Danisa Masuku
THIEVES allegedly raided an accident scene and made off with cash and a cellphone after a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rammed into a Honda Fit along Luveve Road in Bulawayo, leaving four people injured.
In a shocking twist, one of the injured passengers allegedly lost her cellphone and US$55 as opportunists took advantage of the confusion following the crash.
The accident occurred at around 2.30am on 18 October near Emachipsin in Nguboyenja suburb.
A 33-year-old woman from Emganwini was driving a Honda Fit westwards with three passengers on board when a 37-year-old man driving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter allegedly rammed into the car from behind.
“The accident happened near eMachipsin Robots in Nguboyenja suburb. The impact was severe and all four occupants in the Honda Fit sustained serious injuries. They suffered head injuries, chest pains and painful legs and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where they were treated.
“It is during that confusion that thieves allegedly struck. During the commotion after the accident, one of the female passengers discovered that she had lost her cellphone and US$55. Police said the cause of the accident was following too close and failure to keep a proper lookout,” said a source.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the accident, saying the Sprinter driver would face a charge of negligent driving.
“We are investigating a road traffic accident which occurred on 18 October at around 2.30AM near Emachipsin in Nguboyenja suburb. A 33-year-old woman from Emganwini was driving a Honda Fit west with three passengers when a 37-year-old man who was driving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rammed her from behind. Four people were injured and one of the passengers lost her cellphone and US$55 in the process.
“The cause was following too close and failure to keep a proper lookout. We urge drivers to keep a safe following distance and to avoid speeding, especially at night. We also urge members of the public not to take advantage of accident victims,” said Inspector Msebele.
