Antony Chawagarira
CHIVHU — Fourteen children were among the 28 people killed in a horrific road traffic accident along the Harare-Masvingo Road last Friday, with police revealing that some families lost as many as five members in the tragedy.
The fatal accident occurred at around 8:30 pm on August 28 at the 132-kilometre peg.
The death toll later rose to 28 after one of the injured victims, who had been admitted to Chitungwiza General Hospital, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Police said three of the victims remain unidentified because their bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
The CID Forensic Department has collected samples from the remains for DNA analysis. Police said the names of the victims will only be released once their identities have been scientifically confirmed.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the tragedy had left several families devastated, with some losing four or five relatives.
Among the victims were five members of the Magiya family from Chakahwata Village in Seke: Tanaka, 11; Talent, 13; Adiel, 2; Nenyasha, 4; and their 39-year-old mother, Melissa Magiya.
The Bonda family from Zhanje Village in Dema lost four relatives, including children Believe, 10; Tavonga, 8; and Tehila, 2, as well as their 29-year-old mother, Rumbidzai Kashongo Bonda.
Four children from the Chikaka family also died: Wisdom, 10; Kuzivakwashe, 12; Tariro, 14; and Shamisio, 8.
Other young victims identified by their families were Wisdom Masaya, 13; Devine Masaya, 9; and Tawanda Mupandawana, 2.
Other victims were identified as Jonathan Marahwa, 34; Moline Chamboko, 57; Plaxedes Nyamayaro, 68; Humfrey Chikaka, 44; Lizzy Nhema, 38; Idyai Munyanyiwa, 52; Bernenia Zvomuya, 63; Christine Nyakuvyiranga, 68; and Itai Fusirai, 46.
Police have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling at night, citing reduced visibility and challenges in observing road hazards.
Church leaders and conference organisers have also been urged to discourage congregants and participants from unnecessary night travel.
The Chivhu crash has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest road accidents this year, leaving many families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones.
