Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday declared a national disaster, the horrific traffic accident near Sebakwe River in Kwekwe, the Midlands province, which claimed 12 lives, paving the way for full government intervention in the aftermath of the tragedy.

A fuel tanker with two trailers first side swiped a two-ton truck before colliding head on with a Nissan AD van carrying twelve passengers, dragging it for several metres before overturning and landing on top of it, trapping all occupants.

The crash occurred at the 200 km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo road early Tuesday morning, and all 12 people in the AD van died at the scene.

In a statement, President Mnangagwa expressed profound sorrow over the loss.

“I learnt with a very heavy heart of the horrific traffic collision yesterday in Midlands which claimed twelve innocent lives. The deadly incident adds yet another grim statistic to the needless toll which reckless driving levies on our people and our Nation,” he said.

He emphasized the ongoing government efforts to improve road safety, particularly through enhanced technology.

“While I am pleased that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is moving speedily towards a full deployment of high-end technologies for traffic management, and for curbing waywardness on our roads, more still has to be done to arrest the ever-spiraling fatalities we face as a Nation.”

President Mnangagwa also highlighted the shared responsibility of all road users and the critical role of the public in supporting law enforcement.

“The duty for safe traffic conduct squarely falls on all road users, while the responsibility to call out reckless road-users includes the general public who should support our law enforcement agencies to tame what in essence has become a traffic jungle.”

By declaring the accident a national disaster, President Mnangagwa has authorized government agencies to take charge of burial arrangements for the deceased as well as provide medical and logistical support to those injured.

“I have since directed the responsible arms of my Government to declare this traffic accident a national disaster. This crucial legal step paves the way for the Government to move in and take all-round responsibility for the interment of all those who perished in the accident, and for support to those hospitalized.”

President Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

“May all the bereaved and other affected families find comfort and solace in that our Nation joins and mourns with them in this hour of deep grief and pain,” he said.

New Ziana