The lawlessness in the streets of Harare City centre this afternoon claimed yet another life on Monday afternoon after a commuter omnibus allegedly fleeing from municipal cops charged into a walkway along Rezende Street, and ran over several pedestrians and vendors, resulting in the death of a woman.
Although police were not immediately available for comment, witnesses told NewsDay the chase that ended in the loss of life started off as what has sadly become a norm in the streets of Harare – high-speed chases between municipal police vehicles and minibuses as part of council’s efforts to clamp down on unlicensed passenger vehicles.
“Things got nasty when the commuter omnibus driver lost control of the vehicle, bumped into several vehicles before charging into a pavement that was filled with pedestrians and vendors. Several people were injured an rushed to hospital. Unfortunately one woman who was selling her wares lost her life on the spot”
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In an effort to rid Harare city centre of unlicensed passenger vehicles, Harare City Council has invested in high-clearance Toyota Hilux Raider vehicles and works in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The enforcement methods used including clamping, throwing spikes on stationery and moving vehicles and speeding after commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis.
The methods have however, resulted in accidents and loss of lives
Early this year, a commuter omnibus allegedly fleeing from police fatally knocked down a five year old along Chinhoyi Street in Harare Click here to read the story
ALL PICTURES BY JACKIE MBAYIWA-MAKUVATSINE