Zimbabwe: Furious elephant crushes MP to death, reports state media

Zimbabwe's politician dies in a tragic incident after the car he was riding in crashed into an elephant.

Parliamentarian named Desire Moyo from Nkulumane died on Friday, October 10, 2025, in a small farming town in Shangani.

Opposition lawmaker Moyo was returning from the country's parliament house with fellow politicians.

The accident took place in an area where elephants usually roam in the north-west of Zimbabwe.

According to state-owned broadcaster ZBC, the accident took place when Mr Moyo, along with four other MPs, was travelling alongside the Bulawayo-Gweru highway.

After the tragic incident occurred, Moyo died at the scene. At the same time, the other four passengers, including Honorable Madalaboy Ndebele, Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Sethulo Ndebele, and Libion Sibanda, sustaining several injuries, were moved to the hospital for treatment.

The devoted MP positively impacted the city through his various roles: as a leader, Member of Parliament for the Nkulumane constituency, and, above all, as a poet who protested against injustices and championed regional development. 

City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, described Moyo as an "iconic leader."

Senator David Coltart, Mayor of Bulawayo City, along with councilors, Town Clerk Mr. Christopher Dube, department heads, staff, and residents, are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Honorable Desire Moyo. 

About Desire Moyo

Born on October 11, 1979, Desire Moyo was an award-winning poet, educator, and arts administrator "who devoted his life to nurturing Zimbabwe's creative sector," according to the state-run news site Herald.

He was a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and served in the Zimbabwean parliament's sport, recreation, arts, and culture committee.

Before beginning his political career, Desire worked as a teacher and was an acclaimed performance poet.

Desire was elected MP for Nkulumane for the first time in 2023. He blended art and activism, engaging in civic projects to promote youth empowerment.

Tributes are pouring in for the well-known poet, hailed for his contribution to the arts, who died a day before his 46th birthday, leaving his followers in grief.