Rusape businessman dies after vehicle accident at home; family left without breadwinner

Rusape businessman and Staunch Hardware owner Morris Majiri died from internal injuries after a vehicle accident at his home, leaving his family without a breadwinner (image source)

A Rusape family has been left bereaved after Morris Majiri, owner of Staunch Hardware, died from internal injuries sustained when his Nissan Caravan lurched and trapped him against a water-meter slab at his Crocodile suburb home.

According to family sources, the incident began when Majiri’s vehicle became stuck in a ditch. He exited the vehicle to inspect it and was crushed between the bumper and a concrete slab when the vehicle suddenly lurched forward. Neighbours and a tenant, identified as Isaac Kudzanai, reversed the vehicle and rushed Majiri to Rusape General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

Five days later, his condition deteriorated due to internal bleeding, and he died at home on 16 January before he could be readmitted. An autopsy reportedly revealed severe internal trauma, including a damaged kidney and a ruptured lung. The family laid Majiri to rest at Silverbow Cemetery in Rusape.

Local safety experts stress the importance of basic vehicle safety practices, including engaging the handbrake, placing the transmission in park and using wheel chocks on slopes to prevent run-over and crush injuries when vehicles are stationary or being inspected.

The case underscores two recurring concerns: the vulnerability of individuals working alone on vehicles and the need for rapid emergency response and monitoring after discharge for internal injuries, which can present delayed, life-threatening complications. Medical practitioners advise that anyone involved in crush incidents be observed for at least 24–48 hours and receive follow-up imaging to detect internal bleeding.

Police comment was not available at the time of reporting. The family has appealed for privacy as they mourn and for greater community awareness on vehicle-safety precautions to prevent similar tragedies.