marble nkomo
Bongani Ndlovu and Sikhumbuzo Moyo , Zimpapers Reporters
POLICE have confirmed that 12 bodies have been recovered following a fatal explosion involving a Toyota Quantum at the 27km peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road near Esigodini on Thursday afternoon.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the incident a State of Disaster, a move that obligates Government to meet funeral and medical expenses for those affected.
Of the 12 victims, nine have been positively identified by their next of kin, while efforts to establish the identities of the remaining three are continuing.
The deceased who have been identified are Thabani Moyo (37) of Old Lobengula, Nobuhle Mdlongwa (37) of Entumbane, Oscar Mdlongwa (44), Sicelesile Mabhena of Nkulumane 5, Sibusiso Mabhena (5) of Nkulumane 5, Mhlupeki Limkani Sibanda (36) of Nkulumane 5, Tedious Ncube, Precious Moyo (36) of Pumula North and Promise Brian Gabadela.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred on April 16 at around 12.45pm when the vehicle, which was carrying 11 passengers, exploded.
“The police has established that 12 people were killed after a Toyota Quantum carrying 11 passengers exploded,” reads part of the statement.
Authorities said all the bodies were ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.
Police confirmed that investigations into the cause of the explosion are still underway, with further details expected to be released once inquiries are concluded.
Yesterday morning, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona visited the accident scene, accompanied by Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit director-general Mr Nathan Nkomo, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa and two board members. Also present was the Matabeleland South deputy officer commanding, Assistant Commissioner Didymus Sakarombe.
Addressing the media at the scene, Minister Mhona expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and appealed to the public to desist from photographing and circulating images and videos of accident victims on social media.
“We need to respect the dead but we are seeing that as soon as an accident happens, videos begin circulating. Please let us refrain from that,” said Minister Mhona.
He warned that the spread of graphic content could have severe emotional consequences for families of the victims.
“There is a danger that some relatives who may come across those videos could succumb to shock,” he said.
The minister said it was disturbing that the country had been plunged into mourning barely weeks after other families lost their lives on the nation’s roads.
“I humbly plead again with the people of Zimbabwe that as we partake on our journey, let us take cognisant of the fact that life is so precious and we must uphold road safety,” he said.
Minister Mhona said it was disappointing that, despite sustained awareness campaigns, the country continues to record fatal road accidents, largely due to human error.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director Mr Munodawafa also urged motorists to refrain from carrying dangerous materials, noting that preliminary investigations suggested the Toyota Quantum may have been transporting explosives.
Meanwhile, Civil Protection Unit director-general Mr Nkomo clarified that the declaration of a State of Disaster means Government is required to meet funeral and medical costs for all the affected families.
“When His Excellency declared a State of Disaster pertaining to this accident, he meant that all those who were bereaved or if they were any people who were injured, the state must respond by assisting with the burial of the deceased while for those injured, the state must also intervene by paying all the medical bills,” said Mr Nkomo.
He added, however, that the Civil Protection Act does not provide for financial compensation to surviving family members.
“The only assistance we can give to the families is through the provision of food but there is no compensation in the Civil Protection Act. However, I am sure once the Accident Fund Bill goes through Parliament and given the assent by the President, those are the things that will have to be considered,” said Mr Nkomo.
Meanwhile, Best Funerals Services, whose branding appeared on the Toyota Quantum involved in the explosion, distanced itself from the vehicle.
Company director Mr Thembani Ndlovu said in an interview that the firm does not own the vehicle, explaining that they occasionally outsource transport services and apply branding for marketing purposes.
“That vehicle is not ours. We didn’t have any funeral for Zimbabwe. We have previously hired the vehicle yes, but it’s not ours. Instead of removing our sticker, they kept it there,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Online Reporter