Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa has sent a condolence message to the families of eight people who died when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in was hit by a haulage truck along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near Dzivarasekwa turn-off on Wednesday.
Eleven other people were injured in the accident that has since been declared a national disaster.
Government will accord the victims State-assisted funerals.
In a statement, President Mnangangwa said, “I learned with a deep sense of shock and horror of the fatal accident that occurred on Wednesday involving a commuter omnibus, a haulage truck and a lorry at the Dzivarasekwa turn-off along Bulawayo Road that claimed 8 lives and left 11 injured.
“It is disturbing that the nation continues to lose lives from road carnage, mostly through human error and unroadworthy vehicles.
“I call upon the commuting public and transport operators to avoid using intersections and other dangerous spots along the roads as pick-up and drop-off points. I also appeal to all motorists to avoid reckless driving and to exercise extreme caution for the safety of all road users,” he said.
“May I remind everyone that Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, which saw Member States harmonizing transport policies, institutions and practices, a development that saw some of our traffic laws and regulations changing.
“In that regard, all arms of Government that are responsible for ensuring road safety are thus reminded to not only continue improving roads and signage but also intensify information campaigns on the changes in our traffic laws to improve public awareness, especially that of motorists.
“Government has declared this horrendous accident a national disaster and will accord the victims State-assisted funerals.
“I express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to families and relatives who have lost their loved ones as well as prayerfully wish all those injured and hospitalized a speedy recovery,” said the President.
