Three Die in Headlands Road Traffic Collision

Three people died and one woman was seriously injured after a haulage truck collided head-on with a Nissan Note at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands (image source)

HEADLANDS — Three people were killed and one woman sustained serious injuries in a road traffic collision at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands on 23 December, police and court records have confirmed.

The victims were travelling from Nyanga to Ruwa to attend a traditional bride price (roora) ceremony when the crash occurred. The deceased have been identified as Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25) of Nyangani Park, Taurai Kaseke (30) and Ngoni Mutsoka (28). A fourth passenger, Caroline (22), survived the crash but suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to evidence presented in court, the collision occurred at around 8am near the 120-kilometre peg when a haulage truck pulling a tanker veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Note in which the victims were travelling. Simango, who was driving the Nissan Note (registration AHC 0831), and two passengers died at the scene. Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that all three died from severe head injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

The truck driver, Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw, a Kenyan national, appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbra Mateko facing a charge of culpable homicide. He entered a guilty plea. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Adanw was driving a white Benz truck (registration AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare when he encroached into the opposite lane, resulting in the fatal collision.

The State alleges that the accused was negligent by overtaking in the presence of an oncoming vehicle, driving at excessive speed, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision when danger became apparent. Adanw is expected to return to court on 5 January 2026 for mitigation and aggravation before sentencing.