The Harare-Chirundu Highway, a major artery connecting Zimbabwe to its northern neighbours, has once again become a scene of tragedy, with a speeding vehicle playing Fast and Furious overturning and claiming the life of one passenger and injuring four others.
The vehicle involved, a Nissan NP 300, was carrying seven passengers when the driver, Rawlings Chifamba (37), lost control due to excessive speed. At the 167km peg, the vehicle overturned, landing on its roof, leaving a trail of devastation. One person died on the spot and four others sustained various injuries.
Although the accident occurred on January 26th, 2024, at around 5pm, however, the matter was only finalised this week when Chifamba was sentenced for causing the fatal accident.
“The accused person was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment wholly suspended on the condition that he perform 210 hours of community service. Additionally, the accused person was prohibited from driving Class 4 vehicles for 6 months and his license is to be endorsed,” said the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) in a statement.
A Weekend of Tragedy
In another recent accident which occurred on the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road, two pedestrians were killed and two others injured in a horrific accident on the morning of July 25th, 2024. A Nissan NP200 vehicle, travelling alone, veered off the road and struck four pedestrians who were walking along a footpath approximately 70 metres away from the road. The force of the collision was so severe that two of the pedestrians died instantly.
Adding to the mounting toll of road accident victims, a separate incident on Bulawayo Road left 12 passengers injured. Details of this accident remain unclear, but the sheer number of casualties underscores the growing danger on Zimbabwe’s roads.
The weekend also saw the tragic death of Clive Mphambela, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, in a road accident in Chivhu. Sources indicate that speeding was a contributing factor to the accident.
Mphambela, a respected figure known for his sharp intellect, dedication to public service, and infectious enthusiasm, succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. His passing, just days before his 51st birthday, has left a void that will be deeply felt by his family, colleagues, and the nation as a whole.
These recent tragedies highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to road safety in Zimbabwe.
