The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent
IN an ugly twist of fate, a 50-year-old Mutare man who was on his way to take up a new job in Harare, lost his life last week in the Rusape accident involving Smart Express and Bolt Cutter buses in which 49 other people were also killed.Simon Juru’s body was among the dead that were strewn over the accident scene and on pictures that circulated on social media, particularly on WhatsApp.
He was coming from Mutare aboard Smart Express bus. He died on the spot. Simon’s family revealed that they learnt of the sad news through WhatsApp pictures that were circulating before they got official communication from the police.
Simon was one of the unfortunate people whose dreams were shattered because of the accident that was largely attributed to human error.
“We learnt about the death of my brother on WhatsApp after I saw some pictures. We last communicated at 1538, about two hours before the accident when he was in Nyazura. He was visiting us and he was going to stay at my house for two months. It was sad and unexpected and we are still in a state of shock,” said the deceased’s brother John Juru.
He was laid to rest in Mhondoro on Saturday where scores of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss. We didn’t see this coming,” said the late Simon’s nephew Mr Joshua Gate.
“He was heading to Harare for his new job at a big company and we were all happy for him. We visited the scene hours after the horrific accident and the situation was sad and painful.
“Seeing his body lying lifeless on the tarmac was heartbreaking,” he said. He took a swipe at bus drivers whom he described as reckless, overzealous and inexperienced.
“Most of these drivers are reckless and inexperienced. They simply take Class Two drivers licences and start working as bus and truck drivers without adequate experience.
“It is saddening that bus operators employ these drivers and entrust them with people’s lives,” he added.
