President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after a fatal road crash along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East, claimed 27 lives. In a statement issued on Saturday, 29 August, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) […]
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after a fatal road crash along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East, claimed 27 lives.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 29 August, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06].
Garwe said the crash occurred at around 8.30 pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, at the 15km peg from Chivhu.
It involved a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa to 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,” Garwe said.
“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.”
Garwe said the kombi driver died at the scene, while the truck driver survived and was taken by ambulance to Harare for further treatment.
Civil Protection teams, working with members of the public from Chivhu, responded swiftly and carried out search, rescue and recovery operations. Small cranes were used to retrieve victims, while a fire tender was deployed to put out the blaze.
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 open to traffic.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations.
Garwe said the Government is working closely with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders to consolidate information and establish the identities of those who died.
“The names of the victims will be released once the identification process has been completed and the information duly verified,” he said.
“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.”
