State-assisted funerals for 5 victims of bus accid...

State-assisted funerals for 5 victims of bus accident

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Acting President, General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga has facilitated State-assisted funerals for five victims of a bus accident which occurred at the 64km peg along the Harare-Mutare highway on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday evening, Chiwenga said he was saddened by the accident, which saw five people dying, while 40 were injured.

The Acting President confirmed that 32 of the victims have since been discharged from hospital.

“I received with heartfelt grief, the news of the loss of 5 fellow citizens following a bus accident which occurred at the 64km peg along the Harare-Mutare highway at approximately 9:45 am on Wednesday, 27 December, 2023,” Chiwenga said.

“The accident involved a Micro-cut Investment truck (AGJ1306) travelling from Beira to Harare, a Mercedes Benz, and an Inter Africa bus (AEZ1226) travelling from Harare to Nyanga Ruwangwe. The truck driver had three passengers and all escaped unharmed. The Mercedes Benz driver and one passenger were also unharmed.

“A total of 40 people were injured and initially admitted of whom 32 were discharged. Six remain hospitalised at Marondera Provincial Hospital where two were transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for specialised attention and treatment.

“The glaring images show the horrendous nature of the accident.”

Accordingly, the Acting President has ordered a State-assisted funeral for the deceased.

“In terms of Section 32 paragraph C of the Civil Protection Act, Chapter 10.06, as the Acting President, I have invoked the relevant Sections of the Civil Protection Act to enable the State to render funeral assistance to the bereaved families and meet the medical bills of the injured.

“On behalf of the Nation, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. As a humble token of sharing in the grief, the Government of Zimbabwe in conjunction with the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe will meet the burial costs of all the deceased and provide medical assistance for the injured. As we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, we also wish those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.

“I urge the Marondera District Civil Protection Committee to quickly establish a Command Centre for expediting the collection of the deceased and providing pyscho-social support to the bereaved families,” he said.

The former Army General said measures were being put in place to deal with reckless drivers.

“Whilst efforts are being made to give education and awareness on traffic safety on our highways, all motorists and public transport operators are implored to always exercise a high degree of caution and care on the roads.

“Law enforcement agencies and responsible authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that stringent measures are taken to deal with errant drivers along major highways. Culprits will face the full wrath of the law.

“I urge passengers to contribute towards their safety and prevent the spreading of drivers. As we count our losses and mourn the deceased, it is my sincere hope that this will be a wake-up call and serve as an opportunity for all of us to fulfil a collective responsibility towards the safety of all travellers,” he added.