Former Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander, Retired Chief Air Marshal Elson Moyo survives car accident

Retired Chief Air Marshal Elson Moyo, former Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Monday afternoon near Chegutu.

The incident, which occurred around 3:00 pm along the Chegutu-Pickstone Mine road, approximately 10 kilometres from Chegutu town, has raised public interest given the recent spate of accidents and deaths involving high-ranking military personnel.

The 67-year-old Moyo, resident at Concession Hill Farm, was driving his silver Toyota Hilux double cab, registration number AES 3454, when he lost control while negotiating a curve. The vehicle veered off the road, colliding with a tree before overturning and landing back on its wheels.

According to a police report (Traffic RRB 5841121), the accident caused significant damage to the vehicle, including a dislodged front right wheel, a damaged right headlamp, and a compromised front fender. The vehicle was subsequently towed back to Moyo’s farm for assessment.

While Moyo didn’t display any immediately visible injuries, he complained of discomfort in his right hip and shoulder. A passerby took him to Chegutu District Hospital for a preliminary examination. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

This incident adds to a growing list of concerning events involving senior military figures in Zimbabwe. Over the past few years, several high-ranking officers have died or been injured in circumstances that have fuelled speculation and conspiracy theories.

The sudden death of Major General Trust Mugoba in 2019, shortly after returning from a posting in Ethiopia with the African Union, remains shrouded in mystery. Similarly, the deaths of Air Commodore Pio Maketo and Brigadier General Ruphus Chigudu in reported car accidents in 2020 have also prompted questions.

The recent passing of Air Commodore (Retired) Peter Gedion Sheik Zimondi, who died at age 65 last month following a road traffic accident near Chitungwiza, further underscores this trend. His injuries were so severe that he was admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and remained in a coma until his death.

Many of these incidents have occurred since the November 2017 coup that brought President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power, a period marked by significant political upheaval. The timing and nature of these events have led to considerable public discussion and debate, with some attributing them to political infighting or other unspecified factors.