Fresh CUT Graduate Dies Hours After Ceremony, Family Battles for Life
A Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) graduate died in a tragic car crash on Thursday evening, just hours after receiving her degree.
The accident occurred near Mapinga, close to Gwebi River, as the family was travelling from Chinhoyi to Harare following the university’s graduation ceremony.
Panashe Mwinga, who had just earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Multimedia Communication, was fatally injured when the vehicle driven by her father veered off the road.
Her parents sustained serious head injuries and remain unconscious in hospital, while her eight-year-old sister suffered broken legs.
The family was returning to Harare, where her father, an engineer, had been attending the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS).
In a statement released by the CUT Students Representative Council (SRC), Minister for External Affairs, Information and Publicity, Marlvin Saint Madanda confirmed the heartbreaking news.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we inform you of the passing of Panashe Mwinga, a gifted young lady who graduated just yesterday (Thursday) with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Multimedia Communication,” said Madanda.
He added, “Panashe was involved in a fatal road accident on the evening of 28 August 2025 near Mapinga, close to Gwebi River, while travelling with her sibling and both parents.
“She sustained serious injuries and despite medical efforts, passed away a few hours after being admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
“Her body has since been transferred to Nyaradzo Funeral Services for funeral arrangements. Her untimely passing is a profound loss to the university community and to all who had the privilege of sharing in her journey.”
In honour of Panashe’s life and legacy, CUT has declared Monday, September 1, 2025, as “Black Monday.”
Students are encouraged to wear black as a symbol of mourning and solidarity with the bereaved family.
According to Ignite Media Zimbabwe, the Mwinga family had made a detour to Chinhoyi for the graduation ceremony before heading back to Harare.
The accident has cast a dark cloud over what should have been a moment of celebration, leaving the university and wider community in shock.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, messages of condolence continue to pour in as the nation mourns the loss of a young life full of promise.
