adminCanditar Chapanduka, Chronicle Reporter
A BULAWAYO man who was suspected to be hypertensive, collapsed and died after falling off his bicycle while cycling in the city centre yesterday morning.
The man identified as Benjamin Muzhokomba was found lying dead with his bicycle next to him. The incident occurred at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Way and Third Avenue at around 7 am.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.
“A man collapsed and died in the city centre this morning (yesterday), but we are yet to gather more information although we suspect that he had a health condition. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary pending post-mortem,” he said.
Witnesses said the deceased fell off the bicycle while cycling. Some people tried to administer first aid soon after the incident.
“When he fell off his bicycle, we initially thought it was just an accident. Some people who witnessed the incident tried to help the man. He was already dead and we suspect he suffered from hypertension,” said a street vendor who witnessed the incident.
Another eyewitness who identified herself as the deceased’s friend said: “My friend has been battling BP for some time and I suspect this sudden death could have been caused by that condition since he was cycling to work early morning.”
In another incident, police said a 20-month-old toddler died on Wednesday after accidentally falling while playing on a swing with other children. The toddler succumbed to head injuries.
In a statement, police said the minor died instantly after falling headlong.
“The ZRP reports a sad incident in which a boy (6) and girl (8) were playing on a swing with a year and eight months old boy.
The girl who was holding the toddler, lost grip of the child, resulting in him falling down with the head hitting a big stone,” reads the statement.
The victim died on the spot and the body was taken to a local hospital mortuary for postmortem and investigations are underway.
@NomqheleC
Online Reporter