In brief
Desire Moyo, a prominent member of Zimbabwe's opposition and a beloved poet, tragically lost his life in a car accident early Friday morning. Moyo's vehicle struck an elephant, leading to his immediate death, while fellow lawmakers sustained injuries. Tributes are pouring in from across the nation, celebrating Moyo's dedication to the arts and his impactful role in parliament. As discussions arise about wildlife safety on highways, this incident highlights a notable intersection between human life and wildlife coexistence in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker Desire Moyo has died after the vehicle he was travelling in hit an elephant, local media report.
The accident happened in the early hours of Friday morning while Mr. Moyo and four other MPs were travelling along the Bulawayo-Gweru highway, according to state-owned broadcaster ZBC.
He died instantly while his fellow lawmakers were injured, the news outlet added.
Tributes are pouring in for the well-known poet, hailed for his contribution to the arts, who died a day before his 46th birthday.
He was a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), and served in the Zimbabwean parliament's sport, recreation, arts and culture committee.
The Nkulumane Constituency in Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo, confirmed the news of his death and shared its deep sorrow and profound shock.
Fellow CCC member and MP Discent Bajila provided more details on the horrific crash to local news site ZimLive.com, noting the recollection of the accident from the injured MPs.
“I spoke to [Madalaboy] Ndebele, who was in the front passenger seat. His recollection is that they hit the elephant on its backside. After the impact, he remembers the elephant turning round and fighting the vehicle. This, he believes, is what did the most damage on the top right side of the vehicle and ultimately led to Moyo's fatal injuries,” Bajila said.
The accident took place in an area where elephants are known to roam.
Fellow lawmaker Caston Matewu paid tribute to Moyo, affectionately known as Moyoxide, and described him as one of the hardest-working MPs in Parliament.
The City of Bulawayo, led by mayor David Coltart, stated Mr. Moyo would be remembered as an iconic leader ... and creative who championed the arts.
Mr. Moyo was an award-winning poet, educator, and arts administrator who devoted his life to nurturing Zimbabwe's creative sector.
The other legislators involved in the crash have been taken to hospital.
