First lady mourns ZNA soldier who died with family in Shangani car crash
Lance Corporal Tumela Dube died with wife and 2 kids on Monday
By Staff Reporter
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa says she is heartbroken by the death of Tumelo Dube (33), wife and the couple’s two minor children in a sad road traffic accident some 10km from Shangani along the Harare-Bulawayo road on Monday.
Dube, a lance corporal, who was attached to the Presidential Guard, died together with his wife, Antonate Sibonginkosi Mashava Dube, and their two children — eight-year-old Itumele and one-year-old Lorisana.
The children succumbed to the injuries while admitted to hospital.
In a statement, Mnangagwa said the loss of an entire family was heartbreaking for a nation that is still mourning the death of six members of the Mujuru family who all perished in a car crash in Mvuma Thursday last week.
“I have received with deep sadness and a heavy heart the heartbreaking news of yet another fatal road traffic accident that has claimed the lives of four members of the Dube family along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, near Shangani.
“While the nation is still mourning the tragic passing of Mrs Lilian Mujuru and her five children, this painful loss has once again plunged our country into grief,” Mnangagwa said.
“The late Tumelo Dube (33), a lance corporal attached to the Presidential Guard, his beloved wife, Antonate Sibonginkosi Mashava Dube, and their two innocent children, eight-year-old Itumele and one-year-old Lorisana, lost their lives in this devastating tragedy.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a painful reminder of the sorrow and devastation that road traffic accidents continue to bring to Zimbabwean families.
“As a mother and grandmother, I am deeply moved by this tragedy and the unbearable grief that has fallen upon the Dube and Mashava families.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the extended family, relatives, friends and all those affected by this loss.
“May the Almighty God grant strength, comfort and healing to the bereaved families during this unimaginably difficult time.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
