Herald
Deputy Editor, Africa Moyo News
President Mnangagwa said the government would assist the families of six people involved in a car crash on the Kwekwe-Gokwe road on Saturday to bury their loved ones.
The President implored drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and not overloaded to avoid unnecessary casualties on the roads, especially during this festive season.
In a letter of condolence yesterday, President Mnangagwa said human error and unroadworthy vehicles continued to claim lives on the roads.
President Mnangagwa said, “I am deeply saddened by the fatal traffic accident on 3 December 2022 along the 60 km of the Kwekwe-Gokwe road, which killed six people and injured nine others.”
“We continue to lose lives on our roads in accidents mainly caused by human error and vehicles that are not roadworthy.
“As we head into the festive season, I call on all Zimbabweans to be responsible and vigilant on our roads to avoid costly accidents.
“I urge motorists to always ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and urge them to avoid speeding, overloading and drink driving.”
The President expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“On behalf of the NLD, the government, my family, and indeed myself, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.
“Again, I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“I have instructed the government to assist in arranging the funeral of the deceased. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace forever.”
President Mnangagwa said that as the country ushers in the holidays of Unity Day, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the police will be fully deployed to curb the wayward behavior of some drivers on the road.
Police have begun to increase their presence on the roads and can be seen on major highways and in urban areas luring motorists.
Reckless and negligent driving continues on the roads, some unlicensed vehicles, private kombis not part of the Zupco franchise or new cooperative structures remain a threat, reverse driving and knocking down the unsuspecting in some cases of pedestrians.
Pirate taxis are also causing chaos on the roads, with almost all speeding when overloaded, putting the lives of passengers and other motorists at risk.
With several roads now repaired and in good condition, including the Harare-Beitbridge motorway, some motorists have taken advantage of this to speed up.
But with heavy traffic expected on the roads ahead of the holiday, caution is needed to save lives.
