Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after a horrific head-on collision near Chivhu claimed the lives of 27 people. The accident, which occurred on Friday evening, involved a minibus taxi carrying members of an indigenous African Christian denomination and a haulage truck. The church members were reportedly traveling to a conference when the fatal crash took place on a major highway near Chivhu, approximately 140 kilometers south of the capital, Harare.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that 27 individuals perished in the incident, with many dying at the scene and others succumbing to their injuries after being admitted to a local hospital. Seven people sustained critical injuries and have been transferred for further medical attention. According to reports, the foreign-registered haulage truck was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided with the minibus. The impact was so severe that the minibus caught fire and was reduced to a charred shell.
The government has announced it will cover the medical bills and burial costs for the victims, a move that comes as the nation grapples with the latest in a series of deadly road accidents. Authorities attribute a significant majority of crashes to human error, compounded by issues such as overcrowded minibuses, poor road conditions, and potholes.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Declared a State of Disaster.
- Paul Nyathi: Police spokesperson who confirmed the fatalities and details of the accident.
- Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe: Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Emergency Preparedness, who issued a statement regarding government support.
- African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church: Members of this denomination were traveling in the minibus.
Event Timeline
- Friday, August 28, 2026 (evening): Head-on collision occurs near Chivhu.
- Saturday, August 29, 2026: Police confirm 27 deaths and initiate investigations.
- Sunday, August 30, 2026: President Mnangagwa declares a State of Disaster; government announces coverage of medical and burial costs.
