A tragic road accident on the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road has claimed the lives of six people and left seven others injured, casting a pall over the nation as the country grapples with a worrying spike in road accidents.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatal accident, which occurred at the 81-kilometre peg along the highway on August 11, 2024, at around 8 AM.
The accident involved a Nissan Caravan kombi carrying 19 church congregants, who were returning from a church service. The kombi, according to police investigations, veered off the road and overturned before landing on its wheels after the right front and rear tyres deflated. The impact of the accident was devastating, leaving six passengers dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as follows:
- Chamunorwa Jejeje (32) [driver], a male adult of Emganwini, Bulawayo
- Nokulunga Ncube (43), a female adult of Nketa 9, Bulawayo
- Salathiselu Zikhali Ndlovu (60), a male adult of Nkulumane, Bulawayo
- Marry Jongwe (62), a female adult of Emganwini, Bulawayo
- Essley Mbewe (58), a female adult Nketa 9, Bulawayo.
- Privilege Simango (23), a female adult of Rangemore, Bulawayo
The bodies of the victims were taken to Plumtree Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were admitted at the same hospital.
Commissioner Nyathi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also reiterated the police’s call for motorists to observe stipulated speed limits and abide by road rules and regulations to curb road accidents.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should observe stipulated speed limits and abide by the road rules and regulations in-order to curb road accidents. Above all ,drivers are implored to check for mechanical faults on their vehicles before travelling,” said Comm Nyathi.
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of travelling on Zimbabwe’s roads. In recent months, there has been a concerning rise in the number of road accidents, many of which have been attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and poor road conditions.
