A popular Masvingo mushikashika driver, Simbarashe Mutonono (45), died after being hit by a speeding truck driver in a hit-and-run accident last week.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Josaya Tongogara and Simon Mazorodze Street in Masvingo’s central business district.
Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the arrest of the truck driver, Jonathan Hlaleleni (29).
He said police tracked Hlaleleni’s Leyland truck after the accident and apprehended him along Charumbira Street in Mucheke.
“The vehicle was taken to the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and Hlaleleni is in custody. We urge drivers to be attentive when they are driving in crowded or busy places,” said Dhewa.
The accident occurred on Thursday evening when Hlaleleni, who was driving a Leyland truck, allegedly sped through a red robot, striking Mutonono who was crossing the road as a pedestrian.
Mutonono sustained multiple injuries and succumbed to his injuries at Masvingo Provincial Hospital on Friday morning. He plied the Rhodene – CBD route.
Eye witnesses from members of the mushikashika team for Rhodene low density suburbs were devastated by the incident.
“I am in pain. After seeing the horrific accident, all we managed to do was to pick Mutonono and rush him to the hospital,” said Shepherd Chisaga.
“Mutonono was a friend indeed. We were working together with him in harmony. It will take me too long to believe that he is gone,” said Byron Mataruse.
Morelife Mutsvedu, a close friend of the deceased driver, described Mutonono as a hard-working and valuable member of their team.
“I got distressed when I received a call at dawn that he had gone to be with the Lord. May his soul rest in peace,” said Mutsvedu.
Mutonono was crossing from OK Supermarket to Engen Service Station when Hlaleleni ran him over. He was a well-known and respected member of the mushikashika community, and his untimely death has left a void in the lives of his colleagues and friends.
