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Vimbai Chinembiri Chronicle Reporter
TWELVE more people died in separate accidents between Friday and yesterday morning bringing to 81 the number of people killed in road traffic accidents since the beginning of the festive season. National police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said 880 accidents had so far been recorded since the beginning of the festive season on December 15.
“As at 9am today we recorded a total of 880 accidents compared to 970 during the same period in last year. The death toll has risen to 81,” Chief Supt Nyathi said.
“A total number of 461 people have been injured compared to 669 in 2012.”
He attributed the decrease in accident record figures from last year to heavy police presence on the roads.
Chief Supt Nyathi said police have impounded 1, 199 vehicles and issued out 85,169 tickets.
He also said a majority of senior police officers were on the roads surveying the situation adding that intensive awareness campaigns by the law enforcement agents were proving to be helpful.
Chief Supt Nyathi said Masvingo province has recorded the highest number of deaths (16) followed by Manicaland (15) and Harare and Mashonaland Central with nine each.
Mashonaland East and West have recorded eight and seven deaths respectively while Matabeleland South and North recorded have recorded six each.
The least number of deaths have been recorded in Midlands (4) and only one in Bulawayo.
Chief Supt Nyathi said four people died on Saturday when a Toyota Hiace they were travelling burst a tyre and overturned.
“The commuter omnibus was travelling towards Masvingo around 1.30pm and burst its rear tyre and overturned at 90km peg along Mutare-Masvingo road,” he said.
“Four people died while eleven were injured. Two died on the spot and the other two died upon admission in hospital. Some of the injured were taken to Mutambara and Birchenough hospitals.”
Chief Supt Nyathi said the police were concerned about the level of speeding by some motorists and encouraged drivers to adhere to road traffic regulations and slow down at shopping centres and busy streets.
He also said drivers should not run away after being involved in accidents.
Online Reporter