Harare,(New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe government on Monday mourned 16 people who died in a road accident in which a bus collided with a haulage truck along the Mutare-Harare highway on Saturday evening and pledged to assist the bereaved families.

Fourteen people died on the spot in the accident while two more died on admission at Mutare General Hospital.

Acting President, Constantino Chiwenga said the accident, while shocking, should serve as a reminder to road users, especially public vehicle drivers, that they should value life and ensure the safety of passengers.

“Life is very precious and losing it in circumstances that are avoidable is not only extremely painful and heartbreaking but also needless and senseless,” he said.

Police said the accident happened after the bus, belonging to General Bande Bus Company, tried to overtake on a prohibited stretch of the road, resulting in a side swipe.

The bus driver was also reportedly speeding, a common cause of accidents in the country.

While consoling the bereaved families, Acting President Chiwenga said; “May they take comfort from our prayers and rest assured that the
government will support them during this period of deep grief.”

It was not immediately stated how the government would assist but previously families that have faced similar tragedies have been assisted with funds for use during the funerals.

Meanwhile, the police has released 12 names of people who died in the accident with the remainder still to be announced as the next of kin
are yet to be informed.

Most of the victims including Aaaron Jambaya Siyahama, Shanel Dumbura (5), Milton Mayeveni (43) who was the bus conductor, Cecil Vumbunu (54), Irvene Marware (33), Tanatswa Foroma (21), Zoey Nyanyiwa (19), Sabie Mukweza (74), Emmanuel Munhuwenyi, who was the bus driver, and Tawana Sigauke (5) were all from Mutare.

The other deceased, Jane Chikukwa (65) was from Rusape and Francis Musonza (47) from Shamwa.
New Ziana