Tinotenda Hove – Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has conveyed Zimbabwe’s condolences to Mozambique following the tragic death of rail expert Manuel José Semente. Mhona issued the message on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Government, the Mutapa Investment Fund, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), and the nation at large.

Semente, an official with Mozambique’s rail and ports operator, Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), died on 28 November 2025 after a level crossing accident at Headlands in Manicaland during a joint NRZ–CFM railway inspection.

According to Mhona, the accident happened when a fuel tanker failed to observe a stop sign at the level crossing and collided with the CFM railway trolley. Semente reportedly jumped from the trolley during the impact and sustained fatal injuries.

In his statement, Mhona said the loss had deeply affected Zimbabwe’s transport sector. “His untimely death has been met with profound sorrow within Zimbabwe’s transportation fraternity, particularly at the NRZ and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, where he was respected as a dedicated professional and a valued partner in fostering cooperation between our two sister railway administrations.”

He added that the tragedy underscored the dangers faced by workers who maintain regional transport systems. “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who work to build and maintain the vital infrastructure connecting our nations and region.”

Mhona said Semente’s passing was not only a loss to Mozambique, but also to Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African railway community.