Grief As Soldier And Entire Family Die In Highway Accident
A Bulawayo family of four has been wiped out in a devastating road accident along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, just days after the country mourned six members of the Mujuru family who died in a separate crash during the Easter holidays.
The latest tragedy has left the nation reeling, with a Zimbabwe National Army soldier, his wife and their two young children all losing their lives in the same crash.
According to The Chronicle, the family was travelling from Harare to Bulawayo when the fatal accident occurred about 10km after Shangani on Monday, April 7, 2026.
“Tumelo Dube (33), a lance corporal attached to the Presidential Guard, died together with his wife, Antonate Sibonginkosi Mashava Dube, and their two children — eight-year-old Itumele and one-year-old Lorisana — when their vehicle was involved in a fatal accident,”
the publication reported.
Three of the victims reportedly died at the scene, while the youngest child later succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Gweru.
The tragedy comes just days after six members of the Mujuru family perished in another road accident in Chikomba District during the Easter holidays, deepening national grief.
Police also revealed that road accidents during the Easter period claimed 30 lives, while 104 people were injured in 337 crashes recorded countrywide. Of those accidents, 22 were fatal.
Military Honours For Fallen Soldier
A military funeral parade was held in honour of Lance Corporal Dube at the State House Presidential Barracks in Sauerstown, Bulawayo.
Chief mourner Lieutenant Colonel Tongai Hove described the late soldier as disciplined and dedicated.
“Tumelo Dube was born on May 14, 1993, at Manama Hospital in Gwanda. He was the fourth-born in a family of six and grew up in Nhwali Village under Chief Toteni,” said Lt Col Hove.
He explained that Dube joined the Zimbabwe National Army on March 14, 2012, and trained at 42 Infantry Battalion in Masvingo before being deployed to several units.
“He later rose through the ranks and was assigned to the Presidential Guard, serving in the VIP Close Security Unit as a driver at the time of his death,” Lt Col Hove added.
Dube received several awards during his military career, including the Independence Medal and the 10 Years’ Service Medal.
Family Suspects Possible Hit-And-Run
Family members believe the crash may have involved another vehicle that fled the scene.
A part of a side mirror, believed to belong to their vehicle, was reportedly found about 100 metres from the accident site.
Villagers living near the area were among the first responders after hearing the impact.
“Three occupants had already died, while one child later succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Gweru,”
the report stated.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether another vehicle was involved.
‘He Was Travelling To Build A Home’
The deceased’s uncle, Mr Benjamin Dube, described the loss as devastating.
“This was my nephew. His father is my younger brother, and I have always been the closest person to him here in Bulawayo. Whenever there were family matters, he would come to me,” he said.
Mr Dube said the soldier had been planning to build a house for his family.
“He was travelling from Harare, intending to build a house for his family. It is heartbreaking that such a tragedy happened just as he was about to start something meaningful,” he said.
He also described the late soldier as humble and responsible.
“The death of Tumelo is a great loss not only to his family but to the Zimbabwe National Army and the nation at large,” he added.
The four family members are expected to be buried at their ancestral home in rural Gwanda.
The post Entire Family Of Four Wiped Out On Harare-Bulawayo Road Days After Mujuru Horror Crash appeared first on iHarare News.
