Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
A SOMBRE and emotionally charged atmosphere hung over Dangamvura Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to prominent Mutare car dealer, Silas Machanyangwa (38), whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal road accident.
The mourners, comprising family, friends, and colleagues, converged at the cemetery, many visibly shaken by the sudden loss of the well-known entrepreneur. The burial procession, which began at Mutare City Centre around 9am, drew a cavalcade of vehicles, predominantly Toyota Mark X sedans, that slowly made their way to the cemetery via the accident scene.
Machanyangwa met his demise in a horrific crash near Zuva Service Station, along Mutare-Harare Highway last Saturday evening. The accident happened around 5pm at the 258km peg, close to Murambi Turn-off, when Machanyangwa, who had two passengers aboard, lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road before crashing into a tree.
Machanyangwa, who sustained severe head injuries, died on the spot, while a passenger, Tawanda Zembe (38), was pronounced dead on arrival at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
The third passenger, Solomon Nemaunga (27), of Gimboki, survived the crash with serious injuries, including a deep head cut and arm bruises.
The loss of Machanyangwa has sent shockwaves through the local business community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of the deceased.
On Tuesday, mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Machanyangwa, fondly known as Sai, at Dangamvura Cemetery.
When his coffin was finally lowered into the grave, grief rippled through the crowd – some wept uncontrollably, clutching handkerchiefs soaked with tears, while others stared blankly – their emotions caught between shock and denial. Friends embraced tightly, whispering memories of his humour, generosity and the warmth that defined his character.
Even those who did not know him personally admitted to being moved by the raw emotion displayed by his loved ones.
Flowers, messages, especially on social media, and handfuls of soil were placed gently on the grave, each gesture symbolising a final, and heartfelt goodbye.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the fatal accident.
“Two people died and another was seriously injured in a road traffic accident that occurred along the Mutare–Harare Highway last Saturday evening. The deceased were identified as Silas Machanyangwa (38) and Tawanda Zembe (38), both of Odzi. The accident occurred around 5pm near the 258km peg, close to Murambi Turn-off. Machanyangwa, who was driving with two passengers, lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road and crashed into a tree. He sustained head injuries and died on the spot, while Zembe was pronounced dead upon admission at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
“The third passenger, Solomon Nemaunga (27), of Gimboki, survived with a deep head cut and arm bruises. Preliminary investigations suggest speeding as the likely cause. We urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during this festive season,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka added that there has been concern over rising festive-season accidents.
Beyond being a car dealer, Machanyangwa was an active member of Team Toyota Mark X Mutare and the Mutare Car Dealers Association.
Members from both groups came in large numbers to honour him.
Team Mark X president, Mr Washington Mandirahwe described Machanyangwa’s death as a devastating blow to the motoring community.
“Silas was more than a member; he was actually a pillar in our team. He attended every event, every drive, every meeting, always bringing unmatched enthusiasm and positivity. What made him special was his ability to unite people. Whether you were young or old, new in the team or a founding member, he treated everyone with the same respect and warmth. He had a genuine passion for motoring culture.
“He would spend hours advising younger members on responsible driving, vehicle maintenance and the importance of discipline on the road. His passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill. We have lost a brother, mentor and friend. The roads will never feel the same without his presence, and our convoys will forever be incomplete. We pray for his family and for healing within our community,” said Mr Mandirahwe.
Another Team Mark X member, Ms Sharon Chibvongodze spoke tearfully about her last interactions with the deceased.
“Silas was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen. Whenever you arrived at a meeting, he was the first to greet you with a smile. He had this calming presence that made you want to open up. Just last week he told me to take life slowly, to appreciate every journey, and those words now echo painfully in my mind. What hurts the most is that he died while doing something he loved – driving. His advice, humour, and big-brother guidance will stay with us forever.
As Team Mark X, we have lost a giant, true ambassador of safe and responsible driving. We will honour him by upholding the values he stood for,” she said.
Family friend and chairperson of the Mutare Car Dealers Association, Mr Joseph Knight, said Machanyangwa’s death had shaken the business community.
“Personally, I have lost a loving brother. He was a loving person. Silas was one of the most honest, hardworking and dependable car dealers we had in Mutare.
In an industry where trust is everything, he was a shining example.
Customers loved him because he was transparent and professional. His passing is, not just a loss for his family, but for every young entrepreneur who looked up to him. We have lost leadership, wisdom and kindness. We are devastated,” he said.
ZANU PF Manicaland Youth League vice-chairman, Cde Wilson Nyamande, who attended the burial, also urged motorists to exercise caution during the festive season.
“It is a sad development. We lost a young soul full of potential. He was quite an inspiration to many. In addition, what we witnessed today (Tuesday), the tears, the heartbreak, the devastation is something no family should ever go through.
This accident must also serve as a wake-up call to all drivers. The roads are busy, the weather unpredictable, and one mistake can change countless lives in a single moment, especially during this festive season. We urge fellow motorists to exercise caution during this period,” he said.
