'We feel your pain': Government declares state of disaster, pledges to cover bills after Chivhu crash

CHIVHU – Government has pledged to cover all medical and burial costs following a horrific head‑on collision near Chivhu on Friday night that claimed 27 lives and left seven others critically injured, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the incident a state of disaster.

The declaration was made under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act after the crash, which occurred at around 8.30pm near Honeyspruit Bridge along the Harare–Masvingo Highway.

The accident involved a foreign‑registered haulage truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa and a commuter omnibus transporting members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma for a church conference.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, preliminary investigations suggest an overtaking manoeuvre caused the collision. The impact triggered an immediate fire that trapped passengers, with several sustaining fatal burns.

By Saturday, 24 people had died on the spot, while three others succumbed to injuries at Chivhu General Hospital. The kombi driver died on impact, while the truck driver survived and was transferred to Harare for treatment. Seven survivors were taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital in critical condition. Eighteen bodies had been identified, with DNA tests to be conducted on three victims burnt beyond recognition.

Announcing Government's support, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who chaired the funeral parade in Chivhu as chief mourner, said the State would cover all medical bills for the injured and burial costs for the deceased.

"To the bereaved families and the African Apostolic Church, we share in your grief. This is a national tragedy. The President and Government stand with you. We pray for strength during this dark hour, and we ask God to comfort you. You are not alone," Garwe said.

He said the declaration of a state of disaster enables Government to mobilise resources and coordinate assistance for affected families.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona also attended the funeral parade, describing the crash as a painful reminder of the need for road safety and discipline on Zimbabwe's highways. He pledged closer cooperation between his ministry, police and traffic authorities to enforce compliance and prevent similar tragedies.

ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera was also present, joining other officials in consoling families.

Civil Protection teams, assisted by Chivhu residents, used fire tenders and small cranes to recover victims from the wreckage. The road has since been reopened.

Government said names of remaining victims will be released once formal identification is complete, and extended condolences to families, relatives and the Mwazha Church.

The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety, particularly at night, as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with frequent highway accidents.