Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a fatal road accident that claimed 27 lives along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Honeysruit Bridge in Chikomba District.
The head-on collision happened at around 8:30pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, at the 15km peg outside Chivhu.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa to Goromonzi collided with a kombi transporting members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church. The church members were travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma for church business.
The impact caused an immediate fire. Several passengers in the kombi were trapped and suffered fatal burns.
The toll so far:
- 27 people confirmed dead – 24 died on the spot, while 3 others died after being rushed to Chivhu General Hospital
- 7 people critically injured and are receiving treatment at Chivhu General Hospital
- The kombi driver died at the scene. The truck driver survived and was taken to Harare for treatment
Government Response
Civil Protection teams, working with Chivhu community members, responded quickly. Fire tenders put out the blaze while small cranes helped recover bodies from the wreckage. A heavy-duty crane was later used to clear the truck and mining equipment that had blocked the highway. The road is now fully open.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortems. Government says the names of the victims will be released once families have been notified.
By declaring a State of Disaster under the Civil Protection Act, government can now mobilise resources to support the affected families and survivors.
"The Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends and members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church following this tragic loss of life," the statement said. Government also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
A Familiar Pain on African Roads
The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on major highways across Southern Africa, especially at night. Kombis transporting church groups, families and workers are a common sight on regional roads, and crashes involving heavy trucks and public transport continue to claim too many lives.
As communities in Dema, Mvuma and across the Mwazha Church mourn, calls are growing for stricter enforcement of road safety, better emergency response, and support for families who have lost breadwinners.
Issued by: Hon. D. Garwe (MP), Minister of Local Government and Public Works, 29 August 2026