Venus Charumbira
Courts and Crime Reporter
Bulawayo- A fatal hit-and-run accident claimed the life of an unidentified pedestrian along 12th Avenue Extension near Townsend Road on Saturday evening.
According to the Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the tragic incident occurred on 17 August 2025 at around 7:15 PM. A Honda Fit, travelling east with two passengers on board, struck the male pedestrian who was crossing the road.
“The victim, described as dark in complexion and wearing black jeans, a red T-shirt, and grey slippers, fell to the ground after being hit by the vehicle’s right side mirror”.
The 33-year-old Honda Fit driver, a man from Matsheumhlophe, reportedly stopped to assist the injured pedestrian. However, a Toyota Fortuner also heading east, ran over the man as he attempted to stand up. The Fortuner driver did not stop and continued driving.
“The pedestrian sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot”, said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
The case highlights several critical issues related to road safety, driver responsibility, and legal accountability in Zimbabwe:
- Authorities must increase traffic law enforcement, especially at accident-prone zones.
- Public campaigns on driver vigilance, pedestrian safety, and legal duties post-accident are needed.
- Road safety policies need review.
- Stiffer penalties for hit-and-run drivers could prevent such behavior.
•Community awareness on reporting reckless driving is needed.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution when driving and avoid fleeing away from an accident.
“We encourage drivers to have proper look out when driving, and also desist from the tendency of running away after an accident”, she said.
One moment of reckless driving, a life is lost
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