The Board and Management of NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited regret to advise
that on 30 April 2022 at around 09:00 hours, one of the employees of NetOne who
was a Technician 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 Parliament 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.
