The nation is mourning the loss of five lives in a tragic road accident that occurred on the Harare-Mutare highway yesterday. The collision, which involved a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit, claimed the lives of all five occupants of the Honda Fit.
The accident occurred at the 53km peg along the busy highway. According to police reports, the Ford Ranger collided head-on with the Honda Fit, resulting in the devastating loss of life. The accident comes after a sports betting company, BetWinner, has urged all drivers to exercise caution and help save lives.
The deceased have been identified as Phillip Sithole (34), Jimmy Tinashe Sithole (28), Samuel Sithole (27), Laquisha Sithole (2) and Rumbidzai Mlambo, all from Morningside in Mutare. The news of their passing has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving friends and family heartbroken.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the accident in a statement. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. “We urge all motorists to be cautious on the road,” he said.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety. The Harare-Mutare highway, while a vital link between the two cities, has unfortunately become notorious for accidents, often attributed to speeding and driver negligence.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been actively campaigning for responsible driving practices, urging motorists to adhere to speed limits, avoid drunk driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. However, the recent accident highlights the need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
Last month, another horrific road traffic accident occurred on the Harare-Mutare highway, just past the Mabvuku turn-off, claiming the lives of four people and leaving ten others injured. In that incident, a commuter omnibus travelling towards Marondera veered off the road after a tyre burst, rolling over three times before coming to a rest on its roof.
