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Victor Maphosa recently in Chivhu
Losing a loved one is heart-wrenching, it is even more harrowing when death robs a family of many members, including even toddlers, unfortunately that was the case when 16 people died in a horror crash last Friday.
Families still search for answers, but fate made its call in a flash, taking as many as four members from the same family, leaving many in grief and with nowhere to start.
But even in their pain, they got solace from the Government that assisted them with food, and coffins to ensure their dear departed were accorded befitting burials.
The families with relatives who perished in a horror road accident that occurred along the Harare-Masvingo highway, praised Government for assisting them during their time of bereavement.
Sixteen people died and several others were injured in the accident which occurred at the 52km peg near Beatrice. They died after a haulage truck that was being driven towards Harare collided head-on with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter which had 44 passengers on board.
All the deceased were ferried to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary while the injured were rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital for assistance.
Among the deceased was a one-year-old toddler.
The passengers in the Sprinter were all travelling to a church gathering. Following the tragedy, Government immediately declared it a national disaster and availed assistance, including food to the bereaved families, to ensure the dead were accorded a befitting burial.
On Sunday morning, a memorial service was held at Chivhu General Hospital, an event which was attended by relatives of the deceased as well as senior Government officials. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, was leading the delegation. He was accompanied by Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona, as well as the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi.
In an interview with The Herald on the sidelines of the service, relatives of the deceased expressed their gratitude to the Government for extending a helping hand towards the burial of their loved ones.
“I lost my brother-in-law in this accident. He had a daughter who also perished. The daughter has also a child who died in this accident. They were eight in this vehicle and the other five are in hospital and are critical. I was close to my in-laws and we are in great pain.
“Imagine losing three relatives like this at one go. Now we have received assistance from Government. Honestly, I am grateful to the Government for this gesture,” Mr Vengai Kachidza said.
Another bereaved man who identified himself only as Garikai, lost four relatives. “I lost four relatives in this accident and as a family, we were not even expecting this tragedy. We are in pain. I do not even know how to thank Government for the assistance. The love from the Government is commendable,” he said.
Mrs Ncube said she lost four relatives including her son and daughter-in-law.
“There were five in the vehicle, only one survived. This is God’s plan but it is painful. Imagine burying four bodies at once. The pain is unbearable.
“We are thankful to Government for this gesture. We have food and coffins, and this has lessened our burden,” she said. Doves Funeral Services has been tasked with transporting the bodies of the accident victims to their places of final rest.
Online Reporter