Two children died in horrific road accident on Beitbridge-Masvingo road – police reveal identities of victims

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of those killed in the horrific accident on the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road on Tuesday, September 3.

At around 8am, a South African-registered Ford Ranger collided head-on with a truck at kilometre point 223 on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road near Bubi, about 65km north of Beitbridge. Seven people were killed in the accident after the double-cab vehicle exploded.

READ ALSO: Eyewitnesses describe the horror of watching passengers burn to death at the scene of an accident on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road

Police confirm identities of victims of horrific road accident on Masvingo-Beitbridge road

Police spokesman Paul Nyathi reported that six victims of the crash had been identified:

“The death toll has risen to seven. Six victims have so far been identified by their next of kin. The Zimbabwe Republic Police release the names of five of the six victims identified by their next of kin:

• • • Farai Rateiwa, an adult male from Makoni, Rusape
    • Andrew Dembura, an adult male from Nyabonga, Zaka, Masvingo
    • Felistas Bhasitera, an adult woman from Nyabonga, Zaka, Masvingo
    • Isabel Dembura (9), a young woman from Nyabonga, Zaka, Masvingo
    • Hilfrasia Dembura (6), a female cub from Nyabonga, Zaka, Masvingo

“The other victim is a foreigner.”

What happened in the explosive crash?

Beitbridge District Police Commissioner Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube said the Ford Ranger attempted to overtake another truck on the highway when it crossed into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a truck pulling two trailers loaded with tobacco.

The force of the impact caused the Ford Ranger to explode, trapping the driver and four passengers and burning beyond recognition. The truck driver was uninjured when his heavy vehicle landed on its side.

Police spokesman Nyathi demanded:

“The Republic of Zimbabwe Police urge all motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations while on the country's roads. In particular, motorists are urged not to overtake in situations where it is clearly not safe to do so.”

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