By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – A 55-year-old man from Mutirikwi died after he was run over while allegedly sleeping on a narrow road near Topora Business Centre on February 20, 2026.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed that the deceased, Lovemore Vhoko of Zinwa Dam Hall, Lake Mutirikwi, had reportedly been drinking beer at Topora Business Centre earlier that evening.
“We confirm the death of Vhoko from Zinwa Dam Hall,Lake Mutirikwi who was crashed by a motor vehicle while sleeping on the road. We urge members of the public to drink responsibly and avoid sitting or sleeping on roads, particularly at night. Motorists have also should exercise extreme caution and remain alert when driving, especially on narrow and poorly lit roads,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.
Vhoko left for home at around 10:30 PM. His residence is approximately seven kilometres from the business centre and allegedly fell asleep on the roadway as he walked home.
At around 8:00 pm, Ernest Murumbi (62) of Chief Murinye, Masvingo, was driving along the same narrow stretch of road when he unknowingly ran over him.
Murumbi reportedly did not realise that he had struck a person and continued with his journey.
The following morning, at approximately 5:00 am on February 21, Vhoko’s body was discovered lying on the road by a fellow worker from Zinwa Mutirikwi Dam Hall, who immediately alerted authorities.
Police attended the scene and transported the body to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Vhoko sustained an open cut on the left side of the head and cheek.
After reports of the incident began circulating on social media, Murumbi surrendered himself to the police and has since been charged with culpable homicide.
