Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
Police and Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) officials manning a roadblock responsible for clearing the unroadworthy Urban Connect bus involved in a recent fatal accident in Beitbridge are now being investigated to find out why they let the bus continue carrying passengers.
This move follows the suspension of Urban Connect Holdings’ license for six months following a tragic head-on collision with a haulage truck that claimed 28 lives along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told Parliament last week that going forward, officials manning roadblocks will be held accountable for neglecting their duties if they allow unroadworthy buses to pass through unchecked.
He was responding to concerns raised by legislators regarding the government’s stance on police officers who permit unroadworthy buses to pass through roadblocks under their supervision.
“It is saddening that we have our people manning roads and we actually speak to those supervising roadblocks,” Minister Mhona said.
“So, I have engaged my counterpart, the Minister of Home Affairs, to say that police and VID officials will be held accountable if they allow buses to pass through manned roadblocks and are subsequently involved in accidents.”
Minister Mhona also urged Parliament to enact laws that specifically hold accountable those who allow unroadworthy vehicles to pass through manned roadblocks.
