The tragic accident that occurred last week at the intersection of Seke and St Patrick’s Roads in Hatfield, Harare, has claimed seven lives, with four more victims succumbing to their injuries in hospital.
The latest victims, all males from Seke in Chitungwiza, have been identified as Lucky Gwangwanza, Andrew Chikwanda (38), Tafadzwa Sibanda (29), and Michael Munyanga (49). They were admitted to Sally Mugabe and Chitungwiza Hospitals following the horrific collision, but sadly succumbed to their injuries.
The accident, which involved two commuter omnibuses, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter traffic enforcement across the country.
The incident occurred when a Toyota Hiace kombi, driven by Sergeant James Makaranga, stationed at the Police Protection Unit and residing in Chitungwiza, encroached into the oncoming traffic lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Caravan.
Sergeant Makaranga, who was overtaking a Mazda Bongo Van turning from St Patrick’s Road into Seke Road, lost control of his vehicle and collided with the Nissan Caravan driven by Tashinga Chihava, 22. The Nissan Caravan was carrying 18 passengers, while Sergeant Makaranga’s kombi had 15 passengers on board.
The impact of the collision was devastating, instantly claiming the lives of two passengers, Wayne Chipuriro (42) and Pecking Feliati (40). A third victim, Christable Makwanya (32), succumbed to her injuries upon admission at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
Sergeant Makaranga, who is now facing charges of Contravening Section 49 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act chapter 9:23 “Culpable Homicide”, is currently in police custody.
The vehicles involved in the accident were towed to ZRP Hatfield Traffic for inspection by the Vehicle Examination Department.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urge drivers to exercise caution on the roads to reduce traffic accidents,” said Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.
