The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, formerly called Harare Agricultural Show, a yearly event that brings together Zimbabweans from all walks of life, has once again been marred by a tragic accident.
This time, a kombi crashed into an exhibitor’s stand, leaving two people badly injured.
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday morning brings memories of the inherent dangers that come with large gatherings. Details surrounding the incident are still sketchy, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the crash.
The kombi rammed straight into a Kambucha exhibition stand. One of the injured individuals can be seen lying on the ground awaiting medical attention.
Social media has been abuzz with concern and worry, with many users expressing their dismay over the recurring accidents at the show.
“It seems like there’s an accident every year. What are the organisers doing to ensure the safety of attendees?” lamented one user.
This incident is sadly not an isolated case. Over the years, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, formerly known as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, has witnessed a string of accidents, some with fatal consequences.
In 2022, a 12-year-old boy, Wayne Mugaure, was electrocuted after touching the metal body of an electric swing at the show’s Luna Park. The young boy, a Grade pupil at Alfred Beit School in Harare, tragically died upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
Another heartbreaking incident occurred in 2011 when 3-year-old Given Flint Matapure went missing at the show. His skeletal remains were found weeks later by a worker clearing a piece of land within Exhibition Park.
The show grounds have also witnessed a number of pedestrians being hit by cars along Samora Machel road while crossing to or from the show.
These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety measures in place at the Harare Agricultural Show. While organisers have implemented safety protocols in the past, it seems that these measures are not enough to prevent accidents from occurring.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) has said it has put steps to increase surveillance, enhance security and streamline efficiency during this year’s exhibition to try and curb potential of theft, incidences of lost children and untoward accidents.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, ZAS Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Matibiri said this year’s show – the 114th edition of the annual showcase – will be different from past events.
“This year’s event, scheduled from Monday 26 August to Saturday 31 August 2024, at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Business Hub, in Harare, will be a remarkable celebration of Zimbabwe’s vibrant and innovative agricultural industry,” he said.
“We have held a series of meetings with the police for four days, and they assured us that they will deploy more officers.
“We have put in place CCTV’s all over, and we will put tags on children with phone numbers of parents to enhance our security and drones will be flying above,” Matibiri said.
The theme for the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is “Cultivating Prosperity. Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing our Future.”
Gate fees for adults from Monday to Thursday are US$5 and US$7 from Friday to Saturday.
Children’s entry fee is US$1 and shall be US$2 on Friday and Saturday.
