Villagers Suspect “Bad Spirits” After Talented Footballer Dies, And Then Best Friend Kills Himself Hours Later

Chivi is mourning the deaths of two close friends after a talented 18-year-old student athlete was killed in a road accident, prompting his best friend to take his own life.

Brayce Charare, 18, a learner at Shongamiti High School, died on Saturday after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle along the Chiredzi-Ngundu Road at Dare at around 11 am. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Ngundu Clinic.

Charare, who was buried on Tuesday at Bhusvumani Village under Chief Dare, has been described as a gifted all-round sportsman who excelled in football, athletics, handball and long jump.

He was reportedly the fastest 100m runner at his school and captained a local football team.

Local sports sponsor Bondcoin described him as an irreplaceable footballer with a bright future, while his maternal uncle Simbarashe Mutemeri said he was a versatile athlete. His brother Desmond Farai Charare said the family was devastated.

“Brayce was a very special person to us. He was the lastborn in the family, humble and had a bright future ahead of him. We are deeply hurt by his death,” he said.

Hours after his death, tragedy struck again.

Exodus Muteiwa, 19, of Chipeta Village under Chief Chivi, who was a close friend of Brayce, took his own life on Sunday after hearing the news.

Muteiwa, who was staying in Gutu at the time, is reported to have heard of his friend’s death while at church. He later returned home and was found dead.

He was due to be buried on Wednesday (today) next to his friend.

“They were very close friends and had been together for a long time. We never expected that the loss of Brayce would affect Exodus to such an extent,” said Desmond Farai Charare.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed both incidents.

The double tragedy has left the Shongamiti High community in shock. Residents who spoke to Masvingo Mirror said the deaths come barely two months after two teachers at the school, Keneddy Chitanga and Mr Tumburayi, who were close friends, died days apart earlier this year, sparking fears of bad spirits affecting the school.

Chivi South MP Felix Maburutse attended Brayce’s burial.

More: Masvingo Mirror