garwe said Government moved quickly after receiving news of the tragedy.

“After the accident, we quickly processed papers, and the President quickly declared the accident a national disaster so that this also becomes the responsibility of government and the whole nation to mourn with you,” he said.

The Government intervention includes support towards the burial of the victims and medical treatment for those who survived the fatal Chivhu highway crash.

Mavetera used the memorial service to appeal to motorists to observe traffic regulations and avoid dangerous driving.

“This is a difficult moment. We are losing five to seven people as a result of accidents. I am appealing to drivers to adhere to traffic regulations. Let us not overload our vehicles,” she said.

Traditional leaders call for safer roads

Traditional leaders welcomed the Government's response but called for stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies. Chief Maromo thanked Government for its intervention following the crash.

“We thank government for the timely intervention,” he said.

Chief Chivese, however, urged authorities and communities to do more to address the country's growing road safety concerns.

“We need to do whatever is necessary to avoid such kind of untimely loss of life,” he said.

The African Apostolic Church was among those hardest hit by the tragedy, with several congregants travelling to a church conference when the accident occurred.

Bishop Tafa said the church would draw strength from its faith as families come to terms with the loss.

“We find comfort from God in these difficult times,” he said.

Five victims await DNA identification

The accident occurred on Friday night when the commuter omnibus and haulage truck collided head-on. The impact caused the passenger vehicle to catch fire, with some victims trapped inside. Authorities have so far identified 22 of the 27 victims, while forensic teams are expected to use DNA testing to establish the identities of the remaining five. The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations in Zimbabwe, particularly measures targeting dangerous overtaking, overloading and other forms of reckless driving. As Chivhu mourns, families are now awaiting the completion of the identification process and burial arrangements for their loved ones.

Chivhu road accident