Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Police in Bulawayo are investigating a fatal road traffic accident which claimed the lives of two pedestrians and left twelve others injured after a commuter omnibus lost control and ploughed into pedestrians along Sixth Avenue in the Central Business District on Wednesday.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, which occurred , between Herbert Chitepo Street and Lobengula Street.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a fatal road traffic accident in which two people died on the spot and 12 others sustained injuries after being hit by a commuter omnibus,” she said.
Police identified the deceased as Christopher Mukuwapasi, believed to be in his late 30s, and Lizwe Ncube (30) from Cowdray Park.
Insp Msebele said the accident involved a 28-year-old male driver from Emakhandeni, who was driving a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus heading west along Sixth Avenue with 18 passengers on board.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle, swerved to the left and hit 14 pedestrians who were standing and walking near OK Godini, before crashing into the wall where the vehicle eventually stopped,” she said.
The two victims died on the spot and their bodies were ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem examinations, while the injured victims were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by speeding and failure to keep a proper lookout.
“As a result, a charge of culpable homicide has been preferred against the driver,” Insp Msebele said, urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
She also called on public service vehicle operators to employ properly licensed and experienced drivers, while urging passengers to board commuter omnibuses at designated pick-up points only to avoid unnecessary risks.
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