Worker takes own life after tragic workplace accident

Antony Chawagarira
GOKOMERE — In a heartbreaking development, a 37-year-old concrete mixer operator employed by Masimba Construction allegedly took his own life following a tragic workplace incident last Saturday.
Emmanuel Tachiona Chihanga was operating the spinner truck involved in a fatal incident that resulted in the death of his colleague, Willington Dube, who was performing cleaning duties inside the mixer at the time.
Sources indicate that Chihanga, a resident of Summerton Village, left behind a suicide note expressing the immense pressure he felt to take responsibility for the fatal accident. Struggling to cope with the burden of guilt and fear, he made a devastating decision that shocked those around him.
In a desperate act, Chihanga threw himself in front of a moving Toyota GD6 on the Masvingo-Harare Highway, approximately 270 km from his home. The vehicle’s driver managed to swerve and avoid a direct collision but did not stop at the scene. Instead, he proceeded to Mushagashe Tollgate, where he reported the incident to the authorities.
When police returned to the site, they discovered that Chihanga had survived the initial attempt. However, in a tragic turn of events, he jumped in front of another oncoming vehicle shortly thereafter, resulting in his death.
This incident has sparked discussions about workplace safety and mental health support for workers facing intense pressures. Community members are in shock, mourning the tragic loss of both Chihanga and Dube, and are calling for greater attention to the mental well-being of employees in high-stress environments.