In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe, Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, a Member of Parliament representing the Nkulumane constituency, lost his life in a devastating accident near Shangani, a small farming settlement in the Matabeleland region. The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning when the vehicle carrying Moyo and four other lawmakers collided with an elephant while traveling back to Bulawayo from Harare, where they had attended a parliamentary session. The sudden and untimely death of Moyo, a vibrant and influential figure in Zimbabwean politics and culture, has left the nation mourning the loss of a leader described as iconic, passionate, and deeply committed to social justice.
According to reports from local news outlet CITE, the vehicle carrying the lawmakers struck the elephant, which then reacted aggressively, turning toward the car and causing significant damage. Discent Bajila, the Member of Parliament for Luveve, shared details of the incident after speaking with one of the survivors, Honourable Madalaboy Ndebele, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Bajila recounted Ndebele’s harrowing recollection of the event: “I spoke to Honourable Ndebele, who was in the front passenger seat. His recollection is that they hit the elephant on its backside. After the impact, he remembers the elephant turning round and fighting the vehicle. This, he believes, is what did the most damage on the top right side of the vehicle and ultimately led to Honourable Moyo’s fatal injuries.” The violent encounter left the car severely damaged, resulting in catastrophic consequences for Moyo, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The four other passengers in the vehicle—Honourables Madalaboy Ndebele, Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Sethulo Ndebele, and Libion Sibanda—survived the crash but sustained injuries. They were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. While their conditions have not been disclosed in detail, their survival offers a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy, though the loss of Moyo has cast a somber shadow over the group and the nation as a whole.
The City of Bulawayo, where Moyo served as a dedicated representative, issued a heartfelt public statement mourning the loss of the late MP. The statement, signed by Bulawayo’s mayor, Senator David Coltart, alongside the Town Clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, councillors, heads of council departments, staff, and residents, described Moyo as “an iconic leader” whose contributions to the city and the country were profound. “His Worship Senator David Coltart, the mayor of the city of Bulawayo, councillors, the Town Clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, Heads of Council Departments, staff, and residents have learnt with sadness of the untimely passing on of Honourable Desire ‘Moyoxide’ Moyo,” the statement read. It went on to highlight Moyo’s multifaceted legacy, noting that he “positively impacted the city through his various roles as a leader, Member of Parliament for the Nkulumane constituency, and above all, a poet who protested against injustices and challenged all for the development of the city and the country.”
Before his foray into politics, Moyo was a teacher, poet, and activist whose work left an indelible mark on Zimbabwean society. Known for his powerful performances and thought-provoking poetry, Moyo used art as a medium to advocate for social change, addressing issues of inequality, injustice, and the need for cultural and civic progress. His ability to blend artistic expression with activism earned him widespread respect, particularly among young people, whom he inspired through youth empowerment initiatives. Moyo’s creative approach to activism was not only a reflection of his personal passion but also a tool for mobilizing communities and fostering dialogue about the challenges facing Zimbabwe.
Elected to Parliament in 2023, Moyo quickly established himself as a rising star in Zimbabwean politics. At the age of 45, he was regarded as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, known for his unwavering commitment to equality, cultural expression, and the betterment of his constituency and the nation. His tenure as MP for Nkulumane was marked by a dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents, advocating for policies that promoted development, and amplifying marginalized voices. Moyo’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life—whether through his poetry, his activism, or his parliamentary work—made him a beloved figure in both political and cultural spheres.
Moyo’s death, just weeks before his 46th birthday, has sparked an outpouring of grief across Zimbabwe. Tributes have flooded in from political colleagues, artists, civil society leaders, and ordinary citizens, all of whom have expressed their admiration for his creativity, courage, and unrelenting commitment to justice. Social media platforms and public forums have been filled with messages celebrating Moyo’s legacy, with many recalling his electrifying performances and his ability to inspire hope and action through his words. His passing is not only a loss for Nkulumane and Bulawayo but for the entire nation, which has been robbed of a visionary leader at a time when his voice was needed most.
The tragic circumstances of Moyo’s death have also drawn attention to the dangers posed by wildlife on Zimbabwe’s roads, particularly in rural areas like Shangani, where human-animal conflicts are not uncommon. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by those traveling through regions where wildlife roams freely. Authorities may now face increased pressure to address road safety and mitigate risks in such areas to prevent future tragedies.
As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, his legacy as a poet, activist, and parliamentarian will undoubtedly endure. His life’s work—marked by a deep love for his country, a passion for justice, and a commitment to uplifting those around him—will continue to inspire future generations. For now, the nation grieves, but it also celebrates the remarkable contributions of a man who used his voice, his art, and his leadership to make Zimbabwe a better place.
