Hit-and-run driver runs down 2 cops

A MAN died while two Bulawayo police officers are battling for their lives at Mpilo Central Hospital after they were struck in two separate hit-and-run incidents, police have confirmed.

Darlington Nyerukai, 27, was buried on Saturday after his death on Thursday. He had spent a week in a coma at Mpilo Central Hospital's intensive care unit.

Nyerukai had paid lobola for his wife the previous day and was making arrangements for her to move in with him when the accident occurred along Luveve Road. The kombi driver who hit him sped off from the scene with screaming passengers on board.

Nyerukai's fiancé is devastated.

In another hit-and-run incident, two police officers are admitted at the same hospital after they were knocked down by an as yet to be identified vehicle while they were on patrol in Nkulumane suburb.

Constables Pretty Sibanda, 24, and Given Nyangumbe, 24, both of Nkulumane suburb were on patrol when they were struck near an Engen garage in the suburb on Friday at around 9PM.

When The Chronicle visited Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday, Sibanda was unconscious while Nyangumbe struggled to speak.

Nyangumbe sustained head injuries and a broken leg, but it was not possible to establish the extent of Sibanda's injuries.

At the time of the visit, Sibanda's X–ray results were not yet out.

Nyangumbe said they did not see the vehicle that hit them as it struck them from behind.

He said they were on their way to Nkulumane complex when they were hit before they were rushed by an ambulance to the hospital.

"I was patrolling at Nkulumane suburb on Friday last week with Sibanda. We were walking on the side of the road passing Engen garage intending to go to Nkulumane complex," said Nyangumbe, while surrounded by family members and friends.

"We heard the sound of a vehicle coming from behind. We didn't bother looking at it because we assumed it was passing and that's all l can remember as l woke up in hospital."

Bulawayo police spokesperson, Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed the two hit and run accidents.

"No arrests have been made so far and investigations are taking place. We're concerned that hit and run cases are on the increase. We appeal to members of the public to assist the police with any information that will lead to the culprit's arrest," said Insp Moyo.

He said people with any information on the hit and run cases can call the police hot line number 09-885479 or NetOne toll free number on 110. Alternatively, Insp Moyo said, they could contact the nearest police station or convey the information through police suggestion boxes.

He also appealed to passengers who were on the killer kombi to come forward and assist the police with information.

Nyerukai's father, Aphonse Nyerukai, 47, of Cowdray Park struggled to come to terms with his son's death.

"We were anticipating a wedding," said Nyerukai struggling to control his voice.

"My son is gone. The culprit is still at large. His young wife has become a widow before tasting the joy of marriage. I appeal to anyone who knows this driver to come forward and help us have closure."

He said the left side rear-view mirror and bumper fell off the kombi as the driver fled from the scene with screaming passengers.

"My son was a canteen supervisor at Udine products in Bulawayo. He was a humble, hard working and kind man," he added.

Witnesses said a blue Toyota Hiace hit Nyerukai who was cycling on the side of the road and dragged him for about 15 metres before speeding off.

"I heard a loud crash and rushed to the scene. I arrived just in time to see the kombi dragging a man who looked dead," said a vendor who operates from an intersection near the accident scene.

The vendor- who preferred anonymity- said people in the kombi were screaming in an apparent effort to make the driver stop.

"I saw a motorist who was following the kombi, giving chase. However, in less than 10 minutes the motorist drove back, saying he failed to catch the kombi driver. The driver said the kombi didn't have a number plate," added the vendor.