Zimbabwe spinners honour late Thulani Nkala after fatal accident

Thulani Nkala died on August 30 after a motor-spinning accident at the Pharos Spinning Arena in Tshabalala, Bulawayo. The Zimbabwe Spinners Association’s Bulawayo Province Chapter has since paid tribute to the late spinner and offered its condolences to his family and friends.

Nkala, who lived in Tshabalala Suburb, reportedly suffered serious head injuries after falling from a moving BMW during a burnouts exhibition at the arena. Police confirmed his death following the incident.

The association, led in Bulawayo by Zakhele “Zakes” Mlilo, said Nkala’s death was a major loss for the motor-spinning community. Its message of sympathy also extended to those who knew him and to members of the wider spinning fraternity affected by his death.

ZISA said it was engaging with the event promoters and the Sports and Recreation Commission while the authorities continue examining what happened. Police investigations and other formal procedures are still pending, and the association called for restraint until those processes are completed.

The incident has also increased attention on safety at motor-spinning events. ZISA said it would work with organisers and the relevant authorities to assess existing arrangements and improve safety protocols for participants, spectators and officials at future events.

The association said it stood with the Nkala family and the wider motor-spinning community during the mourning period. It did not draw conclusions about the circumstances of the accident while the investigations remain under way.