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Ivan Zhakata, Harare Bureau

THE Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has mourned four members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who died when two vehicles collided head-on at the 180km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.

Some passengers who were aboard both vehicles sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident which happened on Tuesday.

In a statement yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said: “I have learnt with shock and sadness the tragic death of four members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and injury of other four members in a road traffic accident near Kwekwe along the Harare-Bulawayo highway on April 16, 2024.

“The unfortunate loss of lives and injuries occurred at a time when the country was preparing to celebrate 44 years of independence. While the nation is in a celebratory mood, your People’s Force participates with a heavy heart and deep sorrow. 

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces

“We share the grief and pain with His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, the family and the nation as a whole as we mourn the departed. May our dear Lord comfort you during this difficult moment. May the dear souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also wished those who are admitted in hospital a speedy recovery.

In an earlier statement, ZDF Director of Policy, Public Relations and International Affairs, Brigadier-General Augustine Chipwere, said the accident occurred when a vehicle with ZDF officers, which was headed towards Kadoma, attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle and encroached into the oncoming vehicle’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Mazda CX-5 which was travelling towards Kwekwe.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces announces the death of a general officer, two field officers and a non-commissioned member in a fatal road accident which occurred on April 16, 2024,” Brig-Gen Chipwere said.

“Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha, Major Thabani Ncube, Major Mqondisi Gumbo and Sergeant Chakabaiwa were involved in a road traffic accident at the 180km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road about 2km from Battlefields. 

“According to preliminary investigations, it was established that Brigadier-General Vezha attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle and encroached into the oncoming vehicle lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Mazda CX-5.

“Some passengers who were aboard both vehicles sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently admitted at Gweru and Kwekwe General Hospitals. Investigations surrounding the accident are underway and more information will be availed in due course.”