GWERU – Two people were killed in a fatal road traffic accident on Friday near Kaguvi Training Centre, just outside Gweru, along the busy Harare–Gweru highway. The crash, which involved a Govasberg passenger bus and a small commercial lorry, occurred in the early afternoon and left eyewitnesses stunned by the suddenness and violence of the collision.The accident unfolded as the Govasberg bus, which was en route to Kwekwe, attempted to avoid a collision with a vehicle that had suddenly braked in front of it. According to initial eyewitness reports, the lorry, which was travelling in the opposite direction toward Gweru, ended up in the direct path of the swerving bus, resulting in a head-on crash that killed both occupants of the lorry on the spot.
Mr. Enock Mupanzarimwa, one of the first people at the scene, recounted the chaotic moments leading to the crash. “I was driving just ahead of the bus when the accident occurred,” he said. “There was a Honda Fit in front of the bus that suddenly applied its brakes after noticing a stationary haulage truck ahead. The bus driver reacted quickly and veered sharply to the right to avoid crashing into the Honda Fit, but the lorry driver, likely startled, pulled off the road in panic. Unfortunately, that’s when the two vehicles collided.”
The impact crushed the front of the lorry beyond recognition, and emergency responders had to use special equipment to remove the bodies from the wreckage. The bus, though heavily damaged on the side, did not overturn, and no serious injuries were reported among the passengers. However, some passengers were treated for shock and minor bruises at a nearby clinic.
Two Killed in Gweru Road Crash Involving Church Bus and Lorry
The Govasberg bus was transporting members of the Happiness National Apostolic Faith Mission Holy Ghost Church, who were headed to Gokwe Centre for a weekend religious gathering. A spokesperson for the church later confirmed that the passengers were safe and the group would continue to Gokwe once investigations and necessary support had been rendered at the scene.
News of the accident spread rapidly, drawing a large crowd of concerned onlookers. Among those who arrived at the site was Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen “Mudha” Ncube. Speaking to reporters, Ncube expressed deep concern over the frequency of fatal accidents on the country’s highways.
“It is heartbreaking to witness such loss of life on our roads, especially just as we approach the Heroes’ and Defence Forces holidays,” he said. “We must remind all motorists to be extra vigilant and responsible. Let us avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, and unnecessary travel during the night. We cannot continue to bury our fellow citizens due to avoidable accidents.”
Ncube emphasized the need for improved driver education and the enforcement of road safety measures. He called on the police and the Ministry of Transport to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly during long holiday periods, which traditionally see a spike in road traffic volumes and accidents.
The tragic incident near Gweru comes on the heels of another deadly accident earlier in the week in Chitungwiza, where 17 people were killed when a truck rammed into a commuter omnibus. That accident plunged the nation into mourning and reignited calls for government intervention to address the country’s deteriorating road safety situation.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), more than 2,000 people lose their lives in road accidents every year, with many more left permanently injured. The majority of these accidents are attributed to human error, including speeding, poor judgment, fatigue, and disregard for road rules.
“We urge the travelling public to plan ahead, rest adequately before embarking on long journeys, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy,” said a spokesperson for the TSCZ in response to the Gweru crash. “Most importantly, drivers must respect all road users. One moment of carelessness can result in irreversible tragedy.”
As families mourn the latest victims, Friday’s accident adds to the growing toll of lives lost on Zimbabwe’s highways—a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter traffic laws, better enforcement, and national efforts to instill a culture of road safety.
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