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Chronicle Reporter
A POLICEMAN died on the spot when he was crushed against a pillar by a speeding commuter omnibus at the Esigodini tollgate.
The incident occurred at about 6pm on Sunday.The commuter omnibus driver who reportedly failed to reduce speed as he approached the tollgate, fled from the scene with two passengers on foot when he realised he had killed the policeman.
The policeman has been identified as Constable Jefta Macherera (28) who was stationed at Gwanda Police Station.
He reportedly died after sustaining serious chest injuries and fractures on both hips.
Confirming the incident yesterday, Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya said police were looking for the driver and the two passengers.
He identified the driver as Zenzo Nkomo who police believe stays in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb.
“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of a fatal road accident involving a police officer who was hit by a commuter omnibus while on duty at the Esigodini tollgate about 35km along the Bulawayo-Gwanda highway at about 6pm.
“The driver and two other passengers fled from the scene leaving one injured passenger at the scene,” he said.
Asst Insp Ngwenya said the kombi was coming from Bulawayo going towards Esigodini.
“We suspect that Nkomo was speeding and did not reduce speed when he approached the tollgate. He lost control of the vehicle which swerved from its lane to the central pillar of the tollgate where Macherera was standing and rammed him onto a pillar.
“We have launched a manhunt for Nkomo and the two passengers. Anyone with information about their whereabouts can contact the nearest police station,” said Asst Insp Ngwenya.
When Chronicle visited the tollgate yesterday morning the commuter omnibus was still parked by the roadside.
Those stationed at the tollgate refused to comment referring questions to their superiors.
Online Reporter