A tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three Highlanders Football Club executive committee members has plunged Zimbabwean football into mourning, with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) hailing the deceased as dedicated leaders who made lasting contributions to the game.
In a statement, ZIFA confirmed the deaths of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso "Fiso" Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, describing their passing as an immeasurable loss to Highlanders, the city of Bulawayo and Zimbabwean football.
"This is an immeasurable loss for Highlanders Football Club, the city of Bulawayo, and the Zimbabwean football family. Their unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership made an enduring contribution to one of the country's most iconic football institutions," ZIFA said.
The association said the tragedy was made even more heartbreaking because it occurred during Highlanders' centenary celebrations, a milestone meant to honour the club's 100-year history.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Zimbabwean football had lost three devoted servants whose dedication helped shape one of the country's biggest football institutions.
"It is especially painful that this loss comes during Highlanders' centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy. Instead, the football family is united in mourning," Magwizi said.
The three club officials are believed to have been travelling back to Bulawayo from Kariba after Highlanders' 1-0 defeat to ZPC Kariba on Wednesday.
Related Stories
According to preliminary reports, their Ford Raptor struck a cow approximately 60 kilometres outside Bulawayo before veering into the path of an oncoming bus, resulting in a devastating head-on collision.
The impact reportedly claimed the lives of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza, as well as an unidentified woman who was travelling in the vehicle. The collision left the vehicle extensively damaged, with some occupants trapped in the wreckage.
Emergency services, including the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, attended the scene to retrieve the victims from the wreckage as shocked motorists gathered along the highway.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed to The Herald that a fatal road traffic accident had occurred but said police were still attending the scene and would release full details after completing their investigations.
"We understand that some people are trapped in the wreckage, but we will provide further details later," Nyathi said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police also urged members of the public, journalists and social media users to refrain from naming victims before their next of kin had been formally notified, warning against the circulation of unverified information.
"As police officers are still attending the scene of the fatal road traffic accident near Lochard along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, the ZRP urges the public to refrain from naming victims until their next of kin or relatives have been formally informed. We urge social media users and journalists to report responsibly. Police will release further information once the scene has been fully attended to."
Leave Comments