77 killed in Zim road accidents

Harare (New Ziana)-At least 77 people died in 1 295 road accidents recorded in Zimbabwe between December 15 and 28 this year, the police has said.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said during the comparable period last year, 43 people died in 1 216 road accidents that occurred throughout the country.

Ass Com Nyathi said 307 people were injured in the road accidents this year, down from 441 during the same period in 2020.

“Most of the road traffic accidents occurred on highways as a result of speeding, inattention, misjudgment, following too close and recklessness on the part of drivers.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges drivers to be cautious and promote road safety on the roads this holiday. We remind drivers that road safety is a collective responsibility which needs the cooperation of all motorists,” he said.

In what could be the most horrific accident this year, 4 people died while 54 where injured when a fully loaded bus and a fuel tanker collided headed on and burst into flames a few kilometres outside the Eastern border city of Mutare on Christmas eve.

Truck driver Sirizani Butau emerged a hero after he endangered his life to rescue eight passengers from the burning bus, sustaining severe burns on the arms and legs in the process.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailed Butau for his heroic actions, which he described as “Christlike selflessness” and promised to accord him national honour.

Police said the driver of the Beta bus was allegedly avoiding to knock down a drunken pedestrian when he swerved onto the path of the oncoming fuel tanker, resulting in the head on collision.

New Ziana