Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
TWO pedestrians were killed in separate road traffic accidents in Bulawayo over the weekend, with police appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of a hit-and-run motorist.
The accidents occurred along Masiyephambili Drive near the Muneti Turn-Off on Saturday night and along Luveve Road opposite the Rio Turn-Off on Sunday evening.
In a statement on Monday, Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said the first accident occurred at about 10.30pm on Saturday.
A 57-year-old man from Nketa 9 was driving a Toyota Hilux south along Masiyephambili Drive when he struck two pedestrians who were crossing the road westwards.
One of the pedestrians, a man aged about 40 from Tshabalala Extension, died on the spot after sustaining head injuries.
The second pedestrian, a 52-year-old man, sustained head injuries and was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical attention.
Police attributed the accident to the driver’s failure to keep a proper lookout.
In the second accident, which occurred at about 6.50pm on Sunday, an unknown motorist struck a pedestrian along Luveve Road before fleeing the scene.
The unidentified pedestrian, believed to be about 20 years old, was crossing the road northwards when he was hit by the unknown vehicle travelling east.
He was wearing a sky-blue T-shirt inscribed “Nike” at the front and grey jeans.
The pedestrian sustained a cut on his right hand and was bleeding from the nose before he died at the scene.
Police said the accident was also caused by the motorist’s failure to keep a proper lookout.
Assistant Inspector Ndlovu appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution and maintain a proper lookout to prevent loss of life.
She warned motorists that failure to stop and render assistance after an accident is an offence.
Police are appealing to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the hit-and-run motorist to contact Traffic West on 0292-2402551.
Anyone with a missing relative matching the description of the deceased pedestrian has also been urged to visit United Bulawayo Hospital for body identification.
