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Leonard Ncube Senior Reporter
THE deaths of five police officers in a road traffic accident on Wednesday are an “irreparable loss to their families and the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Bulawayo’s top cop said yesterday during an emotional combined funeral service.
The bodies of the five officers, killed when their vehicle overturned near Gweru on their way to attend promotion interviews, were carried by colleagues into Drill Hall in Bulawayo in identical white coffins draped in the police flag.

One-by-one, their coffins were laid out in front of the hall packed to the rafters with their families, colleagues and other members of the security establishment who came in solidarity.

The moving tributes to the fallen officers were all too emotional for some in the crowd, with bursts of tears and pained wailing punctuating the service which lasted nearly three hours.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba, the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, said he was “like a father who has lost five children”.

“Of course none of us can escape death, but some eminent personalities are not with us today – an irreparable loss,” said Snr Asst Comm Mutamba.

“They stood for patriotism, professionalism and commitment in ensuring a safe and transforming nation. They had won the hearts of all of us and the organisation, hence their call for interviews.”

The five — Sergeant Knowledge Mushava, Constables Sophia Chinyerere, Claudius Mafaune, Adrian Muzemberere and Elizabeth Mangezi — had all excelled and were due promotions.

A Toyota Hiace they were travelling in from Bulawayo to Harare burst the left rear tyre on approach to the Vungu River Bridge and rolled over once before landing on its wheels.

Three officers died at the scene, and a further two upon admission at Gweru District Hospital. Eleven survivors were being treated for their injuries, some serious.

Sgt Mushava, who was stationed at Bulawayo Camps and Hostels Headquarters, will be buried in Buhera, Constable Chinyerere (Bulawayo Operations) in Guruve and Constable Mafaune (Bulawayo Headquarters) — who welcomed a baby just two weeks ago — will be laid to rest in Gutu.

Constable Muzembere (Construction Section Unit 4 in Bulawayo), and Constable Mangezi (Bulawayo Central Courts Section) will be buried in Chivi and Nyajena, Masvingo Province, respectively.

Snr Asst Comm Mutamba said the tragic death of the five officers had been felt by the entire community, adding: “On behalf of Bulawayo, Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and the ZRP at large, I express my deepest condolences to all bereaved families. We mourn with you. Let’s put it to God.”

The bodies of the officers left Bulawayo yesterday afternoon for burial at their respective rural homes today.