Source: Emotional send-off for six crash dead family members – herald
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed the Zabe area in Ward 3 of Chikomba District yesterday at the burial of six members of the Mujuru family who perished in a road traffic accident on Thursday while travelling to Zvishavane for a church conference.
Those who died are the mother Lillian Maranda Mujuru (40) and her five children — Nokutenda (15), Makanaka (13), Ronald (11), Rufaro (7) and Kayden (3).
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the family’s rural home in Chikomba District to pay their last respects and witness the burial of the six in a deeply emotional ceremony.
Tragedy struck on the 246km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
It is reported that as the vehicle approached the 246km peg, a head-on collision occurred involving their Toyota Corolla and a truck, resulting in the death of all six occupants in the Corolla. The driver of the truck was said to be in hospital in Bulawayo.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, who was the chief mourner, appealed to the Mujuru and Maranda families to remain strong and support one another during this difficult time.
“We are gathered here, mourning. It is a difficult moment for the family and the nation is with you. Death has robbed us of a family, and it is painful.
“I want to commend all of you for coming here and joining the family in burying their loved ones,” he said.
Minister Mhona also consoled Mr Ronald Mujuru, the husband of Lillian and father of the five children, encouraging him to remain strong and accept what had transpired. He further challenged members of the public to desist from taking pictures at accident scenes and instead focus on assisting victims.
“It’s disheartening that some people rush to post images from accident scenes, inclusive of those who would have died.
“Imagine having to learn of the death of your loved one on social media. This is wrong.
“People should focus on giving assistance to those who would have been involved in an accident.”
Family spokesperson Ms Nyaradzo Mujuru broke down as she described the pain the family is going through.
“When I received the call that the six had an accident, we thought it was not that serious. We had to soon realise it was fatal. We are heart-broken.
“Imagine burying six people in one day. The family is in pain. This is not easy for us,” she said.
Chief Mutekedza, who also addressed mourners, appealed to Mr Mujuru to find comfort in the Lord and urged the community to support him.
“This is a difficult time for the Mujuru family, particularly the father of the departed children and also the husband to the departed wife. “I call upon the society to be there for him. Let us give him all the support he deserves. To Ronald, we are with you in this difficult time. To everyone present, thank you for coming. This is a difficult moment, one that has never happened in this area. Let us all find time to pray and support the Mujuru family,” he said.
The burial was marked by deep grief, with Mr Mujuru, struggling to contain his emotions during body viewing. Flanked by relatives, friends and workmates, he endured the painful farewell as the six coffins were lowered.
The tragedy has left the nation in shock, underscoring the devastating impact of road traffic accidents on families and the nation at large.
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