Zimpapers Writers

GRIEF has gripped the country after four members of a Bulawayo family died in a road accident along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, just days after the nation mourned six members of the Mujuru family, who perished in a separate crash during the Easter holidays.

Tumelo Dube (33), a lance corporal, who was attached to the Presidential Guard, died together with his wife, Antonate Sibonginkosi Mashava Dube, and their two children — eight-year-old Itumele and one-year-old Lorisana — when their vehicle was involved in a fatal accident 10km after Shangani on Monday. Both children succumbed to the injuries while admitted to hospital.

The family was travelling from Harare towards Bulawayo when tragedy struck.

Their deaths came as the country was still reeling from the loss of six members of the Mujuru family in Chikomba District, a tragedy that drew national sympathy during the Easter holidays.

Police said road carnage during the Easter period claimed 30 lives, with 104 people injured in 337 road traffic accidents recorded countrywide. Of those, 22 were fatal

Yesterday, a military funeral parade was held in honour of Lance Corporal Dube at the State House Presidential Barracks in Sauerstown, Bulawayo, reflecting his national service in the Zimbabwe National Army.

Chief mourner Lieutenant Colonel Tongai Hove described Dube as a disciplined and loyal soldier.

“Tumelo Dube was born on May 14, 1993, at Manama Hospital in Gwanda. He was the fourth-born in a family of six and grew up in Nhwali Village under Chief Toteni,” said Lt Col Hove.

Dube joined the Zimbabwe National Army on March 14, 2012, training at 42 Infantry Battalion in Masvingo before being deployed to various units, including 22 Infantry Battalion in Mudzi.

He rose through the ranks and was eventually assigned to the Presidential Guard, serving in the VIP Close Security Unit as a driver at the time of his death.

“In recognition of his hard work, courage, discipline and loyalty, he was awarded medals, including the Independence Medal and the 10 Years’ Service Medal,” said Lt Col Hove.

Family members suspect the crash may have involved a hit-and-run after part of a side mirror believed to belong to their vehicle was found about 100 metres from the accident scene.

Villagers living near the scene were first to respond after hearing the impact, but three occupants had already died, while one child later succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Gweru.

The deceased’s uncle, Mr Benjamin Dube, described the deceased as a humble and responsible family man whose life had been tragically cut short.

“This was my nephew. His father is my younger brother, and I have always been the closest person to him here in Bulawayo. Whenever there were family matters, he would come to me. I was the one who handled all the family’s matters here in Bulawayo,” he said.

Mr Dube recalled how he played a pivotal role in Tumelo’s life milestones, including facilitating his marriage and supporting the family during difficult times.

“When he decided to get married, I made sure the lobola process went smoothly. Even after the passing of his mother-in-law, I helped ensure the family remained stable,” he said

“He was a respectful and resourceful young man. At his age, he was still trying to establish himself. He was travelling from Harare, intending to build a house for his family. It is heartbreaking that such a tragedy happened just as he was about to start something meaningful.”

Mr Dube said the death was a major loss to both the family and the military.

“The death of Tumelo is a great loss not only to his family but to the Zimbabwe National Army and the nation at large,” he said.

The four will be buried today at the family’s ancestral home in rural Gwanda