Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A 55-YEAR-OLD bus driver has been arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a road accident near Beitbridge that left three Fountain College pupils and a teacher seriously injured.
Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, saying the driver, Bekhithemba Makhurane, was assisting police with investigations.
The accident occurred last Friday at about 8pm at the 258km peg along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road near the Makhado area.
Asst Insp Mguni said the pupils were returning from the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) sports competitions at Siyoka Secondary School aboard a Yutong bus belonging to Sekuru Ndife Bus Company.
“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,” he said.
Three Fountain College pupils and a teacher sustained serious injuries, while several other passengers suffered minor injuries.
The injured were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital, where those with minor injuries were treated and discharged.
Asst Insp Mguni said a breathalyser test conducted after the accident indicated that the driver was allegedly intoxicated.
“The driver is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated,” he said.
He urged motorists to observe road traffic regulations at all times, 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,” said Asst Insp Mguni.
Police said investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the accident are continuing.
