Johnson Progress

A 19-year-old man from Mberengwa died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being run over by a goods train, in an incident that has prompted police to issue a fresh warning about the dangers of using railway lines as resting places.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Midlands Province has identified the victim as Author Nkiwani, a resident of Village Chatira under Chief Mataruse.

The fatal incident occurred at around 2:45 AM on 5 March 2026, along a stretch of railway line near the 86-kilometre peg between the areas of Poland and Ngezi.

According to a preliminary report from the police, the driver of the goods train, 41-year-old Donald Tachiona, was operating the locomotive on its journey from Rutenga to Somabhula.

As the train approached the location, Tachiona was met with a shocking sight.

Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko provided details of the incident, explaining what the train driver witnessed.

He stated that the driver saw Nkiwani lying in a vulnerable position directly on the tracks.

“The driver saw the now deceased lying face down across the railway line,” Inspector Mahoko said.

Faced with this immediate danger, Tachiona acted quickly in a desperate attempt to avert the tragedy.

He activated the train’s warning system, hoping the loud noise would rouse the young man.

Expanding on the driver’s actions, Inspector Mahoko detailed the futile attempt to alert the victim.

He confirmed that Tachiona used the train’s standard safety protocol to warn anyone on the line.

“The driver tried to warn him by sounding the horn,” Inspector Mahoko said.

Despite the piercing sound of the locomotive horn shattering the early morning quiet, there was no response from Nkiwani.

He remained motionless on the track.Describing the critical moments before the impact, the police spokesperson noted the lack of reaction from the victim.

He emphasized that the driver had done all he could in the short time available.

“He sounded the horn to alert the young man, but the now deceased did not move from the railway line,” Inspector Mahoko added.

Due to the immense weight and momentum of a goods train, bringing it to a halt requires a significant distance.

The train was unable to stop in time, and it ran over the victim.

Nkiwani sustained catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the wake of this tragedy, the ZRP is taking the opportunity to strongly advise the public against the dangerous practice of sitting, walking, or lying on railway tracks.

Inspector Mahoko stressed that this incident highlights a critical safety reality that many people may not fully appreciate.

“We are urging members of the public to avoid sitting or lying on railway lines,” he stated.

The reason, he explained, is a matter of simple physics: “Trains cannot stop quickly once they are in motion.”

The vast distance required for a train to come to a complete emergency stop means that by the time a driver sees an obstacle, it is often too late to avoid a collision.

This makes the railway tracks an extremely hazardous environment.

Beyond the physical dangers of the railway line, the police also addressed a deeper concern, using this case to remind the community of the value of life.

Authorities are urging anyone facing personal struggles or despair to seek help rather than resorting to self-harm.

Inspector Mahoko conveyed the police’s broader message of support and encouragement to the public.

He cautioned against viewing death as a solution to life’s challenges.

“Authorities also cautioned against resorting to suicide when facing life challenges,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community and communication.

“They are emphasizing that there are other ways to seek help and resolve problems.”

The police encourage anyone going through a difficult time to speak with family members, community leaders, or professional counsellors.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of both the physical dangers present on railway lines and the critical need for mental health awareness within communities.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding why Nkiwani was lying on the tracks are continuing.