Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
TRAGEDY struck last week when a bridal party from Nyanga was involved in a fatal accident at the notorious Mufusire Uphill in Headlands, claiming three lives and leaving one woman critically injured.
The deceased, Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25) of Nyangani Park, was travelling to Ruwa to meet his fiancée’s family for a traditional bride price (roora) ceremony. He was accompanied by his church deacon, Taurai Kaseke (30), his best friend Ngoni Mutsoka (28), and his sister, Caroline (22).
The group, filled with anticipation for the joyous occasion, never reached their destination.
Their journey ended in tragedy when a Mozambican-registered haulage truck veered into their lane and collided head-on with their Nissan Note.
Simango, Kaseke, and Mutsoka died instantly, while Caroline sustained severe injuries as the car crumpled beneath the heavy truck.
The accident, which occurred on December 23, plunged the Nyangani Park community into mourning. What was meant to be a day of love and unity became a devastating loss, leaving three families shattered.
Family spokesperson Mr Godwin Simango confirmed the tragedy, describing it as “devastating” for both the family and the wider community. He said Caroline remains hospitalised at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, receiving specialised treatment for her injuries.
Gift was laid to rest in Nyanga on December 25, Ngoni was buried in Harare, and Kaseke was interred in Nyanga on December 26.
Police confirmed that the truck driver, Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw (42), a Kenyan national, admitted liability after failing to see the oncoming vehicle and encroaching onto the opposite lane.
The truck, registered in Mozambique, was pulling a tanker at the time of the crash. Mr Simango expressed gratitude for the support received from Gift’s employer, Claremont Orchards, where he worked as a mechanic.
“We lost our son, Gift Simango, who perished together with his church deacon (Kaseke and friend, Ngoni). Gift’s sister, Caroline, was seriously injured. We are deeply affected as a family to lose Gift and his friends who were accompanying him to marry in Ruwa. Their prospective in-laws were waiting for the delegation and were shocked to learn of the tragic accident.
“Gift and Ngoni were buried in Nyanga and Harare, respectively, on December 25, while Kaseke was buried in Nyanga on December 26. Caroline was seriously injured, and was transferred from Marondera Provincial Hospital to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where she is being attended by a specialist.
“The driver of the haulage truck has admitted that he was wrong, as he did not see the Nissan Note, and encroached onto the opposite lane, causing the accident. We received help from Gift’s employers, Claremont Orchards, where he worked as a mechanic,” said Mr Simango.
Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw has since been charged with culpable homicide, and appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko.
He pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to causing the deaths of Simango, Kaseke, and Mutsoka.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that Adanw caused the accident by overtaking in-front of an oncoming vehicle and travelling at an excessive speed.
“On December 23, at around 8am, the accused was driving a white Benz truck (AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare with no passengers on board. Upon approaching the 120km peg, he encroached on the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Nissan Note (AHC0831) driven by Simango, with three passengers on board.
“Simango and two passengers, Taurai Kaseke and Ngoni Mutsoka, died at the scene. Post-mortem reports attributed their deaths to serious head injuries. Both vehicles sustained serious damages.
“The State alleges Adanw was negligent in overtaking in-front of an oncoming vehicle, travelling at excessive speed, failing to act when an accident seemed imminent, and failing to keep a proper lookout,” she said.
Adanw will return to court on January 5, 2026, for mitigation and aggravation submissions.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reported a rise in road accidents from December 15 to 26, 2025, with 2 412 incidents compared to 1 211 in the same period in 2024. The fatalities increased to 100 from 77 in 2024.
“Excessive speeding was also identified as the major contributing factor in the reported accidents, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control. Several incidents involved vehicles veering off road, overturning, or colliding with trees or fixed objects, particularly during early morning and night-time hours. These crashes suggest that drivers were travelling at speeds beyond their ability to safely control their vehicles, a risk often worsened by fatigue or inattention,” reads the national police statement.
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