Nyamakate crash victims remembered
GOVERNMENT has backed a proposal by the Hurungwe traditional leadership for a memorial tombstone to be erected at the site where a King Lion bus crashed near Nyamakate Clinic in honour of those who perished.
The accident, which happened on June 7, claimed the lives of 43 people who were mostly crossborder traders.
Speaking during the World Day of Rememberance for Road Traffic Accident Victims at Nyamakate Secondary School where he was the guest of honour yesterday, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer Michael Madana gave the nod for the tombstone which will bear the names of all the victims to be erected.
He was responding to Chief Chundu, Mr Abel Mbasera, who had earlier on appealed for the gesture.
“We are saddened by what happened at Nyamakate where 43 l ives of t he economically active people were lost.
“This day is an important event largely aimed at educating the public about the specific actions they must take to avoid road traffic crashes.
Indications are that the King Lion Bus tragedy was preventable. As such, we must learn to prevent similar disasters in future.
On the request by the Nyamakate community leadership, logistics for the tombstone to be erected should go ahead. It is important, he said.
Eng Madana urged road users to respect human lives.
“We need everyone’s support in taming the traffic jungle on our roads.
“Let me also express my deep appreciation of Government efforts to make our roads safer through my ministry.
“I think the Traffic Safety Counci l s hou l d also be applauded for t aking giant steps.”
Speaking at the same occasion, TSCZ managing director Mr Obio Chinyere said his organisation is hoping to spearhead a sharp reduction in road carnage this coming festive season.
Scotchcart crushes girl (9) A NINE-YEAR- OLD Hurungwe girl was crushed to death when a scotchcart she was travelling in overturned last Friday.
The girl, Progress Mafuriranwa of Mupandagwara village, under Chief Nyamunga, was on her way from a grinding mill in the company of her 17-year-old brother when the mishap occurred.
It is alleged that the cattle drawing the cart were not being led as Mafuriranwa’s brother was following behind the cart while she was riding.
According to a neighbour who was among the first to arrive at the scene, the unled cattle suddenly became violent and strayed from the way leading the cart to overturn.
Mashonaland West Police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the accident. He expressed concern over the rising number of accidents involving scotchcarts across the country.
“I can confirm a scotchcart accident which happened in Mupandagwara village under Chief Nyamunga, Hurungwe, where a nine-year-old girl was killed. It is disheartening and as the ZRP we would like to urge the public to always lead the cattle drawing these carts.