Passenger Groups Blame State Negligence After Seke Road Crash
By Loyd Matare
Passenger rights groups have reacted with outrage and grief following a deadly road traffic accident along Seke Road that claimed 17 lives and left three others in critical condition yesterday morning.
The accident, which occurred at Hunyani Bridge near Water Works, involved a 30-tonne haulage truck that lost control and collided head-on with a commuter omnibus carrying 17 passengers.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, 15 people in the kombi died on the spot, while two pedestrians struck by the truck also lost their lives.
Speaking to AfroGazette News, the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) described the incident as a national tragedy and a wake-up call for authorities to prioritise road safety.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic accident,” said Tafadzwa Goliati, PAZ National Coordinator.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and those affected by this devastating incident. This highlights the urgent need for road safety enforcement and responsible driving.”
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Goliati commended the emergency services for their swift response but warned that such tragedies would persist without a serious crackdown on traffic violations and driver negligence.
“We urge all drivers especially those operating public service and haulage vehicles to strictly adhere to road regulations.
“Lives are being lost unnecessarily due to carelessness and poor enforcement.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Paul Makiwa, Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Passenger Association (ZPA), blasted government ministries and law enforcement for failing to uphold basic safety standards on the country’s roads.
“This is one of the most serious accidents we’ve seen recently. Drivers are over speeding, drinking while driving, and operating without licences.
“If we don’t allow unlicensed pilots to fly aircraft, why should unlicensed drivers be allowed on our roads?” Makiwa told AfroGazette.
He called for a national clampdown on corruption and incompetence within the Ministries of Transport and Home Affairs, whom he accuses of ignoring rampant overloading and licensing irregularities.
“The Minister of Transport must stop the overloading of passengers in public service vehicles.
“Right now, 15-seater kombis are carrying up to 20 people. 65-seater buses are overloaded with over 100 passengers.
“This is not just dangerous, it’s a crime against the people,” he said.
Makiwa also issued a passionate plea to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take direct action.
“Your Excellency, we need a national cleansing of our roads physically, spiritually, and institutionally.
“Invoke the spirit of Dzimbabwe, Mbuya Nehanda, and King Mambo. Enough is enough. We cannot continue to bury our people like this.”
Both organisations are now calling for a comprehensive investigation into the crash and long-term policy reforms to improve passenger safety.
Meanwhile, ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the bodies of the victims were taken to Chitungwiza Hospital for post-mortem, and the injured were receiving treatment at the same facility.
“The truck veered onto the wrong lane, killed two pedestrians, and collided with the Nissan Caravan kombi. The truck then overturned and landed on the kombi, trapping passengers,” Nyathi said.
