News / National
Sobukhazi student dies in commuter omnibus crash
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A pall of grief hangs over Sobukhazi High School after a tragic road accident claimed the life of a 16-year-old student and left her schoolmate seriously injured.
The two girls were struck by a white Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus along Luveve Road near Machipsini in Mzilikazi around 7:30am yesterday as they were on their way to school. According to police, the vehicle veered off the road and ploughed into the girls, who were standing on the roadside.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, saying the kombi was being driven by a 36-year-old man from Cowdray Park and was carrying 18 passengers at the time.
"The vehicle veered off the road and hit the two girls who were standing approximately 20 metres from the road," said Inspector Msebele.
One of the girls died on the spot, while the other, aged 17, sustained fractures to both legs and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she is reportedly in a stable condition. The body of the deceased was taken to the city mortuary.
The accident has sent shockwaves across the city, especially within the Sobukhazi High School community, which is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor and Ward 8 Councillor Edwin Ndlovu visited the accident scene, the school, and later Mpilo Hospital to offer condolences and support.
"It's heart-breaking and deeply saddening to lose such a young and innocent life because of reckless and negligent driving," he said. "No parent should have to bury a child in such circumstances. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."
Ndlovu also stressed the need for greater regulation and accountability among public transport operators.
"These commuter omnibus drivers must respect human life. We urge that all such vehicles be registered under associations like Tshova Mubaiwa, Bupta, Vuta, and Bulawayo Transit to ensure they are properly monitored."
A local resident who witnessed the crash described a horrifying scene, saying the kombi appeared to be speeding and possibly had brake failure.
"The driver lost control, and the kombi went off the road straight towards the two girls who were just waiting to cross. It was horrible," said the visibly shaken eyewitness.
Police have since launched investigations into the crash. Authorities have repeatedly warned kombi drivers against reckless driving, particularly in school zones, but incidents involving over-speeding and unregulated public transport continue to claim lives.
The accident has reignited calls for road safety campaigns, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and the installation of traffic calming measures near schools.
As Sobukhazi High School holds memorials and families grapple with the devastating loss, Bulawayo once again confronts the high cost of negligent driving on its roads.
The two girls were struck by a white Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus along Luveve Road near Machipsini in Mzilikazi around 7:30am yesterday as they were on their way to school. According to police, the vehicle veered off the road and ploughed into the girls, who were standing on the roadside.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, saying the kombi was being driven by a 36-year-old man from Cowdray Park and was carrying 18 passengers at the time.
"The vehicle veered off the road and hit the two girls who were standing approximately 20 metres from the road," said Inspector Msebele.
One of the girls died on the spot, while the other, aged 17, sustained fractures to both legs and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she is reportedly in a stable condition. The body of the deceased was taken to the city mortuary.
The accident has sent shockwaves across the city, especially within the Sobukhazi High School community, which is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor and Ward 8 Councillor Edwin Ndlovu visited the accident scene, the school, and later Mpilo Hospital to offer condolences and support.
Ndlovu also stressed the need for greater regulation and accountability among public transport operators.
"These commuter omnibus drivers must respect human life. We urge that all such vehicles be registered under associations like Tshova Mubaiwa, Bupta, Vuta, and Bulawayo Transit to ensure they are properly monitored."
A local resident who witnessed the crash described a horrifying scene, saying the kombi appeared to be speeding and possibly had brake failure.
"The driver lost control, and the kombi went off the road straight towards the two girls who were just waiting to cross. It was horrible," said the visibly shaken eyewitness.
Police have since launched investigations into the crash. Authorities have repeatedly warned kombi drivers against reckless driving, particularly in school zones, but incidents involving over-speeding and unregulated public transport continue to claim lives.
The accident has reignited calls for road safety campaigns, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and the installation of traffic calming measures near schools.
As Sobukhazi High School holds memorials and families grapple with the devastating loss, Bulawayo once again confronts the high cost of negligent driving on its roads.
Source - The Chronicle
