Zimpapers Logo

ABOVE: The wreckage of the Honda Fit in which Chronicle business editor Mernat Mafirakureva was killed in an accident with a long-distance bus along the Harare-Masvingo Road near Beatrice on Wednesday night. – (Picture by Regis Nyandima)

Herald Reporters
CHRONICLE Business Editor Mernat Mafirakureva died in a horrific accident on Wednesday night along the Masvingo-Harare Highway when the vehicle he was driving was involved in a head-on collision with a South Africa-bound bus. He was 33. Mernat died on the spot near the 65km peg in Beatrice when a King Lion bus that was trying to overtake another vehicle encroached into his lane, resulting in the accident.

A workmate he was travelling with, Sunday News senior business reporter Roberta Katunga escaped with injuries and was admitted at a private hospital in Harare.

The horrific accident also claimed one passenger who was on the bus.
Mernat and Roberta were on their way to Harare to attend the National Tourism Policy launch that was held yesterday.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said both Mernat’s vehicle and the bus overturned after the collision.
“The bus had 70 passengers,” he said. “The Honda Fit also overturned. The driver, that is Mernat Mafirakureva, died on the spot.”

Those injured on the bus were taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
Chronicle acting editor Innocent Madonko expressed shock and sadness at Mernat’s tragic death.

“We are truly devastated by the loss of such a fine young man,” he said. “By far, he was one of the best desk editors in the newsroom and his death has robbed us of a brilliant journalist and fine gentleman. Our hearts go out to his family, particularly his wife and children. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke, whose organisation had invited Mernat and other journalists to cover the launch of the tourism policy, said: “The contribution he made to the tourism sector through his fair reportage and balanced critique shall always be cherished and remembered.

“On behalf of the ZTA, players in the tourism sector and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and sadness to his family and the media fraternity. Meanwhile, our prayers are with Ms Roberta Katunga as we wish her a speedy recovery.”

Zimpapers Bulawayo branch general manager Marks Shayamano said: “The branch is deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic passing of Mernat Mafirakureva, who was a hardworking and brilliant business editor.”

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists said journalism had been dealt a severe blow due to Mernat’s death.
Mernat started his journalism career at The Sunday News in 2003 before he joined the Chronicle and later NewsDay.

From NewsDay, he was back at the Chronicle in 2012.
Mernat is survived by his wife Samu and three children – two girls and a boy.

Mourners are gathered at the family home at No. 557 Rydale Ridge Park near Snake Park in Harare.