By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Kariba — A sombre mood hangs over Kariba following the discovery of a soldier’s body along the Kariba–Makuti Road on Thursday morning, in an incident authorities believe may have been a hit-and-run.
The deceased, believed to be a Lance Corporal stationed at the Special Forces Training School, was found near the Kasese new stands.
The scene was disturbing: the victim had sustained severe head injuries, and his mobile phone was discovered crushed in his hand, suggesting a violent impact.
Although formal identification is still underway, early observations indicate the victim was wearing military uniform, a detail that has raised concern and prompted investigators to explore all possible angles, including whether the incident was accidental or targeted.
Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri, the Officer Commanding Kariba District, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.
“I can confirm that a body was found this morning,” he said. “Initial indications point to a hit-and-run, but we are keeping an open mind as investigations continue.”
The location itself has drawn renewed scrutiny. In a chilling coincidence, a soldier was killed at the same spot in 2020, an incident that led authorities to classify the area as a danger zone.
The stretch of road is notorious for early-morning accidents, including a fatal crash in 2020 that claimed four lives.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the incident occurred at around 4:30 AM, a time when visibility is low and traffic enforcement minimal.
The body has since been taken to Kariba Hospital mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further clarity.
Forensic teams and highway patrol officers remain on the ground, combing the area for physical evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby points.
Police have appealed to members of the public for information, urging anyone who may have witnessed unusual activity in the early hours of Thursday to come forward.
“We are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter,” Superintendent Mhiripiri said. “Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the military fraternity, reigniting concerns over safety along the Kariba–Makuti Road and calls for stronger preventive measures.
As investigations continue, the road remains under close watch—its troubled history once again underscored by a tragic loss of life.
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