A dramatic incident unfolded in Harare’s Marimba suburb on Friday, leaving a trail of confusion and raising serious questions about road safety and law enforcement.
A commuter omnibus (kombi), carrying passengers and police officers, crashed into a tree after the driver, who was under arrest for traffic violations, made a daring escape attempt. The incident, captured on mobile phone videos that quickly went viral on social media, has been confirmed by police.
The chaotic scene, which sparked widespread speculation online, involved a kombi with registration number ACQ 1884. According to a statement released by police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the vehicle was travelling along Hean Road towards the High Glen Road turn-off when the incident occurred.
Commissioner Nyathi provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the crash. He explained that police officers from ZRP Marimba had initially stopped the kombi at a roadblock for a clear violation of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 13:11. The vehicle was impounded, and a police vehicle from Marimba Police Station was dispatched to transport the officers who had completed their shift. The arrested kombi driver was instructed to drive the impounded vehicle to the police station, escorted by two police officers inside the kombi, with the police vehicle following behind.
“As the kombi was moving, the driver suddenly jumped out, leaving the kombi to crash onto the tree. The driver ran away from the scene,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
The sudden escape attempt resulted in the kombi crashing into a tree, causing a panicked scramble among the passengers and police officers on board. Fortunately, the extent of injuries sustained during the incident remains unclear from the initial reports.
Following the crash, police officers secured the scene, took the damaged kombi to ZRP Marimba, and recorded statements from passengers and witnesses. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Commissioner Nyathi also addressed the subsequent claims made by the kombi’s owner, Loverage Chikwape, 50, of Kuwadzana Extension in Harare. Chikwape reportedly stated that he was unaware of the driver’s identity at the time of the incident. This raises further questions about the management and oversight of kombi operations in the city.
In the wake of this incident, Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to kombi operators and their crews. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores kombi operators and their crew to assist in the maintenance of law and order in the country,” he said.
He emphasized the seriousness of the driver’s actions, stating, “There is no reason whatsoever for any kombi driver to be reckless and openly cause an accident while being escorted to a Police Station with police officers and passengers inside.”
The statement underscores the police’s concern about reckless driving and the potential dangers it poses to the public.
