News / National
Borrowdale road: A stretch of prestige shadowed by tragedy
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Driving along Borrowdale Road offers a stark contrast to the chaotic scenes common on many other city roads. Known as the route favored by Zimbabwe's elite-politicians, business executives, and security officials-Borrowdale Road is a symbol of affluence and order, yet it is not without its dark side.
Starting from the intersection of Nelson Mandela and Seventh Street in the city center, Borrowdale Road weaves through prestigious suburbs like Gunhill, Alexandra Park, Ballantyne Park, Sam Levy's Village, and Vainona before continuing as Domboshava Road towards Hatcliffe. It serves as a major artery for Zimbabwe's power players, including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, ministers, and top company executives.
Unlike the often chaotic and dangerous roads in poorer suburbs where reckless driving, road rage, and vehicle breakdowns due to fuel shortages are common, Borrowdale Road is marked by well-maintained luxury vehicles and disciplined motorists. The cost of replacing tires on some V8 or V12 engine cars alone could buy a modest family car. Drivers here are cautious, knowing that a collision could lead to serious legal repercussions and costly lawsuits from influential individuals.
However, despite the caution and the high-profile nature of those who travel it, Borrowdale Road has claimed the lives of several notable Zimbabweans in tragic accidents.
On November 8, 2020, socialite Genius "Ginimbi" Kadungure and video vixen Michelle "Moana" Amuli died in a head-on collision involving Ginimbi's Rolls-Royce Wraith and a Honda Fit at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Rayden Drive. Two foreign nationals also perished in the crash, which captured national attention.
Earlier, in September 2016, Belinda Tafadzwa Mutinhiri, daughter of former Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister Ambrose Mutinhiri, lost her life in a car accident along Borrowdale Road. Hours before the tragedy, she had shared moments on social media enjoying cocktails with friends.
More recently, in July last year, Coleen Jimu, popularly known as Chido Kay, died when she lost control of her Volvo near the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Gunhill Avenue, crashing into a tree with such force that the engine was found 20 meters from the wreckage.
On May 11, well-known golfer Morton Kombai died in an accident at the intersection of Samora Avenue and Seventh Street, adding to the list of sports personalities lost on the city's roads.
The most recent fatal accident involved popular karateka Sensei Mugove "Mugo" Muhambi, who died three weeks ago near St George's College gate when his Honda Fit collided with a Toyota Hilux GD-6. The impact was devastating, leaving both vehicles mangled and overturned.
Police have indicated that many of these fatal accidents occurred during the morning hours, suggesting speeding, driver fatigue, or possible intoxication as contributing factors. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has called on all stakeholders to intensify road safety efforts.
"This is a call for all relevant stakeholders to promote road safety, as careful driving is essential in preventing such tragedies," Nyathi said.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe reinforces these calls in its defensive driving course, urging drivers to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to rest when feeling fatigued.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, a retired Lieutenant-General, has been publicly commended for personally visiting accident victims and their families, demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting affected communities.
For regular users of Borrowdale Road like Norman, the reality is clear: "Accidents do happen, but those involving well-known individuals get more attention. The road demands respect and careful driving, regardless of one's status."
Borrowdale Road remains a vital and prestigious route in Harare, yet it also serves as a sobering reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of the road. Whether socialite or ordinary commuter, caution is the best safeguard against tragedy on this stretch of Zimbabwe's capital.
Starting from the intersection of Nelson Mandela and Seventh Street in the city center, Borrowdale Road weaves through prestigious suburbs like Gunhill, Alexandra Park, Ballantyne Park, Sam Levy's Village, and Vainona before continuing as Domboshava Road towards Hatcliffe. It serves as a major artery for Zimbabwe's power players, including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, ministers, and top company executives.
Unlike the often chaotic and dangerous roads in poorer suburbs where reckless driving, road rage, and vehicle breakdowns due to fuel shortages are common, Borrowdale Road is marked by well-maintained luxury vehicles and disciplined motorists. The cost of replacing tires on some V8 or V12 engine cars alone could buy a modest family car. Drivers here are cautious, knowing that a collision could lead to serious legal repercussions and costly lawsuits from influential individuals.
However, despite the caution and the high-profile nature of those who travel it, Borrowdale Road has claimed the lives of several notable Zimbabweans in tragic accidents.
On November 8, 2020, socialite Genius "Ginimbi" Kadungure and video vixen Michelle "Moana" Amuli died in a head-on collision involving Ginimbi's Rolls-Royce Wraith and a Honda Fit at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Rayden Drive. Two foreign nationals also perished in the crash, which captured national attention.
Earlier, in September 2016, Belinda Tafadzwa Mutinhiri, daughter of former Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister Ambrose Mutinhiri, lost her life in a car accident along Borrowdale Road. Hours before the tragedy, she had shared moments on social media enjoying cocktails with friends.
More recently, in July last year, Coleen Jimu, popularly known as Chido Kay, died when she lost control of her Volvo near the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Gunhill Avenue, crashing into a tree with such force that the engine was found 20 meters from the wreckage.
The most recent fatal accident involved popular karateka Sensei Mugove "Mugo" Muhambi, who died three weeks ago near St George's College gate when his Honda Fit collided with a Toyota Hilux GD-6. The impact was devastating, leaving both vehicles mangled and overturned.
Police have indicated that many of these fatal accidents occurred during the morning hours, suggesting speeding, driver fatigue, or possible intoxication as contributing factors. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has called on all stakeholders to intensify road safety efforts.
"This is a call for all relevant stakeholders to promote road safety, as careful driving is essential in preventing such tragedies," Nyathi said.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe reinforces these calls in its defensive driving course, urging drivers to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to rest when feeling fatigued.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, a retired Lieutenant-General, has been publicly commended for personally visiting accident victims and their families, demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting affected communities.
For regular users of Borrowdale Road like Norman, the reality is clear: "Accidents do happen, but those involving well-known individuals get more attention. The road demands respect and careful driving, regardless of one's status."
Borrowdale Road remains a vital and prestigious route in Harare, yet it also serves as a sobering reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of the road. Whether socialite or ordinary commuter, caution is the best safeguard against tragedy on this stretch of Zimbabwe's capital.
Source - NewsDay
