17 PERISH IN ACCIDENT

FOURTEEN people died on the spot while three died on admission at Mutoko Hospital when a Murewa bound Isuzu Double cab was involved

in a head-on collision with a BMW on Sunday evening.

Police yesterday said the accident occurred near the 130km peg along Harare-Mutoko highway. This comes after 18 people died in separate accidents on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“A white Isuzu KB Double Cab which was travelling towards Murehwa had a head on collision with a white BMW vehicle going in the opposite direction,” reads the statement.

“Fourteen people including the driver of the Isuzu died on the spot while three died on admission at Mutoko Hospital.

“The bodies of the victims were taken to Mutoko District Hospital for post-mortem and those injured were also admitted at the same institution,” said the national Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

Ass Comm Nyathi called on motorists to be responsible and exercise caution on the roads.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges drivers to be considerate on the roads, avoid reckless driving conduct especially trying to overtake in situations which are not safe.

“Motorists should not exceed the loading capacity of vehicles when carrying goods and passengers. Let us all remember that road safety is collective responsibility.”

Meanwhile eight of the victims have been identified by their next of kin.

The eight are Sandra Kanobata, 19, Abigal Chitimba, 30, Major Mushambi ,7, Ngaakudzwe Nkolomah, 1, all from 14 Rufaro Street Chinzanga Township, Mutoko and Nyasha Chikuza ,7, of Chitsaka

Village in Mutoko.

The Isuzu driver, Masimba Rutsito, 39, Kupakwashe Rutsito, 13, both of Chingamuka Village, Chief Mutoko, Mutoko and Samuel Mapuranga,2, of Estalia D Village, Kadoma.

ZRP PROBES Mukumba accident

“The ZRP is investigating the circumstances which led to the death of a woman aged 44 years old and injury to other 10 passengers when an Inter Africa Bus (Mukumba Brothers) travelling from Harare to Mutare veered off the road at the 100 KM peg along Harare-Mutare Road, Homepark, Macheke on 28/12/2020.

The driver failed to control the bus and it landed on the right side. The victim was then trapped.”