Road accidents claim 5 on Unity Day

FIVE people died in road traffic accidents across the country on Unity Day this year, police have confirmed. Four people died on the same day last year. National police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said 78 traffic accidents were recorded this year, compared to 85 last year.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to inform the nation that the following road traffic accident statistics were recorded on December 22, 2015 compared with the same day in 2014," she said.

"Total road traffic accidents this year are 78 against 85 last year; five people killed this year against four last year. 38 people were injured this year against 61 injured last year."

Snr Ass Com Charamba said 149 vehicles were impounded for defects and being unroadworthy this year. She said during the same day last year, 223 were impounded.

"About 7,448 people were arrested on December 22 this year against 7,479 arrested last year," said Snr Ass Com Charamba. She urged motorists to be cautious and avoid speeding to safeguard lives on the road saying, 'Speed thrills but kills.'"

Meanwhile 17 passengers travelling in a Bafana Bafana bus were hospitalised after the vehicle veered off the road, overturned and landed on its side on Monday, the eve of Unity Day.

The bus which had 71 passengers on board was travelling to Filabusi.

National Traffic spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said no one was killed.

"On approaching the 20 kilometre peg, it is alleged that the bus hit a pothole, the driver lost control, it veered off the road and it overturned landing on its side," said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He said the injured were rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).