Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter
POLICE have released the names of five victims of the fatal road accident that claimed 16 lives at the 52KM peg along the Harare-Masvingo road in Beatrice last week.
Government declared the Beatrice accident, which claimed 16 lives, a national disaster. The driver of the haulage truck is now facing 16 counts of culpable homicide, while his company’s operator’s licence has been cancelled pending investigations.
The fatal accident occurred last Friday at around 4 pm when a haulage truck travelling towards Harare had a head-on collision with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter at the 52 km peg along the Harare-Masvingo highway, resulting in 16 deaths.
Investigations by the police have revealed that the deceased were members of the Angels Family Apostolic Church who were travelling to the Makumimavi shrine in Chivhu.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victims were identified by their next of kin.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police release the names of the remaining five victims who were identified by their next of kin as listed: Tafadzwa Godgiven Nyandoro (6 months), a male infant of Overspill, Epworth, Harare. Edson Banga (49), a male adult of Overspill, Epworth, Harare. Kudzai Lista Banga (28), a female adult of Overspill, Epworth, Harare. Takunda Katiyo (22), a male adult of Old Tafara, Harare. Dylance Benjamin Masondo (11), a male juvenile of Zinyengere, Epworth, Harare.”
Responding to questions from journalists during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Mr Felix Mhona said they had investigated the accident and established that the driver of the haulage truck did not have the relevant competency to drive public service vehicles, in line with the Road Traffic Act.
This would result in the operator’s license being cancelled while the driver would be charged in terms of the law, said Minister Mhona.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter