A journey of love and tradition ended in unimaginable horror last week when a bridal party was wiped out in a head-on collision. A young man travelling to pay his roora, or bride price, alongside his best friend and a church deacon, were all killed instantly on a notorious stretch of road.
The trio were on a mission of joy. Ngonidzashe Gift Simango, 25, was travelling from Nyanga to Ruwa on December 23 to formalise his union with his fiancée. He was accompanied by his deacon, Taurai Kaseke, 30, his best friend, Ngoni Mutsoka, 28, and his sister, Caroline Simango, 22. Their Nissan Note was struck by a Mozambican-registered haulage truck at the Mufusire Uphill in Headlands.
Community And Family Left Devastated
The news shattered the Nyangani Park community and left three families bereft just days before Christmas. Family spokesperson Godwin Simango confirmed the heartbreaking details.
“We lost our son, Gift Simango, who perished together with his church deacon and friend. We are deeply affected as a family to lose Gift and his friends who were accompanying him to marry in Ruwa. Their prospective in-laws were waiting for the delegation and were shocked to learn of the tragic accident.”
He also provided an update on the sole survivor, who is fighting for her life.
“Caroline was seriously injured, and was transferred from Marondera Provincial Hospital to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where she is being attended by a specialist.”
Driver Admits Guilt In Court
The driver of the haulage truck, Kenyan national Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw, 42, has been charged with three counts of culpable homicide. He appeared before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa outlined the state’s case against him.
“The State alleges Adanw was negligent in overtaking in-front of an oncoming vehicle, travelling at excessive speed, failing to act when an accident seemed imminent, and failing to keep a proper lookout.”
The court heard that Adanw admitted to encroaching onto the opposite lane, causing the head-on collision that claimed the lives of Simango, Kaseke, and Mutsoka. The accused is set to return to court on January 5, 2026, for sentencing proceedings. The Simango family noted the driver’s admission of fault and expressed gratitude for the support from Gift’s employer, Claremont Orchards.
The funerals were held in quick succession, casting a pall over the holiday period. Gift Simango was buried in Nyanga on December 25, the same day Ngoni Mutsoka was laid to rest in Harare. Taurai Kaseke was interred in Nyanga on December 26.
This tragedy occurred amid a reported nationwide surge in road fatalities. The Zimbabwe Republic Police stated that from December 15 to 26, 2025, fatalities rose to 100, up from 77 in the same period in 2024, with excessive speed cited as a major cause.
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The post Roora Trip Ends in Triple Funeral: Husband-to-Be and Wedding Delegation Killed In Road Accident appeared first on iHarare News.
