President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster following a horrific road traffic accident near Suswe along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road that claimed the lives of 10 people on Wednesday, in what authorities have described as a devastating national tragedy.
The declaration is intended to enable government to swiftly coordinate and mobilise support for the affected families and surrounding communities. Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the move allows the state to activate emergency response mechanisms and provide immediate assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Mhona said. “Losing so many lives in a single incident is a profound national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are mourning.”
He said government, working through the Civil Protection Department and other relevant agencies, would ensure that the families of the deceased receive the necessary support. This includes assistance with funeral arrangements as well as addressing other urgent needs arising from the tragedy.
“Government will provide the necessary assistance to the affected families, including support towards funeral arrangements and other immediate needs,” Mhona said, adding that the declaration of a state of disaster was meant to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response during a difficult time.
The fatal accident occurred when a Honda Fit carrying 10 passengers collided head-on with a haulage truck that was travelling towards Harare. The Honda Fit was reportedly en route from Mutoko to Kotwa at the time of the crash. All 10 passengers in the small vehicle died at the scene, while the four occupants of the haulage truck survived the impact.
Mnangagwa Invokes State of Disaster in Wake of Suswe Road Accident
Preliminary information suggests that the Honda Fit was severely overloaded, raising renewed concerns about illegal passenger transport operations commonly known as mushika-shika. The tragedy has once again brought the spotlight onto the dangers posed by unregulated transport services and reckless driving on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Minister Mhona said the incident underscored the urgent need for decisive action against illegal transport operators and unsafe driving practices, warning that continued inaction would only lead to more needless loss of life.
“This heartbreaking incident also highlights the urgent need to decisively address illegal transport operations (mushika-shika) and reckless driving on our roads,” he said. “We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to negligence and disregard for traffic laws.”
He added that government would not hesitate to take firm action to enforce road safety regulations in order to protect the travelling public. Authorities, he said, would intensify roadblocks, inspections, and monitoring of public and private transport to curb overloading, speeding, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.
Road traffic accidents remain a major public safety concern in Zimbabwe, with overloaded vehicles, poor road discipline, and illegal transport operations frequently cited as contributing factors. Incidents involving small vehicles such as Honda Fits, which are often used to ferry far more passengers than they are designed to carry, have become increasingly common despite repeated warnings from authorities.
Mhona urged all road users — including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians — to exercise maximum caution at all times and to strictly observe traffic laws. He emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on the public to reject unsafe transport options, even when they appear cheaper or more convenient.
“Drivers must drive responsibly, passengers must refuse to board overloaded or unroadworthy vehicles, and pedestrians must remain vigilant,” he said. “Safety must always be prioritised over speed, profit, or convenience.”
The declaration of a state of disaster reflects the seriousness with which government views the tragedy and its broader implications. Beyond providing immediate relief to the bereaved families, authorities say the move is also meant to reinforce the urgency of tackling systemic issues contributing to fatal road accidents.
As the nation mourns the 10 lives lost near Suswe, calls have grown louder for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations and sustained public education on road safety. Many Zimbabweans have taken to social media to express grief and anger, with some urging authorities to clamp down on illegal transport operators whose activities continue to endanger lives.
Government officials have reiterated that preventing similar tragedies in the future will require both firm enforcement and collective responsibility. For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families while reaffirming the state’s commitment to safer roads and the protection of all road users.
Source- ZBC
