By Loyd Matare
City Parking has firmly rejected claims linking its enforcement operations to a road traffic accident that killed motorist Blessing Mangezi at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Way and Angwa Street on January 7.
This comes amid widespread social media speculation suggesting the deceased may have been fleeing from, or involved in a confrontation with, parking enforcement officers at the time of the crash.
In a statement issued on Friday, City Parking said it had no interaction whatsoever with the vehicle involved before the accident, dismissing the circulating claims as false and misleading.
“In response to speculation circulating on social media, we would like to clarify that City Parking had no involvement with the vehicle in question at the time of the incident,” the company said.
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“There was no outstanding transaction or interaction with our enforcement agents, and the vehicle had not been clamped by City Parking.”
The parking management firm said it released the statement to correct what it described as an inaccurate narrative that has gained traction online.
“We issue this statement to provide accurate information to our stakeholders and the public, and to respectfully correct the narrative surrounding this incident,” City Parking added.
While distancing itself from the circumstances surrounding the crash, the company expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of life of a motorist on January 7 at Robert Mugabe Way and Angwa Street,” the statement read.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.”
