The tragic collision on the Harare-Mutare highway claimed the lives of four individuals and left 14 others injured. Among the deceased are Kennedy Ngoshi (40) from Zengeza, Chitungwiza, Plaxedes Kasambwa (36) from Nyabadza in Rusape, and Monica Katema (54) from Kuwadzana Extension, Harare. The identity of the fourth victim, a female, is pending confirmation by her next of kin.

According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the accident occurred near the popular spot, Mutangadura, at the 32km-peg along the busy highway around 12:50 PM on Thursday. The police statement attributed the collision to the negligent driving of a haulage truck.

“The ZRP has established that a Freightliner truck, which was travelling towards Marondera and occupying the outer lane, turned right onto the inner lane, in front of a Tenda bus, which was travelling towards Marondera with 56 passengers on board. The bus was about to overtake the haulage truck.

“Resultantly, the Tenda bus hit the trailer of the truck before swerving onto the oncoming traffic lane where it collided with a Zhong Tong bus owned by Phils and Pats Bus Services which was travelling towards Harare with 25 passengers on board.

“As a result, four people were killed whilst 14 others were injured,” said police.

The bodies of the victims were transported to Marondera Provincial Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations, while the injured were taken to Marondera and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

Police emphasized the importance of motorists exercising caution on the country’s roads to prevent avoidable accidents.