Tragedy Strikes Masimba Holdings as Two Employees Die Within a Week

Masimba Holdings construction

Masimba Holdings has plunged into mourning following the deaths of two of its employees in tragic and closely linked circumstances within the space of a week, in what has been described as a deeply distressing period for the company. The sequence of events began earlier in the week when Willington Dube, a Masimba Holdings worker, was fatally injured while inside a concrete mixer at one of the company’s operations. Dube was reportedly cleaning the mixer when the machine was switched on, crushing him inside.

The operator of the concrete mixer truck, 37-year-old Emmanuel Tachiona Chihanga, was subsequently accused of activating the machine while Dube was still inside. The incident sparked investigations and reportedly placed Chihanga under intense emotional and psychological strain. Less than a week later, tragedy struck again. On Saturday morning, Chihanga died in a suspected suicide along the Harare–Masvingo Highway, near Gokomere, sending shockwaves through both the company and the wider community.

According to reports by the Masvingo Mirror, Chihanga allegedly left behind a suicide note in which he expressed overwhelming pressure and distress, stating that he felt unable to cope with the burden of being blamed for his colleague’s death. Police reports indicate that Chihanga initially attempted to end his life by jumping in front of a Toyota GD6 at the 270-kilometre peg along the highway. The driver managed to swerve and avoid hitting him before proceeding to the nearest tollgate to alert the police.

However, before officers could return to the scene, Chihanga reportedly jumped into the path of another oncoming vehicle, which struck and killed him instantly. Masimba Holdings’ public relations officer, Pearl Mutiti, confirmed that Chihanga was indeed an employee of the company but declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We are aware of the accident and can confirm that the late was employed by Masimba Holdings,” said Mutiti. “However, as this was not a work-related incident, the police are best placed to provide further details.”

Meanwhile, Masvingo Deputy Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, stating that investigations are still underway.

“We recorded a fatal road traffic accident involving a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle at the 270-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at around 0530 hours,” said Patinyu. “The victim died on the spot, and investigations are ongoing.” The double tragedy has sparked renewed discussion around workplace safety, mental health, and the emotional toll faced by employees involved in fatal industrial accidents.

Masimba Holdings tragedy