HARARE – A dark cloud of sorrow has descended upon Zimbabwe as 13 lives were tragically lost on Friday night in two separate road accidents, leaving a trail of grief and dozens injured. The accidents, which occurred in Masvingo and Gokwe, highlight the grim reality of road safety challenges in the country. What is, however, worrying is the fact that the Chikozo bus accident happened just a week after the tragic suicide of the Chikozho bus owner, Mr Alphabet Takawira Chikozho who was once a very prominent and wealthy businessman before tables turned.
The first accident, a chilling reminder of the dangers of overloaded vehicles, unfolded at around 4.30pm on the Masvingo-Zano Road. A Chikozho bus, carrying a staggering 105 passengers – 75 seated and 30 standing – was travelling from Masvingo to Topora when it veered off the road while negotiating a steep gradient. The bus, seemingly overwhelmed by the weight of its passengers, crashed into a large rock, known locally as a “dwala”, before overturning.
The impact of the crash was devastating. Seven people lost their lives, while 99 others sustained injuries. Thankfully, 65 of the injured were treated and discharged from Topora Clinic for minor injuries. However, 33 individuals who suffered serious injuries were rushed to Morgenster Hospital and Masvingo General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The bus company must be going through a tough time. Just last week, they lost their boss, Alphabet Takawira Chikozho, who tragically took his own life by shooting himself in the mouth late last month. This double blow leaves a community reeling from shock and grief.
Mr Chikozho, a once successful bus operator who ran a fleet of over 20 buses under Chikozho Bus Services, took his own life last week at his residence in Caravan Park in Masvingo. The police confirmed that he shot himself in the mouth, a grim act that underscores the depths of despair he must have been facing.
“When he shot himself yesterday evening, he had just lost a civil court case where he had been told to repay a substantial debt,” said a source, their voice heavy with grief.
Ironically, Mr Mr Chikozho’s suicide came just five months after his brother, Masvingo transport mogul Albert Chikozho (65), also died. While Albert’s death was attributed to a short illness, the family is now grappling with the devastating loss of two prominent figures within a short span.
In the second accident that took place yesterday, some two hours after the first one and at around 6pm, the horrific accident occurred on the Gokwe-Siabuwa Road, approximately four kilometres from Gokwe town. A Nissan Sulphy that was seemingly caught off guard by a pothole, veered off course and collided head-on with a Nissan AD Van carrying nine passengers.
The impact was brutal, claiming the lives of six people – three from each vehicle. Eight others were injured, with three suffering critical injuries and five sustaining moderate injuries. The injured were swiftly transported to Gokwe General Hospital for treatment.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, in a statement released on Friday evening, confirmed the tragic events. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed deep concern over the accidents, urging all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two fatal road traffic accidents which occurred this evening in Masvingo and Gokwe where a total of 13 people have died,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
