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Michael Magoronga in Kwekwe
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Jason Machaya’s son Rafael and his friend Walter Sibanda, who died in a horrific car accident on Tuesday, were yesterday laid to rest at Msasa Park cemetery in Kwekwe yesterday. A sombre atmosphere engulfed the cemetery as mourners braved the rains to pay their last respects to the two friends.

Machaya and Sibanda died on the spot on Tuesday while on their way from Harare, when the Mercedes-Benz which was being driven by Sibanda sideswiped a Harare-bound haulage truck near Ngezi turn-off. In his graveside eulogy, Minister Machaya said he had lost a friend.

“I have lost a friend who was always there for me. I was now regarding him as a father figure. He was now in charge of family businesses and we feel robbed,” he said.

Minister Machaya said his son and Sibanda were very good friends.

“Sibanda had become part of the Machaya family as he was always with my son. We were now referring to them as twins,” said the depressed looking Minister Machaya.

The burial was graced by several Government officials and chiefs from Gokwe, Minister Machaya’s rural area. Chief Gwesela of Zhombe spoke on behalf of the chiefs.

Rafael was born in Kwekwe in 1984 and attended Chana Primary and Mbizo high schools. He also played professional football for Lancashire Steel Juniors, Silo United and Chrome Stars among other teams. He is survived by a wife and five children.