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Sgt Mangena said the collision was possibly caused by the Toyota Hilux driver who encroached onto the opposite lane.
“The driver of the Toyota Hilux is suspected to have fallen asleep before encroaching onto the lane of the oncoming haulage truck, resulting in a head-on collision with the Toyota Hilux and it was dragged for about 30 metres,” she said.
Sgt Mangena said the police retrieved four unidentified male bodies and of six other people including that of Ndlovu, who were burnt all beyond recognition.
Sgt Mangena said the bodies were taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary while the truck driver, who sustained injuries, was rushed to the same hospital.
She said the police were investigating the accident and would soon identify the other unidentified passengers.
Sgt Mangena urged drivers to be careful on the road in order to avoid carnage.
One of the witnesses who preferred anonymity said the driver of the Toyota Hilux was speeding and driving on the wrong lane.
“The cross-border driver was speeding and wanted to overtake another vehicle as he moved to the wrong lane. He lost control and went on to hit the oncoming truck that was heading towards Bulawayo.
“Fire immediately broke out and the two vehicles started burning. Many people died and some were burnt beyond recognition as police were retrieving small pieces of human body bones,” said the man.
In a telephone interview from Gwanda, Matabeleland South Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku described the accident as a painful disaster.
She urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving to avoid loss of life.
“Silusizi kakhulu (we are very sorry) for the families that lost their loved ones. Losing 12 souls at once is not a joke,” said Governor Masuku.
“We are trying to engage the Government offices to facilitate some assistance to the bereaved families. Drivers should be very careful when they are on the road in order to protect themselves and those on board. They should be sober and make sure that they rest properly before driving to avoid accidents.”
She also expressed her concern over the laxity of the local Civil Protection Unit, which usually attended to such scenes without proper equipment.
“It is unfortunate that such things happen and the CPU is unprepared. However, we hope they are learning from such mistakes,” said Governor Masuku.
At the moment Gwanda does not have a fire tender while the only trained fire fighter passed away last week.
Meanwhile, police have bemoaned the increase in the number of deaths and accidents that occurred during the Easter holiday compared to last year.
A total of 293 accidents were recorded nationally during the holiday compared to 289 last year and 49 people died as a result of the accidents compared to 43 last year.
Police also impounded 600 vehicles during the same period and issued out 17 158 tickets to drivers compared to last year where they impounded 285 vehicles and issued out 13 185 tickets.
Police spokesperson Inspector Blessmore Chishaka said most accidents were caused by recklessness and failure by motorists to observe traffic safety rules.
“It is regrettable that the number of accidents and deaths caused by accidents increased compared to last year.
“Police tried every possible way to ensure passenger safety this holiday but it is sad because we cannot control the behaviour of motorists,” said Insp Chishaka.
He said police noted that the vehicle population had increased, which also caused accidents.
“Most accidents are a result of speeding, overtaking errors, failure to give way, lack of attention and misjudgment.
“Accidents were also caused by the influx of vehicles on the road and this makes the control difficult,” said Insp Chishaka.
Online Reporter