Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Government has warned all transport operators, motorists and the public that it will take stern measures to preserve the safety and security of the commuting public.
This comes after 16 people were killed this week in separate road traffic accidents, one along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road, which claimed four lives, and another along the Harare-Bulawayo Road where 12 people died.
In a statement, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona sent his condolences to the families of the victims.
“I convey our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families. We mourn the demise of men and women who perished in the crashes.
“Our thoughts are with all the families of the people who were killed in the crashes and our prayers are with those injured as they continue to receive treatment and care. We wish them speedy recuperation,” he said.
He said the crashes were yet another call to all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public to adhere to road traffic rules and exercise caution on the road.
“It is concerning to note that one of the vehicles that crashed was overloaded with passengers, thus, a wanton and blatant violation of our road traffic rules and regulations. I wish to remind and warn all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public that the ministry will take stern measures to preserve the safety and security of the commuting public.
“Let me also take this opportunity to assure the nation that the Second Republic is committed to formulating robust legal, policy and administrative mechanisms to improve the country’s Road Safety Performance,” Minister Mhona said.
On May 26, four people died when a bus collided with a tractor at the 34km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road.
On May 27, 12 people died when three vehicles collided at the 200km peg along Harare-Bulawayo Road.
Twelve people died while two others were injured when a fuel tanker side-swiped a two-tonne truck coming from the opposite direction before colliding head-on with a Nissan AD Van at the 200km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo road on Wednesday morning.
The horrific crash occurred at the Sebakwe River near Kwekwe.
Among the deceased were six men and six women. The accident involved a fuel tanker with two trailers, a two-tonne truck, and a Nissan AD Van carrying 12 occupants.
