Plumtree, Zimbabwe – A tragic incident has cast a pall over the rural community of Tshemahali village in Madlambuzi, Plumtree, following the death of a 28-year-old man in a scotch cart accident. The man, identified as Luckson Ndlovu, lost his life when the donkey-drawn cart he was riding overturned after striking a tree trunk.
According to Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Matabeleland South Province, the fatal accident occurred on Monday morning around 9 a.m. on an unnamed dusty road in the Tshemahali area. The couple was reportedly on a routine chore—gathering firewood for domestic use—when tragedy struck.
“On the morning in question, the deceased, Luckson Ndlovu, and his wife, Caren Dube, aged 22, set out with a donkey-drawn scotch cart to collect firewood. While traveling on a narrow and rugged dirt path, the cart reportedly struck a tree trunk that was partially buried or obscured, causing it to lose balance,” said Inspector Dube.
The cart, unable to stabilize, overturned suddenly. In the process, Ndlovu was thrown to the ground and became trapped beneath the heavy wooden frame of the scotch cart. His wife, who was also on the cart, survived the incident with minor injuries and is reportedly receiving counseling following the trauma.
Local villagers rushed to the scene after hearing Caren’s desperate cries for help. They managed to lift the cart off Ndlovu and immediately ferried him to Ntoli Hospital, the nearest healthcare facility. Sadly, medical staff at the hospital pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Plumtree man dies in scotch cart accident
Ndlovu’s body was later transferred to Plumtree District Hospital mortuary, where it is currently being held pending a post-mortem examination. The cause of death is suspected to be internal injuries or trauma sustained during the overturning, although medical authorities are expected to provide a formal report.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit rural community, where Ndlovu was known as a hardworking young man devoted to his family. Many residents expressed grief and disbelief over the freak accident, noting that scotch carts—while outdated—are still commonly used in the area due to a lack of modern transportation alternatives.
“This is heartbreaking. Luckson was a humble young man, always working hard to provide for his family. It’s difficult to accept that something as simple as fetching firewood could end in such tragedy,” said one local elder, who declined to be named.
Scotch carts, usually pulled by donkeys or oxen, remain a popular mode of transport in many rural parts of Zimbabwe. They are used for a variety of purposes, from ferrying water and firewood to transporting passengers and agricultural produce. However, they are also known to be unstable on uneven terrain, and safety measures are minimal, especially in remote areas.
Local authorities have since urged communities to be extra cautious when using traditional means of transport, especially during the dry season when tree stumps and debris are more likely to obstruct paths.
“This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the hidden dangers in our day-to-day lives, particularly in rural settings where traditional transport methods are still prevalent,” said Inspector Dube. “We urge community members to regularly check and clear paths they frequently use, ensure carts are in good mechanical condition, and exercise caution at all times.”
The tragedy has also sparked discussions around the need for better infrastructure in rural communities, including safer roads, access to modern transport, and improved emergency response services. Many villagers lamented that such accidents might be preventable if rural roads were better maintained and if residents had access to safer means of transport.
Meanwhile, Caren Dube, still grappling with the sudden loss of her husband, is being supported by family and neighbors. Community leaders have also pledged to assist the bereaved family with funeral arrangements.
“Losing a loved one in such a sudden and tragic way is devastating,” said a local ward councilor. “We are doing our best to support the family emotionally and materially. This is a collective loss for our community.”
As preparations for Ndlovu’s burial get underway, the community of Tshemahali remains united in mourning, offering prayers and condolences to a family now left without its breadwinner.
Police investigations into the matter continue, though preliminary reports indicate that it was a tragic accident with no foul play suspected.
