The ManicaPost
. . . speeding unlicenced driver dies, three injured
Liberty Dube Weekender Correspondent —
A JOY ride ended in tragedy last Saturday after a 23-year-old unlicenced driver died when he failed to control his vehicle, which veered off the road, hit a tree, injuring two pedestrians and a passenger in the process.
The accident happened along Herbert Chitepo Street. Farai Chikwanha, popularly known as Golago, of Yeovil, died upon admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital.
As fate would have it, Chenai Masimire, the mother of Gino Masimire, a passenger who survived the tragic accident with minor injuries, died of heart attack the same day after an unknown person, in panic mode, reportedly called and alerted her about the accident.
She was laid to rest at Yeovil Cemetery on Monday. The car belonged to Tawanda Bepe of 65 Area 12 in Dangamvura. Police suspects that Golago was speeding.
“We suspect that the driver was speeding. The accident happened at Corner Herbert Chitepo Street and 8th Avenue at around 430pm. A black Subaru B4, Registration Number AEA3032 owned by Tawanda Bepe was being driven by Farai Chikwanha when the accident happened. The latter lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road.
“Four people were injured during the accident. The vehicle was travelling along Herbert Chitepo Street with two passengers on board and upon approaching 8th Avenue, he hit two pedestrians. The driver and passenger were injured. The driver died upon admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesman, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.
He urged drivers to be cautious and avoid speeding as it causes unnecessary loss of lives. When The Weekender arrived at the scene a few minutes after the accident, people were struggling to pull Gino who was trapped inside.
He was later rushed to Mutare Provincial Hospital where he was hospitalised. His condition was reported to be stable.
On Monday, at Chenai’s funeral service in Fairbridge Park, one of the mourners and friend to the deceased only identified as Noma, said Chenai died soon after hearing the news of the accident.
The Weekender learnt that an identified caller phoned Chenai and broke the false news of her son’s death.
“Akati ndipe mapiritsi eBP. Akatanga kuti ndirikubaiwa. Akaenda achitaura kuti ndarwadziwa. (She asked for her BP medication after saying she was in pain). She was a caring mother and a unifier. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
The owner of the car, Tawanda Bepe, in an interview at Golago’s funeral, alleged that the deceased took the car without his permission.
“I did not give him my car. It was about to be serviced when he took the car and drove off. Even if you go through his telephone history, you will see my missed calls. I tried calling him, but he ignored my calls,” said Bepe who could not entertain any more questions.
However, another source said Bepe sent Golago to buy some Lays chips in one of the supermarkets in town, but he diverted the route and went uptown.
“He was given the car keys after Bepe sent him to buy some Lays, but Golago picked up his friend (Gino) and went uptown where they had the accident. I think he was speeding and failed to control the car,” said the source.
The Weekender, however, saw the Lays Chips which were on the passenger seat. Golago’s friends, Caleb Matsika and Zvikomborero Majuru said Golago was not into alcohol.
“He was of sober habits, friendly and outgoing,” said Matsika.
