Condolences pour in as Chitown grieves
_17 perish in crash, Insurance Council of Zimbabwe steps in to assist_
AS CONDOLENCES pour in, Chitungwiza mayor councillor Rosaria Mangoma has called on the government to declare a national disaster the horrific accident that occurred this morning involving a 30-tonne haulage truck collided with a commuter omnibus that was travelling from Harare to St Mary’s.
The accident that claimed 17 lives occurred at Manyame Bridge along Seke Road.
“Doing so will unlock vital resources towards assisting the bereaved in mourning their loved ones. We appeal for national support.
“In a short space of time, our community has endured the trauma of four serious road traffic accidents along Seke Road — each one claiming precious lives.”
Cllr Mangoma said this in a condolence message on behalf of Chitungwiza Municipality to the bereaved families during their time of grief.
“When I visited the scene with the acting Town Clerk Mr Japson Nemuseso and some councillors, I was met with an image too painful to describe as emergency services worked tirelessly to retrieve the deceased and assist the injured. “It was one of the most disturbing and traumatic scenes our community has witnessed in recent memory. What I witnessed was truly heart-breaking.”
She implored motorists to exercise extreme caution on our roads.
St Mary’s legislator Brighton Mazhindu has also expressed his deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the affected families following the tragic accident.
“Among the deceased were breadwinners—men and women who carried the hopes of their families.”
“This incident marks the third serious road accident along Seke Road in the past seven days, a worrying trend that cannot be ignored.”
He urged the Government, particularly the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, to urgently implement strong road safety measures such as speed reduction systems, visible road signs, and physical barriers where necessary.”
Mazhindu also condemned reckless drivers, those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and any form of behaviour that endangers others on the road.
Glory Ministries Church leader Bishop Pride Sibiya weighed in, saying that he was deeply hurt by the demise of the members of Chitungwiza community.
“Death has never been easy and as such death of over 17 nationals and in one accident is heartbreaking. All the same, in it all, God is with us. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families affected and our nation. We are with you in prayer and in thought.”
Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has begun processing the insurance covers of the vehicles involved in the accident and contracted a funeral parlour to provide comprehensive funeral and burial services for all the deceased within the borders of Zimbabwe.
“The lorry involved in the accident had COMESA Yellow Card insurance and the commuter omnibus was compliant with the Road Traffic Act Motor Cover and Public Passenger Liability.
“The beneficiaries or next of kin of the deceased are advised to contact the ICZ on Toll Free Number 591 for processing of the insurance compensation benefits as provided by the Road Traffic Act. The Call Centre Staff will provide guidance in swiftly accessing the relevant benefits.” ICZ said in a statement.
“The ICZ, in liaison with the Civil Protection Unit and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, is making concerted effort towards the provision of necessary assistance to the families of the deceased.”
