Chronicle Editor
Ronald Mpofu, Online Reporter
The death toll has risen to two in the incident where a Honda Fit ploughed into 11 members of the Johanne Masowe Church who were returning from night prayers in Nketa, Bulawayo, on Sunday morning, police have confirmed.
The driver of the Honda Fit, police said, is facing charges of culpable homicide after losing control of his car.
One person died on the spot, and the other succumbed to their injuries after being hospitalised at Mpilo Central Hospital.
The victim who died on the spot was trapped underneath the vehicle and had to be extricated by members of the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, who arrived at the scene shortly after the tragic incident.
Acting Bulawayo Police Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said Monica Tichava (41) and Loraine Ruvarashe Shoko (17), both females from Nketa 6, were the victims of the accident.
“On 26th January 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a 29-year-old male driver from Gwabalanda, Bulawayo, lost control of his silver Honda Fit while driving along Nketa Drive with three passengers. The vehicle veered off the road and struck 11 pedestrians walking in the same direction.
“The accident resulted in two pedestrian fatalities and nine others being injured. One passenger from the vehicle was also injured, bringing the total number of injured to 10. The injured were transported to Mpilo Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for post-mortem examinations,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
She said the accident was caused by speeding, and the driver is facing charges.
“The cause of the accident was due to speeding and the driver’s failure to keep the motor vehicle under proper control, hence a charge of ‘culpable homicide’ has been preferred against him,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
Online Reporter