Two killed, eight injured as vehicle ploughs into fruit vendors

Shurugwi (New Ziana) –Two people died and eight others were injured when a vehicle ploughed into a group of vendors selling wild fruits on the roadside along the Gweru-Zvishavane highway in Shurugwi, the Midlands province on Wednesday afternoon, the police have confirmed.

The vehicle, a Toyota Axio, allegedly veered off the road at the 30 km peg and careened into a group of vendors who were selling wild fruits (mazhanje/sweet plums) on the roadside.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said on the fateful day, Tavonga Nyengera (35) of Silver Oaks flats, Gweru, was on his way to Shurugwi from Gweru, when his vehicle allegedly veered off the road to the right and hit 10 vendors who were selling wild fruits.

Two of the vendors died on the spot while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The deceased were identified as Svodai Muzingwani and Rachael Nyati both of Magwendere village under Chief Nhema, Shurugwi.

Police attended the scene and took the bodies and the injured vendors to Shurugwi Hospital. Of the injured vendors, one was treated and discharged.

“We urge the motoring public to avoid speeding and to exercise caution when approaching pedestrians,” said Insp. Mahoko.

New Ziana