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following an altercation over a change of route in Mbare, Harare, yesterday.
Eyewitnesses said the conductor David Machekera (23) and the unidentified passenger had an argument after the kombi crew changed route.
The kombi was on its way from Epworth to Mbare, but the crew diverted when they got to the intersection of Cripps and South roads.
The conductor reportedly told passengers that they were no longer ending the journey at Mbare Musika, but were proceeding to the city centre.
The woman passenger – believed to be a vendor – would have none of it and demanded her fare back.
Machekera reportedly refused to give her the money.
“They started fighting and they both fell into the ditch with naked electrical cables at the corner of Harare South Road and Cripps Road.”
Machekera died on the spot while the woman was taken to Harare Central Hospital.
“When they fell into the ditch, the electricity cables exploded into a ball of fire,” Pride Nhopiyapenga who witnessed the incident said.
He said people at the scene tried in vain to put out the fire with soil.
The crowd managed to rescue the woman after more than 10 minutes using a blanket.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri confirmed the incident.
“We confirm the incident where a conductor was electrocuted in an argument related to a drop off point.
“The conductor had announced that they were diverting their route and a woman who is believed to be a vendor refused to get off the bus and they ended up fighting.”
“We encourage Zesa to protect people by insulating dangerous electricity cables if they are not overhead cables and trenches must be covered to protect the public.”
The condition of the woman could not be ascertained last night.
“I can confirm the death of Machekera. The woman suffered severe burns all over her body and was admitted at Harare Central Hospital,” said Supt Phiri.