The collision took place at the 53-kilometer mark on the Harare-Mutare highway, near Surrey Abattoir. It involved a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit, the latter of which was carrying the Sithole family. The two vehicles collided head-on, resulting in the d3aths of all five people in the Honda Fit.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the victims as Phillip Sithole (34), Jimmy Tinashe Sithole (28), Samuel Sithole (27), Rumbidzai Mlambo, and two-year-old Laquisha Sithole. According to a close friend of the family, Jimmy Tinashe Sithole had recently graduated from Harare Polytechnic College and was celebrated by his family before the tragedy struck.
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The impact of the crash was severe, with the five family members in the Honda Fit all losing their lives. Four individuals in the Ford Ranger were injured and have been hospitalized in Marondera.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed profound sorrow and urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and road safety regulations to avoid such tragedies. “The bodies have been transported to Marondera Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, and the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility. We emphasize the importance of following speed limits and road rules, and caution against unsafe overtaking, especially in poor visibility conditions,” Nyathi stated.
Mr. Sithole, deeply affected by the loss, shared his heartbreak. “Words cannot express the pain we’re feeling. This has been a huge shock to our family. We are devastated and trying to come to terms with this tragedy. I am currently in Marondera to oversee the transfer of the bodies to Mutare with the help of Nyaradzo Funeral Services. We plan to travel later today and will discuss burial arrangements with other family members,” he said. Mr. Sithole will decide whether to lay his loved ones to rest in Mutare or Chipinge.
