Teen Beheaded After Lying On Railway Tracks In Mberengwa

A 19-year-old man from Mberengwa was tragically beheaded after being run over by a goods train while lying across the railway line in the early hours of Thursday last week.

The deceased has been identified as Author Nkiwani (19) of Village Chatira under Chief Mataruse.

Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident, which happened on 5 March 2026 at around 2:45 AM along the railway line between Poland and Ngezi in Mberengwa.

He said the train driver, Donald Tachiona (41), was operating a goods train travelling from Rutenga to Somabhula when he spotted the teenager lying across the tracks. Said Inspector Mahoko:

“It is alleged that the driver observed the now deceased lying by his stomach across the railway line at the 86 kilometre peg between Poland and Ngezi.

“The driver sounded the locomotive horn in an attempt to alert him, but the deceased did not respond.”

Inspector Mahoko said that despite the driver’s efforts, the train was unable to stop in time and ran over the teenager.

Police confirmed they received a sudden death report following the incident, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

Inspector Mahoko urged the public to avoid sitting or lying on railway lines, warning that trains need a long distance to come to a complete stop once moving. He said:

“We are appealing to members of the public to avoid sitting or lying on railway lines. Committing suicide should never be taken as a way of solving problems.”

More: Midlands Observer

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