A tragic road traffic accident left 16 journalists and support staff from The Mirror injured, following a commuter bus crash along the Masvingo–Mutare highway. The group was en route from a strategic planning workshop at Nyuni Lodge when the bus reportedly overturned three times near the 25km peg close to Mutimurefu Prison on Sunday afternoon. A one-month-old baby was also on board. All the injured were immediately hospitalized at two major medical facilities in Masvingo.
Among the critically injured are three senior bureau chiefs: Increase Gumbo, Alvina Chiwanika, and Prisca Manyiwa-Masuku. They remain under intensive care, with medical personnel working around the clock to stabilize their conditions. The accident scene has since been attended by local law enforcement, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the crash.
The Masvingo Mirror Board has expressed deep gratitude to first responders and Good Samaritans who acted swiftly at the crash site. Board Chairman Advocate Rodgers Matsikidze and Vice Chairperson Virginia Takaona-Holmes commended the courage and compassion shown by the public during the crisis. Their efforts were instrumental in saving lives.
Special mention was made of Senior Nurses Sr Rosemary Pepukai and Sr Tandekile Gudoshava from Mutimurefu Prison Hospital, who administered emergency first aid on-site. Civilian heroes David Charirwe and his son Erasmus were also praised for suspending their journey and using their private vehicle to transport victims to safety.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, and Sergeant Lloyd Masundire visited the injured in hospital to offer support. As the journalism fraternity reels from this incident, calls for improved road safety and transport standards continue to echo across the media landscape.
