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Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
FIVE children died in road traffic accidents which claimed 18 lives countrywide this week, police have said.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday said it was even more worrying to note that 66 people have died in traffic accidents in the past two weeks.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating road traffic accidents involving pedestrians which occurred in Gwanda, Banket, Dzivarasekwa, Glenview and Tynwald North. Although 18 deaths were recorded as a result of road traffic accidents this week compared to 48 last week, there is an increase in accidents involving minors.
Certainly this development is unacceptable,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said on November 8, a 41-year-old woman ran over an infant who was crawling in the yard as she was reversing from her parking lot. The infant died upon admission to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
“Please, always check your surroundings when reversing,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said on the same day, an 11-year-old child was hit by a Toyota Runx and died on the spot at the 16km peg along the Banket-Raffingora road.
“A seven-year-old male juvenile was also hit by a kombi when he was crossing a road in Dzivarasekwa 3 on November 8 at around 5:30PM. The juvenile was referred to Parirenyatwa but died on admission,” said Asst Comm Charamba.
She said on Wednesday at around 5PM, an unknown driver who was driving a Toyota Hiace hit a 14-year-old who was crossing a road in Gwanda near Stanmore Business Centre and did not stop.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said in another accident which occurred in Tynwald South on Thursday, a two- year and four months old infant crossing the road was struck and killed by a driver who had some passengers on board but did not stop.
She urged motorists to adhere to speed limits and to approach road crossings and built-up areas with caution to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
“Pedestrians should cross the road after ensuring that it is safe and should do so at designated points.
Children should be accompanied by adults at all times when crossing roads,” said Asst Comm Charamba.
“Do not allow children to play near busy roads or cross busy roads alone.
“Let us all respect road rules and regulations to avoid road traffic accidents.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing to passengers who were in the Toyota Hiace which was involved in the hit and run that claimed the life of an infant in Tynwald North on Monday to come forward and assist with investigations.
Online Reporter