Two die in scotch cart accidents

TWO separate freak accidents involving ox-drawn scotch carts claimed two lives in Odzi and Nyazura on Sunday.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the two accidents which happened simultaneously around 5am in the two areas.

“In the first accident, Albert Matiza (40) and a 14-year-old minor were riding in a scotch cart on their way to a tobacco farm. It hit a stone and overturned. When the two were thrown onto the ground, Matiza was hit on the head by the scotch cart.

“The minor escaped unhurt and rushed home to inform the others what had happened. Matiza died before being taken to the hospital and a report was made to the police,” said Inspector Kakohwa.

In the second accident, 15-year-old Farirai Njangu of Village 5B in Nyadzonia, Nyazura, lost his life.

Farirai was in the company of his uncle, Rodrick Ishmael Mavhuna (34), when the accident occurred.

“The pair was riding in a scotch cart with no one leading or guiding the cattle. They were on their way to collect tobacco boxes. Along the way, they lost control of the galloping cattle. The scotch cart overturned and hit Njangu, who died on the spot,” said Inspector Kakohwa.

He appealed to farmers to desist from riding in scotch carts that are being pulled by unguided animals.