There is a growing call for an independent investigation to verify the circumstances of the tragic accident that killed Nkulumane legislator, Desire Moyo, amid rising public questions about the official account.
Moyo, a renowned political poet and opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker, died in the early hours of last Friday on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway.
He was 45 years old .
The Research Institute of Zimbabwe (RIZ) confirmed receiving a request to ascertain the authenticity of claims that the collision was solely with an elephant.
RIZ executive director, Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda, said the ongoing silence from official bodies has fuelled public suspicion.
“We have been approached by people to ascertain whether this was foul play or an accident beyond reproach,” Sibanda said.
“People are asking where that elephant is.
“We have not heard anything from the wildlife department on whether that elephant died, was injured, or has been identified.”
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Sibanda emphasised the need for accountability from Parliament, the wildlife department, and the Campfire programme.
“As researchers sometime we take things for granted that its natural, but now some sections of Zimbabweans are asking for the authenticity of that accident because up to now parliament it would appear has said anything about that accident in material and the wildlife management, which is the very critical component of our gross domestic project has not said anything about the elephant that caused tragic death of Moyo,” he said
Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson, Tami Mudzingwa, said investigations are ongoing.
“We will provide feedback once the full details are available,” Mudzingwa said.
A first-hand account has emerged from Mazibaba Abel Moyo, a traditional healer whose shrine is near the accident site in Shangani.
He claimed him and his patients were the first on the scene.
Moyo said the accident occurred around 2:15am when the vehicle encountered three elephants crossing the road.
“I think the driver panicked and hit one of them on the left back foot,” he recounted.
“The elephant screamed and fell before rolling.
“It then arose and walked about 200 metres from the scene where it laid and later died.”
Moyo described a harrowing scene where he braved himself to remove the deceased MP’s body from the wreckage before police arrived.
He said it would appear that all other occupants were sleeping when the accident happened.
“I was afraid to go to the car and asked myself if there were people in it, but I could hear the radio playing,” Moyo said.
“While still thinking of what to do, one of the occupants came out and called me to assist, saying people were trapped in the car.”
He added: “I discovered that the man behind the driver's seat was seriously injured; he was complaining of spinal problems and had a broken leg.
“When we looked at the driver we realised he had died already.
“I was afraid to remove him from the wreckage, but the police did not come early so I had to brave myself and remove him.
“Blood was oozing through his mouth and it appeared he had also hid in the car with his head.”
Moyo said he had to rush to his shrine to collect gloves before they removed Moyo from the wreckage.
“It was not easy to remove him, but as a traditional healer and prophet I had to speak to spirits asking them to allow us to remove the body until finally we managed to do so,” he said.
“In the process my clothes got soaked with blood from the deceased and finally we removed the body and wrapped it before waiting for the police.”
He said those injured were taken to Gweru hospital while the body of the deceased was later collected by the police.
"As a spiritualist, since I got contact with the blood of Moyo and others who are not my relatives, yes he is Moyo like myself but traditionally, I must be cleansed,” he said.
“As I speak I am still keeping my clothes that have the blood.
“I am asking for cleansing (ukugezwa) since this accident scene continues to haunt me.”
Debshan Rangers of Openheimer collected the elephant head, horns and skin.
The meat was collected using a tractor.
The accident occurred in the Shangani area, known for seasonal migratory elephant routes .
A local villager, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the ongoing danger, appealing to the Ministry of Transport to erect warning signs for motorists.
