Tragic Easter Sunday

 

Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent

ON a cheerful and peaceful Sunday afternoon, Mr Chris Mushinya and his mother, Mrs Angeline Mushinya prepared for an Easter Sunday service at United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) Dangamvura branch.

The two were among thousands of people from various denominations who were celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.

Easter Sunday is also a day where Christians celebrate Christ’s promise of eternal life.

It was all joy, peace and laughter before disaster struck.

As the two drove from Dangamvura Area 3, less than five minutes before arriving at their church, a swarm of bees that was already terrorising residents, attacked the two at around 2:30pm.

Mr Mushinya was behind the wheel while his mother was seated on the passenger seat.

During the bee attack, Mr Mushinya was forced to disembark from the vehicle and scurry for cover as the bees had already bulldozed their way into the vehicle.

Efforts by scores of people who tried to rescue him from the stubborn swarm were fruitless as they pounced on everyone who chose to care.

Mr Mushinya sought refuge at a nearby church, started struggling to breath and died before he was admitted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.

Police confirmed that Chris died instantly while other people suffered severe injuries.

However, it was not clear what infuriated the bees that were camping on a tree that is stationed near a bridge that connects Dangamvura Area 3 and Home Ownership.

Mr Mushinya was early this week laid to rest in Hamandishe Village in Gutu, Masvingo District.

When The Manica Post visited the Mushinya residence in Dangamvura on Wednesday, one of the relatives who requested not to be named said they are still grappling with accepting the loss of one of their own.

“We are struggling to believe that he is gone. He left home with his mum, who is my aunt, intending to attend a church service. Chris was driving but he suddenly stopped after bees started attacking him in the car.

 

“He covered his face as the bees continued attacking him and his mother. He ran away from the car after realising that the bees had entered the car.

“His mother sought refuge under the car but the bees did not stop attacking them, among many other people, including those who were inside their cars and passersby.

“His mother was assisted by brave Good Samaritans who covered her in a blanket at a certain house in Home Ownership area,” she said.

It is said Mr Mushinya resisted the bees’ stings and started looking for his mother.

 

He was heard shouting, “Where is my mum?”

Sadly, according to witnesses, the bees became more stubborn and attacked Mr Mushinya severely.

“After failing to find his mother, Chris rushed to a nearby church where he sought refuge in the toilet. He was now breathing heavily and died shortly afterwards,” said the relative.

One of the witnesses, Mr Brian Samaita, was nearly attacked by the bees but quickly closed his car’s windows.

“It was around 3pm when I saw people being attacked by the bees. People scurried for cover, including under the cars. The bees were vicious and we couldn’t open the car doors or windows.

“I saw this man in question being attacked but it was sad to watch him struggling. Unfortunately, he died,” said Mr Samaita.

Manicaland provincial police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, who was driving along the road said: “I saw him (Chris) removing his black and white stripped shirt which was already covered by the bees.

“He was struggling to contain them and there was nothing we could do as they were attacking everyone and attempting to gain entrance into every car. The bees were all over.

“People who had cars with no or faulty windows were heavily attacked. I saw the now deceased rushing to a nearby church,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the incident saying no foul play is suspected.

“He died when he had sought cover at a nearby church’s toilet. His body was discovered by Rabson Mashinya who then reported the matter to police.

“The body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post mortem. Several others were injured but according to reports that we have, we only have one death,” said Inspector Muzondo.

According to online sources, insect stings can induce local or systemic symptoms that are usually moderate, but can also be severe and fatal.

 

The reaction to bee stings is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis and sudden death.

For most people, a bee sting prompts an allergic reaction that results in redness, pain, swelling and itching that subsides within a day or so. Some have a larger reaction with symptoms lasting a week.

A small percentage of people will have a severe, life-threatening reaction and need immediate medical attention.