News / National
3 accidents kill 6 in a day in Matebeland South
05 Nov 2024 at 08:12hrs | Views
Six people lost their lives in three separate road accidents that took place on Sunday in Matabeleland South, police have confirmed. The fatal incidents occurred in Filabusi, Gwanda, and Mbalabala, with Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, providing details on the tragedies.
Insp Mangena said that the first accident, which took place around 8 p.m. along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road near Gwanda, involved a collision between a Regional Bus Services bus, a Nissan Liberty, and a Nissan Hiace. The driver of the Nissan Liberty reportedly reduced speed to avoid hitting donkeys but failed to stop in time. Attempting to overtake, the Liberty driver collided with the bus and then veered into oncoming traffic, striking the Nissan Hiace carrying five passengers. Tragically, two female passengers, identified as Molly Phiri (72) and Silethokuhle Khumalo, died on the spot, while five others sustained injuries.
Earlier that morning, at around 5 a.m., three more people lost their lives in a head-on collision along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road. The driver of a Honda Fit, Busani Nkala (30), is reported to have encroached into oncoming traffic and collided with a white Nissan Hardbody, resulting in his death along with two other occupants, Murambatswina Masvina (57) and Rosi Masvina (53), both from Bulawayo.
In a third incident, motorcyclist Alton Nxumalo (66) was struck by an unidentified vehicle while attempting to turn off the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road. According to Insp Mangena, a Toyota Hilux was trailing Nxumalo when another vehicle attempted to overtake the Hilux and hit Nxumalo as he turned right. Nxumalo died on the spot, and the driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene.
Insp Mangena expressed concern over the rise in accidents as the festive season nears, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations. "As we approach the festive season, we will record an increase in traffic, which also usually increases accidents," she noted. "We urge motorists to exercise caution, avoid overloading, and ensure they rest in safe, designated areas to prevent fatigue-related accidents and potential robberies."
She also emphasized the importance of roadworthiness checks and discouraged motorists from picking up strangers, while advising passengers to use registered public service vehicles.
Police in Matabeleland South have pledged to step up road safety campaigns in the coming weeks to safeguard travelers as traffic volumes increase for the holidays.
Insp Mangena said that the first accident, which took place around 8 p.m. along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road near Gwanda, involved a collision between a Regional Bus Services bus, a Nissan Liberty, and a Nissan Hiace. The driver of the Nissan Liberty reportedly reduced speed to avoid hitting donkeys but failed to stop in time. Attempting to overtake, the Liberty driver collided with the bus and then veered into oncoming traffic, striking the Nissan Hiace carrying five passengers. Tragically, two female passengers, identified as Molly Phiri (72) and Silethokuhle Khumalo, died on the spot, while five others sustained injuries.
Earlier that morning, at around 5 a.m., three more people lost their lives in a head-on collision along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road. The driver of a Honda Fit, Busani Nkala (30), is reported to have encroached into oncoming traffic and collided with a white Nissan Hardbody, resulting in his death along with two other occupants, Murambatswina Masvina (57) and Rosi Masvina (53), both from Bulawayo.
Insp Mangena expressed concern over the rise in accidents as the festive season nears, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations. "As we approach the festive season, we will record an increase in traffic, which also usually increases accidents," she noted. "We urge motorists to exercise caution, avoid overloading, and ensure they rest in safe, designated areas to prevent fatigue-related accidents and potential robberies."
She also emphasized the importance of roadworthiness checks and discouraged motorists from picking up strangers, while advising passengers to use registered public service vehicles.
Police in Matabeleland South have pledged to step up road safety campaigns in the coming weeks to safeguard travelers as traffic volumes increase for the holidays.
Source - the chronicle
