By Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the tragic accident in which a total of ten people died when a Honda Fit they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision at the 185 km peg along the Harare—Nyamapanda Road.
The victims will receive state-assisted funerals.
In a statement, the acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Felix Mhona, confirmed the declaration.
“His Excellency, the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] following the tragic road traffic crash that claimed ten lives at the 185 km peg near Suswe along the Harare—Nyamapanda Road. This declaration enables the Government to mobilise and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this painful period.
“The crash occurred when a Honda Fit carrying ten occupants, travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck en route to Harare,” he said.
Minister Mhona, who is also the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, stated that preliminary reports indicate that the Honda Fit encroached into the oncoming lane, resulting in the fatal collision.
“All ten occupants of the Honda Fit died on the spot, while the four occupants of the haulage truck survived.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Losing so many lives in a single incident is a profound national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are mourning. The Government, through the Civil Protection Department and relevant agencies, will provide the necessary assistance to the affected families, including support towards funeral arrangements and other immediate needs.”
“This heartbreaking incident also highlights the urgent need to decisively address illegal transport operations (Mushika-shika) and reckless driving on our roads. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to negligence and disregard for traffic laws,” he added.
