News / National
ZRP chief kills senior prison officer trying to save trapped CIO boss
26 May 2025 at 08:50hrs | Views
A tragic accident on May 21 has claimed the lives of two senior Zimbabwean security officials, turning an act of heroism into a devastating loss. Principal Correctional Officer Masimba Mandimutsira died after being struck by a Ford Ranger driven by Chief Superintendent Simangaliso Dube of Masvingo DISPOL, while attempting to rescue a fellow officer involved in an earlier crash.
The fatal incident occurred around 6pm at the 22-kilometre peg along the Mutare–Masvingo Highway, near the Mutimurefu Prison Farm bus stop - a location increasingly regarded as a black spot following a string of fatal accidents this year.
According to a memorandum issued by Superintendent FZ Makonese, Officer in Charge of Mutimurefu Prison Farm, the tragedy began when Central Intelligence Organisation Officer in Charge for Gutu District, Gift Nyama, collided with a stationary tractor while driving from Gutu towards Masvingo after attending a farewell party for a colleague, Johannes Tafirenyika.
Residents and prison officers from Mutimurefu quickly responded to the crash site to assist. As they rendered aid, the Ford Ranger driven by Chief Supt. Dube crashed into the group, fatally injuring Mandimutsira. He was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30pm.
Officer Nyama had already succumbed to injuries sustained in the initial collision with the unlit tractor, which had been left in the middle of the road. The incident has sparked renewed concern over road safety, especially along the increasingly dangerous Mutare–Masvingo corridor.
"As Mutimurefu, we are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our sincerest condolences to Officer Mandimutsira's family and colleagues," wrote Superintendent Makonese.
A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding both accidents is underway, with authorities examining the presence of the tractor on the road, visibility conditions at the time, and the Ford Ranger's speed and approach to the accident scene.
Masvingo Province ZRP spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa referred media inquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.
The loss of both Nyama and Mandimutsira has shaken the law enforcement and correctional services community, as tributes pour in for the officers remembered for their dedication and selflessness.
The fatal incident occurred around 6pm at the 22-kilometre peg along the Mutare–Masvingo Highway, near the Mutimurefu Prison Farm bus stop - a location increasingly regarded as a black spot following a string of fatal accidents this year.
According to a memorandum issued by Superintendent FZ Makonese, Officer in Charge of Mutimurefu Prison Farm, the tragedy began when Central Intelligence Organisation Officer in Charge for Gutu District, Gift Nyama, collided with a stationary tractor while driving from Gutu towards Masvingo after attending a farewell party for a colleague, Johannes Tafirenyika.
Residents and prison officers from Mutimurefu quickly responded to the crash site to assist. As they rendered aid, the Ford Ranger driven by Chief Supt. Dube crashed into the group, fatally injuring Mandimutsira. He was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30pm.
Officer Nyama had already succumbed to injuries sustained in the initial collision with the unlit tractor, which had been left in the middle of the road. The incident has sparked renewed concern over road safety, especially along the increasingly dangerous Mutare–Masvingo corridor.
"As Mutimurefu, we are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our sincerest condolences to Officer Mandimutsira's family and colleagues," wrote Superintendent Makonese.
A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding both accidents is underway, with authorities examining the presence of the tractor on the road, visibility conditions at the time, and the Ford Ranger's speed and approach to the accident scene.
Masvingo Province ZRP spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa referred media inquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.
The loss of both Nyama and Mandimutsira has shaken the law enforcement and correctional services community, as tributes pour in for the officers remembered for their dedication and selflessness.
Source - online
