malvernmugadzikwa
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
GOVERNMENT is working on curbing rising road traffic accidents, particularly during this year’s festive season.
This comes after yet another accident claimed nine lives and injured eight others on Friday night at the 88-kilometre peg along Harare-Shamva Road.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the injured victims were admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Bindura Provincial Hospital and Shamva Hospital.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on October 11, 2024 at the 88-kilometre peg along Harare-Shamva Road,” he said.
“Nine people were killed, while eight others were injured when a Toyota Sienta vehicle with 13 passengers on board, which was travelling towards Shamva, hit a cow before swerving onto the oncoming lane. Resultantly, the motor vehicle had a head-on collision with a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle, which was travelling towards Harare with three passengers on board.”
He urged motorists to exercise caution when travelling on the country’s roads.
“Above all, drivers should prioritise and observe all road rules and regulations in order to curb road accidents,” said Comm Nyathi.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa said there was need to increase traffic safety awareness.
“As we are now approaching the festive season, we have set up 40 different teams that will be working in different roads around the country and we hope the public will respond positively as we give them information,” he said.
“These operational teams will be working together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Vehicle Inspectorate Department and Road Motor Transportation department to both enforce and educate.”
Operating teams will also be deployed at major bus terminuses to inspect buses before travelling.
Plans are underway to test for alcohol, drug and substance abuse by drivers.
As the rainy season is approaching, the TSCZ also urged drivers to check if their vehicles are fully functional before travelling.
Online Reporter