News / Local
Update on overturned Kombi
12 Mar 2014 at 14:13hrs | Views
A COMMUTER omnibus heading into the city centre overturned at a flyover along Khami Road seriously injuring its commuters after police manning the road threw spikes on its pathway, in a bid to stop the vehicle.
16 commuters were seriously injured and were taken to Mpilo Hospital, where four were admitted considering the critical condition of the injuries.
It is also alleged the police were thoroughly beaten after the accident by members of the public.
Initially, the kombi was using Luveve road but switched routes attempting to avoid the police.
Its alleged the driver of the kombi did so not wanting to part with a bribe but unfortunately the police threw spikes onto the road, to stop him resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Police confirmed the incident, which took place before midday.
Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the driver was trying to evade the cops and they attempted to stop the vehicle but it overturned.
"The passengers were taken to Mpilo Hospital," he said.
However, the police inspector could not comment on the police beatings, saying he had to confirm with his details.
At Mpilo Hospital, Sister in Charge, Memory Sibanda, said from the 16 commuters, four were critical and would be admitted while the others will be discharged after receiving treatment.
Radio Dialogue spoke to one of the victims, Nokuthula Mabhena, one of those who were critically injured.
She was visibly in pain but put up a brave front.
Her whole right arm sustained deep cuts, the skin was bruised and peeling off, shards of glass were still inside the wounds while parts of her dress were torn.
She also had a deep wound on her right forehead and was bleeding profusely.
Mabhena narrated the incident saying the kombi was plying into town from Lobengula but switched routes after spotting police which resulted in it using the Khami road but police there threw spikes and the vehicle overturned.
She could not remember much as she fell unconscious.
"Someone hand was chopped off in the incident," Mabhena said trying to recall the incident.
During that time, Mabhena's mother entered the hospital ward and the two broke into heartfelt tears overcome by emotions.
The news crew also saw one commuter whose skull was cracked showing parts of the brain.
16 commuters were seriously injured and were taken to Mpilo Hospital, where four were admitted considering the critical condition of the injuries.
It is also alleged the police were thoroughly beaten after the accident by members of the public.
Initially, the kombi was using Luveve road but switched routes attempting to avoid the police.
Its alleged the driver of the kombi did so not wanting to part with a bribe but unfortunately the police threw spikes onto the road, to stop him resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Police confirmed the incident, which took place before midday.
Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the driver was trying to evade the cops and they attempted to stop the vehicle but it overturned.
"The passengers were taken to Mpilo Hospital," he said.
However, the police inspector could not comment on the police beatings, saying he had to confirm with his details.
At Mpilo Hospital, Sister in Charge, Memory Sibanda, said from the 16 commuters, four were critical and would be admitted while the others will be discharged after receiving treatment.
Radio Dialogue spoke to one of the victims, Nokuthula Mabhena, one of those who were critically injured.
She was visibly in pain but put up a brave front.
Her whole right arm sustained deep cuts, the skin was bruised and peeling off, shards of glass were still inside the wounds while parts of her dress were torn.
She also had a deep wound on her right forehead and was bleeding profusely.
Mabhena narrated the incident saying the kombi was plying into town from Lobengula but switched routes after spotting police which resulted in it using the Khami road but police there threw spikes and the vehicle overturned.
She could not remember much as she fell unconscious.
"Someone hand was chopped off in the incident," Mabhena said trying to recall the incident.
During that time, Mabhena's mother entered the hospital ward and the two broke into heartfelt tears overcome by emotions.
The news crew also saw one commuter whose skull was cracked showing parts of the brain.
Source - Radiodiolodge on Facebook
