Journalist Ezra Tshisa Sibanda Survives Near-Fatal Accident After Car Collides With Stray Bull

The incident occurred on 12 November as the two men were travelling from Lower Gweru towards Bulawayo. Their vehicle suffered significant damage in the collision, while the animal later died.

Sibanda confirmed the accident in a Facebook post, describing the experience as one of the most frightening moments of his life. He said the incident had brought him face to face with the reality of how quickly life can be lost.

According to his account, he collected his cousin, Modern Skhuthele Ngwenya, at around 6 am before travelling to Lower Gweru to attend the coronation ceremony of their village head, Madinga Sibanda, who is also a relative.

Their journey initially encountered mechanical difficulties when the vehicle began losing power around the Kombo area. Sibanda said he stopped twice to add water after suspecting that the engine was overheating.

They eventually made it to Gweru, where he left the vehicle with a mechanic for repairs. The two then hired another car and continued to Shagari, where hundreds of people had gathered for the traditional ceremony.

After attending the celebrations, which included food, dancing and entertainment, Sibanda returned to Gweru to collect his vehicle. The mechanic reportedly assured him that the car was in good condition, allowing them to resume their journey to Bulawayo at approximately 5 pm.

However, their trip took a dangerous turn when they reached a point about 80 kilometres into the journey. While driving behind a truck, a large white bull suddenly appeared directly in front of their vehicle.

Sibanda said he spotted the animal when it was only about five metres away. Despite attempting to steer away from it, he could not avoid the collision.

The impact triggered the vehicle's airbags, which deployed and covered the occupants' faces. Sibanda said visibility was severely affected, but he managed to maintain control of the damaged vehicle and prevent it from veering into a nearby deep ditch.

After bringing the car to a stop, the two men got out and discovered that neither had sustained any physical injuries, although they were deeply shaken by the experience.

The bull reportedly fell from the vehicle's bonnet, managed to get back onto its feet and staggered towards the roadside before eventually dying.

Sibanda said the circumstances surrounding the animal's presence on the road remained unclear. He questioned how it had reached the highway, particularly because there were no nearby homesteads and the surrounding areas were reportedly secured by strong fences.

Reflecting on the incident, the journalist expressed gratitude to God and his ancestors, whom he believes played a role in protecting them.

He also thanked relatives, friends and members of the public who contacted them, sent messages and offered prayers following news of the accident.

Sibanda specifically acknowledged Ngwenya, saying he had become concerned when his cousin remained silent for several moments immediately after the collision.

The journalist said the experience had reinforced the importance of valuing human life, noting that damaged vehicles and financial losses can be recovered from, but human lives cannot be replaced.

The pair had set out to attend a traditional celebration but ended the day with a frightening experience that could easily have claimed their lives.

Source: Pindula News