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Africa Moyo Deputy News Editor
Families of the six people who died in a road accident along the Kwekwe-Gokwe Road on Saturday will be assisted by the Government to bury their loved ones, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President implored drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and not overloaded to avoid the needless loss of human lives on the roads, especially during this festive season.
In his condolence message yesterday, President Mnangagwa said human error and vehicles that were not roadworthy, continued to claim lives on the roads.
“I learnt with deep sorrow and grief of a fatal road accident that occurred on 3 December, 2022 at the 60km peg along the Kwekwe-Gokwe Road where six people died while nine others were injured,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We continue to lose lives on our roads in accidents largely caused by human error and vehicles that are not roadworthy.
“As we enter the festive season, I appeal to all Zimbabweans to be responsible and vigilant on our roads to avoid costly accidents.
“I call upon motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, urging them to avoid speeding, overloading and drunken driving.”
The President offered condolences to the families of the dead and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“On behalf of Zanu PF, Government, my family, and indeed on my behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said.
“In the same vein, I wish the injured speedy recovery.
“I have directed Government to assist with burial arrangements of the deceased. May the souls of the dear departed rest in eternal peace.”
President Mnangagwa said as the nation moved towards Unity Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day holidays, police would be out in full force to curb wayward behaviour by some drivers on the roads.
Police have already started increasing their presence on the road and can be seen both on major highways and in urban areas engaging motorists.
Reckless and negligent driving continues on the roads, with some unlicensed people driving vehicles, while privately owned kombis that are not on the Zupco franchise or part of the new co-operative structure continue to be a menace, in some cases driving against traffic and knocking down unsuspecting pedestrians.
Pirate taxis are also causing chaos on the roads, with almost all of them always speeding while overloaded, putting the lives of their passengers and other motorists in danger.
With a number of roads such as the Harare-Beitbridge Highway now rehabilitated and in good condition, some motorists have taken advantage of that to speed.
But with huge volumes of traffic expected on the roads in the build up to the holidays, caution would be required to save lives.
Online Reporter