Zimbabwean truck driver Sirizani Butau, whose act of courage captured hearts across Africa, continues to be celebrated for his bravery after being rewarded with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and USD 50,000 (approximately R865,000) in cash by flamboyant businessman Sir Wicknell Chivhayo.
Back in August 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred him with the prestigious Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, the country’s highest honour for bravery, in recognition of his heroism during a deadly bus crash in December 2021.
On 24 December 2021, Butau, who was driving his haulage truck along the Mutare–Harare highway, came upon a horrific accident about 20km outside Mutare. A head-on collision between a passenger bus and another truck had left the bus engulfed in flames.
Without hesitation, Butau risked his life to rescue eight passengers trapped inside the burning vehicle, becoming an instant national hero for his selfless bravery. In the process, he sustained severe burns to 30 percent of his body, mostly on his hands and legs. His recovery was long and painful, and he later admitted that the psychological trauma of that night still haunted him.
Now, nearly three years later, Sir Wicknell has stepped in to personally celebrate the brave trucker, surprising him with a luxurious Toyota Fortuner 2.4 D4D and a hefty cash gift to help him start a business.
Watch: Video of Bus Fire Where Sirizani Butau Rescued Passengers From Fiery Death
“As a small token of my appreciation for your unprecedented heroic sacrifice, and in addition to the highest honour bestowed upon you by His Excellency, I want to personally celebrate you in your lifetime,” Sir Wicknell said in his message to Butau.
“Please go and see Madzibaba Chipaga at Enterprise Car Sales on Monday and collect a brand spanking new Toyota Fortuner 2.4D D4D. In addition, you will receive USD 50,000 in cash to invest in any business of your choice. You may even consider starting your own trucking business as you have indeed proven yourself to be a man of steel and courage.”
He added, “May God bless you abundantly for your sacrifice. Your scars are medals of honour tattooed on your skin and are a permanent reminder that love still lives among us.”
Butau could not be immediately reached for comment.
From a terrifying night on the Mutare-Harare highway to being honoured by the president and now blessed by one of Zimbabwe’s wealthiest men, Sirizani Butau’s story remains a powerful reminder that real heroes still walk among us, often behind the wheel of a truck.
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