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Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
POLICE have identified nine of the 12 people who were killed when a Nissan Caravan kombi they were travelling in veered off the road and overturned along the Roy-Chiredzi Road in Masvingo on Monday as the festive season got off to a bloody start.The festive season is the period between December 15 to January 15, of the succeeding year.
Seven other travellers were seriously injured during the accident that occurred at around 7am near the 65km peg along the Roy-Chiredzi Road.
The kombi had 23 passengers on board and was heading towards Jerera from the Svuure area under Chief Bota in Masvingo. National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the other three victims had not yet been identified.
Those identified were the driver Weston Janjure (22), Clemence Ruchochoro (40), Lydia Sarudzai (25), Chengeto Ruvengo (20), Tsitsi
Mukwaure (45), Colleta Muganhu (43), Peter Matare (46), Respina Nyeredzi (43) and Stanley Chikono (seven).
On approaching the peg, the driver lost control, veered off the road and overturned.
Seven people died on the spot while the other five died on admission to Musiso Mission Hospital.
Seven others were seriously injured and were still admitted at Musiso Mission Hospital.
Chief Supt Nyathi accused some operators of breaking the law by employing drivers under the age of 25.
“In this case it appears operators are employing drivers who are below the age of 25 years and do not have five years experience.
“The drivers do not also have medical endorsement,” he said.
Chief Supt Nyathi said the kombi owner would be charged.
He expressed concern that some public transporters were overloading their vehicles and ignoring speed limits.
He urged people to travel with their identification particulars.
The festive season is often plagued by a high number of road traffic deaths.
During the 2012 festive season 166 people died and 867 were injured in 1 030 accidents
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