TSHOLOTSHO North MP Libion Sibanda, who survived the crash that claimed the life of poet and politician Desire Moyo, has described the terrifying incident.
The Nkulumane legislator died on Friday morning last week when his car hit an elephant near Shangani, which falls under ward 23 in Insiza district.
Four other lawmakers, Madalaboy Ndebele, Senator Ritah Ndlovu, Sethulo Ndebele and Sibanda were injured.
Sibanda told Southern Eye that he was asleep when he heard the car braking and making lots of noise.
“That is when I woke up frightened and everything became dark. I don't know how it fell, but I remember it swerving towards trees away from the road. I tried to control it,” he said.
“When the car stopped moving, Desire was already out. Then the next thing I came out trying to look for help. I then went back and opened for other MPs. We succeeded in removing them from the car, but we could not remove the late MP. We eventually removed him, but he was no more.”
Also known as Moyoxide, Moyo’s death has left a scar in the
Matabeleland region and the legislature.
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Gwanda legislator Desire Nkala expressed sorrow over the loss, calling it a blow to both Parliament and the arts community.
“This marks a huge loss to us as the political family. It also marks a huge blow to the arts industry. He was unapologetically bold when it came to his poetic work,” he said.
Former MDC legislator Felix Magalela Sibanda said he was saddened by the passing on of Moyo.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our colleague in Parliament. May the family find strength and comfort during this difficult time? May the deceased rest in peace,” he said.
While mourning Moyo yesterday, a villager who preferred not to be named, said villagers were relieved that the elephant involved in the crash had died as it was tormenting the community.
“Elephants are now a problem along the main road in Shangani River, and this started two months ago, when a truck carrying cabbages was intercepted and the driver ran away after encountering the animals.
“We are appealing to the government to erect road signs showing that the area has elephants that usually cross from the Shangani River to Shangani mine.”
Contacted for comment, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tami Mdziongwa yesterday said the department was still investigating the accident.
“Investigations are ongoing and we will provide feedback once full details are available,” he said.
