-popular Chinhoyi University DJ fatally falls from tipper
FAITH NDOU
CHIREDZI-Popular Chinhoyi University of Technology student, Mclarian Chando (23) of Hippo Valley, affectionately known as DJ Killers, who was a Level 3:1 studying Information Technology was killed in a road accident.
DJ Killers died from wounds sustained following an accident where he fell from a moving Scania tipper truck, which was driven by Arnold Mhere (30) of Chiredzi as he tried to retrieve his cap which had been blown away by the wind.
Masvingo Province police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa told The Midweek Watch that DJ Killers lost balance and landed on his head on the dust road, sustaining serious head injuries.
He was rushed to Chiredzi Hospital and later referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare where he died on the same day at around 2030 hours.
DJ Killers’ death comes just a few days after Panashe Mwinga died in a car crash while travelling with her parents to Harare after her graduation.
Panashe was still in her graduation regalia when she died.
Chando was described as a quite but very popular fellow at the CUT who loved his music.
A CUT SRC spokesperson, Malvin Saint Madanda, said the deceased had a promising future and a passion for music.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing on of one of our fellow students, Mclarian Chando, widely known among us as DJ KILLERS.
“A bright young man with a remarkable spirit, a passion for music and a future full of promise.”
Chando was so loved such that the students wore black on September 1 in remembrance of their colleague.
Chando is the fifth student at CUT who has died in the last nine months in tragic circumstances.
He is one of three students who have died in accidents.
Two other students took their lives just a few weeks ago.
Panashe, was described by her colleagues as a very intelligent young woman.
The tragedy happened near the Gwebi River as the family was driving to Harare from Chinhoyi.
Panashe’s father, an engineer, was seriously injured in the crash.
“The car burst a left-side tyre before overturning. I was courageous enough to go and render some help.
“What saddened me most was seeing people taking videos and not being able to help,” said an eyewitness.
In November last year, CUT student Tanatswa Chinyama died after being hit by a car while on her way to the campus from a popular local joint.
Tanatswa was a Level 2:1 student in the School of Hospitality and Tourism.
She was hit by a car while in the company of five other students.
The other four students sustained injuries.
The accident happened after the driver of the vehicle lost control and hit the students near the railway crossing along the Chinhoyi-Chegutu Highway.
The students were coming from Jongwe Corner where they had attended a Zim Hip-Hop Culture event.
Last month a CUT student took his life at the campus’ sports field and was described by colleagues as a model student who did not show any signs of stress.
Abraham Chabata was a first year Agricultural Engineering student and committed suicide by downing an unknown poison.
He left a suicide note that was directed at his family.
His death came just four days after another student at the same university, Takudzwa Alex Mapurisa, also committed suicide.
He was said to have been battling serious mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, in Gutu, a fatal head-on collision occurred at the 57 kilometre peg along the Roy-Chiredzi Road on 1 September around 1830 hours.
The crash involved a white Toyota Probox driven by Abisha Bote (30) of Chief Ndanga in Zaka and a silver Toyota Hilux D4D driven by Charles Chakona (46) of Glen View 3, Harare.
Reports say Chakona, who was travelling from Jerera Growth Point with three passengers, attempted to turn left at a stop sign but lost control and collided with the oncoming Probox.
Both vehicles veered off the road and overturned. Abisha Bote sustained fatal head injuries and died on the spot. His body was taken to Musiso Mission Hospital where one of the injured Hilux passengers was also admitted.
Still in Chiredzi, Wellington Chivasa (30) of Mkwasine died on September 1, around 1830 hours after being run over by a blue unregistered New Holland tractor he was operating.
The accident happened along a dusty road near Mangwa Dam.
It is reported that Chivasa lost control of the tractor, fell off and was fatally struck by the right rear wheel.
He died on the spot and his body was taken to Chiredzi Hospital mortuary.
Dhewa said the police is investigating all incidents and urged drivers to observe road safety regulations, avoid speeding and exercise caution.
