President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared a State of Disaster after a horrific head-on collision near Chivhu, central Zimbabwe, resulted in the deaths of 27 churchgoers. The accident, which occurred on Friday evening, saw a minibus carrying members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church collide with a heavy truck on the Harare-Masvingo highway.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that the church members were en route to a conference when the foreign-registered haulage truck, attempting to overtake another vehicle, crashed into their minibus. The impact was catastrophic, with the minibus reportedly bursting into flames and being reduced to a charred shell. Twenty-four individuals died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at Chivhu General Hospital. Seven other critically injured passengers have been transferred to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest the commuter omnibus may have been overloaded, carrying as many as 34 passengers. The government has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured the nation that all necessary measures are being taken to provide assistance, including covering medical bills and burial costs.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Declared a State of Disaster following the tragic accident.
- Paul Nyathi: Police spokesperson who confirmed details of the collision.
- African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church Members: Passengers in the minibus, travelling to a conference.
Event Timeline
- Friday Evening: Minibus and truck collide on the Harare-Masvingo highway near Chivhu.
- Saturday, August 29, 2026: Police confirm 27 fatalities; President Mnangagwa declares a State of Disaster.
