Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A Mushikashika driver who hit and killed a motorist, who was looking for City of Harare parking officers, in the Harare CBD on Wednesday visited the bereaved family yesterday.
The accident happened as the Mushikashika driver was trying to evade City of Harare traffic cops while the victim was trying to resolve a vehicle clamping issue.
Thompson Zuze, 32, met with the bereaved family of Blessing Mangezi as they processed his burial order at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Blessing Mangezi
Accompanied by his father and younger brother, Zuze expressed deep remorse for his reckless driving that led to this tragedy.
“I admit my fault,” Zuze said, his voice trembling with emotion.
“I was under immense pressure after being sacked from my pick-up point on Robert Mugabe Road to Mabvuku. Even though I knew I was in a restricted area, I panicked and sped away. I didn’t see Blessing until it was too late. I truly didn’t intend for this to happen.”
Zuze shared his painful circumstances, revealing that he had recently lost his wife, who left him due to his inability to support their family. “I have two children, the youngest just two years old.
“That pressure weighs heavily on me, even when I drive,” he lamented. Bothwell Nedawa, a spokesperson for the Mangezi family, acknowledged Zuze’s gesture and apology.
“Life is precious, and while we have lost Blessing, who are we to deny his remorse?” he said.
“Zuze’s visit shows a recognition of our shared humanity, a step toward healing.”
He emphasised the family’s expectation for accountability from the City Parking, as Blessing had contacted city officials regarding his clamped vehicle just before the accident. “Blessing had paid a fine for inadvertently driving against traffic, and he was still getting accustomed to the city’s roads,” Nedawa explained.
Describing Blessing as the family’s breadwinner and a loving father, Nedawa reflected on their recent Christmas celebration.
“He brought gifts for the family, and we cherished our time together in Carshall Valley. Now, we have lost a devoted husband and father who meant everything to us.”
Blessing, who was one of 23 siblings that include four sets of twins — and is a father of three, was set to return to South Africa shortly. His funeral is scheduled to take place at Maraisi village under Chief Mutambara in Chimanimani.
Meanwhile, In response to the incident, Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba extended his condolences to the Mangezi family.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified that claims suggesting police involvement in the accident were unfounded, urging the public to verify information before jumping to conclusions.
“The unfortunate death of Blessing Mangezi was the result of a private vehicular accident involving Mr. Zuze, and there were no police operations occurring at the time,” Nyathi stated.
We will continue to lose lives as long as we do not arrest the continued decline in enforcement of ranks for kombis and taxis. Throughout the CDB, ranks have mushroomed everywhere possibly because of the “convenience” of these ranks to the commuting public. But what about safety. Along former Charter Road, the road is not usable by other road users because of the illegal rank that has been allowed to operate, so is all along Robert Mugabe and corner Simon Muzenda and Jason Moyo. Let there be willingness to address these rank issue and also vending so that we have accessible pavements.