Photo: zimbojam

Late musician Sam Mtukudzi

Harare — Samson Mtukudzi (21), son of music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, died early yesterday morning after he was involved in a road accident near Kuwadzana Extension along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.

Sam was travelling with his AY Band sound engineer Owen Chimhare (22), who also died after they were trapped in their white Tata truck.

Preliminary investigations indicate the accident could have been a result of speeding and fatigue though enquiries were still in progress.

At the time of writin, it was not clear where Sam and Chimhare were coming from but it is believed that they were on their way to the Mtukudzi home in Norton.

National Traffic police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome yesterday said the accident occurred around 1am.

He said Chimhare, who was driving, lost control of the truck and it hit bridge rails near the Kuwadzana Extension turn-off.

"The truck hit the bridge rails which were on the right side resulting in both of them being trapped at the Kuwadzana Extension Bridge. They died on the spot as a result of serious head injuries," Insp Chigome said.

A police report was made and the bodies were taken to a local funeral parlour.

Insp Chigome, who said they were still investigating the cause of the accident, urged motorists to exercise caution when travelling on the country's roads.

Police sources yesterday said beer bottles were found in the vehicle though it is not known if this was a case of drinking and driving.

Oliver Mtukudzi and his wife Daisy returned home from South Africa yesterday to the news of their son's death.

It is understood that the parents were supposed to return on Sunday evening and Sam had driven to the airport to pick them up.

At the airport, Air Zimbabwe personnel and members of the public could be seen consoling the couple.

Senior airport staffers assisted them to speedily process their documents and leave the airport.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, mourners are gathered at house number 4702 Mtukudzi Way, Knowe, Norton.

Dozens of luminaries drawn from the political, arts and business sectors, among them Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu; businessman and musician Prince Tendai Mupfurutsa, marketing guru Mr Douglas Mamvura, veteran musician and university leacturer Professor Fred Zindi, poet Chirikure Chirikure and Power FM presenters Davies Mugadza, Tendai Chakanyuka and Bridget Gavanga visited the Mtukudzi home to pay their condolences.

National radio stations carried special tributes in recognition of Sam's contribution to Zimbabwean music.