A prominent Mutare businessman, Mr Sam Sithole, popularly known as Samboy, is mourning the loss of five family members in a tragic head-on collision near Marondera on Wednesday night.
The accident occurred as the family was returning to Mutare after attending a graduation ceremony for one of the deceased, Jimmy Tinashe Sithole, in Harare.
The accident comes after a sports betting company, BetWinner, has urged all drivers to exercise caution and help save lives.
The accident, which happened at the 53-kilometre-peg along the Harare-Mutare highway, near Surrey Abattoir, involved a Ford Ranger vehicle carrying two passengers and a Honda Fit vehicle transporting five family members back to Mutare. The Honda Fit, carrying the Sithole family, collided head-on with the Ford Ranger.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the accident, revealing the identities of the deceased as Phillip Sithole (34), Jimmy Tinashe Sithole (28), Samuel Sithole (27), Rumbidzai Mlambo, and Laquisha Sithole (2).
“Jimmy Tinashe Sithole who was 28 years old has passed on in a car accident near Marondera. He was a former Midlands State University Student who had graduated yesterday (Wednesday) at Harare Polytechnic College. Attaboy, as we used to call him, died with 4 other family members who had accompanied him to his graduation ceremony,” a friend told My Zimbabwe News.
The impact of the collision was devastating, claiming the lives of all five occupants of the Honda Fit. Four other individuals sustained injuries and were admitted to Marondera Hospital.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged motorists to observe speed limits and road rules to prevent such tragedies. “The bodies of the victims were taken to Marondera Hospital mortuary for post mortem whilst the injured are admitted at the same hospital. The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should observe stipulated speed limits and abide by all road rules and regulations in-order to curb road traffic accidents. Above all, motorists are implored to avoid overtaking when it is not safe to do so or in areas with poor visibility.”
Mr Sithole, visibly distraught, spoke of his grief and shock. “I am at a loss of words. It is a shocker, and the whole family is in grief. We are really down and devastated. We did not see it coming. I am in pain. I am currently in Marondera to ensure that the bodies are taken to Mutare with the assistance of Nyaradzo Funeral Services.”
“I am sure we will travel later today (Thursday afternoon). I will notify you of other arrangements including their burial as I am yet to meet with other family members to decide whether we can bury them in Mutare or Chipinge,” said Mr Sithole.
