Scotchcart Accident – The community of Chatyora Village under Chief Rusambo in Rushinga District has been left devastated following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in a scotchcart accident. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon and has plunged the rural village into mourning.
The deceased, Tinevimbo Kurima, lost her life shortly after being admitted to Rushinga Clinic, where she succumbed to head injuries sustained during the accident. According to eyewitness reports and police statements, the young girl was travelling with her father, Philip Kurima, in an ox-drawn scotchcart at the time of the incident.
Tinevimbo was reportedly seated on top of a loading box in the cart, a common practice in many rural communities where scotchcarts are a key means of transport for both people and goods. Her father was guiding the cart along a strip road within the village when one of the oxen suddenly jumped, possibly startled or agitated by an unseen disturbance.
This sudden movement caused the cart to swerve off the path, veering to the right before overturning completely. In the process, Tinevimbo was thrown violently to the ground. As the scotchcart toppled, part of it struck her head, inflicting serious injuries.
Bystanders and nearby villagers rushed to assist, and the injured girl was quickly taken to Rushinga Clinic. Despite efforts by medical staff to save her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival due to the severity of her injuries.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety risks associated with traditional modes of transport in rural areas. Mashonaland Central police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the grieving family and community.
Tragedy in Rushinga as 12-Year-Old Girl Dies in Scotchcart Accident
“I can confirm a sudden death case in Rushinga involving a 12-year-old girl who died after being struck by a scotchcart that overturned,” said Inspector Mundembe. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and urge all community members to exercise maximum caution when using animal-drawn carts.”
Inspector Mundembe went on to issue a strong appeal for better safety practices, particularly when transporting children. He emphasized the importance of always having a designated leader and ensuring the use of reins to maintain full control over the animals pulling the cart.
“This tragic loss of young life could possibly have been avoided,” he noted. “We urge all scotchcart users to adhere to safety protocols — including using reins, avoiding overloading, and keeping passengers securely seated inside the cart. Such precautions are essential to preventing avoidable tragedies.”
Tinevimbo’s death has sparked a wave of sorrow in the village, where she was known as a cheerful and friendly young girl. Many villagers gathered at the Kurima homestead following the news, offering comfort and support to the grieving family.
“She was full of life, always smiling,” said one neighbor, visibly emotional. “It’s so hard to believe she’s gone, just like that. Everyone in the village is shaken by this.”
Community leaders, including local councillors and representatives from the traditional leadership, have since visited the family to offer condolences and assist with funeral arrangements.
Tinevimbo’s tragic passing has also reignited debate about rural transport safety in Zimbabwe. While scotchcarts remain a practical necessity in many areas with poor road access and limited transport options, they are often used without sufficient safety measures — leaving passengers, especially children, vulnerable to accidents.
Local NGOs working in the area have previously raised concerns about the increasing number of injuries and fatalities related to scotchcart use. They have advocated for community education campaigns focused on safety, including training on animal handling, loading protocols, and first aid response in the event of accidents.
As the Kurima family prepares to lay their daughter to rest, the broader Rushinga community is left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of safety — even in the most familiar routines of rural living.
Police have encouraged anyone with further information on the accident or suggestions for improving road safety in the area to come forward. In the meantime, the tragic loss of young Tinevimbo serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness and care in the use of animal-drawn transport.
Source- Bulawayo24
