A shadow of sorrow has descended upon Zimbabwe following the sudden and tragic death of Nkulumane legislator Desire Moyo, who was killed in a devastating road accident in the early hours of Friday, 10 October 2025. The incident occurred when the vehicle he was travelling in collided with an elephant near Shangani, cutting short the life of a dedicated public servant and leaving several others injured.
The news was confirmed by fellow lawmaker Discent Collins Bajila, who addressed colleagues in Parliament with a heavy heart. Bajila described the incident as a moment of deep loss for the nation and revealed that a group of dignitaries was involved in the accident.
“Morning colleagues. This morning Honourables Madalaboy Ndebele, Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Sethulo Ndebele, Libion Sibanda, and Desire Moyo were involved in an accident just before Shangani. They hit an elephant. Hon Desire Moyo has been confirmed deceased and his family has been informed. Others have been rushed to hospital,” Bajila said in a statement to the assembly.
According to reports, the group was travelling together on official business when tragedy struck. Shangani Road, which cuts through wildlife areas, has a known history of animal-related road accidents, particularly at night when visibility is low and wildlife movements increase.
The collision was both sudden and catastrophic. The vehicle, carrying the MPs and their aides, struck the massive animal at speed, leaving little opportunity for evasive action. For Honourable Moyo, the impact proved fatal. Fellow passengers sustained injuries of varying severity and were promptly rushed to the nearest medical facility for treatment. The condition of those injured, including Senator Rittah Ndlovu, remains a concern as they recover under medical supervision.
The news of Moyo’s death sent shockwaves across the political spectrum and throughout his Nkulumane constituency. His passing has created not only a personal void for his family and colleagues but also a political gap in the representation of the people of Nkulumane.
Nation Mourns as Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo Dies in Tragic Elephant Collision
Desire Moyo, a passionate and outspoken legislator, had served as a tireless advocate for rural development and social justice. His dedication to his constituents earned him respect across party lines. For many, his death is a reminder of both the fragility of life and the risks faced by those who travel Zimbabwe’s rural roadways.
The reaction from his colleagues has been one of grief and solemn reflection. Many Members of Parliament took to social media and parliamentary sessions to express their condolences. Some described Moyo as a leader of integrity, whose contributions to Parliament would be sorely missed.
“Honourable Desire Moyo was a voice for the people of Nkulumane,” said one fellow legislator. “His passing is a national tragedy and a loss to democracy itself. We mourn him deeply.”
For the Nkulumane community, the loss is profoundly personal. Desire Moyo was not only a political figure but also a community leader, mentor, and advocate for grassroots empowerment. Residents expressed their sadness at losing someone they viewed as a champion for their needs. Condolence messages poured in from across the nation, with ordinary citizens, political figures, and civic organisations mourning the unexpected loss.
The accident has also reignited concerns about road safety in wildlife corridors. Elephant collisions remain a persistent danger in parts of Zimbabwe where roads intersect animal habitats, particularly at night. Conservationists and road safety advocates have long called for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies, including the installation of wildlife warning signs, speed reduction measures, and public awareness campaigns for drivers.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, as well as the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Authorities have pledged to explore improved road safety measures along routes with high wildlife activity, including Shangani Road, to prevent future incidents.
For now, the focus remains on mourning the loss of Honourable Desire Moyo. His colleagues in Parliament have resolved to honour his legacy and continue championing the causes he held dear.
The Nkulumane constituency now faces the difficult process of mourning a leader who served with commitment, integrity, and passion. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, as Zimbabwe collectively reflects on the life and legacy of a lawmaker gone too soon.
The tragedy on Shangani Road stands as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by the country’s intersecting human and wildlife spaces — and of the need for urgent action to protect lives while preserving Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
Source- iHarare
