Vusumuzi DubeSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE seven people who were killed when a speeding haulage truck ploughed into bystanders at an accident scene at Mawabeni Business Centre in Matabeleland South Province have been accorded State-assisted burials.
The victims, who are yet to be named had gathered at the scene of an earlier accident when the truck struck them on Friday at around 10PM.
Matabeleland South Provincial Civil Protection Committee chairperson, Mr Zachariah Jusah, confirmed that the deceased will be given State-assisted burials.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police were still conducting their investigations on circumstances that led to the accident.
He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly during the Easter and Independence holidays, adding that police officers have been deployed in full force across the country to enforce compliance.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident in which seven pedestrians were killed after being hit by a truck on 3 April 2026 at around 2200HRS at the 57 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road. The victims were at an accident scene involving three other vehicles, a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and a Toyota Baby Quantum.
“The Nissan March vehicle, which had three passengers on board, had been hit from behind by a Toyota Probox vehicle and both vehicles stopped in the roadway.
“The drivers and passengers disembarked to assess the damage. The third vehicle, a Toyota Baby quantum, then approached at high speed and struck people at the scene, resulting in three people being injured.
“Moments later, the truck approached and ploughed into the stationary vehicles and pedestrians, killing five people on the spot while two others died upon admission to Esigodini District Hospital,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said authorities were concerned about recurring fatal accidents largely attributed to human error, hence the need for continuous engagement and education of motorists to prioritise safety.
In a statement, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe expressed grief over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the seven individuals who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate accident that occurred at Mawabeni on Friday. This is a devastating loss, not only to the bereaved families but to the entire province. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this difficult time.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. It’s particularly distressing that the victims were bystanders at an accident scene, only to fall victim to a second, avoidable tragedy. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the critical importance of road safety and responsible driving at all times,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe urged motorists to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution on the roads, stressing that drivers carry a significant responsibility to protect pedestrians, particularly in vulnerable situations such as accident scenes.
He raised concern over the failure by the haulage truck driver to notice the bystanders.
“While we allow the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations into this incident, it is deeply concerning that a heavy vehicle driver could fail to notice a crowd ahead. I call upon investigators to carry out their work diligently and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Let’s all recommit ourselves to road safety and the protection of human life,” he said.
The Mawabeni tragedy comes barely a day after another fatal accident in which a mother and her five children, aged between three and 15, died on the spot after their vehicle collided head-on with a truck along the Masvingo-Harare highway on Thursday morning.
The crash, involving a Toyota Corolla and a Mercedes-Benz truck, occurred around 9.50am at the 246-kilometre peg near Masvingo.
Meanwhile, traffic authorities across the country have intensified road safety campaigns, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to curb road carnages.
Statistics show that during the 2025 Easter and Independence holiday period, Zimbabwe recorded 384 road traffic accidents, representing a 34 percent increase from the 286 cases reported in 2024.
While fatalities slightly decreased to 24 deaths from 27 in 2024, injuries rose to 178. @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter