Road accident deaths surge

Sukoluhle Ndlovu Midlands Correspondent
A TOTAL of 213 people died in road traffic accidents last year in the Midlands Province compared to 196 in 2016.

According to statistics released by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) during the annual provincial driver of the year awards held over the weekend, the province recorded 2 621 accidents last year compared to 2 665 recorded in 2016.

“A total of 213 people died in road traffic accidents that were recorded in the Midlands province in 2017 compared to 196 in 2016.

“While the number of people who died increased by 17 people, accidents reduced by 44 from 2 665 in 2016 to 2 621 last year,” read the statistics.

Meanwhile, a total of 57 drivers competed for awards in four categories: articulated, rigid, commuter omnibus and bus.

Six kombi drivers contested in the commuter omnibus driving category, eight in articulated driving category, 21 rigid driving category and 22 bus driving category.

TSCZ Midlands Regional manager Mr Jonah Mhangami hailed commuter omnibus drivers for participating in the competition.

“It is a very good sign that most commuter omnibus drivers are showing interest in the competition. This is a great milestone although our biggest challenge is that the bosses have not released their drivers to be here today. That must change because this is a crucial competition,” he said.

This year’s competitions saw drivers from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) dominating in the articulated driving category with Terrence Mapurazi and Elwin Marisa coming first and second respectively, while Zephaniah Shamba of Delta Beverages was in third position.

In the rigid driving category Michael Katsanda (BOC Gases), Freddy Dimingo and Tawanda Munyanyi both of Sino Zimbabwe came first, second and third, respectively.

Police officers Cliff Ruchaka and Tapiwa Sibanda came first and second, respectively in the bus driving category, while Puzzle Hlabano came third.

In the commuter omnibus Sylvester Ruchaka, came first while Trinity Mumba came second and Gabriel Paketi came third.

Drivers who came first walked away with $400, while runners-up won $150 and $100 respectively.

The 12 winners will participate in the national competitions scheduled for July 28 and 29 at a venue to be announced.