Wenslus Murape
Latwell Nyangu and Talent Gore
ZIMBABWEANS have saluted President Mnangagwa for awarding a truck driver Sirizani Butau with a Gold Cross of Zimbabwe for saving lives at an accident scene in Mutare in December 2021.
The President also honoured two brave children Peace (12) and Luckmore Magaya (9) who saved their grandmother Blantinna Magaya, from a crocodile attack in Mhondoro Ngezi in January with a Silver Cross of Zimbabwe for their bravery.
The awards were among many conferred during the commemorations of the National Heroes Day held at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.
The brave Butau became popular for rescuing people who were trapped in a Beta bus that was in flames after being involved in a head-on collision with a fuel tanker about 20 km outside Mutare on December 24, 2021.
Although Butau was not involved in the accident, he rushed to assist more than half a dozen people out of a bus that caught fire after it collided with a tanker.
On the day the accident happened, Butau was travelling from Beira to Zambia and he suffered third-degree burns.
He was taken to a hospital in Mutare but his family requested to have him discharged so that he could be treated in Kadoma where they reside.
President Mnangagwa with Peace and Luckmore Magaya
During the accident, 66 people were injured, while a number of deaths were five.
Following the accident, President Mnangagwa hailed Butau for his selfless heroics.
“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate Sirizani Butau who saved people from the Mutare accident. As government we will honour him for his selfless sacrifice,” wrote President Mnangagwa on Twitter, now known as X.
In March this year, President Mnangagwa also met the Magaya siblings at State House and gave them US$5,000 each and started paying for their education, offering an education scholarship for the children up to university.
“Today, I met two brave young heroes, Peace and Luckmore from Mhondoro.
“They saved their grandmother from a crocodile attack. Inspired by their courage, I have taken on their education fees and awarded them US$5000 each.
“Let’s nurture such bravery and compassion in our youth,” said President Mnangagwa then.
The two brave children, who attend Dondoshava Primary School in Mhondoro, gained national attention when a video of their heroic act went viral in January.
One of the kids, Peace Magaya narrated how they overpowered the reptile on the fateful day.
In the video, the children were recounting how they heroically overpowered a crocodile and rescued their grandmother, who was caught in its jaws.
This file picture shows truck driver Sirizani Butau when he saved lives at an accident scene in Mutare in December 2021
In the video, the children recounted the terrifying incident and their courageous efforts to rescue their grandmother.
“The crocodile was dragging our mother in the water then we took a stick and started attacking the crocodile’s eyes.”
Meanwhile, yesterday’s gesture by President Mnangagwa was welcomed by Zimbabweans and below are some of the comments.
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Kudos to our President. I admire and salute you your Excellency. We are making new heroes and honouring existing ones. — @muvhitoriwe
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This is a good story. No need to hate it at all. Mr Butau’s selfless acts should be remembered and honoured. — Valentine Masina
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Apa H.E vagona, ndiwo magambazve aya. — Obi
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This is the meaning of leadership, heroes redefined. — The Village Philosopher
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Ha ED ndibaba vedu! Welldone Prezo and congratulations to Mr Sirizani. — Tadiwanashe_sithole
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Well deserved. Thank you so much H.E. Much appreciated. — Dr BenSaimba Mutamba Muchechetere
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The President touching lives, one at a time. — Billionaire in the Making
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The little kids deserve the honour. Thank you, President, for honouring these youngsters.
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This is commendable. — DHEWA
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The first sincere ever, correctly prioritised, and deserved deed from His Excellency. — Miss Rue
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This is wonderful. — Vuchm
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For him and the two kids they actually deserved to be honoured for sure. — Daniel asiri Chingoma aka deeblacks
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This is a good gesture from the President. — Tendai Livingstone
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This is great, honouring people while they are alive. — @AngelaManyeruke
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Thank you Mr President. — @moyochirandu19
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Thank you President ED, Thank you present day hero Mr Butau. — Farai
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Well done Mr President and thanks Mr Butau for saving lives. — kudzanai Chipanera
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Pamberi nemwe President, ndokugona kauku. — Joseph Chikwira
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I also want a hug from the president. — Miss Fran
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Zvinokudzwa. What a very strong gesture. Mupeiwo start yezvaanoshuvira muhupenyu. — berube87’s
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Macheso akaimba kuti hugamba huri pakawanda, hunoonekwa kuburikidza nemabasa. Well-deserved Mr Butau. — JABULAN
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That’s what heroes day should be. — Trevor jnr
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He deserves that. May the Lord bless him more and have long life. — Privie
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Thank you so much for recognising these brave youngsters. — Elvis matambo
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Many thanks our President for honouring these brave children. — Simbarashe Chipuri
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Online Reporter