By Liberty Mutamba
SIX people died in three separate road traffic accidents which occurred in Filabusi, Mbalabala and Gwanda area making it the sad week for Matabeleland South Province.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the accidents which occurred on Sunday.
She said two people were killed in an accident which occurred at around 5am three people died in a head on collision along Masvingo- Mbalabala Road, while another was hit by a car in Mbalabala area along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road at around 1pm. Later on the same day at about 10 kilometres outside Gwanda along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road two people died.
“I can confirm that we recorded three fatal road accidents that claimed six lives on Sunday. In one accident two people died while five others were injured when a kombi vehicle they were travelling in collided with a bus and another vehicle. A Regional Bus Services bus was travelling behind a Nissan Liberty vehicle while on its way to Gwanda from Bulawayo.
“The driver of the Nissan Liberty suddenly reduced speed to avoid hitting donkeys. The driver failed to stop and then tried to overtake. In the process he hit the other vehicle and then encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic where he collided with a Nissan Hiace which had five passengers on board. Two female passengers, Molly Phiri (72) and Silethokuhle Khumalo died on the spot,” she said.
Insp Mangena said in the other incident a Honda Fit was travelling towards Zvishavane along the Mbalabala- Masvingo Road and upon reaching the 161 km peg encroached onto the lane of oncoming traffic. The driver who is now deceased, Busani Nkala (30) collided with a white Nissan Hardbody which had two people on board. The other two deceased persons are Murambatswina Masvina (57) and Rosi Masvina (53) all from Bulawayo.
“In the third case the now deceased Alton Nxumalo (66) was riding on a motorbike along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road with a Toyota Hilux vehicle travelling behind him. Upon reaching the 64km peg he turned to the right in a bid to filter into a dust road that was leading to his home.
“As he turned an unknown vehicle which was at the back attempted to overtake the Toyota Hilux vehicle and then hit the biker who died on the spot. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene,” she said.
Insp Mangena said it was worrisome to see such an upsurge in accidents as the festive season is drawing closer.
She urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations and also to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on a journey.
“As we will be approaching the festive season, we will record an increase in traffic which also usually results in an increase in accidents. As Matabeleland South police, we will be firm on the ground conducting a crime and traffic awareness campaigns to ensure safer travel of passengers.
“We urge motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations. Motorists should desist from overloading and speeding. They must also ensure they rest in built up places when feeling fatigue. It’s important to rest in safe places in order to avoid robberies. Motorists are also urged to desist from picking up strangers while passengers should board public service vehicles,” Mangena said.
She urged motorists to be cautious when driving and report all accidents to police as required by the law.
New Ziana
