Tendai Muererwa
Mutare-Bester Dimingo (30) of ARDA Transau, Odzi is battling for his life after he was struck by a passing goods train while walking along the Mutakura River railway bridge on the Harare–Mutare railway line on Sunday.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, which occurred at around 12 noon on July 12, 2026, at the 217-kilometre peg along the Harare–Mutare railway line.
According to police, the goods train was coming from Mutare to Harare and was being operated by Simba Nyaruwata (50) of Gimboki Dangamvura Mutare an engine man stationed at the NRZ Mutare Depot. He was in the company of fellow railway employee Admire Sakupwanya (42) of Hobhouse Mutare.
Investigations revealed that Dimingo was walking on the right-hand side of the railway bridge in the company of two other men, while an unidentified woman was walking in front of them. As the train was passing, Dimingo allegedly attempted to overtake the woman moving closer to the moving train.
In the process, he was struck on the left shoulder by the passing train causing him to lose balance and fall onto a concrete slab on the bridge before landing face-first. He sustained serious injuries, bled profusely and lost consciousness.
A well-wisher, Blessing Bwanaila rushed Dimingo to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical condition. His next of kin have since been advised. The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Odzi.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when crossing or walking along railway lines and bridges.
“We urge members of the public to avoid walking on railway tracks or bridges and to maintain a safe distance from moving trains at all times. A moment of carelessness can result in serious injury or loss of life,” he said.
