In a startling turn of events, Priscilla Chigumba, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), narrowly escaped a potentially fatal road accident on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which involved a fuel tanker and multiple vehicles, occurred on the Harare-Chirundu highway near an area known as ‘Little England’.
Details of the Accident
According to reports, Chigumba was traveling from Chinhoyi to Harare when the accident took place. The crash involved a fuel tanker colliding with three vehicles, including Chigumba’s official Toyota Land Cruiser.
Nick Mangwana, Zimbabwe’s Information permanent secretary, confirmed the accident in a social media post on Monday, stating, “Yesterday (Sunday), ZEC chairperson, Justice Chigumba, was involved in an accident on her way from Chinhoyi when a haulage tanker crashed into three vehicles including hers.”
Outcome and Injuries
Fortunately, despite the severity of the collision, there were no fatalities reported. Mangwana assured the public that “Justice Chigumba was not injured” in the incident. However, the extent of injuries to other parties involved, if any, remains unclear at this time.
Damage to Vehicles
Images circulating on social media platforms reveal the extent of damage to Chigumba’s official vehicle. The Toyota Land Cruiser sustained significant damage, particularly to its front end. The damage included:
- A crushed bonnet
- A dislodged wheel
- Shattered windows
The condition of the other vehicles involved, including the fuel tanker, has not been detailed in the available reports.
Cause of the Accident
As of now, the cause of the accident remains unknown. Authorities have not released any information regarding the circumstances that led to the collision. The stretch of road where the accident occurred, known as ‘Little England’ on the Harare-Chirundu highway, may be investigated for any contributing factors.
Official Response
While Nick Mangwana has provided initial confirmation and details of the accident, efforts to obtain further information from official channels have been unsuccessful. Attempts to reach Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, for comment were fruitless at the time of this report’s publication.
Implications and Public Reaction
The news of Chigumba’s accident has sparked significant public interest, given her high-profile position as the chairperson of ZEC. The incident raises questions about the safety of government officials on Zimbabwe’s roads and may prompt discussions about improving road safety measures, especially for high-ranking officials.
Ongoing Investigation
As with any major road accident, it is expected that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the collision. This investigation may involve examining road conditions, vehicle maintenance records, and driver testimonies.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and other relevant government bodies have yet to release official statements regarding the incident or its potential impact on Chigumba’s duties.
As this story develops, further updates are anticipated from official sources, including potential statements from Justice Chigumba herself or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
