A sombre atmosphere engulfed Chivhu yesterday as the town gathered to mourn 28 people who lost their lives in the horrific road accident near Makumimavi Primary School on Friday.
Hearses carrying the coffins of the victims made their way from the accident scene to Chivhu General Hospital, where hundreds of mourners gathered for a memorial service in honour of the deceased.
The memorial service was attended by Government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional and church leaders, relatives, friends and members of the local community. Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Daniel Garwe served as the Chief Mourner.
The tragedy has left Chikomba District in deep grief, with six other people sustaining critical injuries in the accident.
Before the memorial service, traditional leaders conducted a ceremony at the accident scene, where prayers and customary rites were performed to honour the deceased and provide spiritual and traditional guidance to the community.
Addressing mourners at the memorial service, Minister Garwe conveyed condolences from Government and assured the affected families of continued support.
“On behalf of His Excellency and the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and would like to assure you of our continued support, comfort and assistance during this difficult period,” he said.
Minister Garwe said Government would cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide State assistance towards the burial of the deceased.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06), allowing Government to coordinate the disaster response and mobilise resources to assist affected families and survivors.
Minister Garwe called on traditional and church leaders to play a key role in supporting families and survivors through counselling, spiritual guidance and psychosocial assistance.
“Recovering from such a devastating incident required emotional, psychological, social and spiritual support,” he said.
The Minister also commended the Chikomba District Civil Protection structures, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Chivhu residents, ambulance teams, fire personnel and medical staff at Chivhu General Hospital and Chitungwiza Central Hospital for their swift response following the accident.
He assured the injured that Government would meet their medical costs and wished them a speedy recovery.
Minister Garwe further urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and act responsibly to prevent further loss of life on Zimbabwe’s roads.
“As we mourn the departed, let us remain united in supporting the bereaved families and survivors. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may God grant strength, comfort and healing to all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.
The memorial service was also attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Honourable Felix Mhona, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, who is the Chikomba West legislator, Government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders and church leaders.