Zimbabwe Mourns Poet and Lawmaker Desire Moyo After Fatal Elephant Collision
3 min read
Opposition MP and celebrated poet dies instantly after tragic road accident on Bulawayo-Gweru highway, leaving the nation in shock.
Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker and renowned poet Desire Moyo has died following a tragic road accident involving an elephant. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning along the Bulawayo-Gweru highway, according to reports by the state broadcaster ZBC.
Moyo, who was travelling with four other Members of Parliament, died instantly when their vehicle collided with the animal. The other lawmakers sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
A Day Before His 46th Birthday
The heartbreaking news came just a day before Moyo’s 46th birthday, amplifying the sense of loss across Zimbabwe. Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues, friends, and admirers in both the political and artistic communities.
He was best known not only as a dedicated legislator but also as a gifted poet whose creative works inspired many across the country.
Witness Account of the Fatal Crash
Fellow opposition MP Discent Bajila from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) provided details about the crash to ZimLive.com. He recounted a conversation with Madalaboy Ndebele, who survived the crash and was seated in the front passenger seat.
According to Bajila, “They hit the elephant on its backside. After the impact, the elephant turned around and attacked the vehicle. This caused the most damage to the top right side, which led to Moyo’s fatal injuries.”
The accident occurred in a wildlife corridor known for elephant crossings between the north-western ranges of Zimbabwe.
Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.
Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.
Tributes Pour in for a Cultural Icon
Moyo’s passing has left a deep void in both the political and creative spheres. His Nkulumane Constituency in Bulawayo expressed “deep sorrow and profound shock” in an official statement.
Fellow CCC lawmaker Caston Matewu described him as “one of the hardest-working MPs in Parliament,” adding, “The people of Nkulumane have been robbed of this great man.”
Bulawayo’s Mayor David Coltart paid tribute on behalf of the city, calling Moyo “an iconic leader and creative mind who strove to champion the arts.”
Champion of Arts and Education
Before entering politics, Moyo had built a distinguished career as a poet, educator, and arts administrator. Known by his stage name Moyoxide, he was celebrated for his passion for nurturing Zimbabwe’s creative community.
The state-run Herald described him as “an award-winning poet and cultural advocate who devoted his life to the development of Zimbabwe’s creative sector.”
A Dual Legacy of Politics and Poetry
Moyo was a proud member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and served on the Parliamentary Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. His colleagues praised his tireless efforts to promote local artists and preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Even while serving in parliament, he continued to write and perform poetry, often using his platform to highlight social and political issues affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.
Mourning Across the Nation
As Zimbabweans come to terms with the sudden loss, condolences continue to pour in from across the country and beyond. Both the political and artistic communities are planning memorial services to celebrate Moyo’s life and contributions.
The injured MPs from the crash remain under medical care, while wildlife authorities have renewed calls for improved safety measures on highways that intersect with elephant migration routes.
About The Author
