A heart-wrenching tragedy struck the Chivhu-Nyazura Road on Sunday evening, claiming the lives of eight people and leaving four others injured in a devastating head-on collision.
The accident, which occurred around 7:50pm at the 135-kilometer peg near Save Bridge, has left the nation reeling in shock and grief.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, revealing that a Nissan Vannet VN200 vehicle, carrying 11 passengers, collided head-on with a Shacman truck travelling in the opposite direction. The Nissan Vannet, en route to Dorowa, was carrying a mix of passengers, including a young infant.
“Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the accident occurred after the Nissan Vannet N200 vehicle hit a grid on the bridge resulting in the ball joint of the vehicle dislodging. Subsequently, the vehicle veered onto the oncoming lane,” explained ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The impact of the collision was immense, leaving eight people dead at the scene. The bodies of the victims were taken to Murambinda Mission Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. Four survivors are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital and their injuries are a testament to the severity of the crash.
Adding to the tragedy, the driver of the Shacman truck fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle and leaving behind some documents. This act of cowardice has further compounded the grief and anger surrounding the accident.
The ZRP has released the names of seven of the eight victims identified by their next of kin. They are:
- Priviledge Muzanenhamo (41), a female adult of Timire Park, Ruwa, Harare
- Wadzanayi Kamhunga (30), a female adult of Kuwadzana 1, Harare
- Elizabeth Tomu (30), a female adult of Timire Park, Ruwa, Harare
- Aleck Zenda (31), a male adult of Timire Park, Ruwa, Harare
- Angela Kamhunga (25), a female adult of Kuwadzana 1, Harare
- George Kamhunga (34), a male adult of Timire Park, Ruwa, Harare
- Anotida Zenda (1), a female infant of Timire Park, Ruwa, Harare
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores all road users to exercise caution and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent such accidents. Motorists are urged to prioritize the servicing of their vehicles to ensure that the vehicles are fit and secure to carry passengers or goods on the roads,” Nyathi said.
Nyathi also expressed concern over the increasing use of pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, which often flout traffic laws and contribute to road accidents. “It is sad to note that some of these vehicles will be overloaded with no regard for the safety of travellers,” he added.
The ZRP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, with a focus on the actions of the Shacman truck driver. The authorities are also calling for increased vigilance from all road users, urging them to prioritize safety and responsible driving practices to prevent further tragedies.
The nation mourns the loss of these eight lives, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
