TWO war veterans died on the spot and 13 others escaped with serious injuries when a bus they were travelling in hit a cow and veered of the road near Filabusi and overturned.
The two deceased former freedom fighters, Saziso Sibanda and Betty Madhochi were coming from a meeting organised by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cde Obedingwa Mguni on Saturday in Gwanda.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector, Nkosilathi Sibanda yesterday confirmed the accident that claimed the lives of the two ex-combatants.
Sibanda was from Gwanda while Madhochi was from Gweru.
“Yes, I confirm that two people died on the spot and 13 other sustained serious injuries at the 184km peg along Mbalabala–Zvishavane road at around 7PM near Filabusi kiosk. Tinopaishe Muremba aged 41 was driving due east towards Zvishavane with 15 war veterans and two other passengers. Upon reaching the spot he hit a cow and veered off the road to the right side and the bus overturned and landed on its roof,” said Asst Insp Sibanda.
“As a result the two died on the spot and their bodies were ferried to Filabusi Hospital mortuary. As police we urge motorists not to travel at night and observe rules and regulations of the road. We’re also appealing to villagers to pen their cattle to avoid loss of lives as police will not hesitate to enforce the law and punish those whose livestock cause accidents.”
This week, Matabeleland South police said they would soon start taking stern measures against farmers whose livestock stray into highways.
Offenders would be fined $20 per beast that strays into the road at night and $10 per beast during the day with culpable homicide charges being preferred if accident becomes fatal. chronicle