A somber mood has gripped Zimbabwe’s Parliament following a devastating road accident that claimed the life of Nkulumane legislator Honourable Desire Moyo and left four other Members of Parliament injured. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Friday along the Bulawayo–Gweru Highway, near Shangani, when the vehicle the lawmakers were travelling in collided with an elephant.
According to preliminary reports, the group of MPs — all from the Matabeleland region — were travelling together when the tragedy struck. The impact was so severe that it left the vehicle mangled beyond recognition, killing Moyo instantly and injuring his colleagues.
The injured have been identified as Matobo MP Honourable Madalaboy Ndebele, Bulawayo Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Tsholotsho North MP Honourable Libion Sibanda, and Matabeleland North Proportional Representative MP Honourable Sethulo Ncube. They were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment, with reports indicating that some sustained serious injuries.
Fellow lawmakers and government officials have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss. Nkayi South legislator Honourable Jabulani Hadebe confirmed the incident to ZBC News, describing it as a devastating blow to the nation and to the people of Matabeleland.
“We are devastated. Honourable Moyo was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to his community was unmatched. His passing is a huge loss to Parliament and to the people of Nkulumane,” said Hadebe.
He added that the late MP was traveling with colleagues who were working on parliamentary outreach programmes aimed at promoting development and engaging communities across the Matabeleland provinces.
Police have not yet released an official statement, but sources close to the investigation confirmed that the crash was caused by a sudden encounter with an elephant that strayed onto the road. Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Traffic Division have since launched a full investigation into the matter.
Five MPs in Horror Crash — Nkulumane Legislator Dies in Tragic Accident
The fatal crash has once again cast a spotlight on the Bulawayo–Gweru Highway, a stretch of road that has been the site of numerous deadly accidents in recent years. Motorists have long complained about poor visibility at night, inadequate signage, and the growing threat of wildlife wandering onto highways — especially in areas bordering national parks and communal lands.
The Matabeleland region, in particular, has recorded several incidents involving stray elephants, which often move across highways in search of food and water during dry seasons. Experts say such encounters are becoming more frequent as human settlements expand into wildlife corridors.
Transport analysts and road safety advocates have called for urgent interventions, including the installation of wildlife warning systems, stronger fencing along major roads, and the expansion of road shoulders to reduce fatal collisions.
“Encounters with elephants and other large animals pose serious risks to motorists. Authorities need to prioritise measures that can protect both humans and wildlife,” said a Bulawayo-based transport safety expert.
Honourable Moyo’s untimely death has left a void in both the political and social spheres. Colleagues remember him as a humble yet passionate legislator who championed the rights of his constituents, particularly youth empowerment, education, and infrastructure development in Nkulumane.
He was known for his hands-on approach and his belief in servant leadership — often seen visiting schools, clinics, and community projects in his constituency. Fellow MPs said Moyo’s passing comes at a time when Parliament was gearing up for crucial policy debates on economic reforms and regional development.
The incident adds to a worrying trend of road accidents claiming the lives of public officials. In recent years, several MPs and government representatives have died in similar crashes, prompting calls for improved road safety awareness, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and better maintenance of major highways.
Lawmakers are now urging the government to speed up ongoing road rehabilitation programmes and to strengthen wildlife management efforts, especially in areas like Shangani, Lupane, and Hwange where human–wildlife conflicts are common.
Parliament is expected to issue an official statement and tribute in honour of Honourable Moyo. Flags at the legislative building are expected to fly at half-mast in his memory, while funeral arrangements will be announced once consultations with the family are complete.
As news of the tragedy spread, social media was flooded with messages of condolence from political leaders, civic groups, and ordinary citizens. Many described Moyo as a “true son of Matabeleland” and a “servant of the people.”
The crash serves as a grim reminder of the dangers on Zimbabwe’s roads — and the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and wildlife control measures to prevent further loss of life.
For Parliament and the people of Nkulumane, Honourable Desire Moyo’s death is more than a personal tragedy — it is a call to action to make the country’s roads safer for all who travel them.
Source- ZimEye
