Chronicle EditorLovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
A Rusape man who survived a horrific accident involving a Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) that left him paralysed in 2014 has approached the courts seeking $10 000 compensation from the struggling parastatal. Clarkson Marimo of G55, Vengere, Rusape, was crippled on May 25, 2014 when a ZUPCO bus he boarded in Rusape going to Beitbridge was involved in an accident with a haulage truck just before Ngundu Growth Point.
Marimo, who is now walking with clutches, told Rusape magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi, that due to the injuries sustained in the accident he could no longer walk long distances, carry heavy objects and being intimate with his wife.
He claimed that he had also lost his job as a security guard.
“On May 25, 2014, I boarded a ZUPCO bus in Rusape going to Beitbridge,” he said.
“The bus left Rusape at around 3pm via Murambinda. Just before Ngundu, the bus was involved in a serious accident. There was a heavy truck which was burning across the road and the bus ploughed through the truck.
“I was unconscious for some time and I had to find my own transport to a hospital in Masvingo where I was admitted for two days. From there, I was transferred to Rusape General Hospital where I was admitted for a further week.
“I sustained an injury to my hip joint and the bone was cracked. Furthermore, I suffered injuries on my kidney and spinal cord.”
Marimo said when he approached ZUPCO for compensation, they only paid him a paltry $250.
“The accident happened while I was employed by Guard Alert, Rusape,” he said.
“The company declared me unfit for duty and I stopped working. Presently, I feel excoriating pain on my left leg and spinal cord.
“I am married with three children who are all attending school. Due to my injuries, I can no longer work and no longer able to provide for the family.
“I now have no option, but to pray to this Honourable Court to compel ZUPCO to pay me medical expenses $750,50, pain and sufferings $4 249,50 and $5 000 for permanent injury and deprivation of employment.”
ZUPCO, which is represented by Rusape lawyer, Mr Leonard Chigadza of Chigadza and Associates admitted that the bus company paid Marimo $250 on the basis of its obligation in terms of the mandatory Passenger Insurance Cover.
He further said ZUPCO was offering $2 000 to Mr Marimo as the company’s community assistance to the victims of accidents.
Mr Chigadza further submitted that Marimo should get some of the compensation from the bus driver, who was ruled to have caused the accident by the police and ZUPCO insurers, Nicoz Diamond.
Mrs Hanzi adjourned the matter to September 11 for judgment.
Online Reporter