By Sifiso Ngwenya
Nine people, including five National University of Science and Technology (NUST) students, died after they were involved in a road accident along the Masvingo-Mbalabala road on Thursday.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the accident which involved a Toyota Wish and a Nissan UD truck.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident in which nine people died after a Toyota Wish vehicle was involved in a head on collision with a Nissan UD truck at the 198 km peg along Masvingo –Mbalabala Road on 02/03/23 at around 1630 hours. The bodies of the victims were taken to Filabusi District Hospital awaiting post mortem and identification by next of kin,” said the ZRP
In an obituary, NUST’s Chaplaincy Office said the university had been thrown into deep mourning saying their next of kin have since been informed of the tragic deaths.
“The Chaplaincy Office wishes to notify the NUST community of the passing on of five (5) of our students. A dark cloud has fallen upon our horizon. We have been thrown into deep mourning. We are troubled, devastated, and left bereft of words. We cannot ask God WHY? We do not have answers either. May the Lord comfort the NUST Community and the families. This is a disaster and may God help us. The following students were confirmed dead after a road traffic accident and their next of kin were informed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Filabusi station.
“We convey our condolences to the families, the Student body, and, the various departments. May the Lord bring peace and comfort to the families. The Psalmist in Psalm 147:3 reminds us that God alone heals broken hearts and binds our wounds. We speak grace upon grace for the families to accept what has happened to them. Only God can touch the hearts of relatives. We pray for serenity to prevail.” said the office
The five students have been identified as Rachel Mandiki (BSc Degree in Quantity Survey, Part 1) siblings Mary Magdalene Nkala (BSc Hons Degree in Accounting, Part 1) and Sambulelosenkosi Nkala (BSc Hons Degree in Finance, Part 1), Masimba Mushayikwa (BSc Hons Degree in Accounting Part 1)
