Masvingo – The leader of the Zion Christian Church Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi today told congregants that he will be visiting church members that were injured in the Charles Lwanda Secondary School bus accident which has so far claimed 37 lives.
Those injured were taken to Mutare and Chipinge hospitals and Bishop Mutendi will be visiting both places.
The bus had been hired to ferry church members to the Easter Conference but was involved in an accident on Thursday evening about 5km along the Jopa-Skyline Road in Chipinge.
According to police the bus was carrying 106 passengers including children.
The ZCC was holding its first conference at Mbungo since the coronavirus outbreak, which has so far killed 5 462 people and infected 247 261 in Zimbabwe, although 240 923 have recovered.
Bishop Mutendi thanked members of the Christian fraternity for sending the church condolence messages.
He said some individuals had shared negative comments on social media that ridiculed the church in this time of mourning, adding that he would instead pray for them so God can open their eyes.
“There are some people who are saying unkind words mocking the church about this tragedy, but they are very few. Although we are in pain, the Almighty is in full control and nothing happens on this planet outside his control.”
He also urged the nation to unite as one Zimbabwean family despite political, religious, ethnic and other differences.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Mr Ezra Chadzamira said he brought words of sympathy from the President and government, adding that government would assist families of the deceased meet funeral costs and other medical bills.