NetOne mourns employee who died in Chilonga Bridge accident

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

The Board and Management of NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited mourn Samson Zvarimwa, their technician who died in an accident at Chilonga Bridge.

In a statement, the telecommunication giant advised stakeholders that on 30 April 2022 at around 09:00 hours, one of the employees of NetOne who was a Technician – Samson Zvarimwa, was involved in a tragic incident at Chilonga Bridge, along Runde River in Chiredzi.

The company vehicle that he was driving, a Land Rover Defender was swept off the bridge as he attempted to cross Runde River. The local community members who were present at the time of the incident acted promptly and alerted the Zimbabwe Republic Police and NetOne of the unfortunate incident. The company’s emergency procedures were immediately activated.

On the same day, the NetOne Chief Executive Officer and members of the NetOne team travelled to Chiredzi where they immediately got in touch with the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Due to the strength of the water current, it was not possible for the rescue team to reach the vehicle.

On Sunday 1 May 2022, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub Aqua Unit began the rescue operation. Unfortunately, their efforts were futile as they were working against a strong water current. Following an assessment of the area where the vehicle was, it was established that more resources were required for the operation to be successful.

NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited, together with the local community, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and its Sub-Aqua unit, Malilangwe Trust, Tongaat Hulett, the Department of Civil Protection, and the Member of National Assembly for Chiredzi South Constituency, Honourable Killion Callisto Gwanetsa, worked together to mobilise the necessary resources for the operation.

The rescue operation resumed on Monday 2 May 2022 leading to the recovery of the remains of NetOne staff member Mr. Samson Zvarimwa, together with a yet-to-be-identified passenger from the vehicle.

“The NetOne Board, Management and Staff thank the Chilonga community and the local leadership for their support and remarkable efforts in the recovery operation. We would also like to thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police and its Sub-Aqua unit, Malilangwe Trust, Tongaat Hulett, the Department of Civil Protection, Honourable Killion Callisto Gwanetsa (MP) for the assistance rendered.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased during this difficult time. Mr. Samson Zvarimwa has been a valued member of the NetOne team since 1 July 2011 and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the departed. May their souls rest in peace,” said Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, the NetOne Chief Executive Officer in a joint press statement with the NetOne Board Chairman, Miss Susan Mutangadura.