adminLiberty Dube
FLEA market traders in Mutare’s Central Business District were plunged into mourning last week after six of their colleagues perished in a road accident along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road early Saturday morning.
The six were aboard a Mercedes Benz Sprinter that was hit by a Masvingo-bound Munenzva bus which had veered off the road after hitting a donkey.
Five passengers in the kombi and the driver, died on the spot, while three others were injured and taken to Mwenezi District Hospital, where one died on admission.
The deceased flea market traders are Mollen Potsekai, Batsirai Alfred Chidzikwe from Dangamvura, Tania Mhatitsa from Sakubva, Catherine Murigwa from Chikanga, Charles Mapfumo and Shorai Gwesi.
Four of them were buried at Dangamvura Cemetery while one was buried in Nyanga and the other in Honde Valley.
Dangamvura-Chikanga Member of the National Assembly, Cde Isau Mupfumi paid his condolences to the bereaved families and handed over six coffins for burial.
A dark cloud engulfed proceedings at the Mutare Provincial Hospital on Sunday as families gathered for pre-burial church proceedings.
Many failed to come to terms with the tragedy that showed the ugly side of the traffic jungle.
Cde Mupfumi said he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident and urged drivers to exercise caution.
“This is sad indeed. Mutare has lost critical pillars. They left a void that cannot be replaced. We are deeply saddened. As people’s representative I saw it fitting to mourn with the bereaved by donating the six coffins. We understand the tragedy happened at a time when we least expected. I would like to say to families of the deceased, be strong and leave everything to God,” he said.
“We understand some of the deceased members were breadwinners working at Chidzere and Miekles Park flea markets. They were hard workers who strove to take care of their families through noble means. May their souls rest in peace,” he added.
Online Reporter