President Mnangagwa has declared the Mugodhi shrine
accident, which left 13 people dead and seven others injured in Hwedza on
Monday, a State of Disaster.
By yesterday, police said the death toll had risen to 14. The
accident occurred after a truck carrying maize veered off the road and ran over
them as they awaited transport on the roadside.
Six of the 14, who are mostly the church’s members, died on
the spot while the other seven were pronounced dead on arrival at Mount St
Mary’s Mission Hospital. The injured were admitted at the same hospital.
The accident occurred in the Chitope area where thousands
of Mugodhi church members are gathered for their Passover celebrations.
President Mnangagwa has since sent his condolence message
to the bereaved families.
“The death yesterday of worshippers at the Mugodhi
Apostolic Shrine in Hwedza has cast a dark cloud on both the Easter holiday and
our Independence celebrations. This freak accident which comes when the nation
is still reeling from effects of the devastating Cyclone Idai, once again
highlights the importance of absolute care, and ensuring roadworthy vehicles on
our roads,” he said.
“On behalf of the party, Zanu-PF, Government, and on my own
behalf, I wish to convey my deep, heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved
families, and to all members of the Mugodhi Apostolic Faith, on this tragic
mishap.
“The whole nation joins them in mourning as they go through
the painful motions of this horrendous accident.”
The President said he had since instructed the relevant
Government departments to declare this tragedy a State of Disaster to pave way
for Government intervention and assistance to the affected families.
“As we prepare for this festive season, which is already
upon us, our thoughts are will all those hospitalised following this incident,
praying that their recovery is speedy and fully.
“I urge all road users to exercise maximum care as they
travel. In the same vein, I call upon our Zimbabwe Republic Police and related
bodies to vigorously enforce our traffic laws to aim for an accident-free
holiday,” President Mnangagwa said.
Meanwhile police have released the names on the deceased.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi yesterday confirmed that one more person had died and that the death
toll had risen to 14.
He said they had identified all the victims and their next
of kin had been informed. Police managed to release only 11 names of the victims
saying they are yet to advise the next of kin of the remaining ones.
The 11 names are, Paul Mupombwa (50) of Zinhanga village,
Tabeth Viola Mupombwa (75) of Zinhanga village, Elite Shambamuto (5) of
Shambamuto village, Egenia Mutema (80) of Mutema village, all under Chief
Nyashanu.
The others are Sekai Chikukwa (70) of Mutema village, Chief
Nyashanu, Patricia Garwe (36) of Mukamba village (Chief Ruzanhe), Wedza, Elisha
Mubaira (45) of Ndangwe village under Chief Nyashanu, Edna Chinoda (70) of
Marume village under Chief Nyashanu, Buhera.
Police also identified Josephine Kwaramba (60) of Chawatama
school, Chief Nyashanu, Sheilla Mukamba (23) and Isaac Pamhanzi (29).
Asst Comm Nyathi said the 11 who were injured and initially
admitted at Mt St Mary’s Mission Hospital, two were transferred to Harare
Hospital for further treatment.
The accident occurred around 11am along Hwedza-Mutiweshiri
Road when a truck carrying maize side-swiped a bus which had encroached into
its lane.
The lorry hit a Toyota Hilux and ran over church members
who were standing by the roadside, waiting for transport. Herald
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