Bulawayo mayor saddened by Sixth Avenue kombi accident that claimed two lives

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has expressed deep sadness following a horrific accident on Wednesday evening in which a commuter omnibus ploughed into vendors and pedestrians along Sixth Avenue near OK Egodini, killing two people on the spot and injuring 17 others.

In a statement posted on his X account, Coltart said: "I am deeply saddened by the horrific accident which occurred yesterday evening at 6th Ave/Lobengula in @CityofBulawayo when a commuter taxi omnibus ploughed into a crowd of vendors and pedestrians, killing two people on the spot and injuring 17 others.

"My condolences and sympathy are extended to the families of those who were killed, and my prayers are with the surviving injured people for a quick and full recovery."

Coltart said the tragedy was a direct result of the lawlessness currently prevailing in parts of Bulawayo.

He noted that despite the efforts of municipal police, vendors continue operating in prohibited areas, creating dangerous conditions.

"What is more, the @PoliceZimbabwe traffic police are not adequately policing the horrendous driving we see in Bulawayo daily. There are simply insufficient traffic police on our roads at present, and bad drivers cause grave danger to innocent people daily throughout the city with absolute impunity," he said.

Coltart said he had raised the issue during meetings this week with Transport Minister Felix Mhona and Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, urging amendments to the law to empower municipal police to enforce by‑laws more effectively.

"We also urgently need a meeting with JOC Bulawayo so that the ZRP can assist the city in enforcing both our by‑laws and traffic laws pending the passing of new laws giving our municipal police further powers," he added.

He said the current levels of lawlessness in the city were unacceptable and called for urgent action to restore order and prevent similar tragedies.