Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested a 55-year-old bus driver for allegedly causing a road traffic 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, saying the driver, Bekhithemba Makhurane, is in police custody assisting with investigations.
The accident occurred last Friday at around 8pm at the 258km peg along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road near Makhado.
Assistant Inspector Mguni said the pupils were returning from Siyoka Secondary School, where they had participated in the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) sports competitions.
They were travelling in a Yutong bus belonging to Sekuru Ndife Bus Company, registration number 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.
He said four people, comprising a teacher and three Fountain College pupils, sustained serious injuries in the accident.
The injured were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital for treatment, while other passengers who sustained minor injuries 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, particularly when transporting schoolchildren.
“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.
Assistant Inspector Mguni said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are continuing.
