adminPetros Zivengwa in Mutoko
Heart-rending scenes were the order of the day as 11 victims of the horrific bus accident along the Mutoko-Nyamapanda highway which killed 26 people were buried in different parts of Mutoko yesterday. Those buried yesterday were Lydia Nyakabawu (17), Lucia Chabata (10), Luke Chisindi (62), Tawengwa Matyora (10), Fortunate Kuyere (9), Sylvester Mudzengerere (14), Belinda Mutize (18), Beauty Hungwe, Sheila Charehwa, Joyce Masango and one only identified as Collin.
Mutoko East legislator Cde Ricky Mawere attended the burial of three of the deceased in different parts of Mutanga Village under Chief Mutoko and also sent condolence messages to other bereaved families.
He first attended the burial of Nyakabawu and then moved to witness the burial of Chabata, a Grade 5 pupil at Bwanya Primary School and then Chisindi.
Pupils came in their numbers to witness the burial of Lydia who was a Form Four pupil at Rukau Secondary School.
Addressing mourners at the Nyakabawu family, Cde Mawere said; “The nation declared the Sunday horrific crash a State of Disaster, which is a clear indication that the nation is bereaving the unexpected death of the 26 people.
“The affected families received a coffin, US$200 and transport and I would like to assure the bereaved families that the whole nation is with them in these sad moments,” he said.
Lydia’s friend, Tendai Mugari (17) blamed the bus drivers for the carnage.
She told The Herald on the sidelines of the burial: “I’m robbed of a friend and my life will never be the same. Drivers should desist from speeding and they should follow road traffic regulations.”
Some of the bereaved family members who also spoke with The Herald hailed the Government for the assistance rendered.
“We are mourning, but we are grateful of the assistance rendered to the bereaving families by the Government,” said Mr Peter Chabata, Lucia’s relative.
“It shows that Government has the people at heart because without the assistance, we were going to find it hard to fund the process.”
Twenty four of the victims died on the spot, one on the way to hospital and the other at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Monday.
Online Reporter