Renowned Zimbabwean karateka and fitness trainer, Sensei Mugove Muhambi, has died following a tragic road accident.
Muhambi, who proudly represented Zimbabwe at numerous international competitions, passed away on Saturday morning after a car crash along Borrowdale Road in Harare.
The Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation confirmed his death, calling it a significant loss to the country’s sporting community.
According to ZBC News, the accident occurred near Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks. An eyewitness was quoted as saying a speeding Honda Fit veered into the oncoming lane and collided with a Toyota GD6. Said the eyewitness:
This happened in the morning, and I think the accident was caused by that Honda Fit, which went into the oncoming lane where the GD6 was.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the accident and urged motorists to adhere to road traffic laws to prevent further tragedies on the country’s roads. He said:
This is a call for all the relevant stakeholders to further exercise caution when driving, especially in the early hours of any day, so in terms of the entire accident, indeed, it is a true sense of driving carefully that is required.
As reported by iHarare, Muhambi came from a large family of seven siblings, including five brothers who shared a deep passion for athletics.
His older brother, the late Elson Muhambi, was a professional boxer who fought under the Mau Mau Boxing banner.
Over the years, Sensei Mugo built a respected reputation both on and off the mat. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, a testament to his leadership and influence in the martial arts community.
His martial arts journey began in primary school, where he studied Seido Kan karate under Shihan Misheck Chiwayo.
He later transitioned to the more demanding, full-contact Kyokushin style, training under Shihan Tendayi Marange.
Sensei Mugo rose through the ranks to become a fourth Dan black belt and branch chief in Kyokushin Kan, earning numerous medals and trophies throughout his career.
Beyond martial arts, he also explored acting, appearing as “Zola” in a local drama series aired on ZBC.
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