MASVINGO – Sixteen journalists and support staff from The Mirror were seriously injured in a road accident on Sunday while returning from a strategic planning workshop held at Nyuni Lodge in Masvingo.
The group, which included a one-month-old baby, was travelling in a commuter bus that reportedly overturned three times at the 25km peg near Mutimurefu Prison along the Masvingo-Mutare Road. The victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment at two hospitals in Masvingo.
Among the most seriously injured are three bureau chiefs—Increase Gumbo, Alvina Chiwanika, and Prisca Manyiwa-Masuku—who remain hospitalized.
In a statement, Masvingo Mirror Board Chairman Advocate Rodgers Matsikidze and Vice Chairperson Virginia Takaona-Holmes expressed deep concern over the incident and extended gratitude to all those who rendered assistance at the crash site.
“(We) wish to thank all those who helped victims at the scene of accident by giving first aid and rushing the injured to hospital. In particular, the board wishes to acknowledge Sr Rosemary Pepukai and Sr Tandekile Gudoshava who are both senior nurses at Mutimurefu Prison Hospital who were among the first to arrive and gave invaluable first aid,” read part of the statement.
The board also extended appreciation to David Charirwe and his son Erasmus Charirwe, who halted their journey to transport some of the injured to hospital.
Provincial police officials, including Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, and Sergeant Lloyd Masundire, also visited the injured in hospital.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has also expressed its condolences following the accident.
“We are devastated by the tragic accident involving 16 Mirror journalists near Mutimurefu Prison. Our thoughts are with the injured & their families. We commend all heroes who offered help at the scene. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery,” ZUJ wrote on their X account.
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