Tragic Death of Zimbabwean Lawmaker and Poet Desire Moyo in Elephant Collision

Sun Oct 12 2025 18:44:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Zimbabwean opposition MP Desire Moyo died in a car accident involving an elephant. Tributes are pouring in for the poet known for his arts advocacy.

Desire Moyo, a prominent Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker and poet, tragically lost his life after the vehicle he was in collided with an elephant while traveling on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway. The accident, occurring just before his 46th birthday, left Moyo deceased on the spot, while four other MPs sustained injuries. Moyo was recognized for his contributions to the arts as a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and represented the Nkulumane Constituency. His untimely demise has sparked an outpouring of tributes honoring his legacy as a devoted advocate for Zimbabwe's creative sector.

Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker Desire Moyo has died after the vehicle he was travelling in hit an elephant, according to local media reports.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning while Mr. Moyo and four other MPs were traveling along the Bulawayo-Gweru highway, as reported by the state-owned broadcaster ZBC.

Moyo died instantly, while the other lawmakers were injured. Tributes are pouring in for the well-known poet, who was celebrated for his contributions to the arts and was set to turn 46 a day after his passing.

Moyo was part of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, and served on the Zimbabwean parliament's sport, recreation, arts, and culture committee.

The Nkulumane Constituency confirmed the news of his death, expressing “deep sorrow and profound shock.”

Fellow CCC member Discent Bajila shared details about the crash, relaying a conversation with the injured MPs. One MP noted that they struck the elephant from behind, with the elephant subsequently turning and damaging the vehicle, which ultimately led to Moyo's fatal injuries.

Tributes continue to define Moyo as "one of the hardest working MPs in Parliament," with fellow lawmaker Caston Matewu expressing the loss felt by the people of Nkulumane. The City of Bulawayo, under Mayor David Coltart's leadership, praised Moyo as an “iconic leader and creative” committed to advancing the arts in the city.

An award-winning poet and educator, Moyo devoted his life to nurturing Zimbabwe's creative sector. The other MPs involved in the incident have been hospitalized.