ICZ Mobilises Funeral and Compensation Services for Seke Road Accident Victims

The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has activated immediate insurance support and compensation mechanisms following a tragic road traffic accident that claimed seventeen lives on 22 July 2025 at Manyame Bridge along Seke Road.

In a heartfelt statement, the ICZ and its member organisations comprising Zimbabwe’s non-life insurers and reinsurers extended their profound condolences to the bereaved families and the nation at large. The council confirmed that both vehicles involved in the fatal collision, a 30-tonne haulage truck and a commuter omnibus, were fully insured and compliant under national and regional insurance regulations.

“The lorry had a COMESA Yellow Card cover, and the commuter omnibus was compliant with the Road Traffic Act Motor Cover and Public Passenger Liability,” ICZ said.

To ease the burden on affected families, the ICZ contracted a funeral parlour to provide full funeral and burial services for all the deceased within Zimbabwe. The Council has also urged beneficiaries or next of kin to contact their toll-free line 591 for swift processing of insurance compensation in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.

“Our call center staff will guide families in accessing the benefits to which they are entitled,” the statement continued, highlighting the ICZ’s collaboration with the Civil Protection Unit and Zimbabwe Republic Police in offering logistical and emotional support.

Chitungwiza Mayor Mangoma Appeals for National Disaster Declaration

Chitungwiza Mayor Councillor Rosaria Mangoma, in her condolence message, described the accident scene as one of the most disturbing the community has witnessed in years.

Chitungwiza Mayor, Councillor Rosaria Mangoma

“What I saw was heartbreaking,” said Mayor Mangoma, who visited the crash site alongside Acting Town Clerk Mr. Japson Nemuseso and other local officials. “Seventeen lives were lost in an instant. I am formally appealing to the government of Zimbabwe to declare this a national disaster.”

Such a declaration, the mayor said, would unlock critical resources to support grieving families and strengthen emergency response systems. She also raised concerns about Seke Road’s growing danger, revealing that this was the fourth major road traffic accident in a short space of time along the same stretch of road.

As Zimbabwe mourns yet another devastating loss of life on its roads, pressure is mounting on authorities to implement urgent reforms. Citizens and civil society are calling for improved road infrastructure, better traffic enforcement, and a stronger focus on driver training and public safety awareness.

The ICZ has reaffirmed its commitment to standing with affected families and the nation.

“We remain committed to upholding our promise of support and financial relief to the bereaved through insurance compensation,” the ICZ stated.

With funeral arrangements underway and support systems being activated, Zimbabwe now faces a critical moment of reflection—a moment to honour the dead not only through mourning but through meaningful reforms that can prevent such tragedies from recurring.

For funeral and compensation assistance:
📞 ICZ Toll-Free Helpline: 591