Surge in road traffic accidents worries police

POLICE in Mashonaland West Province have expressed concern over the spate of fatal road accidents in the province.

In a statement, Mashonaland West acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera said they were concerned with the latest accidents that claimed six lives and left 20 injured within 10 days.

The accidents, which occurred between November 16 and 25, were attributed to negligent driving.

“On November 25, four people died while two others were injured in an accident which occurred at the 100km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road when the driver of a Toyota Allion (registration number AD1 6091) overtook in front of an oncoming vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz truck (registration number ABV 4454).

“A head-on collision occurred (and) as a result the Toyota Allion crashed into the pillars of the bridge and plunged into the river bed killing three passengers on the spot. The driver died on admission at Chegutu Hospital.”

Asst Insp Kohwera said on November 11, two people died on the spot at the 87km peg along the Chegutu-Chinhoyi Road while another person was injured after the driver of a Honda Fit lost control of his vehicle and it veered off the road, overturned once and landed on its wheels.

He urged drivers to adhere to stipulated speed limits and to desist from overtaking where there are restrictions.

“Overtaking should be done when the road ahead is clear to avoid endangering other road users,” he said.

The police also urged drivers not to fit second-hand tyres which are likely to burst.

He said the police would also not hesitate to arrest unlicensed drivers.

“Motorists are also encouraged to make sure that their vehicles are in good working order before embarking on their journeys.”

Asst Insp Kohwera also dismissed reports circulating on different social media platforms that the accident could be linked to rituals and called on road users to be responsible to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.