The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
SEVERAL pupils were injured and failed to attend classes on the first day of the second term after a commuter omnibus they were travelling in got involved in an accident following a high speed chase with traffic cops.
The injured, mostly St Dominic High School pupils, were taken to Mutare Provincial Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and discharged.
Angry Florida residents quickly gathered at the accident scene and threatened to mete out instant justice on the traffic cops who were riding on a motor bike, which had no number plates.
The kombi driver, Tinashe Nyamhunga (25) – who was visibly shaken after the accident – told The Manica Post that he lost control of the vehicle during the chase. It subsequently rammed into a pre-cast wall at Mr Soma’s residence.
He said the motor bike cops chased him along Magamba Road and after realising that they were gaining on him, he turned right into Henry Road before he failed to negotiate a sharp left turn into Edward Street and drove straight into the pre-cast wall.
Among those injured were Caroline Mapanza, Michelle Masama, Beauty Tapera, Anisah Malgas, Rutendo Karumbi, Darlington Mapinge, Mathabis Dube and Monalisa Mushonga.
The angry residents hurled insults at the traffic cops, accusing them of causing the accident. They said the cops risked the lives of commuters by engaging in the high speed chase. The police officers refused to give their own side of the story to the Press citing protocol but witnesses blamed them.
“The police are corrupt and rough. They should be people’s friends. Instead, they harass us and our children on the roads, often forcing kombi drivers and other private vehicle owners to divert their routes, delaying them and disrupting their daily plans and timetables,” said one of the witnesses who requested anonymity.
Mr Brighton Manyere fumed: “Several students have been injured, the rest delayed or stopped from attending the first day of term two of the school. Thank God no one was killed here.
“The worst could have happened. We are not saying the police must not do their work, but if their work injures innocent students, we become worried and concerned as parents.”
Although the cops refused to identify themselves at the scene, sources later revealed that the motor bike was being ridden by Kadziso whose force number is 062461R. The bike’s registration number is ZRP 239 A.
Deputy Manicaland police spokesman, Assistant Inspector Luxon Chananda, could not comment at the time of going to print.
“We have not received a report yet but we have tasked our officers to look into the matter. When we have the details we will give you,” he said.
