Wicknell Chivayo Rewards Hero Sirizani Butau with Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000 for His Bravery
From pulling victims to safety in a blazing highway inferno to earning nationwide admiration, Sirizani Butau’s courage captured the heart of Zimbabwe. His heroic act in 2021, which saved multiple lives, has now been recognized with a generous reward from businessman Wicknell Chivayo—a lasting reminder that true heroism still shines bright in times of crisis.
An Unforgettable Act of Bravery
In December 2021, tragedy struck the Harare–Mutare highway when a fuel tanker carrying over 50,000 litres of petrol collided with a bus, resulting in a massive explosion and fire. While most bystanders fled in fear, Sirizani Butau, a truck driver uninvolved in the crash, ran toward the flames to save trapped passengers. His extraordinary courage and quick action saved at least eight lives, making him a symbol of selflessness and bravery in Zimbabwe.
In his heroic rescue mission, Sirizani Butau suffered third-degree burns and endured a long, painful recovery. Despite the severe injuries, his act of bravery inspired the entire nation. The story of his self-sacrifice went viral across Zimbabwe and beyond, earning him widespread recognition as a true national hero.
A Nation's Gratitude
In recognition of his extraordinary courage and selflessness, Sirizani Butau was awarded the prestigious Gold Cross of Zimbabwe by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the Heroes Day commemorations in August 2024. This medal is one of the nation’s highest civilian honours for acts of bravery and heroism. The award officially cements Sirizani’s place among Zimbabwe’s most respected citizens — a man who risked his life to save others and inspired an entire nation through his actions.
A Life-Changing Reward
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo, deeply moved by Sirizani Butau’s bravery and humanity, shared a powerful message of gratitude and generosity on social media. He announced a remarkable reward — a brand-new Toyota Fortuner 2.4D D4D and US$50,000 in cash — to honour Butau’s heroism and inspire others to act with courage and compassion.
“HALLO FRIDAY… 🙏🙏🙏
Today I woke up in a good mood and remembered a TRUE HERO who lives amongst us — a man whose COURAGE and bravery showed the goodness of humanity. This man is none other than SIRIZANI BUTAU 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
In 2021, SIRIZANI fearlessly RISKED his OWN LIFE to save others from a deadly inferno along the Harare–Mutare Highway, following a tragic accident involving a fuel tanker carrying over 50,000 litres of petrol. The accident ignited MASSIVE flames and the real threat of an EXPLOSION. SIRIZANI did not run away like most of us would. Instead, he ran TOWARDS the fire 🔥 and pulled out trapped passengers from the burning wreckage, risking his own life so that others could LIVE.
This man emerged with SEVERE burns and permanent scars, but his heroism SAVED LIVES. We remain GRATEFUL to His Excellency, the President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and Amai, for giving SPECIAL NATIONAL RECOGNITION to this extraordinary man by awarding him the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe — honouring SIRIZANI’s unmatched BRAVERY.
Surely, TRUE HEROES are not born in comfort but are forged in FIRE 🔥.
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. Please go and see Madzibaba Chipaga at Enterprise Car Sales on Monday and collect a brand 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.
May GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY for your sacrifice. Your scars are MEDALS OF HONOUR tattooed on your skin — a permanent reminder that LOVE STILL LIVES AMONG US.
Chidzidziso kwatiri tese — to love one another and to always act with COMPASSION, as we are all children of GOD. 🙏
Chivayo’s heartfelt message resonated deeply across Zimbabwe, serving as both a tribute to Butau’s heroism and a powerful reminder that true courage and compassion still exist in today’s world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sirizani Butau is a Zimbabwean truck driver celebrated nationwide for his extraordinary bravery. In December 2021, he risked his own life to save eight passengers from a burning bus after a horrific collision, earning him the title of a true national hero.
When a bus collided with a fuel tanker and caught fire, Butau ran towards the flames instead of away from them. Ignoring the danger, he rescued eight trapped passengers from the burning wreckage before collapsing from his injuries — an act of immense selflessness and courage.
For his heroic act, Sirizani Butau was awarded the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe by President Emmerson Mnangagwa — one of the nation’s highest civilian honors for bravery and courage in the face of danger.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo honored Butau’s bravery by gifting him a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000. Chivayo praised him as a “man of steel and courage,” encouraging him to use the gift to start a new chapter in life.
David (Solar Sales)