5 killed in overloaded team bus

The death toll from Sunday's tragic road accident involving members of Ripplemead Football Club has risen to five after three more victims died in hospital, while several others remain admitted with serious injuries.

The accident occurred along the Mutare-Harare highway near Folkington Farm when a Toyota Hiace carrying players and officials from the Rusape Area Zone team veered off the road and crashed into a tree.

The team was travelling to Nyazura for a football match against Holy Stars and was reportedly running late for the fixture.

Two people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to Rusape General Hospital.

Rusape General Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Stewart Karembo, confirmed the updated death toll and said a total of 30 casualties were received following the accident.

"Five people died from that accident. Two died on the spot and were brought to our mortuary. We received 30 patients – 16 were attended to at the Out Patients department and were discharged as they had minor injuries. Three died upon admission at the casualty department. Ten were admitted in the male ward and two in the female ward. Two with serious head injuries were transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for neurosurgical treatment. Seven are still admitted at the hospital," said Dr Karembo.

Survivors have alleged that the driver was speeding and failed to control the overloaded vehicle before it left the road. The driver, who remains hospitalised, is reportedly yet to produce a valid driver's licence.

The deceased have been identified as Tichaona Njalakowa, Bhobho Mufudza, brothers Public and Pemberai Chekerano, and Rudo Mukamba.

The tragedy has plunged the local football community into mourning.

Makoni Area Zone Football Association secretary Lovemore Josaya announced the suspension of all league fixtures scheduled for the weekend of June 27 and 28 as a mark of respect for the deceased.

"The MAFA Board, on behalf of the entire football family, extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Ripplemead FC, players, officials and supporters. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a speedy recovery," said Josaya.

"In honour of the departed, all MAFA fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 27-28 June 2026 are hereby postponed."

He added that a minute of silence would be observed before all matches when the league resumes and encouraged clubs to wear black armbands as a sign of mourning.

"Let us stand together as one football family during this difficult time. May the souls of our departed members rest in eternal peace," he said.

Meanwhile, Headlands legislator Farai Mapfumo said he was working with Stanley Sakupwanya to assist affected families with funeral and medical expenses.

Mapfumo also urged communities and organisations to exercise caution when hiring transport, stressing the importance of ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are properly licensed.

The accident has reignited concerns over road safety, vehicle overloading and the transport arrangements often used by community sports teams travelling to fixtures across the country.