POLICE yesterday released names of the 13 people who died in a horrific road accident involving a Harare-bound Zupco bus and a haulage truck at the 22km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway on Monday night.
WINSTONE ANTONIO
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi identified the deceased, most of whom were from Harare, as Beather Moyo (41), Tandiwe Madya (28), Alice Chipo Mubvuma (40) and Jacqualine Ngwerume (27).
The others are Jasphine Zimowa (46), Madi Filaju (67), Acqualine Ndau (66), Mposa Stanley Sitende (68), Taurai Kumbi James (36), Calista Mugero (50), Robert Mukandawire, Idris Bare (24) and Jaqueline Ndoro.
The Zupco cross-border bus coming from Malawi was sideswiped by a Mujawo Transport International haulage truck.
The bus, which had 48 passengers on board, veered off the road and plunged into Mtuli River Bridge landing on its left side, killing 10 on the spot while three others died on admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu said the government was concerned by the increasing spate of road traffic accidents and fatalities.
In a statement, Mpofu urged the motoring public to exercise caution during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
Mpofu said police and members of the Vehicle Inspectorate Department would be out in full force on the lookout for any defective vehicles.
He urged public transport operators to desist from overworking their drivers. Mpofu warned that his ministry would deal decisively with operators whose drivers disregard the sanctity of human life.
