Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
SIX people died in three separate road traffic accidents which occurred on Sunday in Matabeleland South.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, said the accidents occurred in Filabusi, Gwanda and Mbalalabala.
She said two people died in an incident that occurred at around 8pm at the 16km peg outside Gwanda town along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
Three others died in a head-on collision along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road around 5am while a motorbiker died after being hit by a car in Mbalabala along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road at around 1pm.
“I can confirm that we recorded three fatal road accidents that claimed six lives on Sunday. In one accident two people died while five others were injured when a kombi they were travelling in collided with a bus and another vehicle,” she said. “A Regional Bus Services bus was travelling behind a Nissan Liberty vehicle while on its way to Gwanda from Bulawayo.
“The driver of the Nissan Liberty suddenly reduced speed to avoid hitting donkeys. The driver failed to stop and then tried to overtake. In the process, he hit the other vehicle and then encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic where he collided with a Nissan Hiace, which had five passengers on board. Two female passengers, Molly Phiri (72) and Silethokuhle Khumalo died on the spot,” said Insp Mangena.
She said in the other incident, a Honda Fit was travelling towards Zvishavane along the Mbalabala-Masvingo Road and upon reaching the 161km peg encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic.
The driver, who is now deceased, Busani Nkala (30), collided with a white Nissan Hardbody, which had two people on board. The other two deceased are Murambatswina Masvina (57) and Rosi Masvina (53) all from Bulawayo.
“In the third incident, the now deceased Alton Nxumalo (66) was riding a motorbike along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road with a Toyota Hilux vehicle driving behind him. Upon reaching the 64km peg he turned to the right in a bid to filter into a dust road that was leading to his home.
“As he turned an unknown vehicle, which was at the back attempted to overtake the Toyota Hilux vehicle and then hit the biker who died on the spot. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene,” said Insp Mangena.
She said it was disturbing to record an upsurge in accidents as the festive season is drawing close and urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations.
Insp Mangena also urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a journey.
“As we approach the festive season, we will record an increase in traffic, which also usually increases accidents. As Mat South police, we will be firm on the ground conducting crime and traffic awareness campaigns to ensure the safe travel of passengers,” she said.
“We urge motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations. Motorists should desist from overloading and speeding. They must also ensure they rest in built-up places when feeling fatigued.
“It’s important to rest in safe places to avoid robberies. Motorists are also urged to desist from picking up strangers while passengers should board public service vehicles,” she said. — @DubeMatutu
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