Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Reporter
A 40-year-old Bulawayo man is set to face a negligent driving charge after a road traffic accident involving a commuter omnibus left 18 people injured along the Harare-Bulawayo Road on Monday morning.
The accident occurred at around 8:15am near the Killarney turn-off on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele in a statement on Tuesday said a Mazda Tribute driven by Shepherd Makwari of Duncan Avenue, Suburbs allegedly encroached onto the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus travelling in the opposite direction.
“The Mazda Tribute was travelling east with one passenger on board when the driver encroached onto the incoming lane and had a head-on collision with a Toyota Hiace driven by a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, who had 17 passengers on board,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said all 17 passengers in the commuter omnibus, together with its driver, sustained various serious injuries and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
Investigations by police indicate that excessive speed and an overtaking error by the Mazda Tribute driver caused the accident.
“As a result, a charge of negligent driving is being preferred against the Mazda Tribute driver,” said Inspector Msebele.
Police have urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, avoid speeding and adhere to traffic regulations.
“We urge motorists to avoid over-speeding when driving, always obey speed limits, remain alert and exercise extreme caution when overtaking on the roads,” said Inspector Msebele.
Online Reporter