Makoni Rural District Council CEO Engineer Edmore Chidembo has been hit with not one, but two major setbacks in recent weeks. The first blow came on July 3, 2025, when Chidembo was involved in a devastating road accident along the Chivhu-Nyazura Road. A stalled Mazda B1800 was struck by a haulage truck, which then collided with Chidembo’s Toyota Fortuner, leaving him with multiple leg fractures.

After undergoing surgery in Harare, Chidembo was left to recover while a second crisis unfolded at his official residence in Rusape. On July 18, a fire engulfed the seven-roomed house, destroying personal belongings worth thousands of dollars. Preliminary investigations suggest a candle left unattended during a power outage may have sparked the blaze.

Despite the challenges, the community has rallied around Chidembo, donating food, clothing, and temporary accommodation. Makoni RDC Chairperson Councillor Ellah Hlanguyo has assured the CEO of the council’s full support, mobilizing resources to help replace lost items and processing insurance claims.

As Chidembo navigates this difficult period, the council has come to his defense, highlighting his tireless work ethic and commitment to addressing long-standing issues within the council. With investigations into both incidents ongoing, one thing is clear: Engineer Chidembo has the support of his community and colleagues as he works to rebuild and recover.

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