Heartfelt send-off for Chronicle driver killed in motorcycle crash

THE late Chronicle driver, Silas Bhunu, who tragically lost his life early Sunday morning when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a white Toyota GD6 double cab, was laid to rest yesterday at Umvutsha Cemetery in Bulawayo.

Hundreds of mourners — including family, friends, colleagues, and representatives from companies he worked closely with while delivering Zimbabwe Newspapers publications — gathered at his family home in Mzilikazi, to pay their final respects.

A somber atmosphere enveloped the streets of Mzilikazi as mourners gave Bhunu a heartfelt send-off, honoring a man who left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Speaker after speaker described Bhunu as a devoted family man, who deeply loved his three children and earned the respect of both young and old in the community where he was raised.

**Zimpapers Bulawayo branch members of staff pay their last respects to the late Silas Bhunu at a service held in Mzilikazi before his burial yesterday**

At Chronicle, he was known for his warm personality and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was cherished by fellow drivers and supervisors — the colleagues he spent most of his working hours with.

Even those who interacted with him briefly, such as residents of Entumbane where he rented a home for his family, remembered him as a respectful gentleman with a ready smile for neighbours and passers-by.

Mr Nhlekiso Moyo, a Chronicle driver and one of the first people to arrive at the scene of the fatal accident, said passing the site along Luveve Road will always evoke painful memories. The two drivers were close friends, and Mr Moyo said the image of Bhunu lying unresponsive on the road will remain etched in his memory.

“I was doing deliveries on the morning of the accident and heard a loud bang after dropping off newspapers at Mzilikazi shops near Luveve Road. When I drove past the accident scene, I noticed the motorcycle had a plastic crate at the back and slowed down, as all Chronicle bikes have crates for newspaper delivery,” said Mr Moyo.

He said he immediately stopped his vehicle and rushed to the scene, where he found his friend lying in a pool of blood.

“I begged Bhunu to wake up but realised he wasn’t responding. Police officers, who had arrived asked if I knew him and I told them he was a friend and colleague reporting for duty that morning,” he said.

Mr Moyo said that the loss of his friend would be difficult to come to terms with.

Bhunu’s younger brother, Mr Wellington Bhunu, said the family was still in shock over the sudden loss.

“My brother’s death was so sudden that we are all still trying to come to terms with everything that happened leading to his untimely passing. As a family, we are comforted by the fact that he was a good man, who touched the lives of all these people who came to say their goodbyes today,” he said.

During his time delivering newspapers, Bhunu built close relationships with some Zimpapers subscribers, several of whom attended his burial.

The vehicle that struck him had eight passengers on board, including the driver, Melusi Nkomo. His accomplice, Shelton Dube (19), allegedly conspired to steal the vehicle from a spray painting workshop in the Kelvin industrial area, where it was being repaired following a previous accident.

The pair reportedly paid the security guard US$5 to access the vehicle before embarking on a joyride. After the accident, Nkomo, Dube and three other passengers fled the scene.

Four other passengers — all underage girls — remained in the vehicle and assisted police with investigations, which led to the arrest of Nkomo, Dube and another male passenger. Officers from Bulawayo Traffic West Police Station launched an early morning search for the suspects. Two remain at large.

The unlicensed driver, Nkomo, and Dube, both from Nkulumane, will face three charges: culpable homicide, driving without a licence and driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Both the South Africa-registered vehicle and the motorcycle Bhunu was riding were extensively damaged.

Police have urged motorists to obey road rules and regulations and to remain vigilant for other road users at all times.