President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared the horrific road accident that occurred near Kwekwe on Tuesday a national disaster. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 12 people and left several others injured, sparking national mourning and renewed calls for road safety interventions.
The declaration enables the government to mobilize resources and provide immediate support to the families affected by the tragedy. This includes assistance with funeral arrangements and financial support for the burial of the deceased, as well as medical aid and care for the injured survivors who are currently hospitalised.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued from State House, President Mnangagwa expressed his profound grief and solidarity with the bereaved families. “My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident. The pain of losing so many lives in one moment is unimaginable, and the entire nation stands with you during this difficult time,” said the President.
He extended his sympathies to those who were injured in the crash and wished them a swift and full recovery. The President noted that the government would ensure that all necessary measures are taken to support victims and prevent such disasters in the future.
President Mnangagwa Declares Kwekwe Accident a National Disaster, Urges Road Safety Reforms
Initial reports indicate that the accident involved a head-on collision between a commuter omnibus and a haulage truck, with authorities still investigating the exact cause. Witnesses at the scene described a gruesome aftermath, underscoring the severity of the crash and its devastating impact.
President Mnangagwa stressed the need for collective national action to address the country’s increasingly alarming rate of road traffic accidents. He cited poor driving practices, speeding, and disregard for traffic regulations as major contributors to road carnage in Zimbabwe.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. The frequency with which we are losing lives to road accidents must be a wake-up call. This tragedy is yet another painful reminder that we must do more—individually and collectively—to make our roads safer,” he said.
He further emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility. “Safe traffic conduct is not the responsibility of the police alone; it is the duty of every citizen who uses our roads—drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” President Mnangagwa stated.
The Head of State appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and road safety officials by reporting reckless drivers and advocating for adherence to traffic laws. He underscored the need for stronger community involvement in combating dangerous driving habits that endanger lives.
President Mnangagwa also called on the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to expedite the implementation of road safety strategies, including the rehabilitation of accident-prone roads, enhanced traffic monitoring systems, and increased public education on responsible road use.
In addition, he urged public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that their drivers are properly trained and licensed. “Transport operators must not only prioritise profits but also the safety of passengers and other road users. There must be zero tolerance for negligence behind the wheel,” he warned.
As the nation continues to mourn the loss of lives in the Kwekwe tragedy, President Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of unity and compassion during this period. He called on churches, civil society organizations, and community leaders to support grieving families and promote a culture of care and vigilance on the roads.
This latest tragedy adds to a series of fatal road accidents that have plagued Zimbabwe in recent years, prompting widespread calls for decisive policy changes and enforcement of traffic regulations. The government’s declaration of the accident as a national disaster is expected to fast-track resource mobilization and policy coordination aimed at both immediate relief and long-term road safety reforms.
President Mnangagwa concluded his message by reaffirming the government’s commitment to reducing road traffic deaths and ensuring that similar tragedies do not continue to rob the nation of its citizens.
