mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
TWO men were fatally knocked down by vehicles in separate incidents that occurred in Matabeleland South Province.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incidents, which occurred in Nsindi area in Gwanda District at the 116 km peg along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road and near Tshapo Business Centre in Matobo District.
She said in the first incident Regies Ncube (66) from Tshoboyi Village in Gwanda was cycling along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road on Saturday when he was hit by a vehicle.
“Regies Ncube was cycling towards Bulawayo while a Honda Fit vehicle was heading towards Beitbridge. The driver of the Honda Fit vehicle drove past a haulage truck that was coming from the opposite lane and came across the now deceased who was attempting to change lanes,” said Insp Mangena.
The driver hit Ncube who fell to the ground and died on the spot. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. Ncube’s body was taken to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem.
Insp Mangena said in another incident, which occurred in Matobo, the victim identified as Ndodana Mloyi (39) died after he was run over by an unidentified driver while on his way from a drinking spree in a suspected hit-and-run.
She said Mloyi was last seen alive on Saturday evening while drinking at Chapo Business Centre. He was found dead the following day at around 1 pm.
“Ndodana Mloyi was last seen drinking at Chapo Business Centre in Matobo District on Saturday night. At around 1pm his body was found lying about 100 metres from the business centre. Mloyi’s body had injuries that indicated that he had been involved in a road accident,” said Insp Mangena.
The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. Mloyi’s body was ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem and investigations are underway.
Insp Mangena said as the festive season approaches, there is an increase in the volume of traffic, especially along major highways. She urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road regulations.
Insp Mangena also urged other road users like cyclists and pedestrians to be cautious. She also urged motorists to report whenever they are involved in accidents.
“As police in Matabeleland South, we urge motorists to adhere to road regulations to preserve life and reduce road accidents. If a motorist hits a pedestrian they should report the matter so that the affected person can receive necessary assistance,” she said. — @DubeMatutu
