Municipal worker in Chitungwiza, identified as Simon Maketo, has tragically lost his life following a fatal workplace accident involving a refuse truck. The incident occurred early Thursday morning while Maketo was performing his routine waste collection duties in the suburb of Manyame Park.
According to an official statement issued by the Municipality of Chitungwiza, Maketo was riding on the right-hand side of a municipal refuse truck as part of his normal operations. During the course of their route, the driver of the truck attempted to manoeuvre past a stationary commuter omnibus parked along the roadside. It was during this manoeuvre that Maketo is believed to have struck his head against a nearby precast wall. The impact caused him to lose balance, after which he was hit by the truck and thrown to the ground.
Eyewitnesses say the scene was chaotic and distressing as fellow municipal workers and local residents rushed to his aid. Emergency services were contacted immediately, and Maketo was initially transported to St. Mary’s Clinic for urgent medical attention. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Chitungwiza Central Hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Municipality of Chitungwiza has expressed profound sorrow at the loss of one of its employees. In a statement, officials described Maketo as a “dedicated and hardworking civil servant who served his community with diligence, professionalism, and humility.”
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Mr.municipal worker,” the statement read. “He was a valued member of our waste management team and had committed years of service to keeping our town clean and safe. His death is not only a loss to his family but also to the entire Chitungwiza community.”
Chitungwiza Mourns Municipal Worker Killed in Refuse Truck Accident
News of Maketo’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the local authority and the wider community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, residents, and local leaders. Many who knew him described him as soft-spoken, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
One of his co-workers, visibly shaken, said: “Simon was like a brother to many of us. He was someone you could count on every single day. He never complained and always had a positive attitude, even when the work was tough.”
Residents of Manyame Park also expressed sadness at the incident, calling for improved safety measures for municipal workers who perform physically demanding and often dangerous tasks in the line of duty. “It’s heartbreaking. These workers are out here in all kinds of weather, trying to keep our neighbourhoods clean, and they deserve to be protected,” said one resident.
Labour unions and worker rights advocates have echoed those concerns, urging municipal authorities across the country to prioritise occupational health and safety. They are calling for regular training sessions, the use of safety gear, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols for refuse collection crews.
“This tragic death could have been avoided,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Urban Workers Union. “We need to seriously assess the risks that municipal workers face daily and take appropriate steps to minimise those dangers. One life lost is one too many.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the Municipality of Chitungwiza has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. Officials say they will also review safety procedures and consider introducing new measures to protect employees engaged in frontline service delivery.
Funeral arrangements for Simon Maketo are currently being finalised, with the municipality indicating it will offer support to the grieving family. Condolences have been extended to his loved ones, and flags at some council offices were reportedly flown at half-mast in honour of his service.
As the community comes to terms with the devastating loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden risks faced by municipal workers on a daily basis. Simon Maketo’s death is a painful and sobering moment for Chitungwiza—a reminder of the cost of public service, and the duty owed to those who deliver it.
