Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
SWIFT action by Bulawayo traffic police officers led to the arrest of suspects involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the life of Chronicle driver, Mr Silas Bhunu (44), just hours after they fled the scene.
Police were called to the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning in Nguboyenja suburb, following a collision involving a motor vehicle driven by an unlicensed driver and a motorcycle ridden by the Chronicle employee.
Melusi Nkomo (20) and his accomplice Shelton Dube (19) had allegedly conspired to steal the vehicle after colluding with a security guard at a local car park. They fled the scene following the accident.
Four other passengers, all under-age girls, remained in the Toyota GD6 double-cab vehicle — which had nine occupants — and assisted police with investigations.
Police officers swiftly tracked down the suspects across various locations in Bulawayo’s western suburbs.
“The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, and within a few hours, the driver and other passengers who had fled the scene were apprehended. Officers from Traffic West Police Station did an excellent job in arresting the suspects in the shortest possible time,” said Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
Police are still searching for two other passengers who also fled the scene.
The late Mr Bhunu was on his way to work when his motorcycle was struck by the vehicle.
The unlicensed driver, Nkomo, and Dube, both of Nkulumane, are being held by police pending a court appearance on three charges: culpable homicide, driving without a licence, and driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
The South Africa-registered Toyota double-cab was extensively damaged. A petrol attendant at a nearby service station said the driver was speeding and driving erratically at the time of the accident.
“The vehicle was travelling in the wrong lane when it hit the motorcycle and dragged him (Mr Bhunu) for several metres before crashing into an electricity pole,” said the attendant.
Inspector Msebele confirmed the arrest of the duo.
“Police confirm a fatal accident that occurred along Luveve Road in Nguboyenja, where Silas Bhunu, a male adult aged 44 from Mzilikazi, died on the spot.
“Circumstances are that Melusi Nkomo and his accomplice Shelton Dube, aged 19 from Nkulumane 12, conspired with the security guard on duty at a local garage — where they are both employed — to drive out a white Toyota Hilux GD6 without the owner’s consent for a joyride with their friends.
“Nkomo, who was driving the vehicle with eight passengers on board, encroached into the oncoming lane and struck a motorcyclist. The vehicle then lost control and collided with an electricity pole,” she added.
Following the fatal accident, Nkomo, Dube, and other passengers allegedly fled the scene.
“The suspects and their friends fled, leaving four passengers in the vehicle. Investigations were carried out, leading to the arrest of the accused persons. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem,” said Insp Msebele.
The late Mr Bhunu’s younger brother, Mr Wellington Bhunu, said the family was still in shock over his death.
“It’s a very difficult time for the family. My brother was loved by everyone who knew him and always made time to check on his family members,” said Wellington.
Mr Bhunu is survived by his wife and three children.
Bongani Ndlovu