A devastating accident on the Masvingo–Mutare highway has left 16 members of The Mirror’s editorial team and support staff injured after their commuter bus reportedly overturned several times near the 25-kilometre peg, close to Mutimurefu Prison, on Sunday afternoon.
The team had been returning from a strategic planning retreat held at Nyuni Lodge. Among the passengers was a one-month-old infant. The injured were swiftly transported to two major hospitals in Masvingo for urgent medical care.
Three of the publication’s senior bureau chiefs Increase Gumbo, Alvina Chiwanika, and Prisca Manyiwa-Masuku are said to be in critical condition and are currently receiving intensive care as medical teams work tirelessly to stabilize them. Law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
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The Board of The Masvingo Mirror expressed profound appreciation for the rapid response by emergency personnel and members of the public who came to the victims’ aid. Board Chair Advocate Rodgers Matsikidze and Vice Chair Virginia Takaona-Holmes both lauded the bravery and humanity demonstrated at the scene, emphasising how those efforts were vital in saving lives.
Special recognition was given to senior nurses Rosemary Pepukai and Tandekile Gudoshava from Mutimurefu Prison Hospital, who administered crucial first aid on site. Civilian responders David Charirwe and his son Erasmus were also honoured for halting their journey to transport victims using their private vehicle.
Masvingo police officials, including Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, and Sergeant Lloyd Masundire, later visited the hospitalised journalists to show their support. As the media community grapples with the emotional and physical toll of the tragedy, renewed calls are being made for stronger road safety measures and better transport conditions for traveling professionals.
