Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
POLICE in Hwange have arrested the driver of the Toyota Noah involved in Saturday’s fatal road accident at Deka Bridge, which claimed the lives of eight Roman Catholic congregants.
The driver, Fanuel Mathe, who survived the crash, has been charged with culpable homicide and is assisting police with investigations into the incident.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash were continuing.
“I confirm that he has been charged with culpable homicide. This is standard procedure where there is an accident that results in deaths. Investigations are instituted to determine what happened,” he said. “So, this process of investigations involves the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and Police Traffic,” said Insp Banda.
He said Mathe is expected to appear in court soon. The accident occurred at around 7AM on Saturday along Deka Road near Hwange when the vehicle, carrying 13 congregants returning from an all-night prayer vigil, reportedly lost control while attempting to cross Deka Bridge before plunging into the Deka River.
Police said the eight victims died after the vehicle became submerged in the river, trapping passengers underwater. Five survivors were rescued and taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital for treatment, with some later discharged after receiving medical attention.
Witnesses said the congregants were travelling from Makwa to Hwange after attending a Roman Catholic Church gathering at St John’s Mission.
“The vehicle appeared to lose control in the middle of the bridge before plunging into the river. When I arrived at the scene, the accident had just happened. The vehicle was almost submerged and some bodies had already been recovered from the water,” said one eyewitness.
Emergency rescue teams from Hwange Colliery Company, Zimbabwe Power Company and the Hwange Local Board quickly responded and mounted rescue efforts.
Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle may have suffered brake failure while crossing the bridge, although authorities said investigations were still ongoing.
In a condolence message, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the people of Matabeleland North Province, and in my own capacity as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Roman Catholic Church, the families of the deceased, and the entire Hwange community during this time of immense grief. We mourn with you. The loss of these eight lives, taken so suddenly while in the service of their faith, is a tragedy that diminishes us all.”
Minister Moyo said the Civil Protection Committee had been directed to coordinate support for the bereaved families and survivors.
“The relevant authorities have been directed to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention and support,” he said.
Acting District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Mr Simbarashe Kayela said authorities activated emergency response systems immediately after the accident.
“We have begun coordinating responses following the tragedy that claimed the lives of eight people. We are mobilising resources to assist the bereaved families,” said Mr Kayela.
He added that officials would also visit survivors admitted at Hwange Colliery Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hwange has declared three days of mourning from Monday to Wednesday in honour of the deceased congregants.
In a notice to the church, Bishop Father Raphael Ncube said all Masses during the mourning period would be dedicated to the departed faithful.
“I hereby announce to all of us in the whole Diocese to observe three days of mourning as a Diocese that is Monday 25 May, Tuesday 26 May and Wednesday 27 May 2026. I ask that all Masses in these three days be Masses for these deceased brothers and sisters,” reads part of the notice.
Following Saturday’s accident, residents have renewed calls for improved safety measures at the Deka crossing, particularly during periods of hazardous road and water conditions.
