Bunjira’s marital secrets after Brenda’s death: Akagara nemwana wevanhu for 4 years without introductions, didn’t attend her burial

HARARE – Former Warriors and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Alois “Gaza” Bunjira, is grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of Brenda Zvinorova, his long-time girlfriend, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a road traffic accident along the Rusape–Nyanga Road last week. The accident, which occurred on Saturday, 16 August 2025, has now claimed three lives, leaving the football fraternity, athletics community, and wider Zimbabwean public reeling.

Brenda, who had been travelling with Bunjira to Honde Valley for marathon preparations, was laid to rest yesterday afternoon at Lendy Park Cemetery, in Marondera, following unsuccessful surgery to repair internal injuries. However, beneath the surface of public mourning, a complex narrative of their relationship has emerged, raising questions about Bunjira’s commitment and respect for Brenda’s family.

While many media outlets have mistakenly referred to Brenda as Bunjira’s wife, sources close to the Zvinorova family have revealed that the couple, who started dating in 2021, had been living together for nearly half a decade without Bunjira ever formally introducing himself to her relatives. This revelation has cast a shadow over Bunjira’s public expressions of grief and ignited a debate about cultural norms and expectations.

According to sources, just a week before Brenda’s untimely death, one of her brothers had strongly advised her to formalise their union by formally introducing Bunjira to the Zvinorova family. Brenda reportedly preferred an informal introduction at a gathering or event, but her brothers insisted on a traditional visit to their home in Marondera.

Brenda is said to have explained that their busy schedule throughout August made it difficult to arrange such a visit, revealing that she and Bunjira had trips to Kariba, Honde Valley, and South Africa throughout the weekends of August. She suggested that formal introductions could be arranged in September or later. Tragically, this was the last discussion Brenda had with her brothers regarding her relationship with Bunjira.

Sources have refuted claims that there were plans to pay lobola (bride price) at the end of this year, arguing that in the four years they lived together in Brenda’s Westgate house, Bunjira never bothered to formally meet the Zvinorovas. It is further alleged that he had not even gone to an aunt (tete), as is customary in African tradition when one intends to marry someone.

“Brenda’s family was not happy with the way she was living with Bunjira. The Zvinorova family felt that Brenda was putting her relationship with Bunjira first, at the expense of her three young children,” said a source who worked with Brenda at the World Food Programme (WFP), where she was a programme assistant.

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“They were never married, many people thought they were husband and wife, because of the time they lived together, but the truth is that ‘vanga vachingobika mapoto havo’ [they were just living together]. A few months ago, Bunjira’s sister passed away and Brenda told his brothers to pass their condolences to Bunjira, but the brothers refused, saying as far as the African culture is concerned, they don’t know Bunjira because he was never introduced to them, so there was no traditional basis for conveying their condolences to someone whom they have not been introduced to.”

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Bunjira did not attend Brenda’s burial. A source from Marondera who attended the funeral explained that when the accident took place, Brenda was rushed to Rusape general hospital before being transferred to Harare. One of Brenda’s brothers visited her in the hospital in Rusape, and that is when Bunjira attempted to initiate formal talks with him. However, the brother, understandably upset, refused to engage with Bunjira.

“The brother flatly instructed Bunjira not to come anywhere near him, and Bunjira complied. Their union ended in a terrible state and Bunjira didn’t even attend the burial,” the source said. “It was Brenda’s family that did everything, but the burial process went smoothly without any drama, most likely because Bunjira didn’t attend.”

Meanwhile, in an emotional message shared after her burial, Bunjira poured out his grief, describing Brenda as not only his girlfriend but the centre of his world:

“I really would want to express my utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation for all the get well soon wishes to me. I feel much better physically, but emotionally I am broken 💔😭. Brenda was laid to rest this afternoon. She was a great person who held my life together ever since she came into my life. She indeed deserves the gold medal in my heart. I will dearly miss her.”

The former midfielder described Brenda as his life partner, co-director at AlbunBreeZ/Albun Fitness, travel companion, confidante, best friend, motivator, and gossip partner.

“She was the virtuoso woman. The true definition of the Proverbs 31 woman 👌🙏. The nicest person I have ever known in my life 🙏😍.”

Bunjira also revealed a personal detail of their love story, sharing how he always sang Nox Guni’s hit “Andipengesa” for her — a song he says captured the depth of their relationship.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the accident occurred around 10 a.m. on 16 August near St. Faith’s High School turnoff, about 8 km from Rusape.

Bunjira was driving his BMW en route to his rural home in Honde Valley, where he was set to certify the route for the upcoming HONDE VALLEY MARATHON. Tragedy struck when an Isuzu pickup truck, attempting to overtake a bus, collided head-on with his vehicle.

Two Isuzu passengers died on the spot. Bunjira and Brenda were rushed to Rusape General Hospital, before being transferred to Milton Park Medical Centre in Harare.

Beyond being the beloved girlfriend of a football legend, Brenda was a philanthropist, fitness enthusiast, and community builder. She played a central role in organising the Albun Honde Valley Marathon, with dreams of seeing it certified as a qualifier for the world-famous Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

“Her dream was for the Albun Honde Valley Marathon to be certified… Hopefully one day soon that dream will be fulfilled and she will be smiling in heaven, with other angels like her 🙏.”

Friends, family, and colleagues described her as warm, dedicated, and the heartbeat of Bunjira’s personal and professional life.

For Bunjira, the grief is unimaginable. Despite surviving the accident, he admits he is struggling with regrets, unanswered questions, and overwhelming pain:

“Right now I am broken 💔😭. I guess we will leave it all in God’s hands and hope mwari vanotinyaradza [God will comfort us]. I will forever live with the memories. Fly high… My SuperWoman 🙏.”

The police have urged motorists to exercise caution when overtaking, warning that reckless driving continues to claim innocent lives on Zimbabwean highways.

The loss of Brenda Zvinorova has deeply affected both the football and athletics communities in Zimbabwe. Tributes have been pouring in, recognising her contributions to the NetOne Albun Marathon and her vibrant spirit. Messages of support have also been extended to Bunjira, as he recovers from his injuries and copes with the tragic loss of his girlfriend.

The ZRP has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when overtaking on busy highways. In their official statement, they reiterated the importance of responsible driving to prevent further accidents and loss of life.