State assisted funerals for Chivhu accident victims

Easter holiday near Chivhu.
In a statement yesterday, Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Ignatius Chombo said the families would each get US$375 to meet funeral expenses.
“On behalf of the nation, the ministry and my own behalf, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families for the untimely loss. I also wish those injured in the accident a speedy recovery.
“Meanwhile, I have invoked the provision of the Civil Protection Act thereby authorising the issuance of the limited support to each of the bereaved families as follows; a standard coffin US$100, blanket, US$5, chema US$200, transport US$50, mealie-meal US$20.”
Tragic accidents of this nature, Minister Chombo, said continued to spoil joyous celebrations during public holidays with predicable frequency. He said despite police warnings and increased patrols, some drivers continued to wreak havoc on the roads with drastic consequences.
“What was supposed to be a cheerful Christian holiday reuniting families in merriment was turned into a nightmare for the bereaved families, friends and indeed the whole nation. Such wanton loss of human life is inexcusable,” he said.
On Monday, seven soldiers and a three-year-old girl died when a truck they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota Landcruiser along the Harare-Chirundu Highway, in Nyabira.
The accident occurred near the 31km peg in Nyabira area, along the Harare-Chirundu Highway. The army truck was travelling from Inkomo, heading towards the city while the Toyota Landcruiser was moving in the opposite direction. A funeral parade was held at Inkomo Barracks on Thursday for the seven soldiers. Addressing mourners, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Inspector General, Major General Engelbert Rugeje, said the ZDF was deeply saddened by the untimely death of its members.
“I learnt with great shock that our organisation was robbed of seven gallant fighters in a road carnage. It is sad that seven members met this tragic incident when the hearse they were travelling in was on its way to collect Corporal Tawanda Mavhuna’s body who had also died in another road traffic accident, which occurred in Mutoko on Saturday last week,” he said.
Warrant Officer Class Two Mavis Chanetsa and Staff Sergeant Dzawanda Mudzimba were declared provincial heroes. Maj Gen Rugeje expressed gratitude for the support rendered by two funeral parlours that provided service for the seven.
Three-year-old Levine Tsitsi – daughter of Sergeant Simbarashe Farahini – also died in the same accident together with her father. ZNA Chief of Staff (General Staff), Major General Martin Chedondo, former Commander of Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier General David Sigauke, Zvimba East legislator Cde Patrick Zhuwawo and several senior military officers witnessed the parade.