Online Reporter
Online Writer
A journey to a church gathering ended in tragedy yesterday when a kombi carrying congregants plunged into Ruti Dam in Buhera, killing nine people and leaving a community in shock.
The horrific accident occurred at around 4.30AM as the worshippers travelled from Gutu to Buhera for a church function.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Friday night said the Nissan Caravan kombi had stopped on the Ruti Dam wall to load luggage when disaster struck.
Police Investigations indicate that the driver allegedly used a stone instead of engaging the vehicle’s handbrake to secure the kombi.
Moments later, the vehicle began moving before plunging into the dam’s waters.
Said Comm Nyathi: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is also investigating the circumstances in which nine people died at Ruti Dam, Buhera on 17th July 2026 at around 0430 hours when the driver of Nissan Caravan kombi negligently stopped his vehicle at Ruti Dam Wall and started loading luggage after using a stone instead of the vehicle’s handbrake to effectively bring the vehicle to a halt.
“Sadly, the vehicle moved and plunged into Ruti Dam. The vehicle had 12 congregants from Gutu to Buhera for a church function.”
District Development Coordinator for Gutu, Ms Chiedza Tafirei said the community had been plunged into mourning following the accident.
The tragedy adds to a growing list of fatal accidents that have claimed scores of lives across the country in recent months, raising concerns over road safety and driver conduct.
It comes barely a day after another deadly road traffic accident along the Harare-Chirundu Highway claimed seven lives.
The crash occurred at the 109-kilometre peg near Chinhoyi Heroes Acre and involved a Nissan AD Van and a Nissan NV350 commuter omnibus.
Several other passengers were injured in the collision.
Comm Nyathi said police were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the Chinhoyi accident.
Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has since conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the 10 injured passengers a speedy recovery.
Police have urged motorists to observe road safety regulations and ensure vehicles are properly secured whenever they stop.
Investigations into both the Ruti Dam and Chinhoyi accidents are continuing, with police expected to release further details once inquiries are complete.
derick.khumalo