Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested a 55-year-old bus driver for allegedly causing a serious road accident that left several pupils from Fountain College and a teacher injured – four of them seriously.
Matabeleland South Acting Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni confirmed the arrest on Wednesday.
He said the driver, Bekithemba Makhurane, is now in custody assisting police with investigations.
The accident occurred last Friday at around 8 pm at the 258 km peg along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road, near the Makhado area.
Asst Insp Mguni said the children were travelling from Siyoka Secondary School, where they had participated in the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) sports competitions.
They were being ferried in a Yutong bus belonging to Sekuru Ndife Bus Company, registration AFJ 0587.
“Preliminary investigations show that the driver failed to control the bus while trying to avoid oncoming traffic and veered off the road. The bus then landed on its side,” said Asst Insp Mguni.
Four people were seriously injured in the accident. They include a teacher and three pupils from Fountain College.
He said the injured were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital for medical attention, where other passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged.
“A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver. The driver is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated,” said Asst Insp Mguni.
He urged motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, especially when carrying school children.
“Drivers must avoid speeding, drinking and driving, and must be alert at all times. The safety of passengers, particularly learners, should be prioritised,” he said.
The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances that led to the accident.
