By Rex Mphisa
The Matabeleland South Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has sent his condolences to families of seven people who perished in an unfortunate accident at Mawabeni on Friday.
Nguluvhe asked motorists to be cautious and drive with all faculties on the road to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
The seven who died were bystanders at an accident scene involving a number of cars at a bridge when a truck reported to have been speeding ploughed into onlookers of the vehicle pile up.
In a statement on Saturday Nguluvhe said it was worrying to imagine how a truck driver failed to see what was ahead of him.
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I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the seven individuals who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate accident that occurred at Mawabeni on Friday.”
“This is a devastating loss, not only to the bereaved families but to the entire province. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
He said it is particularly distressing that the victims were bystanders at an accident scene, only to fall victim to a second, avoidable tragedy.
“This incident serves as a painful reminder of the critical importance of road safety and responsible driving at all times.”
He said all motorists should exercise extreme caution and remain fully alert while on the road. Drivers, he said, carry a significant responsibility to protect pedestrians, especially in situations where people may be vulnerable, such as at accident scenes.
“While we allow the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations into this incident, it is deeply concerning that a heavy vehicle driver could fail to notice a crowd ahead. I call upon investigators to carry out their work diligently and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Let us all recommit ourselves to road safety and the protection of human life,” he said.
On Friday police at Beitbridge and the Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Board took to tye border and highways leading from the border town on a non-enforcement but educative exercise addressing all road users on their duty to make roads safe.