By Staff Reporter

A 19-year-old man from Mberengwa was beheaded after he was run over by a goods train while lying across a 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.

According to Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the tragic incident occurred on 5 March 2026 at around 0245 hours along the railway line between Poland and Ngezi in Mberengwa.

Inspector Mahoko said the train driver, identified as Donald Tachiona (41), was operating a goods train travelling from Rutenga to Somabhula when he noticed the teenager lying across the railway tracks.

“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,” said Inspector Mahoko.

He said despite the driver’s efforts, the train could not stop in time and ran over the teenager.

“The train failed to stop and ran over him, cutting off his head and legs, killing him on the spot,” said Inspector Mahoko.

Police confirmed they received a report of sudden death following the incident and investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid sitting or lying on railway lines, warning that trains require a long distance to come to a complete stop once in motion.

“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,” he said.

Authorities continue to discourage risky behaviour near railway infrastructure, saying such actions often lead to fatal consequences.