Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau Chief
THREE people died on the spot while six escaped with injuries after an Isuzu KB 200 vehicle they were travelling in overturned following a tyre burst along the Gokwe-Kwekwe road on Sunday.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which occurred at 9AM.
“Circumstances are that James Mudinga (58) of house number 10851 Mkoba 20, Gweru was driving a metallic green Isuzu KB200 from Gokwe centre towards Kwekwe with 10 passengers on board.
“Upon approaching the 90km peg near Zhombe, the vehicle had a right front tyre burst resulting in the driver losing control,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said the car swerved before overturning and landing on its roof.
“As a result of the impact, the driver and two passengers Luciana Maponga (68), Stephen Maponga (70) from Gweru sustained serious head injuries and died on spot,” said Insp Mahoko. He said the matter was reported to the police.
“The other passengers were taken to Gokwe South District Hospital as well as the bodies of the deceased. Police are appealing to members of the public to exercise maximum caution and adhere to all road traffic regulations when driving,” said Insp Mahoko.
Meanwhile, in another incident, Insp Mahoko said police in Gweru are investigating a case of suspected suicide in which a male adult was run over by a train.
He said the incident occurred on Sunday around 5:15PM on a railway line near Mtapa suburb in Gweru.
“It is alleged that Mutakwa Fanuel (43) who is employed as an engine man by the NRZ was operating a locomotive from Gweru heading to Harare when he ran over Zinyuku Elijah.
“A passerby, Enock Trustworthy (20), witnessed the incident and he went to report to the police. Police attended the scene and the body of the deceased was conveyed to Gweru Provincial Hospital for post-mortem. Investigations are still in progress,” said Insp Mahoko.
Online Reporter