Staff Reporter
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared Tuesday’s horrific Kwekwe accident that claimed 12 lives a national disaster, authorizing full state assistance for burials and medical support for survivors.
The declaration follows the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s release of eight victims’ identities, with four women still unidentified.
According to police reports, the crash near Kwekwe involved:
A petrol tanker with two trailers
A two-tonne truck
A Nissan AD Van carrying 12 passengers
Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tanker first collided with the truck before crashing head-on into the van, dragging it “for several metres” before overturning and crushing the vehicle.
In an emotional statement, President Mnangagwa expressed:
“I learnt with a very heavy heart of the horrific traffic collision… which claimed twelve innocent lives. This deadly incident adds yet another grim statistic to the needless toll reckless driving levies on our nation.”
He announced concrete measures:
“I have directed responsible arms of my Government to declare this a national disaster… paving the way for Government to take all-round responsibility for the interment of victims and support for the hospitalized.”
The President also addressed road safety reforms:
“While ZRP is deploying high-end technologies for traffic management, more must be done to arrest ever-spiraling fatalities. The duty for safe conduct falls on all road users – and the public must call out recklessness to tame this traffic jungle.”
Identified Victims
ZRP solemnly released these names:
James Ncube (23) – No. 44 Village 12, Sherwood, Kwekwe
Marvellous Mapanzure (20) – Indarama Mine, Kwekwe
Emilly Mpofu Mucheuki (25) – Plot 27 Sherwood, Kwekwe
Joshua Muza (35) – Indarama Mine, Kwekwe
Reward Nyatsongo (28) – Village 7 Marivel, Kwekwe
Farai Bisendi (47) – No. 19363 Mbizo 16, Kwekwe
Emmanuel Mangomana (21) – Kwekwe
Maria Jasi (43) – No. 9371 Mbizo 16 Extension, Kwekwe
Ongoing Efforts
Commissioner Nyathi stated:
“The identities of four other female victims remain unconfirmed. Investigations continue to establish the accident’s full cause.”
The disaster declaration mobilizes state resources as Kwekwe mourns Zimbabwe’s deadliest road incident this year.
Zim GBC News2025