Three killed in suspected hit and run accident

THREE Bulawayo men died on Saturday afternoon from injuries they sustained in a suspected hit and run accident in Tegela.

The victims have been identified as Trevor Sibanda (25) and Tinaye Chimuka (23) both of North End while the third's identity is still unknown.

Sibanda, Chimuka and two other friends were driving in a Nissan March when the accident occurred.

The driver of the vehicle is still battling for his life at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).

Sibanda's uncle, who did not want to be named, told Southern Eye at the family home in Herbert Street that the four were coming from Queens Park East and heading towards the city centre when their car was hit on the right side by another vehicle. The car crashed into a tree before overturning and seriously injuring the four.

"The boys were good friends and usually hanged out together. On the fateful day, they went to Queens Park East on some errands and as they were driving to town, another car hit theirs on the right side and they hit a tree and then overturned," said the distraught uncle.

"Among the four, only the driver survived and is battling for his life at UBH as he is said to have broken ribs."

He said the victims were rushed to UBH where Sibanda and Chimuka were later pronounced dead while the third friend died on Sunday night. It is alleged that the driver of the vehicle that collided with the Nissan drove off after realising the impact of the accident.

The uncle said Sibanda's burial arrangements were being made and he is set to be buried in the Bulawayo tomorrow.

When Southern Eye visited Chimuka's residence in Christison Road, a hearse carrying Sibanda's body had just pulled up and relatives said they could not talk to the media as they wanted to finalise his burial set for today.

No comment could be obtained from the police.