By A Correspondent

In a devastating road traffic accident on Thursday morning at the Kuwadzana 7 turn-off in Harare, seven lives were lost, and four others sustained injuries when a commuter omnibus (kombi) collided with a haulage truck. Felix Mhona, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.

The accident occurred when the kombi driver failed to yield at a functioning traffic light, resulting in a catastrophic collision. Minister Mhona lamented the loss of young lives, stating, “We mourn the demise of young men and women who perished in this crash.” He extended thoughts and prayers to those injured, wishing them a swift recovery.

Emphasizing the importance of road safety, Mhona described the driver’s actions as reckless, highlighting that adherence to traffic rules is crucial. “This was a blatant violation of our road traffic rules and regulations,” he said, asserting the need for all road users to exercise caution.

In response to the tragic event, the driver has been charged with culpable homicide, which pertains to the unlawful killing of another without intent, but with significant negligence. While this charge is less severe than murder, it underscores the serious implications of the driver’s actions.

Minister Mhona reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to road safety, warning that stern measures will be enforced to protect the commuting public. As investigations continue, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical need for vigilance and compliance with traffic regulations on the roads.