Online Reporter
Bulawayo Bureau
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 were yet to be named as of last night, had gathered at the scene of an earlier accident when the truck struck them around 10pm on Friday.
Matabeleland South Civil Protection Committee chairperson Mr Zachariah Jusah confirmed the assistance from the State.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations into circumstances that led to the accident are underway.
The victims had been standing at the scene of an earlier crash involving three other vehicles, and after a series of collisions, the truck ran over both the stationary vehicles and pedestrians, killing five instantly.
Two other victims succumbed soon after admission to Esigodini District Hospital.
“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 10pm at the 57-kilometre peg along the 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 ran over the stationary vehicles and pedestrians, killing five people on the spot, while two others died upon admission at Esigodini District Hospital,” he said.
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.
“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.
Meanwhile, the 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 accidents.
