In an official condolence message, President Mnangagwa described the accident as a “heart-rending loss to the nation,” and urged stakeholders to urgently address the causes of such tragic road carnage.
By Aldridge Dzvene
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the 17 people who tragically lost their lives in a fatal road traffic accident at Hunyani Bridge along Seke Road on 22 July 2025.
“On behalf of the Government, the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, and on my own behalf, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and assure them of our thoughts and prayers in this most difficult moment of grief and loss,” read the statement.
The President emphasized the need for heightened road safety measures, stronger enforcement of traffic regulations, and improved transport infrastructure, noting that human error and negligence continue to claim innocent lives. He further urged transport operators and road users to uphold the highest safety standards.
The accident occurred when a commuter omnibus (kombi) collided with a haulage truck at Hunyani Bridge, leaving no survivors in the kombi. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), all 17 victims have since been positively identified by their next of kin.
Those who perished in the accident are:
Tatenda Silia (25) – kombi driver, Rockview West, Zengeza 5 Extension
Wishby Nganima (19) – Nyatsime, Chitungwiza
Letwin Hwingwiri (52) – St John’s Bhora, Murehwa
Frederick Jumo (39) – Stoneridge, Harare
Shantel Jere (3) – infant, St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Rainford Jere (29) – St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Prodigas Mugere (37) – St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Tatenda Dhokwani (25) – Damafalls, Ruwa
Samantha Taderera (27) – Zimre Park, Harare
Sheilla Nemasango (58) – Nyatsime, Chitungwiza
Samantha Nyangani (32) – Unit P, Seke
Emma Matare (32) – Stoneridge, Harare
Joshua Gutsa (7) – Stoneridge, Harare
Perpetua Kurwa (35) – Stoneridge, Harare
Anyway Maguduru (26) – Manyame Park, Chitungwiza
Talent Hwingwiri (18) – St John’s Bhora, Murehwa
Mary Nyambiri (63) – St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
The ZRP is currently conducting full-scale investigations to determine the circumstances leading to the accident, including the possibility of mechanical failure or human error. Preliminary indications suggest the accident involved excessive speed and possible negligence.
Police spokespersons have reiterated calls for motorists to remain vigilant on the roads, respect traffic laws, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy, especially on major highways such as Seke Road, which links Harare with Chitungwiza.
As the nation mourns this painful loss, the President called on the public to unite in prayer and support for the affected families and to reflect on the collective responsibility of safeguarding lives on Zimbabwe’s roads.
