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Crime Reporter

The death toll in the road traffic accident that occurred near Sunway City turn-off along the Harare-Mutare Highway on Wednesday has risen to five after another person died upon admission to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

Four people died on the spot, while 10 others were injured after the commuter omnibus veered off the road and overturned.

The kombi driver, who was identified as Elisha Mandemo (34), lost control of the vehicle and it overturned three times, before landing on its roof.

The driver is facing five charges of culpable homicide.

Mandemo is a holder of a valid Zimbabwean driver’s licence – Classes 2, 4 and 5.

He was driving a white Toyota Hiace, registration number AGJ 1704.

The commuter omnibus was on its way to Marondera with 18 passengers when the accident occurred.

The vehicle, which sustained extensive body damages, was taken to VID Eastlea for inspection, while investigations continue.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s post on X platform regarding a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on July 10, 2024 at around 1:30pm at the 20km peg along Harare-Mutare Road, near Mabvuku turn-off.

“The death toll has risen to five after one of the 10 injured victims died upon admission to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.”

Police have since released the names of all the victims who were identified by their next of kin and they are Keylia Munene (11 months-old female infant), Loice Rushizha (69) of Dzivaresekwa, Harare, Steven Ngozha (74) of Dzivaresekwa, Violet Mesa of Nyamanhindi Village in Rusape and Joyce Mundogwinya (52) of New Ceney Park, Ushewekunze, Harare.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should observe stipulated speed limits and abide by all road rules and regulations in-order to curb road traffic accidents,” said Comm Nyathi.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the driver was occupying the inner lane and on reaching near Sunway City turn-off, he lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, rolled three times and landed in the lane of oncoming traffic.