Online Reporter
Masimba Mavaza
Correspondent
The Easter Holidays will be remembered for a long time, not just for the joy of the resurrection, but for the tears shed at the funeral service of the Mujuru family.
On Thursday last week, Mr Ronald Mujuru received the kind of news that no parent should ever hear — that his wife, Lilian (40), and their five children — Nokutenda (15), Makanaka (13), Ronald Junior (11), Rufaro Shalom (7) and little Kayden (3) — had been killed on the spot in a head-on collision along Masvingo Road, near Mvuma.
The Mujuru family who are related the late Army Commander and Liberation icon General Solomon Mujuru, aka Rex Nhongo, endured a holiday marked with loss of life and pain.
Among those who came to pay respects was Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Felix Mhona.
As he stood before the coffins at a funeral parlour in Harare, tears streamed down his face — a raw, unguarded moment that captured the nation’s grief.
Dr Mhona revealed that President Mnangagwa had also been moved and deeply saddened by the tragedy, and had sent him to convey condolences on behalf of the President and his two deputies.
The minister, known for his measured public demeanour, could not hold back.
The minister’s tears, a rare sight in the public eye, spoke volumes about his humanity and compassion. Seeing him break down, overwhelmed by grief, touched the hearts of millions.
It is a reminder that even those in positions of power are not immune to the pain of loss.
Minister Mhona’s show of emotion humanized him, and it’s a lesson to us all that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to feel, and to grieve. His tears were a testament to the impact the Mujuru family’s loss has had on our nation and evoked strong emotions in millions of Zimbabweans.
He was genuinely gripped by grief and stepped out of a plastic position of ministerial cocoon into the world of emotion.
Never in the political life did a leader shed tears during the line of duty.
Minister Mhona’s rare display of emotion was a testament to the impact of the tragedy. He expressed his condolences and urged Zimbabweans to respect the family’s grief by avoiding sharing graphic content on social media.
“We have been saddened by the loss of six lives from the same family in a road traffic accident,” the minister said, his voice cracking.
“This is so painful. We have lost as a nation. President Mnangagwa is aware of this incident and he has sent me to express his condolences.”
“I urge the people of Zimbabwe to value our culture and tradition . . . by not posting videos and photographs of accident victims on social media,” he said.
Disturbing images and videos of the accident was circulated on social media sparking widespread condemnation.
The Evil of Social Media Sensationalism
However, the minister’s emotional display also highlighted the stark contrast between his humanity and the inhumanity of those who rush to take photos at accident scenes and post them on social media.
The shock of seeing your loved ones dead on social media is a pain that can never be eased. It’s a cruel reminder of the insensitivity and lack of empathy that plagues our society.
Those who engage in this behaviour need to be called out and held accountable. It’s time for us to start valuing human life and dignity over likes and shares.
The Government needs to take concrete steps to stop people from taking photos at accident scenes and posting them on social media.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said members of the public must act responsibly at accident scenes by rendering assistance to victims.
“The law will take its course on anyone who will be found taking photographs or videos of accident scenes,” said Comm Nyathi.
The Government must implement strict laws and penalties for those caught sharing graphic content. This must be done by increasing awareness campaigns on the impact of social media sensationalism.
To the Mujuru family, Zimbabwe mourns with you. May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time.
The world mourns with you, and we pray that your loss will not be in vain .
At this moment of unimaginable grief, we turn to the Word of God for comfort and hope.
1 Corinthians 15:50-52 reminds us that “in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, we will all be changed”.
Our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Christ will be raised with new, imperishable bodies.
Jesus says in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
We can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are now with the Lord, free from pain and suffering.
Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
May these words bring you hope and peace during this difficult time.
Peter Tanyanyiwa