Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A MOOD of deep sorrow gripped Victoria Falls yesterday as hundreds of mourners gathered at St Josephine Bakhita Parish of the Roman Catholic Church to bid farewell to eight victims of the tragic Deka Bridge crash.
The funeral mass, marked by grief and prayer, came as the Government declared the accident a national disaster, highlighting the scale of a tragedy that has devastated families, shaken communities and left the Catholic Church in mourning.
The day began in Hwange, where a sombre procession formed in the early hours. Hearses carrying the bodies of the deceased departed from Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary.
Inside the coffins were Thomas Muzamba — the only male victim — Ngonidzashe Mandinyenya, Fungai Shumba, Gertrude Nyoni, Tizhani Mbodzi, Jane Masuku, Taylor Mwale, and three-year-old Kayla Nduna, whose death has touched hearts across the country.
The victims, drawn from St Kizito, St Josephine Bakhita and Our Lady of Peace parishes, were making their final journey home.
As the convoy moved slowly through Hwange, residents lined the roads in silence, many visibly emotional as they paid their last respects.
Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, church bells tolled as large crowds gathered at the parish. Hymns filled the air, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats typical of Catholic worship, as mourners struggled to come to terms with the loss. Some wiped away tears, while others stood quietly with bowed heads.
Among those who attended were Government officials, traditional leaders, church leaders, business figures and representatives from various denominations, all standing in solidarity with the bereaved families.
Inside the church, the atmosphere was deeply moving. The eight coffins lay side by side in front of the altar, covered in white cloth and surrounded by candles and flowers.
Bulawayo Catholic Bishop Raphael Ncube, who led the funeral mass, offered prayers and words of comfort, urging unity and faith during this painful time.
“This is a painful wound not only for the families but for the entire community. Yet even in sorrow, God remains with His people,” he said.
Traditional Catholic rites were then performed before mourners were given the opportunity to say their final goodbyes. Emotional scenes followed, with some family members breaking down and others needing support as they approached the coffins.
After the service, the victims were taken for burial in rural Hwange, Gwanda and Victoria Falls.
The fatal accident occurred at around 7am on Saturday along Deka Road near Hwange. A Toyota Noah carrying 13 congregants, who were returning from an all-night prayer vigil, reportedly lost control while attempting to cross Deka Bridge before plunging into the flooded Deka River.
Police said the vehicle became submerged, trapping passengers underwater.
Five survivors were rescued and rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital. Some were later discharged after receiving treatment.
The group had been travelling from Makwa to Hwange after attending a Roman Catholic gathering at St John’s Mission.
The driver, Fanuel Mathe, who survived the accident, has since been arrested and charged with culpable homicide. Police say investigations are ongoing.
Emergency response teams from Hwange Colliery Company, Zimbabwe Power Company and Hwange Local Board acted quickly, working tirelessly to recover the victims and assist survivors.
For many residents, the tragedy has also brought back painful memories of another fatal incident at the same crossing nearly two months ago, when a 31-year-old man drowned while attempting to cross the flooded river.
