Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared a State of Disaster after a horrific head-on collision on the Harare-Masvingo Road near Chivhu claimed the lives of 27 people. The devastating accident occurred on Friday evening, August 28, 2026, at the 132-kilometre peg near Makumimavi Primary School.
According to reports from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, a Nissan Caravan NV350 minibus, carrying members of the African Apostolic Church (Mwazha sect) en route from Dema to a church conference in Mvuma, collided head-on with a Volvo freight truck. The foreign-registered truck was allegedly attempting to overtake another vehicle when the crash occurred, leading to a catastrophic impact that engulfed both vehicles in fire.
Emergency response teams, including Civil Protection structures and local residents, deployed fire tenders and small cranes to recover victims. Initial reports indicated 23 fatalities at the scene, including the kombi driver, with four others succumbing to their injuries after being transported to Chivhu General Hospital. Seven survivors sustained critical injuries and were later transferred to Chitungwiza General Hospital.
The declaration of a State of Disaster by President Mnangagwa on August 29, 2026, will enable the government to mobilize necessary resources and coordinate emergency assistance for the affected families and survivors.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Declared a State of Disaster.
- Zimbabwe Republic Police: Confirmed the fatalities and provided details of the accident.
- Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe: Issued a press release detailing the accident and the presidential declaration.
- African Apostolic Church (Mwazha sect): Members were among the victims traveling to a church conference.
Event Timeline
- August 28, 2026, 8:30 PM: Head-on collision occurs along the Harare-Masvingo Road.
- August 29, 2026: Zimbabwe Republic Police confirm 27 deaths.
- August 29, 2026: President Mnangagwa declares a State of Disaster.
