By Karen Sibanda MASVINGO – Two people lost their lives in separate road traffic accidents that occurred in different parts of Masvingo Province on April 13, 2026 as another tractor incident claimed life of Chiredzi man.Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the tragic incidents saying the province recorded two fatal crashes on the same day in different locations, which claimed two lives. “We recorded two fatal road traffic accidents on the same day in different areas of the province, resulting in the loss of two lives,” said Inspector Dhewa.In the first incident, which occurred around 1pm along an unnamed dust road linking Golden City Business Centre and Chilonga Business Centre, Chiredzi, a 39-year-old man died after falling from a moving truck.The deceased, Thomas Chauke (39) of Chief Chilonga area, was travelling as a passenger in an unregistered yellow truck driven by Gideon Machisani (20), who is also from the same area. Chauke allegedly fell from the moving vehicle and was run over by the rear left wheel. He sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. His body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.Chauke becomes the fourth person to die in a tractor incident in Chiredzi as three othersdied in almost similar incidents in the past few years. One of the most tragic incidents occurred on October 12, 2024, when a 21-year-old driver, James Hobwani of Magumire Village 1 in Chiredzi, lost his life. Hobwani was driving a Londini Solis tractor with two passengers on board along the old Zaka–Chiredzi road. Upon arriving at the 1km peg, he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Although the tractor landed on its wheels, Hobwani sustained severe spinal injuries and was rushed to Chiredzi Provincial Hospital, where he died upon arrival. The two passengers were also injured, with one reported to be in a critical condition.In another heartbreaking case, a 30-year-old tractor driver from Zvishavane, Sydney Shava, died on May 11, 2025. Shava was driving a Massey Ferguson tractor with three trailers along a dust road near Zone 14 in Triangle when he hit a hump. He was thrown from the tractor, and the wheels of the trailers ran over him. Shava sustained fatal head injuries and died at the scene. The passenger on board was unharmed. His body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital for a post-mortem examination.In another incident that happened in September 2025, Wellington Chivasa, from Farm 195 Mkwasine, became the latest victim when he lost control of a blue New Holland tractor on a dusty road. After hitting a bump, he was thrown from the vehicle and tragically crushed under its right rear wheel.The passenger who was on the tractor with Chivasa escaped unhurt and immediately alerted other residents in the area. In a separate incident that occurred earlier that day at around 4 am along the Gororo–Shongamiti Road near Ngundu, a 31-year-old motorcyclist died after losing control of his bike.The deceased, Tyros Machivenyika (31) of Headman Gororo area, was riding a green and black motorcycle when he reportedly lost control at an unnamed bridge. The bike veered off the road and struck a bridge pillar, causing him to fall and hit his head. He sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene. His body was taken to Neshuro District Hospital for a post-mortem examination.Inspector Dhewa urged motorists and all road users to exercise caution at all times, warning against dangerous practices such as carrying passengers in the back of moving trucks and speeding, especially on dust roads and at night. He also encouraged motorcyclists to wear protective gear, including helmets, and to remain alert when approaching bridges and uneven road surfaces.Police continue to call on the public to prioritise road safety in order to reduce fatal accidents.
