The Sithole family of Morningside suburb in Mutare is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy, the loss of four of their children in a horrific road accident.
The accident, which occurred last Thursday near Marondera along the Mutare-Harare Highway, claimed the lives of Jimmy Tinashe Sithole (28), popularly known as Attahboy, his siblings – Samuel (27), Phillip (34), and Laquisha (2) – as well as their daughter-in-law, Rumbidzai Mlambo.
The family had been celebrating Jimmy’s graduation from Harare Polytechnic, a moment of joy and pride that was tragically cut short by the accident. The five family members were returning from the graduation ceremony when their vehicle, a Honda Fit, collided head-on with a Ford Ranger. The accident, blamed on speeding and overtaking on a blind spot, left four people dead at the scene.
The news of the accident has left the Sithole family devastated and struggling to come to terms with their loss. The pain and sorrow are overwhelming, a gaping void that no words can fill.
“I could not believe it when I learnt that the accident had claimed my four children and another family member. I am at a loss of words. It came as a shocker, and the whole family is deeply devastated, hurting and grieving,” said the Mutare-based prominent businessman Mr Samuel Sithole, the father of the deceased, who is popularly known as Samboy.
We are all literally down and shattered. We never saw it coming. If we had, we could have stopped it, whichever way possible, but it came like a thief, and snatched them from us during what we thought was a celebrating moment. I am throbbing,” he said as tears were welling down his cheeks.
Despite the intensity of his grief, Mr Sithole found the strength to pay tribute to the hundreds of mourners who came from Mutare and beyond to stand with his family during their darkest hour.
“I am at a loss of words. It is still painful, and this deep scar is permanent, and will never heal. However, I would like to thank all the mourners who have been with us during this heart twisting and grieving period. Their presence and support made an otherwise insurmountable the burden of laying the quartet to rest bearable,” he said.
The funeral procession, a cavalcade of cars snaking from Morningside to Yeovil Cemetery, was a poignant testament to the profound impact the Sithole family had on the community. Hundreds of mourners, from all walks of life, gathered at the cemetery to pay their last respects to the four family members, who were interred in a line, one after the other.
The sight of the four graves, side by side, was a painful reminder of the tragedy that had befallen the family. The air was thick with grief and sorrow as relatives, friends, and loved ones struggled to comprehend the reality of their loss.
Rumbidzai Mlambo, the family’s daughter-in-law, was buried in Chipinge last weekend.
Despite the pain, the shared loss brought people together, transcending differences and offering solace to the grieving family. Mourners from across the political divide, business, and religious denominations converged at the cemetery to offer their condolences and support.
Members of the United Methodist Church, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, and Zion, distinct by their elegant uniforms, joined in songs and dance, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, attended the burial and delivered an emotional speech that inspired love, unity, and hope.
“This is a painful period. It is hard to fathom that the deceased are gone. It is unimaginable, and we would like to console the Sithole family for the tragedy. We have been with you through thick and thin, and we are also glad that several businesspeople came together to raise money to assist the family during this very difficult period.
“We also managed to assist with maize-meal and other foodstuffs, joining others to make the arrangements bearable. It is this love that is so touching. Coming together as the people of Manicaland and grieve with one of your own means a lot. We should always remain united,” he said.
The police, in a statement released after the tragedy, urged motorists to observe stipulated speed limits and abide by all road rules and regulations to curb road accidents.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 53 kilometre peg along Harare-Mutare Highway on August 7, 2024 at around 7.20pm. Five people were killed, while four others were injured when a Ford Ranger vehicle with two passengers on board was involved in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit vehicle with five passengers on board.
“The bodies of the victims were taken to Marondera General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, while 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,” reads part of the statement.
