WOMAN KILLED IN M62 WRONG-WAY CRASH IDENTIFIED AS CHARITY FOUNDER

Sithandazile Sipepa, also known as Sithandazile Nkomo, died in a collision on the eastbound M62 near Saddleworth on Saturday 11 July. Greater Manchester Police reported that a grey Nissan Juke, which the force believed was travelling in the wrong direction, collided head-on with a grey BMW X5. The Nissan driver sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. Passengers in the BMW were treated for minor injuries. The motorway section remained closed overnight and into the following morning whilst emergency services worked at the scene.

Ms Sipepa founded the Sipepa Trust, a charity that operated in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, organising numerous events in Manchester. According to Zimbabwean journalist and commentator Ezra Tshisa, the trust provided support to widows, orphans and vulnerable families in Zimbabwe. Mr Tshisa described Ms Sipepa as a "beloved philanthropist" and "community champion" in a tribute published after her death. He stated he had known her for decades and that her generosity and compassion had transformed many lives. He characterised her as a hardworking woman whose life was dedicated to serving others.

Tributes to Ms Sipepa have been paid by contacts in both the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe following confirmation of her identity by Greater Manchester Police. Zimbabwean news outlet Nehanda Radio reported her death. Those paying tribute described her for her kindness, strength and community leadership across both nations where the Sipepa Trust operated.