Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
While other families were receiving New Year’s Day congratulatory messages and phone calls, three families in Glendale received devastating news of their relatives’ deaths who were walking home from a crossover church service.
Two young men and a woman who were part of a group of friends were hit by a car in the early hours of January 1, killing them and injuring three others.
They were singing songs of praise and devotion.
Moments before the accident, two members of the group, Emmanuel Musekwa (19), and Trevor Musandide (19) had briefly broke away to exchange shoes. Emmanuel’s shoes had some discomfort, hence that saved them from death and injury .
They were to witness the misfortune that claimed the lives of Gift Biggie Kagona (23), Edwin Dzapasi (24), and Trish Dzapasi (25).
The other three who were injured were rushed to Concession Hospital, from where one was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals while another was treated and discharged.
Emmanuel and Trevor helplessly watched as the accident unfolded.
During a memorial church service held for Gift and Edwin last week, silence fell over the packed Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe church in Glendale as attendees mourned the tragic loss of young lives.
Emmanuel recounted the events.
“When I raised my head after putting on the shoes, I saw a white Mercedes Benz speeding toward my six friends.
“I told Trevor that the car was speeding. As the car hit the speed humps, it veered off the road and ran over my friends.
“The singing stopped, and I rushed to where they were; they were all scattered on the ground.
“I tried to wake them up, but no one responded.
“Later, Natalie raised her hand. She was bloodied. Moments after that, Elvis woke up and sat down. Gift briefly showed signs of life but then passed away.
“I was frantically running to each of my friends, trying to save them.”
Emmanuel, unable to cope with the trauma, is currently staying with his friend Nick Mafuta.
Meanwhile, Trevor, visibly shaken, was unable to give an interview.
Gift and Edwin were best friends.
Burial arrangements for Trish have been made in Harare.
Family spokesperson Mr Tapiwa Kagona said he was at their rural home when they received the devastating phone call on New Year’s Day.
“We immediately came back, and the initial information was distorted by citizen journalists.
“We heard that the children were coming from a church service at AFM church,” he said.
“The accident happened at a curve near the Glendale police station, close to a shop that has floodlights, which we believe are contributing factors to the number of accidents occurring at this spot.”
He said the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss, as Gift was their eldest son.
During their grief, the family trusts that everything that happens is according to God’s will.
He urged people to be responsible and considerate of the feelings of bereaved families before sharing damaging information.
“Speculation on social media is harming bereaved families, including the family of the driver. Responsible authorities should share official messages about accidents and fatalities,” he said.
“The family of the driver reached out to us, and we have asked them to bring him so we can find closure, engage with one another, and begin the healing process.”
From the Dzapasi family, spokesperson Ms Patience Chakauya said Edwin was a soft-spoken young man who feared the Lord.
When they received the phone call, they initially hoped he was only injured and receiving treatment at Concession Hospital.
“We are struggling to accept this loss. The year has started badly for us, and we will never forget this New Year’s Day.
“What pains me the most is that he was coming home from worshipping God,” she said.
“He had big plans for this year, including getting married in August and starting to construct a house.”
Ward 33 Councillor Alderman Mitchell Kasere said the loss of young lives is a significant blow to his community.
“New Year’s Day has become a day of mourning for the entire Glendale community.
“We send our condolences to the families, and we have lost a future generation that is critical to President Mnangagwa’s vision for 2030. The Zanu PF leadership has come to mourn with the bereaved,” he said.
“The accident scene has become a black spot, and we are appealing for more speed humps and road signs.
“We need the church to come forward and pray at this black spot.”
Elder Daniel Chinyemba, the provincial non-executive chairperson for AFM in Zimbabwe’s Mvurwi province, said Gift and Edwin were God-fearing young men.
He noted that both were active youths who participated in the events of the fateful night of December 31, 2024.
“God knows our lives from the beginning to the end.
“The three are now resting in Christ, and we have no control over how our lives conclude.
“The pain will be profound when all these people return to their homes, and you are left alone,” he said.
Mazowe South MP Advocate Nobert Mazungunye said New Year’s Day would serve as a painful reminder of the tragic event.
He was saddened by the deaths, especially since he had interacted with Gift, who was friends with his brother-in-law.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He commended the family of the driver for coming forward to meet the grieving families and urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads to save lives.
“The untimely deaths of the three serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life. Their dreams have been shortened far too soon.
“This tragedy occurred at a time when we should be celebrating new beginnings,” he said.
“Instead, we are left grappling with grief and the profound loss of these young lives. They were individuals with families, friends, and dreams.
“Their absence is felt deeply in our community, and we mourn alongside you.”
