admin
Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
Police yesterday confirmed the death of seven people in road accident which occurred on Sunday, in Honde Valley.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the bodies have since been identified by their next of kin.
“Circumstances are that, a 35-year-old male adult was driving a Mercedes Benz Ateco truck, along Selbourne-Aberfoyle Road with 23 passengers on board and 65 bags of bananas. On approaching the 30km peg, the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered off the road, overturned once and landed on its side,” reads part of the statement.
“Seven passengers died on the spot while 13 others were seriously injured. The bodies were ferried to Hauna District Hospital for post mortem while the injured were referred to the same institution for treatment. The bodies have since been identified by their next of kin.”
The deceased are Gracious Musuka, (49) of Sagambe Village, Judah Katamabarare, (32) of Katambarare Village, Tendai Moses Mangemba (48) of Muterere Village, Tsitsi Makwiyana (14) of Eastern Highlands Plantation, Abel Rutope, (24) Katumbarare Village, Ethel Jenjani, (41) of Eastern Highlands Plantation and Sarah Njumira, (44) of Murara Village, all in Honde Valley.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police discourage motorists from mixing passengers and farm produce.
“Above all, farmers are urged to plan journeys and ensure safety on the roads. It is sad that some drivers are speeding in situations that endanger lives on the roads,” he said.
In an unrelated matter, The Zimbabwe Republic Police warned criminals involved in smuggling activities throughout the country that police will bust all the syndicates fleecing the nation of revenue.
This comes after police in Manicaland Province last week intercepted two Man trucks laden with 418 bales of second hand clothes and shoes at Tanganda Business Centre, Chipinge.
He said upon being flagged to stop by police officers, the drivers of the trucks parked their vehicles and fled. One of the drivers later turned up at Mutare Police Station, claiming ownership of one vehicle and was arrested.
The suspect is being charged under the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:02 “Failure to account for goods which are supposed to be accounted for”.
Police have since launched a manhunt on the other driver.
Investigations revealed that the contraband was smuggled into the country through an unauthorised entry point at Southdowns in Chipinge.
He applauded the public for working together with law enforcement agencies in fighting smuggling activities.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter