State-assisted funeral for 7 killed in Mawabeni tragedy

Seven people who were killed when a speeding haulage truck ploughed into bystanders at an accident scene at Mawabeni Business Centre in Matabeleland South province have been accorded State-assisted burials, authorities have confirmed.

The victims, whose identities had not yet been released by last night, had gathered at the scene of an earlier accident when the truck struck them at around 10pm on Friday.

Matabeleland South Civil Protection Committee chairperson Zachariah Jusah confirmed that Government would assist with funeral arrangements for the deceased.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident are ongoing.

According to police, the victims were standing near a previous crash site involving three vehicles when a chain of collisions led to the tragedy.

"The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident in which seven pedestrians were killed after being hit by a truck on 3 April 2026, at around 10pm at the 57-kilometre peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road," said Commissioner Nyathi.

"The victims were at an accident scene involving three other vehicles — a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and a Toyota Baby Quantum. The Nissan March, which had three passengers on board, had been hit from behind by a Toyota Probox and both vehicles stopped in the roadway. The drivers and passengers disembarked to assess the damage.

"A Toyota Baby Quantum then approached at high speed and struck people at the scene, resulting in three people being injured. Moments later, a truck approached and ran over the stationary vehicles and pedestrians, killing five people on the spot, while two others died upon admission at Esigodini District Hospital."

In a statement, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

"This is a devastating loss, not only to the bereaved families but to the entire province. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this difficult time," he said.

"May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. It is particularly distressing that the victims were bystanders at an accident scene, only to fall victim to a second, avoidable tragedy. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the critical importance of road safety and responsible driving at all times."

Authorities have since intensified road safety campaigns across the country, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations in a bid to reduce road traffic accidents.