News / National
'Mshika shika' driver's hand cut-off in side swipe accident
01 Dec 2024 at 13:25hrs | Views
A horrifying road accident on the Masvingo - Mutare Highway has left a Gutu mshika shika (pirate taxi) driver, Rodrick Masiyambiri (59), without his right forearm. The incident occurred around 7 PM on Friday at the 10km peg along the highway when Masiyambiri's Toyota Sienta had a side-swipe collision with an oncoming 7-tonne truck.
Masiyambiri, whose forearm was resting on the open window of his vehicle, lost the limb when the truck collided with the driver's door. His severed forearm fell to the ground as the truck drove away, leaving him bleeding profusely.
Masiyambiri was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital and later referred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The accident was confirmed by Masiyambiri's daughter, Patience, who explained the circumstances.
"My father was involved in a side-swipe accident with a 7-tonne truck on Friday as he was driving a Toyota Sienta to Gutu with seven passengers on board. He was hanging his right hand on an open window while driving, and the truck encroached into his lane. His forearm fell to the ground," she said.
The mshika shika driver was transporting seven passengers at the time, all of whom escaped unhurt.
Samuel Gono, a village head from Chief Makore's area in Gutu and a passenger in the vehicle, confirmed the incident.
The truck's driver, who initially fled the scene, reportedly returned later. Acting Masvingo Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, could not confirm the accident at the time of reporting.
This incident underscores the dangers of the common practice among mshika shika drivers of driving with their arms hanging out of open windows. Authorities have long warned against such behavior, citing the high risk of injury in the event of accidents.
Masiyambiri's condition remains critical as his family and community rally to support him during his recovery. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Masiyambiri, whose forearm was resting on the open window of his vehicle, lost the limb when the truck collided with the driver's door. His severed forearm fell to the ground as the truck drove away, leaving him bleeding profusely.
Masiyambiri was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital and later referred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The accident was confirmed by Masiyambiri's daughter, Patience, who explained the circumstances.
"My father was involved in a side-swipe accident with a 7-tonne truck on Friday as he was driving a Toyota Sienta to Gutu with seven passengers on board. He was hanging his right hand on an open window while driving, and the truck encroached into his lane. His forearm fell to the ground," she said.
Samuel Gono, a village head from Chief Makore's area in Gutu and a passenger in the vehicle, confirmed the incident.
The truck's driver, who initially fled the scene, reportedly returned later. Acting Masvingo Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, could not confirm the accident at the time of reporting.
This incident underscores the dangers of the common practice among mshika shika drivers of driving with their arms hanging out of open windows. Authorities have long warned against such behavior, citing the high risk of injury in the event of accidents.
Masiyambiri's condition remains critical as his family and community rally to support him during his recovery. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Source - The Mirror
