Desire Moyo, a prominent Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker and poet, tragically died early Friday after the car he was in hit an elephant on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway. The accident occurred in the early hours while Moyo was traveling with four other MPs.
According to reports, Moyo died instantly, while the other lawmakers survived with injuries. The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes for the well-known poet, just a day before his 46th birthday.
Moyo was not only a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), but also served on the sport, recreation, arts, and culture committee within the Zimbabwean parliament. His death has been met with sorrow from the Nkulumane Constituency, which expressed its 'deep sorrow and profound shock' at the loss of their MP.
Fellow MP Discent Bajila recounted the details of the accident after speaking with the injured MPs. They reportedly hit the elephant on its backside, and the ensuing impact caused the elephant to react, leading to damage on the vehicle that resulted in fatal injuries for Moyo.
The crash occurred in an area known for elephant crossings, highlighting the dangers that wildlife poses to drivers in Zimbabwe. Fellow lawmakers and community leaders have lauded Moyo as a dedicated MP who worked tirelessly for his constituency.
Tributes have reflected on Moyo's legacy as an award-winning poet and a passionate advocate for the arts in Zimbabwe, with the City of Bulawayo's mayor hailing him as an 'iconic leader.' Moyo leaves behind a significant impact on the country's cultural landscape, having devoted his life to nurturing its creative sector.
The other MPs in the vehicle have been hospitalized, and further details about their condition are pending.
