Zimbabwe has seen a busy week for law enforcement, with a fatal road accident, a murder arrest, a significant alcohol smuggling bust, and an armed robbery at a gold mine all dominating headlines. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to road safety, crime, and border security.
A serious road traffic accident on Friday claimed one life and left 14 others injured along the Roy-Chiredzi Road in Masvingo Province. The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 am at the 43-kilometre peg, involving a Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 12 passengers and an Audi A6 sedan with three occupants.
Police investigations indicate that the Toyota Hiace attempted an overtaking manoeuvre of the Audi, which was in the process of turning right, leading to the collision. The injured were rushed to Musiso Mission Hospital, where sadly, one victim succumbed to their injuries upon admission. The remaining 14 victims are receiving treatment at the same hospital. The deceased’s body was taken to the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
“The accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the 43-kilometer peg when a Toyota Hiace kombi with 12 passengers onboard collided with an Audi A6 sedan carrying three passengers. According to police, the Toyota Hiace attempted to overtake the Audi, which was turning right, resulting in the crash. The injured were rushed to Musiso Mission Hospital, where one victim died on admission. The remaining 14 victims are receiving treatment at the same hospital. The deceased’s body has been taken to the hospital mortuary for a post-mortem,” police reported.
In a separate incident in Harare, a Nissan Caravan Kombi carrying 18 passengers veered off Lyton Road and landed in a ditch on 27 December 2024. Fourteen passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment. Investigations into the cause of this accident are ongoing.
“Fourteen passengers were injured when a Nissan Caravan Kombi veered off Lyton Road and landed in a ditch on 27 December 2024, police said. The vehicle was carrying 18 passengers at the time of the crash. The injured were rushed to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing,” police confirmed.
Meanwhile, police in Harare have arrested Nomatter Kambandi, 34, in connection with the murder of Tinashe Shavi on the same day. Police allege that Kambandi abducted Shavi from his home in Whitecliff South, Zvimba, and transported him to an unknown location before his death. The circumstances surrounding the murder are currently under investigation.
In Beitbridge, police arrested Rumbidzai Ndlela, 33, for smuggling a substantial quantity of alcohol. The arrest occurred on 27 December during an operation targeting cross-border crime. Officers intercepted a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter containing a large consignment of various alcoholic beverages.
“Beitbridge – Police at the Beitbridge Border Post have arrested a 33-year-old woman for smuggling a large consignment of alcohol during an ongoing operation against cross-border crimes. Rumbidzai Ndlela was taken into custody on Dec. 27 after officers intercepted a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the registration number AGA 9507 at the Industrial Site in Beitbridge. Inside the vehicle, police recovered 120 boxes containing 750ml bottles of Viceroy, 43 boxes of Jack Daniel’s, 57 boxes of Jameson, 39 boxes of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, 60 boxes of Grant’s Scotch Whisky, 40 boxes of Best Whisky, 10 boxes of Chova, and 20 bottles of Glenfiddich,” police reported.
The seized alcohol included Viceroy, Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, Grant’s Scotch Whisky, Best Whisky, Chova, and Glenfiddich. Authorities stated that the arrest is part of intensified efforts under Operation “No to Cross-Border Crimes” to combat smuggling.
Finally, police in Gwanda are investigating an armed robbery at a mine in Filabusi. Seven armed men attacked security guards and stole 250 kilograms of gold carbon valued at $22,400. The robbery occurred on 27 December at approximately 11 pm. Police are appealing for information from the public.
“GWANDA – Police in Gwanda are investigating a robbery at a mine in Filabusi where seven armed men attacked security guards and made off with gold carbon worth thousands of dollars. The incident occurred on Dec. 27 at around 11 p.m. when seven unidentified suspects, wielding machetes and logs, attacked three security guards on duty. The assailants then broke into the mine’s carbon room and stole 250 kilograms of gold carbon valued at $22,400. Police are appealing to anyone with information to report to their nearest police station,” police announced.
