5 killed in overloaded team bus 

THE death toll from Sunday afternoon’s accident involving a Rusape Area Zone football team has risen to five after three more victims died on admission, while nine others remain in hospital with serious injuries.

The crash occurred along the Mutare-Harare road near Folkington Farm when a Toyota Hiace carrying members of Ripplemead Football Club, veered off the road and struck a tree. The team was en-route to Nyazura to play Holy Stars, and was running late.

The driver, who is still admitted, is yet to produce his driver’s licence, with survivors claiming he was speeding and failed to control the overloaded vehicle.

Rusape General Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Stewart Karembo said survivors are recovering well and two with serious injuries requiring specialist treatment have been transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.

“Five people died from that accident. Two died on the spot and were brought to our mortuary. We received 30 patients – 16 were attended to at the Out Patients department and were discharged as they had minor injuries. Three died upon admission at casualty department. 10 were admitted in male ward and two in the female ward. Two with serious head injuries were transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for neurosurgical treatment. Seven are still admitted at the hospital,” said Dr Karembo.

Makoni Area Zone Football Association secretary, Lovemore Josaya said the league has been plunged into mourning and has suspended fixtures to allow a decent send-off for their colleagues.

The deceased are Tichaona Njalakowa, Bhobho Mufudza, brothers Public and Pemberai Chekerano and Rudo Mukamba.

“The MAFA Board, on behalf of the entire football family, extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Ripplemead FC, players, officials and supporters. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a speedy recovery. In honor of the departed all MAFA fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 27-28 June 2026 are hereby postponed. A minute of silence will be observed before the start of every MAFA fixture when the league resumes. Clubs are encouraged to tie black armbands during matches as a mark of respect. Funeral arrangements will be communicated once confirmed by the families and Ripplemead FC leadership. The MAFA Board will coordinate assistance and support to the affected families. Let us stand together as one football family during this difficult time. May the souls of our departed members rest in eternal peace,” said the association.

Headlands Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Farai Mapfumo said he is working closely with his counterpart Honourable Stanley Sakupwanya, who is also the Ripplemead Farm owner, to provide funeral and medical assistance to the victims.

He, however, called on communities to carry out due diligence before hiring vehicles.