Tragedy Strikes: Zimbabwean Poet and Lawmaker Desire Moyo Dies in Elephant Collision

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:35:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Desire Moyo, a respected Zimbabwean lawmaker and poet, tragically passed away after a car accident involving an elephant. Moyo was a vocal advocate for the arts and had significant political influence, representing the Nkulumane Constituency.

Desire Moyo, an influential poet and member of Zimbabwe's parliament, died in a car accident caused by a collision with an elephant on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway. The accident occurred just before his 46th birthday and has led to an outpouring of tributes acknowledging his contributions to the arts and his dedication to his constituency. Fellow lawmakers were injured in the crash, which occurred in a known elephant migration area.

Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker Desire Moyo has died after the vehicle he was travelling in hit an elephant, as reported by local media. The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning while Mr. Moyo and four other lawmakers were on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway. He died instantly from the impact, with the other MPs sustaining injuries.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the well-known poet, recognized for his contributions to the arts. His passing comes just a day before his 46th birthday.

Moyo was a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), serving on the parliament's sport, recreation, arts, and culture committee, and represented the Nkulumane Constituency in Bulawayo. The constituency expressed deep sorrow and shock at his untimely death.

Accounts from fellow lawmakers indicate that they hit the elephant on its backside, leading to it turning and colliding with the vehicle, causing significant damage and resulting in fatal injuries to Moyo. The crash took place in an area frequented by elephants migrating between their habitats.

Fellow members of the CCC and constituents are mourning the loss, recalling Moyo's dedication as one of the hardest-working Members of Parliament. Mayor David Coltart of Bulawayo labeled him an iconic leader who greatly championed the arts.

Moyo's legacy as an award-winning poet and educator is one marked by his commitment to enriching Zimbabwe's creative sector. The other lawmakers involved in the accident are currently hospitalized.