Zimbabwe lawmaker and poet dies after his car hits an elephant
According to local media reports, Zimbabwean opposition MP Desire Moyo died when the car she was traveling in hit an elephant.
According to state broadcaster ZBC, the accident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning while Mr Moyo and four other MPs were traveling on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway.
The outlet added that he died instantly while the deputies were injured.
Memorials are pouring in for the famous poet, who passed away one day before his 46th birthday and was praised for his contributions to art.
He was a member of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, and served on the sports, entertainment, arts and culture committee of the Zimbabwe parliament.
The Nkulumane Constituency in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city, which he represents, confirmed the news of his death in a statement and shared its “deep sadness and deep shock”.
CCC member and MP Discent Bajila gave more details about the horrific accident to local news site ZimLive.com. He told the publication that he spoke to injured MPs who reported what happened.
“I spoke [Madalaboy] Ndebele in the front passenger seat. What he remembered was that they hit the elephant on the back. He remembers that after the impact, the elephant turned and fought with the vehicle.
“He believes this is what caused the most damage to the upper right side of the vehicle, ultimately leading to Moyo’s fatal injuries,” Bajila said. he said.
Fellow MP Caston Matewu was among those who paid tribute to Moyo, affectionately known as Moyoxide, hailing him as “one of the hardest-working MPs in Parliament”.
“Nkulumani people [sic] this wonderful thing was stolen [man]” said Mr Matewu.
The City of Bulawayo, led by mayor David Coltart, said Mr Moyo would be remembered as “an iconic leader… and creator” who “strived to support the arts” in the city and beyond.
Mr Moyo was an award-winning poet, educator and arts administrator who “dedicated his life to nurturing Zimbabwe’s creative sector”, according to the state-run Herald news website.
Other deputies involved in Friday’s crash were hospitalized.
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