A sombre atmosphere gripped Chivhu on Sunday as mourners gathered to honour 27 people killed in a horrific road accident.
The memorial service took place at Chivhu General Hospital following Friday night’s deadly collision.
Government officials, traditional leaders, religious representatives and members of the community attended the emotional gathering.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa had declared the crash a State of Disaster on Saturday.
As a result, Government assumed responsibility for burial expenses and medical care for survivors.
Government leads national mourning
Several senior officials joined families and community members in remembering those who lost their lives.
They included Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona also attended the service.
ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera joined the gathering alongside traditional leaders from the area.
Garwe explained how Government responded after receiving news of the devastating collision.
“After the accident, we quickly processed papers, and the President quickly declared the accident a national disaster so that this also becomes the responsibility of government and the whole nation to mourn with you,” Minister Garwe said.
Meanwhile, Mavetera urged motorists to take greater responsibility when using Zimbabwe’s roads.
She particularly warned drivers against reckless behaviour and carrying more passengers than vehicles allow.
“This is a difficult moment. We are losing five to seven people as a result of accidents. I am appealing to drivers to adhere to traffic regulations. Let us not overload our vehicles,” she said.
Community calls for safer roads
Traditional leaders welcomed the Government’s swift response during the difficult period.
Chief Maromo expressed appreciation for the assistance provided after the tragedy.
“We thank government for the timely intervention,” Chief Maromo said.
However, Chief Chivese urged authorities and communities to strengthen efforts against road carnage.
“We need to do whatever is necessary to avoid such kind of untimely loss of life,” he said.
The African Apostolic Church also faced a painful loss following the accident.
Several of its congregants were among those who died in the devastating collision.
Bishop Tafa said the church would continue relying on faith during the difficult period.
“We find comfort from God in these difficult times,” Bishop Tafa said.
The fatal crash happened along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Chivhu town on Friday night.
A commuter omnibus carrying African Apostolic Church congregants collided head-on with a haulage truck.
The impact caused the commuter omnibus to catch fire, killing 27 people.
Authorities have so far identified 22 victims from the tragedy.
Meanwhile, forensic teams will use DNA testing to identify the remaining five victims.
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