adminArron Nyamayaro
PASTORS from various denominations joined the Christian Community Police Network in praying for those travelling along Mutare Road, praying for an end to road traffic accidents.
The prayer warriors marched from Ruwa Shopping Centre to Jaggers Msasa roundabout, casting out the spirit of accidents.
The leaders gathered in Ruwa where they were addressed by Ruwa Police Station officer-in-charge crime, Inspector Matemera.
He challenged church leaders to preach against domestic violence as well as substance and drug abuse, which are among the causes of road traffic accidents.
Prayer leader, Reverend Andrew Machengete, of Apostolic Faith in Zimbabwe hailed H-Metro for spearheading the #HOWMANYMORE campaign.
“We are here to fight the spirit causing accidents,” said Rev Machengete.
“We do not fight flesh and blood, but spiritual forces that cannot be detected or get arrested by police cuffs.
“Police deal with reckless drivers, but we deal with the evil spirit that affects drivers to forget the sanctity of life.
“We have joined as pastors from various denominations and our members in praying against road traffic accidents and we declare zero accidents along Mutare Road.
“Accidents have left us as church with more orphans, widows and widowers to look after, so we are here to seek divine intervention in stopping this spirit.”
Insp Matemera said:
“Some social ills are better addressed by church leaders more than police.
“We are happy to see various church denominations meeting against a common enemy, road traffic accidents.
“Vazhinji vevatyairi vedzimota varikutyaira vakadhakwa nezvinokora.
“Vamwewo pfungwa dzinenge dzavhiringwa nekuda kwemhirizhonga irimudzimba umu.
“We urge you pastors to help in addressing domestic violence, and substance and drug abuse whenever you share your sermons.
“Engage families, closely monitor the youths and address issues of rape involving relatives.
“We encourage people to visit each other, but rape cases involving relatives are some of the dangerous accidents being reported at our stations,” said Insp Matemera.
Police recorded 70 road traffic accidents, which resulted in nine deaths and 18 injuries at the Mabvuku turnoff since January.
Traffic police have been deployed to control traffic at the junction of death from 5am to reduce accidents
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge