A pall of grief has fallen over Mt St Mary’s High School in Hwedza following a tragic kombi accident that claimed the lives of two students on Wednesday afternoon.
The students, Denzel and Wayne, both from Harare, were travelling to collect their O-Level examination results when the vehicle overturned approximately 15 kilometres from their destination.
Initial reports suggested multiple fatalities, but H-Metro confirmed late Wednesday that only two students perished in the accident, while several others sustained serious injuries. The injured students were transported to Mt St Mary’s Hospital, where they remain under medical care. A number of parents are anxiously awaiting updates on their children’s conditions.
Denzel, described by his peers as “the greatest mafia in the world,” had achieved exceptional results in his examinations, earning six As, three Bs, and a C. Details regarding Wayne’s results remain unconfirmed. Denzel’s funeral wake is being held in Mabvuku, with his burial scheduled for Saturday in Zvimba. Wayne’s funeral arrangements are underway in Southlea Park.
A parent, reflecting on the tragedy and the pressure surrounding exam results, poignantly stated: “Zvakutyisa kutaura maresults evana because vanhu vakutongoita zvese zvese, kune vasingafarire kubudirira kwevana.” (It’s terrifying to discuss children’s results because people make a big fuss, there are those who don’t like children’s success.)
The accident occurred near Chizema Shops, just before Mkondwa School, according to Mr A Nyasha, chairman of the school’s development committee. He issued a statement expressing the school community’s profound sorrow and extending condolences to the bereaved families.
Mr Nyasha’s statement highlighted the school’s gratitude towards the hospital staff for their tireless efforts in attending to the injured students and a parent who was also a passenger in the kombi. He also acknowledged the swift response of school authorities and teaching staff, along with the students’ heartfelt display of support for their injured classmates. He concluded by expressing hope that the authorities would find ways to console the grieving students.
“Our thoughts are with the families, and friends of our boys who couldn’t make it. This is a very difficult time for everyone in our school community and us as parents. We would like to thank the hospital staff for dedicating all their efforts to saving the lives of our children and that of our fellow parent who was also on board that kombi.
“I would also want to thank our responsible authorities and the entire teaching staff for promptly responding when the news filtered at school, our kids included. They showed very serious attachment to their former schoolmates. Hope the authorities that be will find ways to console them,” Mr Nyasha said.
A moving condolence message from Wayne’s schoolmates reflects the profound impact he had on their lives: “RIP to the greatest mafia in the world. Your heartfelt presence and all the memories made us who we are.”
The authorities at Mt St Mary’s High School confirmed the tragedy, describing it as a dark cloud hanging over both students and parents. A parent, speaking on the situation, added: “It’s a dark cloud for both parents and students. We are pleading for prayers. Initially, it had been reported that several students died but only two have been confirmed. The other ones are in critical condition while the other is on comma. We need more prayers.”
Reports suggest that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The loss of two promising young lives is a tragedy that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact at the Mt St Mary’s school and beyond.
