Bindura, Zimbabwe – A wave of grief has washed over Bindura following the tragic death of five young girls in a road accident on Saturday. The community is mourning the loss of Rachel Saidi (13), Makanaka Nemhara (9), Ashleigh Mabheka (13), Chipo Chikanda (13), and Misiyose Benjamin (14), all from the same extended family.
The accident, which also left another young girl, Ashel Mabheka (11), in critical condition at Bindura Hospital with a fractured right leg and serious head injuries, has sent shockwaves through the community.
The accident occurred on Mt. Darwin Road, just 400 metres from house number 252 Ray, where the girls had been visiting Rachel. The girls, who often played together and frequently visited each other, were walking towards Bindura town to buy clothes when tragedy struck.
The police report details the events: “Upon approaching 90km peg on the said road, he failed to keep a proper control of the vehicle and veered off to the left side of the road and swerved to the right side where he went on to hit 6 pedestrians who were walking along the said road due south,” the memo states.
“The motor vehicle overturned several times and landed on its roof approximately 5 metres from the road. Three pedestrians died on the spot, two died upon admission at Bindura Hospital. One pedestrian is in critical condition and is admitted at Bindura Hospital. One passenger from the first party’s vehicle sustained a cut on the head and her condition is stable. The first party (Timburwa) did not sustain any visible injuries.”
The impact of the accident was devastating. Five young lives were tragically lost, and Ashel Mabheka remains in critical condition. Ngwerume, the passenger in Timburwa’s vehicle, sustained a head wound but is reported to be in a stable condition. The damaged vehicle, registration number ADQ1676, was towed to the Bindura Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) for inspection. Police attributed the accident to speeding and have charged Timburwa with culpable homicide.
Mr Albert Mabheka, Ashleigh’s father, described the devastating loss of his daughter and the ongoing struggle for his other daughter’s survival.
“From what I heard my two daughters, along with Chipo and Misiyose left the compound to visit their uncle’s daughter Rachel,” he recounted.
“They wanted to shop for clothes in Bindura when they were run over by the vehicle. They were facing towards town with their backs to the vehicle when they were hit. I cannot explain the pain that I am feeling and I don’t know how I will overcome this grief.”
Mr Richard Saidi, Rachel’s father, shared a similarly heartbreaking account. He explained that he had spoken to his daughter the day before the accident, asking if she needed anything. She replied that they needed nothing.
The following day, she was gone. He emotionally described how the girls never saw the car coming, as they had their backs to the vehicle. Mr Saidi, a truck driver, had been caring for Rachel since the death of her mother in 2004, when she was only four years old. Rachel often looked after the other children while he was away.
The community is rallying around the bereaved families, offering condolences and support. Mourners have gathered to pay their respects, expressing their sorrow and sharing in the families’ grief.
The sight of parents sobbing uncontrollably, their hearts heavy with pain, is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of this accident. Rachel and Makanaka Nemhara lived together at the house on Mt. Darwin Road, highlighting the close-knit nature of the extended family.
Government officials, including Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo and the Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, visited the families to offer their condolences.
Minister Magomo addressed the grieving families, acknowledging the profound pain of losing young and innocent lives. He offered his condolences and wished the families comfort and strength.
In a testament to the community’s collective sorrow, the five girls received a State-assisted funeral and were laid to rest at Makusha Cemetery in Bindura.
