News / National
Student killed as school kombi overturns on way to Mnangagwa event
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A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a minibus carrying students from Nyangani High School in Nyanga overturned near Selborne in Makoni District, resulting in the death of one student and injuring 15 others. The group was en route to a youth event in Mutasa, called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
According to National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace lost control of the vehicle on the steep slopes of the Mutare-Juliasdale Road at the 62km peg. The minibus overturned, landing on its side, causing the fatality and injuries to several passengers.
"The body of the victim is at Bonda Mission Hospital, while the injured are being treated at the same hospital as well as Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare," Nyathi confirmed.
The students were heading to the Magamba Vocational Youth Training Centre in Mutasa for the "Youth Empowerment Forum," a government-organized event aimed at gathering 10,000 young people from across the country. The event was promoted by the Ministry of Youth, led by Tinoda Machakaire, and was set to provide a platform for engaging young leaders in discussions on new business opportunities. President Mnangagwa had also planned to commission key projects and distribute 53 motorbikes as part of efforts to boost youth outreach.
The event, however, has sparked controversy, particularly after reports that some parents were not informed about the trip, leaving them concerned about their children's safety. ZimLive has received complaints from parents who were unaware their children were being sent to the event.
The youth were reportedly made to chant Zanu-PF slogans during the event, fueling further criticism about the political nature of the gathering. Many schools had been ordered to send students to the forum, raising questions about the voluntary nature of the participation.
The incident has cast a shadow over the government's youth outreach initiatives, with many now questioning the safety protocols and communication strategies in place for such events. As investigations into the accident continue, there are calls for improved coordination and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
According to National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace lost control of the vehicle on the steep slopes of the Mutare-Juliasdale Road at the 62km peg. The minibus overturned, landing on its side, causing the fatality and injuries to several passengers.
"The body of the victim is at Bonda Mission Hospital, while the injured are being treated at the same hospital as well as Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare," Nyathi confirmed.
The event, however, has sparked controversy, particularly after reports that some parents were not informed about the trip, leaving them concerned about their children's safety. ZimLive has received complaints from parents who were unaware their children were being sent to the event.
The youth were reportedly made to chant Zanu-PF slogans during the event, fueling further criticism about the political nature of the gathering. Many schools had been ordered to send students to the forum, raising questions about the voluntary nature of the participation.
The incident has cast a shadow over the government's youth outreach initiatives, with many now questioning the safety protocols and communication strategies in place for such events. As investigations into the accident continue, there are calls for improved coordination and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source - zimive
