CHINHOYI – Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) has been plunged into grief following the tragic death of a fourth student in less than a year.

The latest fatality, Panashe Mwinga, died in a car crash just hours after graduating, marking yet another heartbreaking loss for the university community.

In response, the Students Representative Council (SRC) has declared today Black Monday, urging students to wear black as a symbol of collective mourning.

"We encourage all students to observe this day in solidarity as we honor those we have lost," - CUT SRC Minister for External Affairs, Malvin Saint Madanda

Graduate Dies Hours After Ceremony

Mwinga, a bright young woman who had just earned her Bachelor's Degree in Visual and Communication Multimedia, was killed in a crash near Gwebi River on Thursday evening while traveling with her family to Harare.

Chinhoyi University in Mourning

Her father, an engineer, sustained serious injuries, while three other family members remain hospitalized.

Mashonaland West Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, confirmed the accident occurred at the 70km peg along the Harare-Chinhoyi road.

"The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, roll multiple times, and land in a ditch," - Inspector Kohwera, reiterating calls for caution on the roads.

Madanda described Mwinga as "a gifted individual whose untimely death has left a void in the university community."

An eyewitness who assisted at the scene recalled the heartbreaking sight of Mwinga still in her graduation gown.

"I pulled out her father, mother, and sibling. It was devastating to see people recording instead of helping," - Anonymous eyewitness

 

A String of Tragedies

Mwinga's death follows three other student fatalities since November 2024:

• Abraham Chabata – A first-year Agricultural Engineering student who died by suicide on August 20, leaving behind a note addressed to his family.
• Takudzwa Alex Mapurisa – Another student who took his own life just four days before Chabata, reportedly battling mental health struggles.
• Tanatswa Chinyama – A Level 2.1 Hospitality and Tourism student killed in a hit-and-run near campus in November 2024 while returning from a music event.

University Responds to Growing Crisis

CUT's Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Shadreck Nembaware, expressed deep sorrow over Chabata's death,
noting that financial struggles were unlikely a factor.

"The university has professional counsellors, and his family was equally shocked, as he never showed signs of distress," - Shadreck Nembaware

Madanda urged students to seek support:

"This tragedy reminds us of the silent battles many face. Please reach out—to family, friends, or counsellors—you are not alone."

As the campus mourns, questions linger over the recurring tragedies and the pressures facing young scholars.

— Additional reporting by H-Metro.