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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE family of the six-year-old Chiredzi girl who died on the spot after she was hit by a car driven by a man suspected to have been drunk, is demanding to be paid 15 head of cattle before burial. The girl has been identified as Mary Mapungu of Tshovani Township. Chiredzi West House of Assembly Member Darlington Chiwa said the incident happened on Sunday at around 6pm and the girl’s body was taken to Chiredzi Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
The MP could not immediately comment on the compensation issue.

However, a close relative to the driver, confirmed the impasse.
“There is a standoff over the accident and the Mapungu family has vowed not to bury their daughter unless they are given 15 head of cattle and $300, as compensation. Our family has promised to pay but indications are that we may fail to meet their expectations although we are taking responsibility,” said a relative who asked not to be named.

According to a neighbour, Menias Khumbula, the motorist allegedly knocked down the girl while on her way home from the shops.
“The girl who sustained serious head injuries, died on the spot. The girl was in the company of an older girl when the accident happened. After hitting the girl, the driver lost control resulting in the vehicle veering off the road and hitting electrical pole causing a blackout which lasted an hour,” he said.