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Sukulwenkosi Dube- Matutu/Danisa Masuku
TWO sisters from Bulawayo died on the spot while five of their relatives were injured when a vehicle they were travelling in overturned along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road on Christmas Day, police confirmed.
The family from Makokoba suburb was on its way to Mberengwa for the Christmas holiday.
The seven family members were travelling in a Nissan Hardbody vehicle when the driver, Mr Herbert Mpofu, lost control of the vehicle which overturned and rolled resulting in the death of his wife, Sazini Mpofu (53) and her sister, Senzangakhona Ndlovu (45).
According to a family spokesperson, Mr Henry Mpofu, the accident occurred around 1AM on Christmas Day just five kilometres before West Nicholson turn- off.
“My father said a car with South African registration had followed him for a long distance with bright lights. He decided to give way but the driver followed him off the road. He returned to the road but realised he had encroached onto the lane of oncoming traffic. He said he tried to swerve to avoid the oncoming vehicle and he lost control of the car which then overturned and rolled into a ditch,” said Mr Mpofu.
He added: “My mother and her younger sister were thrown out of the canopy and landed on a hard surface. My mother died on the spot while my aunt died five minutes later.”
Mr Mpofu said the bodies were taken to a mortuary in Gwanda.
He said the vehicle was a write –off.
Mrs Mpofu is survived by her husband and two children while Ms Ndlovu is survived by two children.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele said the accident occurred at the 158 kilometre peg.
He said the injured were rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where they were treated and discharged.
“Two women from the same family died in an accident while five other family members sustained injuries when a vehicle they were travelling in overturned along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road,” said Insp Ndlovu.
He called on motorists to exercise caution when behind the wheel especially during this festive season.
“As police we call upon motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling on roads especially during this festive season. Some motorists get too excited while some drive while under the influence of alcohol,” said Insp Ndlovu. — @DubeMatutu / @danmasuku
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