Three members of the Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group tragically lost their lives in a road accident on Saturday, July 20, while returning home from the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival in Mutare.
The accident occurred along the Gweru–Bulawayo highway.
The group, representing Matabeleland South Province, had performed at the festival held at the Mutare Agricultural Showgrounds.
The dancers were employed by How Mine in Mzingwane District.
The deceased have been identified as Ms. S. Mpofu, Ms. I.T. Mike, and Mr. L. Mazara. Several other group members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
In a joint statement released on July 21, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), and Delta Beverages expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and pledged continued support for both the injured and the affected families.
“The NACZ, ZNTDA and Delta Beverages, would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Mpofu, Mike, and Mazara families,” the statement read.
“The loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our artistic community. We also stand in solidarity members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group as they deal with the aftermath of this ordeal.”
Organisers of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival say they will provide further updates and urged the public to contact their information desk for any inquiries.
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