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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
VARIOUS stakeholders, including religious, political, and traditional leaders from Gwanda, have joined forces to address concerns over a section of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway that has reportedly become an accident hotspot.
The stretch spanning the 10 to 15 km peg near the Nsindi area has claimed six lives in four separate accidents since October. Numerous minor accidents, in which passengers escaped with injuries, have also been reported, sparking fear among the Nsindi community.
In response, residents have requested a traditional cleansing ceremony to address what they believe are spiritual causes of the accidents.
The Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe (PCIZ) recently organised a prayer meeting at the 10 km peg, attended by Government officials, and political, traditional, and church leaders.
Traditional leaders and community elders from Nsindi are also planning a traditional ceremony to appease the ancestors and cleanse the area.
PCIZ Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Reverend Freddie Kamanga, said the prayer meeting was initiated after an outcry from the community.
“There has been a general outcry from the Gwanda community over the increase in accidents along this stretch. As faith leaders, we are deeply concerned about the lives lost. We believe it is prudent to seek divine intervention and have faith that God will crush any evil spirits causing this tragedy,” said Rev Kamanga.
He urged citizens to unite in prayer during the festive season, which is often marred by fatal accidents. Nsindi village head, Mr Linnos Sibanda, said the community is alarmed by the frequent loss of life in the area.
“We are deeply concerned about the lives lost in our area. The community has requested a traditional ceremony to appease the ancestors and drive away any evil spirits. A similar problem occurred near the 30 km peg a few years ago, and a traditional ceremony successfully resolved it,” he said.
Chief Masuku of Gwanda District echoed Mr Sibanda’s sentiments, saying it is important to respect traditional practices.
“This issue has persisted in the past, subsided, and now resurfaced. I have tasked village elders to assess the matter thoroughly. Once their findings are complete, the community and stakeholders will be informed of the next steps,” he said.
Chief Masuku added: “These are traditional matters we cannot ignore. While we may not have a scientific explanation, respecting and observing culture is vital.”
Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, expressed concern over the loss of lives in fatal road accidents along the stretch. He urged authorities to implement measures such as speed humps and grids to control vehicle movement and speed in the area.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, said police are investigating whether the area qualifies as an accident hotspot.
She said two minor accidents and one fatal accident were recorded in October while in November, one minor and two fatal accidents which claimed four lives were recorded.
This month one fatal road accident, which claimed one life has been recorded. — @DubeMatutu
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