Moffat Mungazi
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man believed to have been drunk and slept on the tarmac at the busy Sakubva Bus Terminus was crushed to death by a reversing bus last Saturday.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the death of Elvis Madhigu (26).
He said at around 8.30pm, Madhigu, who was lying on the ground was tragically run over by a reversing bus that was being driven by Loardshare Mushipe (47) from Gweru.
Mushipe, a driver with Stallion Cruise Bus Company, was allegedly reversing the bus, which was unoccupied at the time, when the accident happened.
Madhigu sustained severe injuries on the arms, legs and ribs, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although Madhigu had been observed to be intoxicated earlier in the day, and had been sleeping at the terminus for some time, the circumstances of the accident suggest negligence on the part of the bus driver.
Investigations revealed that Mushipe had recklessly reversed the bus without inspecting the surroundings, failing to notice Madhigu lying under the bus.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged bus drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving on public space to ensure public safety.
He said the victim’s body was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem, while the bus was taken to the Vehicle Inspection Department for further inspections.
“Bus drivers should be extremely careful when driving on public spaces and to inspect the surrounding before moving their buses.” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also took the opportunity to address the scourge of drug and substance abuse, among youths, leading to unnecessary loss of young lives.
“I also encourage young people to stay away from drugs and other intoxicating substances to avoid such consequences,” he said.
Mushipe now faces culpable homicide charges.
Online Reporter