President Mnangagwa has declared Chivhu accident, which claimed 27 lives, a national disaster.
This was announced by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe in a statement.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, at the 15-kilometre peg from Chivhu.
It involved a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa destined for Goromonzi District and a kombi carrying members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church who were travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma.
The two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision, resulting in an immediate fire. Several occupants of the kombi were trapped inside the vehicle, with some sustaining fatal burns.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared a State of Disaster following a fatal road traffic accident which occurred along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province.
“As at 29 August 2026, 27 people had been confirmed dead.
“Twenty-four people died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at Chivhu General Hospital.
“Seven other people sustained critical injuries and are currently admitted to Chivhu General Hospital for medical treatment.
“The kombi driver died at the scene, while the truck driver survived the accident and was transported by ambulance to Harare for further medical treatment.
“Civil Protection structures, working together with members of the public from Chivhu, responded swiftly to the accident and conducted search, rescue and recovery operations.
“Small cranes were used in the recovery of victims, while a fire tender was deployed to extinguish the fire.
“The heavy truck and mining equipment, which had blocked the entire carriageway, have since been removed using a heavy-duty crane, and the road is now fully passable to traffic.
“The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations.”
He said, Government is working closely with relevant authorities.
‘Government is working closely with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders to consolidate information and establish the identities of the deceased.
“The names of the victims will be released once the identification process has been completed and the information duly verified.
“The declaration of a State of Disaster will enable Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate appropriate interventions to assist the affected families and survivors.
“Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends and members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church following this tragic loss of life.
“Government also wishes those injured a speedy and full recovery and assures the nation that all necessary measures are being taken to provide assistance and support to the affected families and survivors.”
