The Zimbabwe Republic Police has officially released the name of a man who died in a tragic road traffic accident that occurred on the evening of August 1, 2025, in Bulawayo’s suburb of Ilanda. The crash, which involved two vehicles, also left two other individuals injured.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident in a statement and identified the deceased as Dumisani Zhangare, a male adult who was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved in the collision.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on the 1st of August 2025 at around 2000 hours along 12th Avenue Extension and Sherwood Drive, Ilanda, Bulawayo, where Dumisani Zhangare was killed and two others were injured,” said Inspector Msebele.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident happened when a 40-year-old man from Ilanda, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz northbound along 12th Avenue Extension with one passenger on board, collided with an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. The Isuzu, driven by a 37-year-old man from Burnside, allegedly turned right in front of the oncoming Mercedes-Benz, resulting in a violent side-impact collision.
The Isuzu was reportedly struck on the left side doors, spun upon impact, and eventually came to rest on the left side of the road, sustaining significant damage.
“As a result of the accident, both drivers sustained varying degrees of injury, while the passenger, identified as Dumisani Zhangare, unfortunately succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash,” said Inspector Msebele.
Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the incident. The injured drivers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while Zhangare’s body was transported to the local mortuary where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have not released the names of the drivers involved, but confirmed that both men are cooperating with the investigation.
The fatal crash has once again highlighted growing concerns over road safety in urban centres, particularly during peak evening hours when traffic volume and driver fatigue may increase the likelihood of accidents. Residents in the Ilanda area described the intersection of 12th Avenue Extension and Sherwood Drive as a particularly risky junction, with poor lighting and inadequate traffic control measures often blamed for accidents.
“We’ve seen a number of near misses here,” said one resident who witnessed the aftermath. “Drivers don’t slow down at that corner, and there are no traffic lights or proper signage to warn of the intersection ahead.”
Police Identify Victim in Fatal Crash at 12th Avenue Extension and Sherwood Drive
Road traffic accidents remain a major cause of injury and death in Zimbabwe. According to statistics released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), hundreds of lives are lost annually on the country’s roads, with many accidents attributed to speeding, reckless driving, poor visibility, and failure to obey traffic rules.
The Bulawayo City Council has previously acknowledged the need to upgrade infrastructure at high-risk intersections, but budgetary constraints and competing priorities have slowed the implementation of road safety interventions.
Meanwhile, Inspector Msebele urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving, especially during the night when visibility is reduced. She reminded drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and to avoid making sudden turns or maneuvers in front of oncoming vehicles.
“Accidents like these are avoidable if all road users follow the rules of the road,” she said. “We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and urge all drivers to prioritize safety at all times.”
As investigations continue, police have appealed to any witnesses who may have seen the accident or have information that could assist in the inquiry to come forward. Statements from eyewitnesses are expected to play a key role in determining liability and whether any charges will be laid.
For now, the family of Dumisani Zhangare is left to mourn the sudden and tragic loss of their loved one. Plans for his funeral are expected to be announced in the coming days as relatives await the results of the post-mortem and official police findings.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the road—and the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and courtesy behind the wheel.
Source- Heraldonline
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