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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
SON to Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Cde Jason Machaya, Raphael, died in a road accident early yesterday morning when his vehicle side-swiped a haulage truck near Selous, along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway. The accident occurred at around 1am near Selous round about when the Mercedes-Benz which Raphael was driving in the company of his friend, Walter Sibanda, side-swiped a Harare- bound haulage truck near Ngezi turn-off.

Although efforts to get a police comment were futile, it is understood that after the side-swipe, the Mercedes-Benz veered off the road and overturned. The two friends died on the spot. Minister Machaya’s nephew, Mr Tichaona Chacha, confirmed the accident which claimed Raphael and Sibanda. “They were coming from Harare where they had gone to buy some of their wares when the accident happened,” he said.

“I still cannot believe this. We are still in a state of shock as a family and all we are waiting for is a report from the police to ascertain the actual cause of the accident.” Mr Chacha said the family was deeply saddened by Raphael’s untimely death. Funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

“Mourners are gathered at his Mbizo 16 residence and burial arrangements will be announced in due course,” said Mr Chacha.