By Wezhira Munya
In a heartbreaking turn of events, four close relatives of President Nelson Chamisa were involved in a severe car accident near the town of Chivhu on the around 5 pm on May 22nd, 2024. The accident occurred as the family members were returning to Harare from the burial of their relative, Mrs. Mushava Mobise Mashate, in the President’s rural home of Gutu South, Ward 23.
Mrs. Mashate was buried on May 22nd after she died in Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare on May 20th, 2024, after suffering a stroke.
The victims of the accident include President Chamisa’s father’s younger brother, Mr. Jeremiah Chamisa, the President’s paternal aunt, Mai Rujada, the President Chamisa’s young mother Mrs Virginia Chamisa, and his uncle, Mr. Shereni. According to Masvingo City Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe, who is the President’s nephew, the family was traveling in a small blue Toyota truck when their vehicle was sideswiped by a cross-border truck near Chivhu , in Gutu- Chivhu road.
“Our relatives were involved in a serious accident,” Mberikunashe reported.
He further explained that, “The big cross boarder truck swiped the side of our relatives’ small truck, and their truck then rolled multiple times, the vehicle is heavily damaged.”
Tragically, the cross-border truck driver did not stop at the scene of the accident, leaving the Chamisa family members stranded and in need of immediate medical attention.
The extent of the injuries sustained by the President’s relatives varies. Mr. Jeremiah Chamisa suffered a broken leg and has been urgently transferred from Chivhu Hospital to Harare for urgent treatment due to the severity of his condition. The other three victims, Mai Rujada, the President’s young mother, Mrs Virginia Chamisa, and Mr. Shereni, are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
This devastating accident has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the Chamisa family and the nation as a whole. President Chamisa, known for his unwavering dedication to the people of Zimbabwe, will undoubtedly be deeply affected by this tragic turn of events involving his own loved ones.
“In these trying times, the Chamisa family can take solace in the outpouring of support and well-wishes from the Zimbabwean people, who stand united in their hope for the safe recovery of the President’s relatives and the pursuit of justice for this senseless act,” said Masvingo urban member of parliament and renowned human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri.
Deputy Mayor Mberikunashe urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the responsible driver who fled the scene of the accident and ensure that such a horrific incident does not happen again.
