Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, has hit out at people who take photographs at accident scenes, for circulation on social media, instead of helping the victims.
He was speaking in the Zabe area in Ward 3 of Chikomba District yesterday during the burial of six members of Ronald Mujuru’s family who died in a road traffic accident.
The six — a mother and her five children — died on Thursday while travelling to Zvishavane for a church conference.
Those who died are Lillian Maranda Mujuru (40), Nokutenda (15), Makanaka (13), Ronald (11), Rufaro (7) and Kayden (3).
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the family’s rural home in Chikomba District to pay their last respects and witness the burial of the six in a deeply emotional ceremony.
“It’s disheartening that some people rush to post images from accident scenes, inclusive of those who would have died.
“Imagine having to learn of the death of your loved one on social media. This is wrong.
“People should focus on giving assistance to those who would have been involved in an accident.”
He added:
“We are gathered here, mourning. It is a difficult moment for the family and the nation is with you. Death has robbed us of a family, and it is painful.
“I want to commend all of you for coming here and joining the family in burying their loved ones,” he said.
The police also hit out at those who prioritise taking pictures.
“The ZRP urges Zimbabweans to prioritise rendering assistance to victims of road traffic accidents, such as promptly notifying emergency services and offering first aid where possible, rather than capturing photographs or videos of horrific accident scenes and sharing them on social media.
“The law will take its course on anyone who will be found taking photographs or videos of accident scenes. A case in point is a recent road traffic accident involving the Ronald Mujuru’s family in Masvingo.”
The accident occurred at the 246km peg along the Harare–Masvingo Highway.
The driver of the truck, which collided with the vehicle in which Mjuru’s family members were travelling in, is in hospital in Bulawayo.
He has been identified as Proof Mative, 59, of Cowdray Park
Family spokesperson Nyaradzo Mujuru broke down as she described the pain the family is going through. “When I received the call that the six had an accident, we thought it was not that serious. We had to soon realise it was fatal.
“We are heart-broken.
“Imagine burying six people in one day. The family is in pain. This is not easy for us,” she said.
Chief Mutekedza appealed to Ronald Mujuru to find comfort in the Lord and urged the community to support him.
“This is a difficult time for the Mujuru family, particularly the father of the departed children and also the husband to the departed wife.
“I call upon the society to be there for him. Let us give him all the support he deserves. To Ronald, we are with you in this difficult time.
“To everyone present, thank you for coming. This is a difficult moment, one that has never happened in this area. Let us all find time to pray and support the Mujuru family,” he said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 13 lives were lost in two fatal accidents on Thursday and Friday.
Apart from the six Mujuru family members, police released five names of the seven people who died in a separate road traffic accident along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road on Friday.
The five victims released are Khumbulani Tshuma (32) of Filabusi, Senzangakhona Moyo (43) of Old Lobengula in Bulawayo, Victor Moyo (39) of Pumula South in Bulawayo, Dumoluhle Ncube (30) of Pumula South, Bulawayo, and Fundani Moyo (53) of Mbonjeni Village, Esibomvu.
Comm Nyathi said the remaining two victims have not yet been identified by their next of kin.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to exercise caution when approaching or gathering at road traffic accident scenes.
“The public is strongly discouraged from crowding such scenes, as this significantly increases the risk of secondary accidents.
“Only individuals providing essential assistance should remain at the scene, while others are advised to keep a safe distance.
“Motorists are advised to reduce speed when approaching any accident scene.
“Those who may have been involved in a road traffic accident or experienced a breakdown should switch on hazard lights to enhance visibility and place reflective warning triangles at a safe distance from the scene to alert oncoming traffic,” said Comm Nyathi.
