Hwedza accident victims named

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

Police have identified two of the three young people who tragically died in a road traffic accident along the Hwedza-Mutiweshiri highway on January 22, on the way to collect their Ordinary Level results at Mount St Mary’s High School in Hwedza.

Reports indicate they succumbed to head injuries sustained during the crash.

The deceased are Wayne Nyera (16) from Southlea Park, Harare and Danziel Genani (16) from New Mabvuku, Harare.

The accident occurred at about 2pm at the 7km peg along the Hwedza-Mutiweshiri road.

Ms Nolan Njenjema (30), from Harare, was the driver of the Toyota Hiace, with 12 passengers when she lost control of the vehicle.

It veered off the road, fell into a ditch, and overturned twice before coming to rest on its right side.

All passengers were injured and transported to Mt St Mary’s Hospital, with three passengers dying upon admission.

Ten others who had varying degrees of injuries were transferred to hospitals in Harare and Chitungwiza for further treatment.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stressed the importance of road safety.

“Drivers should promote road safety at all times,” he said.

“We urge parents and guardians to ensure their children’s safety.

“What happened here is truly tragic. We need drivers to self-reflect to prevent further accidents.”

The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) also expressed their condolences, with the national coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Goliati, saying: “PAZ is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three high school students in a kombi accident while on their way to collect their O-Level results.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and the entire school community of Mt St Mary’s High School in Hwedza.

“This incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter regulations on public transportation.”

PAZ called on relevant authorities to address the root causes of such tragedies and ensure better adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.