KEY POINTS
- Retired Air Marshal Elson Moyo survives car crash near Chegutu.
- The cause of the accident being investigated.
- A key figure in Zimbabwe’s 2017 coup, Moyo, is stable, according to local media.
Former Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) commander and central figure in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, retired Chief Air Marshal Elson Moyo, survived a serious road traffic accident last tuesday.
Moyo was travelling alone from his farm to Chegutu when he lost control and his car left the road, crashing into a tree. The incident was at the 10km mark on Chegutu-Pickstone Road, a leaked police memorandum revealed.
The right headlamp and fender were damaged and Moyo’s silver Toyota Hilux had a dislodged front wheel. Moyo came out of the crash unhurt, save for pain in his right hip and shoulder.
The accident seems suspicious
There has been suspicion on the accident as Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Chegutu is investigating.
A wellwisher took the former air marshal to Chegutu District Hospital before being airlifted to Harare via Air Ambulance with his condition said to be stable.
Moyo, aged 67, is a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s military history. AFZ commander from December 2017, he retired shortly after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plane was scuttled by a bomb scare at Victoria Falls Airport. Just hours after aborting a landing, Moyo’s retirement and replacement by Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede was sudden.
A key figure in Zimbabwe’s military history
Moyo was deputy commander and his appointment was elevated by President Mnangagwa. He also elevated his rank before leading the Air Force.
He was promoted rapidly up the military hierarchy throughout both Mnangagwa and the previous President Robert Mugabe’s reign, and he was at the helm during the crucial 2017 coup.
According to New Zimbabwe, Moyo’s accident is still under Report Received Book (RRB) number 5841121.
