A Bulawayo man is grappling with unimaginable grief after accidentally running over and killing his two-year-old daughter in a devastating incident that occurred in Hendricourt, Kensington, on the morning of 20 June 2025.
The 55-year-old father, whose name has not yet been released by police to allow the family time to grieve, was reversing his Toyota Hilux Double Cab when tragedy struck. According to reports, the man was manoeuvring the vehicle out of his yard around 8:43AM, unaware that his young daughter had walked behind the vehicle.
What began as a routine morning chore quickly turned fatal when, after reversing, the Bulawayo man shifted into drive and began moving forward. In that moment, the front left side of the vehicle struck the toddler, and the front wheel rolled over her.
According to a report by H-Metro, the child died instantly due to severe head injuries. The report adds that immediate efforts by family members and neighbours to rush her to the nearest medical facility were in vain, as she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragic death has left the local community in shock and mourning. Residents in Hendricourt described the family as quiet and respectable, with many expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in their midst.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “We are all devastated. The father loved his daughter so much—you could always see them together. He must be completely shattered.”
Another resident noted how quickly such a tragedy can happen, especially with toddlers who are often unaware of the dangers posed by vehicles.
The incident has also reignited discussions around child safety at home, particularly the risks associated with reversing large vehicles in residential driveways. Experts say that even in familiar environments, extra caution is needed when children are nearby.
“Many people assume that their children are being watched or are safe indoors, but accidents like this remind us that it takes only seconds for tragedy to occur,” said local child safety advocate Pamela Dube. “We urge parents to double-check their surroundings and always know where their children are before moving any vehicle.”
Bulawayo police have since launched an investigation into the incident, though initial indications point to a tragic accident with no foul play suspected. Authorities have confirmed that the Bulawayo man is cooperating fully with investigators.
Bulawayo Man Accidentally Kills Toddler Daughter in Reversing Tragedy
In a brief statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said:
“We can confirm that a two-year-old child was fatally injured when she was run over by her father’s vehicle at their home in Kensington. Investigations are ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest this was a heartbreaking accident.”
The loss is all the more painful given the age of the child, whose life was just beginning. Family friends say the little girl had recently started speaking in full sentences and was known for her bubbly personality.
“She was the light of their home,” said a family friend. “It’s just heartbreaking beyond words. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially under such traumatic circumstances.”
The tragedy also highlights the emotional toll such incidents take on parents. Psychologists warn that the psychological trauma experienced by the Bulawayo man could be severe and long-lasting.
“Parents who accidentally harm their children often suffer from guilt, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder,” said clinical psychologist Dr. Rutendo Moyo. “It is essential that the father receives emotional and psychological support as he processes this trauma.”
As the family now prepares to lay their young daughter to rest, calls are growing for increased public awareness around vehicle safety, especially in residential spaces. Some community members have proposed safety campaigns to educate parents on basic precautions such as installing reverse cameras, creating child-free zones during vehicle movement, and assigning an adult to monitor children at all times.
This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed forever. For one Bulawayo man, a normal morning ended in an unspeakable loss—one that will haunt him and his family for the rest of their lives.
The little girl’s funeral is expected to be held later this week, with neighbours and loved ones planning to attend in solidarity. Grief counsellors have also been deployed to support the grieving family.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to urge families across Zimbabwe to be vigilant around young children and vehicles, in hopes of preventing future tragedies like this one.
Source – ZimEye
