Zimbabwean lawmaker dies after his car crashed into an elephant

Saturday, October 11, 2025 - A Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, has tragically died after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with an elephant near Shangani, a small farming settlement in the country’s Matabeleland region.

Moyo, who represented the Nkulumane constituency, was killed early on Friday morning when the car carrying five lawmakers struck the elephant while returning to Bulawayo from Harare, where they had attended a parliamentary session.

The four other passengers, Honourables Madalaboy Ndebele, Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Sethulo Ndebele, and Libion Sibanda, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Local news outlet CITE reported that the vehicle hit the elephant before it turned aggressively toward the car, causing extensive damage. Discent Bajila, MP for Luveve, said he had spoken to one of the survivors. “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,” Bajila explained.

The City of Bulawayo issued a public statement mourning the late MP, describing him as “an iconic leader.” “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.

“Moyo 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 entering politics, Moyo was a teacher, poet, and activist known for using art as a tool for social change. He was widely respected for blending performance poetry with civic engagement and youth empowerment initiatives.

He was elected to Parliament in 2023 and was regarded as one of the rising voices in Zimbabwean politics, noted for his passion for equality and cultural expression.

Moyo was 45 and would have turned 46 soon. His death has sparked widespread mourning across Zimbabwe, with tributes pouring in from political figures, artists, and civil society leaders who praised his creativity, courage, and commitment to justice.