adminArron Nyamayaro
BUDIRIRO residents have pointed the blame on pirate taxis following the death of rising footballer Barnabas Mushunje.
In a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, messages posted by residents urged police to descend heavily on illegal transport operators, known as mushikashika.
A sombre atmosphere gripped Budiriro and Glen View, where Barnabas had made a name for himself, playing social soccer and graduating to play for the big clubs.
Barnabas, who played for Simba Bhora, Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum, died in a road traffic accident along Shamva Road on Wednesday.
One of the residents, only identified as Queen, told H-Metro that mushikashika had claimed the life of a very talented soccer player.
“We have been robbed of a young, talented and focused man,” said Queen.
“We heard that he missed a team bus and turned to mushikashika but this has cost us.
“It is our wish to see law enforcement agents clearing these illegal vehicles from our roads.
“Young blood continues to spill because of mushikashika.
“Barnabas was living well in this neighbourhood, with his wife, and this has affected us a lot.
“Mushikashika yatitorera celebrity wedu,” she said.
Residents came in their numbers to pay condolence messages to the late Barnabas’ wife Nonsikeneno Muzengeza, 23.
Among the mourners were Simba Bhora and Dynamos players.
Police have intensified an operation against mushikashikas to try and bring sanity to the roads as well as curbing criminal activities.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter