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Crime Reporter
SIX members of the Johane Masowe apostolic sect died, while 14 others were injured when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in overturned on Saturday along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.
The accident occurred near the 44km peg in Murehwa.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident.
“A Toyota Hiace was travelling along Harare-Nyamapanda Road with 22 passengers on board.
“On approaching the 44km peg on the said road, the vehicle’s left rear tyre burst.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road to the right and overturned before landing on its wheels again,” he said.
He said four passengers died on the spot while the other two on admission to John Reimer Clinic in Murehwa.
The injured were taken to the clinic for treatment while the six bodies were taken to Murewa General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
“Police are urging motorists to ensure that their vehicles are fitted with tyres which are not worn out and suitable for the road conditions in the country.
“Above all, they should not exceed the loading capacity of vehicles even when going for church or other social gatherings,” Chief Supt Nyathi said.
The accident comes after six people also died on Friday night after a Toyota Ipsum they were travelling in left the road, overturned and landed on its roof along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
Of the seven passengers, six died on the spot while one was admitted to Gweru General Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital for post-mortem.
The Toyota Ipsum was travelling along Harare-Bulawayo Road with seven passengers on board and on approaching the 340km peg the driver encroached on to the lane of an oncoming vehicle resulting in a side swipe.
Online Reporter