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Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter

ACTING President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday sent a condolence message to the families of 16 people who died following a horror bus crash that occurred along the Harare-Mutare Highway near Odzi on Saturday evening. 

In a statement, Acting President Chiwenga, who was speaking on behalf of President Mnangagwa and Government, said he was shocked and saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic accident.

“It is with a great sense of shock and sadness that I learnt of the death on Saturday evening of 16 people in a tragic accident involving a bus and a haulage truck along the Harare-Mutare Highway. 

“Life is very precious and losing it in circumstances that are avoidable is not only extremely painful and heart-breaking, but also needless and senseless,” he said.

“On behalf of Government, His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families for losing their beloved ones in this traffic accident. 

“May they take comfort from our prayers, and rest assured that Government will support them during this period of deep grief.”

Acting President Chiwenga also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

“In the same spirit, our prayers go to those nursing their injuries, both in hospital and at home. 

“We wish them speedy recovery and may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.

The Acting President said the latest bus accident brings to the fore Government’s call to road users, including those involved with  public transportation, to value life and be mindful of the heavy responsibilities they carry on their shoulders to ensure safety of passengers. 

Fourteen people died on the spot when a General Bande bus collided with a haulage truck at the 218km peg Harare-Mutare Highway, while two more died on admission to hospital.

Out of the 40 injured and taken to hospital, 24 were still admitted, with one of them in the Intensive Care Unit. — @mashnets