THE Smart Express bus driver who was early this month
jailed for causing the Rusape Bus Disaster that claimed 46 lives following a
head-on collision with a Bolt Cutter bus along the Mutare-Harare highway, says
he is sorry over the lost lives but maintains he was not to blame for the
horrific incident.
Munotyei Cosmas Marembo (50) said his conscience was clear
because the bus developed a mechanical fault.
He was jailed six-and half years and was barred from
driving any motor vehicle for the rest of his life.
He opened up in an exclusive interview at Rusape Prisons
saying he was pained for being labelled a “devil” and “fugitive” yet he tried
his best to save lives after the bus developed brake failure.
“I am sorry for what happened but I will forever stick to
what I know is correct. The bus was faulty and I tried my best to save lives
but I am now called a reckless fugitive driver,” he said.
Marembo said shortly after the accident he fled the scene
and failed to render assistance to the dead and injured people because he was
psychologically traumatised.
“The night before the accident, I slept in the bus and woke
up early morning. I realised that there was a problem with the bus’ brakes and
retardation system and I drove it to the workshop. The mechanics realised that
there was a fault and they adjusted the brakes as well as the retardation
system. I did a test drive and I felt that the bus was now functioning well. I
went to the bus terminus and loaded before we headed for Harare.
“We reached Rusape well and upon approaching the accident
scene, a small vehicle overtook me and it went behind a lorry. I overtook the
car and when I was about to pass the lorry, I applied some brakes after I
realised that another bus was coming in the opposite lane. I heard some strange
sounds underneath the bus. It sounded like something had broke down. I was sure
the prop shaft was damaged.
“However, in the midst of all this confusion the other bus
drove straight into me and at that time I was trying to get control of my bus.
The bus was supposed to have overturned but I controlled it,” he said, refusing
to be photographed.
Marembo who has two wives and nine children, said he had to
flee from the accident scene for his safety since he was not sure how the
survivors would react.
“Talking of emotions, my safety was compromised. I was also
not in the right state of mind. I also incurred some injuries in the chest. I
went away and reported the matter to the police after about 30 hours when I
felt I was strong enough to report exactly how it happened. I surrendered
myself to the police because I knew my conscience was clear. The reason why I
am here is because of how people reported it. I was incarcerated simply because
of the emotions echoed by people from across the country,” he added.
“I want the whole of Zimbabwe to know that the brakes were
wrongly fit. I was pained. The system was not good for the rainy weather.
“One day when I finish serving the sentence I will let the
world know how exactly it happened. It’s because of someone that I am here in
jail,” he said, adding: “Thank you for seeking the other side of the story.” Manica
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