By Kudzai Jakachira
At least 14 children have been confirmed among the 28 churchgoers who perished in last week’s horrific road disaster along the Harare-Masvingo highway.
Police on Tuesday officially released the names of 25 identified victims.
The official death toll climbed to 28 after an injured survivor who had been admitted to Chitungwiza General Hospital succumbed to severe burns and trauma injuries.
According to police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, three of the 28 victims remain unidentified after being burnt beyond recognition in the inferno that engulfed their vehicle following the August 28 crash at the 132-kilometre peg near Chivhu.
“The remaining three victims were burnt beyond recognition and their identities have not been conclusively established,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“The CID Forensic Department has obtained forensic samples from the three unidentified remains for analysis to enable the identification process to be concluded” before their names are officially released.
The catastrophe occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when an overcrowded commuter omnibus collided head-on with a haulage truck and burst into flames, destroying multiple generations of several families.
Among the hardest-hit was the Magiya family of Chakahwata Village in Seke, which lost five members: 39-year-old mother Mellisa Magiya and her four children—Talent (13), Tanaka (11), Nenyasha (4) and two-year-old Adiel.
Similarly, the Bonda family from Zhanje Village in Dema suffered devastating losses, losing 29-year-old Rumbidzai Kashongo Bonda and her three young children: Believe (10), Tavonga (8) and two-year-old Tehila.
Four children from the Chikaka family of Glenview, Harare—Tariro (14), Kuzivakwashe (12), Wisdom (10) and Shamiso (8)—also perished in the inferno.
Other young victims identified by police include Wisdom Masava (13), Devine Masava (9) and two-year-old Tawanda Mupandawana.
Adult victims identified by relatives include Jonathan Marahwa (34), Humfrey Chikaka (44), Lizzy Nhema (38), Moline Chamboko (57), Bernenia Zvomuya (63), Christine Nyakuzviranga (68), Plaxedes Nyamayaro (68), Idyai Munyanyiwa (52) and Itai Fusirai (46).
The tragic revelation of the high number of children among the dead has sent shockwaves across the country, intensifying public calls for stricter enforcement of road safety laws and public transport regulations.
Following the release of the names, police issued a fresh warning against night driving, citing limited visibility and heightened hazards after dark.
Law enforcement authorities also urged church leaders and conference organisers to ensure that congregants do not travel at night, while warning passengers against boarding unroadworthy or illegally operated public transport vehicles.
