Beitbridge – The tragic aftermath of a horrific road accident along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway continues to unfold, with the death toll now standing at 25. The latest fatality occurred as one of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.
According to police reports, 29 passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at Beitbridge District Hospital. Additionally, two other injured individuals are admitted at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, while 13 critically injured passengers have been transferred to the United Bulawayo Group of Hospitals for specialised care.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement confirming the updated death toll and providing details of the ongoing efforts to identify the victims. To date, 22 of the 25 deceased have been positively identified by their next of kin.
Commissioner Nyathi released the names of the identified victims:
- Gwiba Kezias (51), Stoneridge, Harare
- Mudzingwa Origin (47), Sese Village, Masvingo
- Tsitsi Mukaro, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Emma Mukaro, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Punich Masvenhise (45), SDP, Beitbridge
- Richard Kandororo (37), Marindale, Norton
- Vincent Bvumbe (35), Shule Shule, Beitbridge
- Petronella Murungweni (26), Mashavire, Beitbridge
- Jeke Paradzai (46), Glen Norah, Harare
- Abell Rumbwere, Mashavire, Beitbridge
- Melissa Jackson (21), Warren Park, Harare
- Natasha Tembo, SDP, Beitbridge
- Gilbert Gwinyai Mafi, Mbare, Harare
- Elizabeth Mauto (48), Seke, Chitungwiza
- Faustina Zhakata Chibamu, Budiriro 5, Harare
- Mutsekwa Josphine, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge
- Mollicious Kahanda (37), Holiday Inn, Beitbridge
- Douglous Mandira (43), Marlborough, Harare
- Angela Tembo, SDP, Beitbridge
- Taziva Nyashega, Hatcliffe, Harare
- Elton Marima, Old Medium, Beitbridge
The identities of the remaining three victims are still unknown, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying them. Anyone with information that could help identify the deceased is urged to contact their nearest police station.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Commissioner Nyathi reiterated the police’s call for responsible driving and adherence to road safety regulations.
“Meanwhile, the Police urge drivers to be responsible on the roads, promote road safety and avoid overtaking in situations which are clearly not safe to do so,” he stated. The police are particularly concerned about the prevalence of reckless overtaking, which they believe is a major contributing factor to road accidents.
