The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the below statement saying the story of an accident involving Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife’s convoy car crash, previously published by sources is not accurate. Below is the full text of the announcement:

FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A ZRP MEMBER ON VIP DUTY IN CHINHOYI

The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that on 2. of April 2021 at 1630 hours, a fatal Road Traffic Accident involving Sergeant Freddy CHIPATO of ZRP Chinhoyi Traffic occurred at the 131 km peg along Harare — Chinhoyi Road near Lion’s Den.

The member was on VIP Traffic clearance duties riding a Police Motor Bike while the First Lady’s Convoy was on its way from Mhangura.

Suddenly, a motorist, Tinotenda Esau MUTANDIRO, who was later identified to be a Police Officer stationed in Harare came driving a Toyota Altezza on his way to Karoi with one passenger on board. He tried to pull off the road to the left in a bid to give way to the clearing party but failed and swerved to the right. The Toyota Altezza then encroached on to the lane of the motor bike which was proceeding in the opposite direction.

The vehicle then collided with the clearing motor bike resulting in the death of Sergeant CHIPATO after sustaining serious body injuries.

The First Lady’s Convoy was not involved at all in the road traffic accident.

The ZRP is treating this unfortunate fatal road traffic accident like all other accidents and reiterate that it has nothing to do with the First Lady’s Convoy. The Commissioner General of Police extends his condolences to the family of Sergeant Freddy CHIPATO.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Meanwhile the law will take its course against Tinotenda Esau MUTANDIRO who is now facing Culpable Homicide charges.