Zimbabwe’s roads witnessed a spate of accidents on Wednesday, 3 October 2024, leaving a trail of death and injury.
The most serious incident occurred on the Chivhu-Ray Road, claiming the lives of three people and injuring eight others in a horrific head-on collision.
The accident, which took place at approximately 10:00 AM at the 61-kilometre peg, involved a Toyota Wish mushikashika carrying eight passengers and an Isuzu DMax with two occupants.
According to police reports, the two vehicles collided head-on, causing the Isuzu DMax to veer off the road, overturn, and finally come to rest on its wheels. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident in a statement on Twitter:
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 03/10/24 at around 1000 hours at the 61 kilometre peg along Chivhu-Ray Road. Three people were killed while eight others were injured when a Toyota Wish vehicle with eight passengers on board and an Isuzu DMax vehicle with two passengers on board were involved in a head-on collision.
“As a result of the collision, the Isuzu Dmax vehicle veered off the road and overturned before landing on wheels. The bodies of the victims were taken to Gutu Mission Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were admitted at the same hospital.”
The injured passengers from both vehicles were taken to Gutu Mission Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the same hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
The ZRP is currently investigating the cause of the accident and urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
In a separate incident in Harare, police are appealing for information regarding a hit-and-run accident that occurred on the same day along Amalinda Road, near the Boka Tobacco Auction Floor.
A haulage truck struck a pedestrian, causing a broken leg, before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment. The ZRP statement requests anyone with information to report to their nearest police station.
“Police in Harare are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a hit and run road traffic accident which occurred on 03/10/24 along Amalinda Road near Boka Tobacco Floor.
“A haulage truck hit a man and did not stop after the accident. The victim sustained a broken leg and was referred to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”
Adding to the day’s tragic events, news emerged of the death of a Durban-based Zimbabwean truck driver Leon Munhukwaye. He died in an accident approximately 30km from Colensburg on the N1 road from Cape Town.
Preliminary investigations suggest he was forced off the road by an overtaking truck, resulting in a crash that tragically ejected him from his vehicle. He died at the scene. The accident occurred at approximately 5 PM on Wednesday.
A Facebook post in the Zimbabwean Professional Drivers group mourned his passing:
“We are deeply saddened guys, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing on of one of our Legends EX GDC and Burious Investments driver Leon Munhukwaye. He was driving for one of the Indians in working and residing in Durban.MHSRIP.This Accident happened 30 km to Colensburg N1 road to Capetown.”
The 43-year-old’s body was recovered by paramedics. The series of accidents serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on Zimbabwe’s roads and the need for increased vigilance and safer driving practices.
