Zim GBC News | Midlands Correspondent
ZVISHAVANE – A 52-year-old truck driver has died after the heavy-duty vehicle he was operating veered off the Masvingo–Mbalabala Road and plunged into the Ngezi River, becoming fully submerged with the driver trapped inside.
The body of Silas Nyengetera, of Tarusenga Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita, was recovered nearly 22 hours after the accident, following a complex operation involving police sub-aqua divers.
What Happened
The incident occurred on 10 April 2026 at around 4:00 PM at the Ngezi River Bridge along the Masvingo–Mbalabala Road in Zvishavane.
According to Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Nyengetera was driving a heavy-duty Shacman truck towing two trailers at the time of the crash.
“He had no passengers with him. On approaching the 113km peg at Ngezi River Bridge, the truck veered off the road and fell into the river.”
“The truck got submerged in the water. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle.”
Recovery Operation
Officers from ZRP Zvishavane and the Police Sub-Aqua Unit attended the scene immediately.
Due to the truck being fully submerged in the river, the recovery operation proved challenging. Divers worked to locate and retrieve the driver’s body from the trapped vehicle.
The body was finally recovered on 11 April 2026 at approximately 2:30 PM – more than 22 hours after the accident.
Police Urge Caution
Inspector Mahoko confirmed the fatality and took the opportunity to remind motorists about road safety.
“We urge all motorists to exercise caution on the roads, especially when approaching bridges and during adverse weather conditions.”
The cause of the accident – whether mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions – remains under investigation by police.
Incident Summary
Detail Information
Victim Silas Nyengetera, 52
Home area Tarusenga Village, Chief Mazungunye, Bikita
Vehicle Shacman heavy-duty truck with two trailers
Location Ngezi River Bridge, 113km peg, Masvingo–Mbalabala Road
Date of accident 10 April 2026, 4:00 PM
Body recovered 11 April 2026, 2:30 PM
Police confirm Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Midlands provincial spokesperson
Our Condolences
Zim GBC News extends sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Silas Nyengetera during this difficult time.
📱 CONNECT WITH ZIM GBC NEWS
Follow us for 24/7 updates:
Platform Handle
X (Twitter) @ZimGbc
Instagram @ZimGBCNews
TikTok @ZimGBCNews_01
Facebook Zim GBC News
YouTube Zim GBC News
📲 Real-time alerts on WhatsApp: +263 773 820 323
🌐 In-depth coverage: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
📧 For advertising inquiries: Call, text or WhatsApp +263 773 432 994
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2026