Rudson Tatenda Sliya, aged 25, shared poignant words with his 20-year-old wife, Melissa Bibian Chinyota, just hours before his untimely death, words that now carry an unbearable weight of significance.

The nation continues to mourn the victims of the horrific collision between a commuter omnibus and a 30-tonne haulage truck near Hunyani River Bridge, an incident that has since been declared a national disaster.

A Vision for the Future: Plans for Financial Security and Family

On Monday evening, just a day before the fatal crash, Tatenda, who was the only son in a family of four, was engaged in intimate discussions about future plans with his wife, Melissa. The young couple, who had only married in December 2024, were building their life together, now eagerly anticipating the arrival of their child. In their conversation, Tatenda revealed his intention to use his upcoming salary to help launch an income-generating venture specifically for Melissa.

Rudson Tatenda Sliya

His motivation was deeply rooted in the unpredictable nature of his profession, a concern that now carries heartbreaking irony. He emphasized the importance of establishing financial security for his expectant wife, highlighting his foresight and dedication to his budding family.

Their shared aspirations and dreams for the future were brutally cut short when an out-of-control haulage truck veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with Tatenda’s commuter omnibus near Hunyani River Bridge. The impact tragically claimed multiple lives, including the promising young driver who had just begun building his family and future.

Young Father's Final Words About Financial Security and Future Plans Underscore Life's Fragility Amidst National Mourning

Tatenda Sliya is being remembered by friends and colleagues not merely as a kombi driver, but as an exceptional and responsible individual in his profession. They highlighted that his conduct starkly defied the reckless stereotypes sometimes associated with kombi operators. His exemplary behavior, they recall, stemmed from deep religious convictions: he was an active member of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe, where he contributed his musical talents as a keyboardist in the church choir.

His burial service at Zororo Cemetery, located tragically near the accident scene, resonated with solemn hymns from various AFM congregations across the country, a testament to the impact he had on his community and faith. Two other victims of the tragic collision were interred at the same cemetery on that somber day, further emphasizing the collective grief.

Tatenda’s grieving widow shared her profound loss, speaking to his character and dedication: "He was a true servant of God considering the number of church assemblies he had been serving. He used to play a keyboard at church and some assemblies have been hiring him for services. I used to take him when he was young and at a tender age he would assist teams handling the PA system. He would remain behind after church service to be with those people who were packing the instruments."

As the community grapples with this immense tragedy, Tatenda’s final conversation with his wife stands as a poignant and heartbreaking reminder of life’s profound fragility and the critical importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. 

It underscores the deep personal impact of the Seke Road disaster on the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.