One dead, 16 injured in kombi crash with another vehicle

By Auther Chimbgwa

A motorist died in Harare on Sunday while 16 people were seriously injured in a fatal road traffic accident which occurred Sunday along Seke road near Caledon shops in Hatfield.

The deceased, whom police identified as Delan Maonze from Unit K in Chitungwiza, was driving a white Toyota Corolla, heading to Chitungwiza when he failed to give way to an oncoming Nissan NV 350 kombi going towards the city.

Police spokesperson for Harare Province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the accident, adding that the now deceased had no passengers in his car.

“Upon reaching a certain point along Seke Road near Caledon Shops, Hatfield, Harare, Maonze failed to give way to the oncoming vehicle and turned right in front of it.

“His car was hit on the left side by the kombi, and, as a result of the accident, Maonze was trapped and died on the spot.

“Sixteen people were seriously injured,” said Inspector Chakanza.

The injured were taken to Sally Mugabe, Parirenyatwa and Chitungwiza Hospitals for treatment.

The two vehicles sustained extensive damages, according to police.

Most of the injured passengers reside in Chitungwiza.

Police named the injured as, Ronald Mabuchi (38), Edmore Chilung (23), Emily Nyamayaro(21), Behaviour Vareta (21), Brighton Mushininga (35), Mashoko Nyasha (33), Chrispen Nyamande (32), Godfrey Zirare (45) Chenai Katikiti (35), Shylet Rusero (22) and Doleen Kudzai (30) all from Chitungwiza.

Alice Hakunavanhu (23) is from Retreat, Waterfalls, Tsitsi Kutemauswa (30) from Waterfalls while Evidence Nhango (42) resides in Glendale.

Lloyd Makucha, the driver of the kombi, who also resides in Chitungwiza, suffered head injuries.

The deceased, whose next of kin was informed, was conveyed to Chitungwiza Hospital mortuary for post mortem.