THE driver of a South Africa-registered haulage truck, which last week sideswiped a Johannesburg-bound Proliner bus, killing 20 people on the spot and leaving 40 others injured near Mvuma along the Harare-Masvingo Highway, appeared in court last week and was remanded in custody to April 20.
BY TATENDA CHITAGU/ BLESSED MHLANGA
Regis Mungwari, who is facing 20 counts of culpable homicide, was last Friday denied bail and remanded in custody when he briefly appeared at the Mvuma Magistrates’ Court.
In denying him bail, the court noted that Mungwari was a flight risk, as he was of no fixed abode in Zimbabwe and could commit suicide because of the gravity of the case.
According to the State, preliminary investigations at the accident scene indicated that Mungwari lost control of his tyre-laden truck on approaching the 218km peg, and encroached the path of the oncoming bus.
The vehicles sideswiped and both burst into flames because of the impact.
By yesterday, the shells of the two vehicles were still at the accident scene six days on.
Transport ministry secretary, Munesushe Munodawafa said delays in clearing the debris could have been necessitated by the need for forensic experts to get samples for DNA tests to identify the deceased.
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“I am not so sure about that, but usually after an accident of that nature, we want things to remain like that for forensic samples. Let me check to see how far my guys have gone in getting the samples,” he explained.
“I am sure that is the reason why the wreckage is yet to be cleared. Let me check and I will come back to you.”
Meanwhile, the accident victims’ relatives say they want the government charged for negligently failing to provide adequate emergency infrastructure along the country’s highways.
Fortune Mandipia, who lost his niece in the accident and is currently footing medical bills for his sister, Angeline Sibiya, said the government’s failure to ensure the availability of rapid response emergency units and good roads, is criminal and, therefore, authorities should be charged.
Mandipia said the fire, which reduced both vehicles to shells, could have been contained if the government had adequate emergency service units nearby.
“The accident happened just a few kilometres from Mvuma town and if the government, through the ministry of Local Government had ensured that its local authorities have functional fire tenders and ambulances at hospitals, a number of things could have been avoided,” he said.
“But due to their negligence in failing to provide these essentials, more people died and I, therefore, say they should be charged together with the driver.”
Sibiya, who is currently recovering at a hospital in Bindura, said she endured a night of horror at Mvuma District Hospital, where she was rushed to by well-wishers in the absence of ambulances.
“We were admitted at around 10pm and the resident doctor only attended to me at 8:30am, having slept in pain and without medical attention. The government’s neglect for people, who pay taxes, is inhuman and heartless,” she said.
MDC-T spokesperson and lawyer, Obert Gutu said it was imperative for the government to also face justice for negligence.
“They want people to comply with traffic rules and regulations, yet they can’t maintain roads and these are the biggest threat to road users,” he said.
“Potholes and narrow roads such as the Harare-Masvingo Highway have taken more lives than drivers travelling without a fire extinguisher for example.”
The government last week declared the accident a national disaster and provided State-assisted funerals for the victims.
