Chitungwiza Accident Declared National Disaster by President Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared the Chitungwiza accident, which yesterday tragically claimed 17 lives, a national disaster.

The accident, involving a commuter omnibus and a haulage truck, occurred along Seke Road at Hunyani Bridge, near Water Works.

The declaration was announced today by Minister of Local Government, Daniel Garwe, at a memorial service held at Doves Morgan Funeral Parlour in Chitungwiza.

Minister Garwe conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured the bereaved families of the government’s full support.

With the national disaster declaration, the Zimbabwean government will now assume responsibility for all expenses related to the accident.

“Everything that will follow like burying the dead, treatment of those hospitalized is now our duty as government,” stated Minister Garwe.

This includes coffins, food, and transport for burials, even for those not being interred in Chitungwiza.

Minister Garwe emphasized that the government, led by President Mnangagwa, is grieving with the affected families and will work in conjunction with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), Doves Funeral Parlour, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to ensure all necessary arrangements are made.

He also extended the President’s well wishes for the recovery of the five victims currently hospitalized.

In his address, Minister Garwe implored all road users to exercise extreme caution and desist from reckless driving.

“Many precious lives are lost due to the negligence of others, leading to tragic consequences such as children becoming orphans like in this case.”

The Minister urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to devise and implement more stringent legislation to impose deterrent sentences on traffic offenders, particularly those driving public vehicles like commuter omnibuses and “mushika-shika” (unregistered taxis).

“It is my wish that we ban “mushika-shika” due to the numerous problems they cause on the roads. Furthermore, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) must ensure that learner’s driving licenses are only issued to individuals who are demonstrably suitable drivers.”

He also stressed the need to enforce laws against cellphone usage while driving, identifying it as a significant contributor to road traffic accidents.

Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma expressed gratitude to Minister Garwe for his visit and condolences.

The Municipality of Chitungwiza has also stepped in to support the grieving communities by dedicating water supply to St. Mary’s and Manyame suburbs for two days (July 23 and 24, 2025) to assist with funeral wakes.

President Mnangagwa conveyed a message of comfort to the bereaved, reminding them to find solace in their faith, acknowledging God as the giver and taker of life.