The Zimbabwean community in the United Kingdom and back home is mourning the loss of philanthropist and businesswoman Sithandazile “Stha” Sipepa, who died in a tragic road accident on the M62 motorway in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the collision occurred at about 11pm on Saturday, 11 July, on the eastbound carriageway between Junctions 21 and 22 near Rochdale.
According to investigators, Sipepa, who was driving a grey Nissan Juke, is believed to have been travelling in the wrong direction before her vehicle collided head-on with a grey BMW X5.
The woman, who was in her 50s, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and passengers travelling in the BMW suffered minor injuries and received treatment from paramedics.
No arrests have been made.
Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses, as well as anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area before the collision, to come forward.
In a statement, GMP said officers from its Serious Collision Investigation Unit are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and National Highways also responded to the incident.
Firefighters used specialist rescue equipment to free Sipepa after her vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, she could not be saved.
“The thoughts of everyone at GMFRS are with the family and friends of the woman at this difficult time,” the fire service said.
The motorway remained closed for several hours while forensic investigators examined the scene.
Tributes have since poured in for Sipepa, who was widely respected for her charitable work supporting vulnerable families in Zimbabwe.
Writing on social media, veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster community leader Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda described her as a lifelong friend, philanthropist and woman whose generosity transformed countless lives.
He said he had known Sipepa for decades after they both settled in the United Kingdom and had helped her establish business ventures in Zimbabwe, including brick manufacturing and farming projects.
According to Sibanda, Sipepa channelled much of her success into helping widows, orphans and disadvantaged families through the Sipepa Trust.
“I watched with pride as she used those achievements not to enrich herself, but to uplift others,” he wrote.
He revealed that he had spoken to her just days before the accident about returning to Zimbabwe to continue her charitable work, including assisting vulnerable children in Umguza.
Sibanda described Sipepa as a proud Zimbabwean who promoted Ndebele culture throughout the UK diaspora and remained committed to supporting communities both in Britain and Zimbabwe.
“She was a beacon of hope, compassion and unity. She was full of life, always smiling, and never forgot where she came from,” he said.
Sipepa would have celebrated her 53rd birthday in November.
Greater Manchester Police has asked anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to contact its Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 4349 of 11 July 2026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are continuing.
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